With the signing of Luke Scott, it appear that the only position that is still in doubt is first base. And with Johnny Damon now unlikely to return, we will have one less familiar face on the roster come April.
In fact, if we look back to the miracle run of 2008, there are only four players still on the roster from that opening day squad. And one of those players, Elliot Johnson, was just filling in for an injured player and played in just seven games that season.
So let’s take a look at the opening day rosters for the Rays three playoff teams and how they compare to the projected 2012 roster…
A couple of things stand out to us…
- BJ Upton is the only regular player that has been with the team since 2008.
- The rotation, the strength of this team, has been remarkably stable the last few years. And the only change (Matt Garza) was made out of excess.
- While the bullpen got a complete overhaul last year, this season, quite a few names will be back. In fact, 10 of the 12 pitchers on the opening day roster last year, will likely be back this year.
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I've been at every opening day and miss the team of 2008. BUT we are now a team that has a history of achievement that we now hold that is a spirit, not tied to individuals. I still see game 162 in my mind's eye. I repeat that game. Thank you Joe, Thank you RAYS.
Where is the 2009 Roster?
For the sake of space I only chose the playoff teams.
That 2012 roster would look much sweeter if it had either Kotch or Damon as a veteran leadership carry-over. Damon comes back, fills DH, and we figure out how to get Scott at 1B? Maybe Joyce? The D makes me a little nervous in that scenario. But I really think that a veteran leader in the clubhouse that is a carryover from the prior year has a ton of value. I trust AF and MerlotJoe to figure out if Damon is as valuable as we think. If D is more important, then take Kotch. But it sure looks like the presence of one of them could be the missing piece from a magical season, at least on paper.
I guess your next entry answered half of that question.
Why did I just find out about Josh Leuke? This guy has got to go. I will not cheer for him at all. I will heckle him. He needs to be out of town. Scumbag!
Don't sleep on Badenhop. This guy could be a stud for us this year with our defense.
2010 was our best team. We were 1 game away from figuring out Cliff Lee to potentially winning it all. However, I really love this 2012 team. Just need a nice 1B though.
Matt Moore will be in the rotation. Rays didn't guarantee a million bucks for a minor leaguer. Someone may lose their BP job because as of right now(I suspect to be traded for prospects soon) Davis or Neimann are going to the pen.