TAMPA BAY RAYS

Residing in second place with a 91-71 record in the American League East, the Rays finished 6 games off the pace the New York Yankees set.

Not much of a hitting team, the pitching is some of the best in the American League. The rays have the power, hitting over 170 homers last year, they batted .244 as a team, but their opponents batted only .233 against Rays pitching.

Casey Kotchman led the team with a .306 clip and .378 OBP, while Evan Longoria clubbed 31 out of the park and chased home another 99 runs.

In the free agent marketplace: Johnny Damon choose free agency and as of this writing hasn’t signed on with anyone. Kotchman signed on with Cleveland for $3 million for one year, Kelly Shoppach took his .176 BA to Boston.

CARLOS PENA

Tampa signed on Jeff Keppinger, 2^nd base, .277 BA, 6 home runs and 35 RBI’s to a $1.5 million deal from San Francisco, and Jose Molina C, from Toronto for another $1.5 million, and Carlos Pena 1st Base or over $7 and a quarter million, a lot of homers but no average, RHP Fernando Rodney for middle relief, and left fielder Luke Scott from Baltimore for $6 million.

Agreed to terms with manager Joe Maddon on a three-year contract extension through 2015.

With Pena it seems that the Rays fall into the same pattern, homers but no average.

James Shields led the team last year with a 16-12 record and a 2.82 ERA. The team ERA was 3.58, and if they can get on base more consistently could make up for the 6 games they lacked behind the Yankees. They are at least sure to make the playoffs in 2012.