2009 Tampa Bay Rays MLB Preview:
Tampa Bay Rays fans are probably still pinching themselves as they head into the 2009 Major League Baseball season. Sure the Rays lost a heartbreaking World Series in 2008 to the Philadelphia Phillies, but that was the only blemish on an otherwise magnificent season. Tampa Bay shocked most of the sports world in 2008 with their amazing regular season and fantastic run through the MLB playoffs.Now the Rays return with most of their lineup intact to take another shot at bringing home the Commissioners Trophy.
The leaders on the field for Tampa Bay in 2009 will once again be Carl Crawford, BJ Upton and Evan Longoria. Throw in talented Rays pitchers like David Price, Scott Kazmir and Troy Percival, and things are really starting to cook in Tampa. If Manager Joe Maddon can press the right buttons again, then expect Tampa Bay to go deep in the playoffs and possibly even get a World Series Championship.
TAMPA BAY RAYS INFORMATION:
Founded: 1998
Location: St. Petersburg, Florida
Stadium: Tropicana Field
Conference: American League
Division: East Division
Rivals: Florida Marlins
Notable Players: Wade Boggs, Rocco Baldelli
The Tampa Bay Rays play baseball in the East Division of Major League Baseball's American league. The franchise was founded 1998 as party of that year's expansion which included the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Rays have always been known as a good hitting team, but have struggled with their pitching. The team has had some excellent veteran hitters on board, including Wade Boggs, Jose Canseco, and Fred McGriff. Veteran manager Lou Piniella managed the team until 2005 and managed to improve every year before leaving and ending up in Chicago. The Rays should finally see some dividends for trading veterans for young prospects.
The Tampa Bay Rays play their home games at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. The domed stadium holds a little over 38,000 spectators. Visitors can stroll through the Ted Williams Museum and Hitters Hall of Fame before or after a game. Fans may also get the chance to witness something rare in baseball - a well-struck ball may hit one of the catwalks high up in the dome roof, which are considered in play and make for some bizarre outs when balls rattle around and then fall into the outfield. Buy Tampa Bay Rays tickets today and watch the future stars of Major League Baseball play in sunny Florida!
See Also:
Tampa Bay Rays playoff tickets
Tampa Bay Rays Season Preview History