For the first time in their young history the Tampa Bay Rays have sold out their home opener before the day of the game. Tonight they will face the Seattle Mariners in what is a new beginning of sorts.
If you don't follow the Rays yet, you still have time to jump on the newly formed bandwagon. They are young, have new unis, and are exciting to watch. For the last couple of years the Rays have been able to hit, but their pitching has always fallen off. This year, I think they are a bit deeper.
Let's take a more in depth look at their staff:
- Scott Kazmir - For the last couple of years Kazmir has developed into one of the premier pitchers in the game. He throws hard and has great breaking stuff as well. Last year he led the league is strikeouts and is only 24! The question has and always will be, can he stay healthy?
- James Shields - This guy may be the best pitcher you have never heard of. This righty is only 26 years old and is only playing in his second full year in the majors. He is nasty on the mound and is currently anchoring the staff. If you get a chance this year watch him play because he is going to be around for a while.
- Matt Garza - The Rays acquired him in the trade for Delmon Young in the offseason and this was a very good move. He has a great late moving sinker, a nice tight slider, and overall has four above average pitches. Like the rest of the staff he is only 24 years old.
- Andy Sonnanstine/Edwin Jackson/Josh Hammel - The rest of the staff is occupied by these young arms. Sonnanstine is only 25, Jackson is 24, and Hammel is 25. Jackson is the biggest name of these three, as there has been much hype around him for a while. He has great stuff when he is on, but the guy is as erratic as it gets. If he could ever get his act together and be consistent this staff would be good for a long time.
