Rays Moves Could Pay Off

The Tampa Bay Rays have been a team on the rise for some years now. It's no mistake why they find themselves in pre-season talk each year to contend for the division crown or the wild card. From once being a horrific franchise with losing seasons from 1998-2007 they had to watch as the Florida Marlins had captures a World Series crown and have had relative success. They are now one of baseballs deepest franchises and contend each year since 2007.

With new ownership a firm commitment to scouting and good business the Rays have turned into a team with a very strong farm system and great baseball business. The Rays recently signed Manny Ramirez and Johnny Damon. Getting to two veteran bats for their youthful squad at close to nothing in cost. They have also traded Matt Garza, passed on resigning Carl Crawford. Carlos Pena and Rafael Sorriano of with those free agent signings will grant them compesatory picks in the next draft.

The Rays get it. They don't have a ton of money, but they don't let that get in the way either. They understand their business and the business of baseball. That may sound confusing but they are not one in the same. Some teams are successful because of the amount of money they spend and can continue spending because of the revenue they generate while some teams are successful because of the in house talent, scouting and good business sense they have. When you combine the two you can get a small market team that does damage on the big market level.

The Rays have now produced stars like Evan Longoria, Carl Crawford, David Price, B.J. Upton and the list will likely continue with Jeremy Hellickson. The Rays aren't in the biggest market or do they don't have the best stadium, what they do have is an organization that understands their business and the business of baseball.

They Rays now have the following team to field:
C John Jaso
1B Dan Johnson
2B Sean Rodriguez
SS Reid Brignac
3B Evan Longoria
LF Johnny Damon
CF B.J. Upton
RF Ben Zobrist 

DH Manny Ramirez

With Desmond Jennings waiting in the wings and a starting rotation that is probably only second to the Phillies in overall depth the Rays could make the Red Sox or Yankees  miss the playoffs this year with out breaking 100 million in payroll.