Tampa Bay Rays looking strong ahead of 2012 Spring Training – MLB News
Tampa Bay Rays gave poor results last season to face great amount of criticism from its fans. The Rays’ manager Joe Maddon has been very proactive this offseason to form the right pitching, fielding and hitting combinations. With Spring Training starting
in a few days, the Rays have limited time to come up with a workable plan. Rays’ hitting and batting lineups may not be the strongest in American League but their shortstop future is looking extremely bright.
"Get your own, grow it yourself and make sure it arrives at the right time. I always read this stuff that, well it's not going to last. Nobody, obviously, has checked out our farm system. And furthermore the guys who are playing are relatively young," said
Maddon in an interview.
"Of course I'm going to say some things, but I really don't think they need me to say anything, actually," he added. "They're on a good path right now, and I think it's our job as a staff to keep them focused and keep them there."
Right now, there is a large number of players competing for the available shortstop vacancy. Reid Brignac and Sean Rodriguez are two of the most promising shortstops in Rays’ squad. However, with so many other good players in the squad, the battle for the
position is going to be tough. Both Brignac and Rodriguez produced decent performances last season but they will have to compete with the likes of Hak Ju Lee and Tim Beckham for a breakthrough.
Beckham, who was drafted in Rays’ farm system in 2008 as a top pick, will be looking to pounce on any opportunity. He has shown in the past that he can handle the heat. His ability to absorb pressure is what makes him a leading candidate for the position.
While he hadn’t had much of luck in the last couple of years, the 22 years old will be looking to work hard consistently this season to prove his metal.
Lee, on the other hand, has also shown glimpses of his talent after he was acquired by the Rays in a trade. According to ESPN, he is the No. 12 prospect in baseball right now.
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