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Rays try to go forward by staying the same

Young team that finished strong hopes to improve as it matures, with starters mostly set.

By MARC TOPKIN, Times Staff Writer

© St. Petersburg Times
published February 14, 2002

ST. PETERSBURG -- In another time and in another place, there may have been massive turnover. Often when a team loses 100 games there is change from the bottom, sometimes all the way to the top.

The Rays, however, didn't do much during the offseason to improve.

And they think they'll be better for it.

The Rays report relatively intact today for Friday's opening of spring training. In part, that's because they couldn't afford to get help, forced by past mistakes again to restrict payroll in an ongoing effort to solidify their financial standing.

But they also were reluctant to disrupt what they had assembled.

Having taken a look at the future during the final months of last season, the Rays liked what they saw: a group of young, scrappy prospects who played with hustle and determination and were fun to watch.

They also won. By posting a 35-39 second half (after a 27-61 start) and a 24-23 mark over the final seven weeks, the young Rays gave reason to think there is some reason for hope, and less need for change.

"For a club that lost 100 ballgames, it's rare to have a set club," manager Hal McRae said. "We have kind of a set club, but that's because we brought up 11 players from the minor leagues last year.

"Naturally, there's going to be some surprises. But I think we have to start the season with the best players, and we sort of know who the best players are."

Still, there are 6 1/2 weeks of spring training storylines ahead. Here are 10 questions to be answered by the April 2 opener:

Q: Are they really going to be any better?

A: If nothing else, the Rays figure they'll be improved with age. The experience young players such as Toby Hall, Brent Abernathy and Joe Kennedy gained last season can only help as they enter their first full major-league seasons. The same applies to Esteban Yan, who struggled during much of his first season as closer. And it seems reasonable to expect more from Greg Vaughn, who hit three homers in the second half, and Ben Grieve, who had 11 all season.

Q: What jobs are open?

A: As we said, not many. The Rays are looking for a third baseman, with Jared Sandberg getting the first chance. If he doesn't make it and Russ Johnson ends up starting, they'll need a utility infielder. They also will be looking for a fifth starter, a fifth outfielder and a couple of middle relievers.

Q: For starters, who's going to start?

A: The front four is set with veteran right-handers Tanyon Sturtze and Paul Wilson and twenty-something lefties Nick Bierbrodt and Kennedy. Sturtze won 11 games and team MVP honors despite not joining the rotation until May, and Wilson's 6-2, 2.55 finish offset his brutal 2-7, 8.43 start. Bierbrodt and Kennedy showed the promise of excellence and the pitfalls of inexperience, and the Rays are committed to letting them develop.

Q: What about the fifth starter?

A: Ryan Rupe is the incumbent, but he's going to have to re-earn the job after a horrible 2001 odyssey: 5-12, 6.59 ERA and team-record 30 home runs allowed. Wilson Alvarez, after missing two seasons with shoulder problems, is said to be ready to go. Jason Standridge will get a look, as will 2001 first-round draft pick Dewon Brazelton. There also is talk of trying Jesus Colome, who had been a starter in the Oakland system.

Q: How solid is the bullpen?

A: To some, it's the strength of the team. Yan has the stuff to be a closer, but he struggled with the approach and attitude, which the Rays have to address. Hard-throwing right-handers Travis Phelps, Colome and unheralded Victor Zambrano formed an impressive setup crew; Rule 5 draftee Kevin McGlinchy, if healthy, has a good shot to join them. Doug Creek is a steady lefty, and McRae would like another, with Bobby Seay, Rule 5 pick Steve Kent and non-roster invitee Tom Martin the top candidates. This could be the year they carry 12 pitchers.

Q: So, who's on third -- as well as first, second, short and behind the plate?

A: The focus will be on Sandberg, to see whether he can hit enough to stick, at least better than his .206 in 39 games last season. If not, Johnson is likely to get the first call at third, with Bobby Smith (yes, the same Bobby Smith) and Aubrey Huff, who struggled defensively, lesser possibilities. Steve Cox finally is out from under Fred McGriff's shadow at first, but he may get pushed by Huff. Chris Gomez was re-signed to play shortstop, and Abernathy will be back hustling and diving at second base.

Q: How will the outfield be sorted out?

A: Good question. The key is whether Vaughn's creaky shoulders and sore legs will allow him to play effectively in the field. If he can, it's likely he'll be in left with Jason Tyner in center, Grieve in right and Randy Winn the top backup, allowing Huff to be the primary DH. If Vaughn has to DH, there are multiple scenarios: Tyner could play left, with Winn or nonroster invitee Emil Brown in center and Grieve in right; or former Red Sox starter Troy O'Leary, also a nonroster invitee, could play left, with Tyner going back to center; or Grieve could play left, with Tyner in center and Winn or O'Leary in right; or, well, you get the idea.

Q: So what does the bench look like?

A: John Flaherty, displaced by Hall, will be there if he's not traded. So will Johnson, if he's not starting, and probably Huff, plus a middle infielder: Felix Martinez, Wilmy Caceres or Jason Smith. If Johnson starts, there's room for a swingman such as Smith, Damian Rolls or nonroster invitee Kevin Sefcik. Assuming Vaughn, Grieve, Tyner and Winn are on the team, there may be space for one more outfielder: O'Leary, Brown or Jason Conti.

Q: Who might emerge as a surprise candidate to make the team?

A: Brazelton pitched only in the Instructional League last year after protracted contract negotiations, but he could tempt the Rays by showing off the ability and savvy that made him the No. 3 pick in the draft. Caceres, acquired from Anaheim, could challenge Martinez for the backup shortstop role. Carl Crawford won't make the team out of camp, but he could position himself for a late summer recall with a good showing.

Q: Any other comings or goings planned?

A: In their continuing effort to reduce payroll, the Rays would be open to trading Vaughn (who makes $8.75-million this season and $9.25-million in 2003) and/or Flaherty ($3.25-million). Since both were injured at the end of last season, teams will want to see them play before making a deal. The Rays also would listen to offers for Grieve, who gets $9.25-million over the next two seasons. Smaller deals for Winn or Creek also would be possible. Though they can't afford significant upgrades, the Rays could make a low-cost pickup at the end of spring training if there still is a hole at third base.

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