Tampa Bay Rays Tickets

Tampa Bay Rays 2011 Season Preview The Tampa Bay Rays took some serious hits in the offseason and could see a tumble down the standings as a result.

The Rays lost star outfielder Carl Crawford to the Boston Red Sox, just the latest sign that they simply cannot afford to pay their players the big bucks. First baseman Carlos Pena also took a hike, taking his power bat with him.

Tampa Bay then traded Matt Garza, one of the best pitchers in the American League, to the Chicago Cubs for a bunch of prospects. They also lost closer Rafael Soriano to the rival New York Yankees.

The Rays are hopeful that a farm system long on talent can help fill some of the holes, but it's not going to happen overnight. Desmond Jennings and J.J. Hellickson, among others, are expected to step in and contribute right away.

The team did sign veterans Manny Ramirez and Johnny Damon to cheap contracts, but can they stay healthy? Do they have anything left in the tank? Maybe a little bit, but not enough to overcome the offseason losses.

The Rays still have enough talent to avoid an embarassing finish, but Tampa Bay is going to be hard-pressed to get back into the playoffs in 2011.