Fast-tracking Longoria seems like a Homer Bailey-esque bad idea.
But, it's the Rays, and I could care less what they do.
Rays will win more then 80 games this year, won't matter as they will still fall well short of a playoff spot.
Go Gators!
I'm not sure. They certainly have the raw talent to win 80 or so games, but that division is filled with veteran talent. Of course the Yanks and the Sox, but don't forget about Toronto, who will be no pushover. The Rays are no doubt improved, but I'm not sure how much of an increase in wins they'll see. That bullpen is still pretty atrocious.
"Reality tells us there are no guarantees. Except that some day Jon Lester will be on that list of 100-game winners." - Peter Gammons
I would say the Rays could be the surprise of the 2008 season.
Kazmir, Shields and Garza make an excellent 1-2-3, and Sonnenstine is going to have a big break out season this year. All the peripherals are pointed in the right direction for him.
Add to it that Longoria, Iwamura, Bartlett & Floyd make the defense that much better than it was in 2007 - when it was something awful, that could be worth a good bump in the pitching column.
If Longoria even comes close to his PECOTA prediction, they could be pushing .500 this year. It's too bad no one will be around to watch.
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