Tampa Bay surprised the baseball world, again, last season by finishing ahead of the Yankees and Red Sox in the American League East. The Rays, which posted a 96-66 record, failed to parlay their regular season prowess into postseason success, though, as fell they 2-3 to the Rangers in the Divisional Playoff. Baseball odds makers are anticipating a step backward from Tampa Bay this season as Joe Maddon's club is listed at +800 moneyline odds to repeat as AL East champ in the latest 2011 MLB Predictions.
Tampa Bay experienced a number of changes this offseason as Carl Crawford, Matt Garza, Jason Barlett, Carlos Pena, 
Grant Balfour, Dan Wheeler, Joaquin Benoit, and Rafael Soriano all left via trade or free agency.
Several of those players made major contributions to the Rays in 2008 when they reached the World Series as well as last year when they recorded the second best win total in franchise history. Crawford, in particular, will be missed after a .307, 19 home run, 90 RBI, 47 stolen base season.
The loss of Soriano, who led the league in saves last year, is also big as the team does not appear to have an ideal replacement for the 31 year old Dominican closer. In fact, the Rays bullpen, which ranked fourth in the majors last season with a 3.33 ERA, may be the biggest question mark for the club right now.
Tampa Bay signed a number of players to make up for the loss of Wheeler, Soriano, Balfour, and Benoit, including Kyle Farnsworth and Joel Peralta, but given the fickle nature of relievers, it is difficult to say how the new additions will perform.
The starting rotation looks to be fine, especially if rookie Jeremy Hellickson fulfills his potential. Hellickson, who posted a 3.47 ERA in four starts last season, should alleviate the loss of Garza.
As for the offense, the loss of Crawford as well as Pena's power will hurt, but the Rays still have more than enough bats to puts runs on the board. Evan Longoria will be the anchor, but players like Ben Zobrist and Matt Joyce are also solid at the plate. Tampa Bay also added veterans Johnny Damon and Manny Ramirez, who should provide a boost even if they are just shadows of their former selves.
Tampa Bay Rays 2011 MLB Predictions: Third Place in the AL East
Tampa Bay Rays 2011 MLB Predictions World Series Odds:
To Win 2011 World Series +2500
To Win 2011 AL Pennant +1200
To Win AL East +800 (Three of Five)
Regular Season Wins – Over 84.5 (+105)/Under 84.5 (-135)
