Budding Rays Confidence and Heightened Expectations

Like all MLB teams the Rays have added a handful of new players to their organization during our off season. These additions, coupled with the ridiculously talented remaining club members are promoting speculation, already, that the Rays are World Series bound. It's no surprise with their past post-season appearances that they are anticipated to make another appearance in October, and hopefully take home the coveted World Series ring. It would definitely be a testament to the fact that a heavy payroll doesn't always guarantee domination.


Joe Maddon is not shying away from this abundance of optimism. In fact, he is embracing it head on. An interview with Andrew Friedman and Joe Maddon allowed each of them to express their exuding confidence in this still "young" team,"This team is good enough to get back to the World Series," declared a confident Joe Maddon."I like the idea of expectations being raised. I'd rather be managing expectations than building them." Andrew Friedman echoed this sentiment, confirming,"It is a great thing to have those expectations." 


The combination of the young and veteran players could work in the Rays favor. Adding players like, veteran catcher Jose Molina , utility infielder Jeff Keppinger, designated hitter Luke Scott and returning 1st baseman Carlos Pena , to name a few, will definitely help the Rays compete with the AL East big spending New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. 


One thing we have to look forward to this season is watching Maddon switch things up and keep people guessing. Can't wait to see what the season has in store of the fans, the players and the looks on the faces of opposing teams, when we knock their socks off. 


It's World Series..... OR BUST!!!


sources include:
Confident Tampa Bay Rays Enter New Season: Fan's Look - Jeff Briscoe and 
Rays Heightened Expectations - Fred Goodall