Rays 2009 Season Preview

Additions for 2009

Player Pos. Via Last TeamPat Burrell DH Free Agency PhilliesMatt Joyce OF Trade TigersGabe Kapler OF Free Agency BrewersJoe Nelson RP Free Agency MarlinsBrian Shouse RP Free Agency Brewers Subtractions from 2008

Player Pos. Via New TeamRocco Baldelli OF Free Agency Red SoxCliff Floyd DH Free Agency PadresJonny Gomes OF Free Agency RedsEric Hinske IF/OF Free Agency Pirates Edwin Jackson SP Trade TigersTrever Miller RP Free Agency Cardinals SERIES TO CIRCLE

April 13-15 vs. Yankees

The first game, the Rays' home opener, will feature ceremonies commemorating last year's American League title, and who better to have in the opposite dugout? The Rays also will get their first look at the revamped Yanks, though they should miss Opening Day starter CC Sabathia.

June 19-21 at Mets

While the Rays will get their first look at the new Yankee Stadium in a two-game series May 6-7, they'll also get a chance to check out the new jewel of Queens, Citi Field, six weeks later. Squaring off against the Mets, who are expected to be among the top contenders in the NL, will be a nice test, too.

June 23-25 vs. Phillies

The Rays couldn't force the Phillies back to the Trop for Games 6 and 7 last October, but MLB's schedule-makers did the next best thing by bringing the World Series champs to Tampa Bay for an interleague series.

Sept. 7-9 at Yankees and 11-13 at Red Sox

This is the equivalent of the road trip that saw the Rays take a firm grip on the division last September, with the order of the destinations reversed. The latter series will be the Rays' last shot at Boston during the regular season.

ON THE LOOKOUT FOR LOOT

The Rays' promotional calendar leans heavily on the Saturday night postgame concerts that were such a big draw last year, but there are also some cool and quirky giveaways to be had. Such as:

April 14 vs. Yankees - Replica AL Championship ring

April 18 vs. White Sox - Replica AL Championship trophy

May 16 vs. Indians - Evan Longoria Rookie of the Year figurine

Sept. 6 vs. Tigers - "Robo-Los" Carlos Pena action figure

Sept. 20 vs. Blue Jays - Akinori Iwamura rattle drum

Compiled by Marc Lancaster