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A Few Questions Remain As Rays Open Spring Schedule

Tribune photo by CLIFF McBRIDE

The focus will sharpen a bit when it comes to decisions that must be made before the regular-season opener.

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By MARC LANCASTER | The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 24, 2009

Updated: 02/25/2009 05:11 am

PORT CHARLOTTE - The games that count are still a ways off, but the Tampa Bay Rays will take another significant step toward Opening Day as they begin their Grapefruit League schedule at 1:05 p.m. today against the Cincinnati Reds.

Spring training has been quiet and calm to this point for the defending American League champions, but now that games are getting under way, the focus will sharpen a bit when it comes to decisions that must be made before the April 6 season opener against the Red Sox at Fenway Park.

Here's a rundown of what to look for:

FILLING OUT THE ROTATION

This should end up being the most-watched battle of the spring, if only because David Price is involved. The Rays' top prospect will have a chance to win a rotation spot, but you get the sense that he might have to do more than his more experienced competitors - Jason Hammel, Jeff Niemann and Mitch Talbot - to do so. Even if Price goes out and dominates hitters during spring training, he won't necessarily be guaranteed to open the season with the Rays. As for the other competitors, Talbot may be at a disadvantage because he can be sent to the minors without being exposed to waivers, which isn't the case for Hammel or Niemann.

CLEARING UP THE BULLPEN JAM

Overall bullpen performance tends to fluctuate wildly from year to year, and one of the avenues the Rays took to try to head off a downward turn after their stellar 2008 was adding several more experienced arms to the mix this spring. That strategy has given the team more options than there are jobs to fill. There are either one or two spots to be won, depending on whether closer Troy Percival is healthy enough to open the season. Gunning for those jobs will be Jason Isringhausen, Lance Cormier, Rule 5 draft pick Derek Rodriguez and either Hammel or Niemann or both.

WHO'S IN RIGHT?

Once B.J. Upton is back to full speed, the Rays will have established regulars at eight of the nine positions (including Pat Burrell at DH). The one outlier is right field, which if not a straight platoon at least will be a position shared by multiple players. At this point, Gabe Kapler and Gabe Gross seem to be the favorites. But the Rays will also take a look at Fernando Perez, Matt Joyce and Justin Ruggiano - one of whom could end up on the initial roster anyway as a replacement for Upton if he isn't ready.

AN EYE ON THE INJURED

The status of two frontline players who had offseason surgery will be a constant storyline throughout the spring. B.J. Upton (shoulder) and Troy Percival (back) seem to be on schedule in their rehab, but there is no guarantee either will be ready for Opening Day. Percival plans to make his first Grapefruit League appearance in mid-March, giving him time to work in about seven appearances before the season begins. Upton also is focusing on the last two or three weeks of spring training to make his return, but he isn't sure that will give him enough time to start the year with the team.

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