Rays players to watch in 2010

Position player

CF B.J. Upton

Upton's lack of offense was one of the problems that helped sink the Rays in 2009. He killed them while hitting first in the order, batting an incredible .136 when leading off games. Much of that can be attributed to Upton's shoulder, which never really healed from offseason surgery.

Upton is healthy now, and he changed some of his approach at the plate while working with new hitting coach Derek Shelton over the winter. He still plays did-you-see-that defense, and his offense has picked up during spring training, a product of getting more than 70 at-bats.

Starting pitcher

LHP David Price

The plan to keep Price fresh for a postseason run in 2009 by having him begin the year at Durham actually worked. Price led the team with seven post-All-Star-break wins and was their best pitcher down the stretch.

After being gently handled by the organization during his first two pro seasons, the Rays expect 200 innings from the big left-hander. It is time for the top pick in the 2007 to draft prove he is worth the hype.

Bullpen

RHP Rafael Soriano

The Rays pushed the payroll past the breaking point in December to sign the closer to a $7.25 million contract in hopes his overpowering mid-90s fastball could be the hammer the bullpen needs to compete in the offense-heavy American League East.

Soriano converted 27 of 31 save opportunities for the Braves in 2009. He struck out 102 batters in 75 2/3 innings while walking only 27. He has a history of arm injuries, and you have to wonder why the Braves would give up on him, but the Rays see the 30-year-old as the final piece of a playoff contender.

Bench

INF/OF Sean Rodriguez

The MVP of Rays camp will become the 2010 version of Zorilla, someone who can play six positions as Ben Zobrist did during his All-Star year last season.

Rodriguez, who came to the Rays in the Scott Kazmir trade, will see a lot of time at second base, but he can fill in at shortstop and third base and all three outfield positions, giving Manager Joe Maddon flexibility with his starting lineup and flexibility with his bench on days when Rodriguez doesn't start.

Prospects

OF Desmond Jennings

The Rays would have liked a longer look at Jennings this spring, but a sprained wrist cut short his stay with the big club.

Still, Manager Joe Maddon said he saw enough and understood the hype surrounding the Rays' top minor-league prospect. The Rays expect Jennings to make an appearance at the Trop this season. Whether that is because of an injury to an outfielder, as a September call-up or to take over for Carl Crawford after the trade deadline remains to be seen.

RHP Jeremy Hellickson

Hellickson would have liked a longer look from the Rays this spring, but Maddon said the team saw enough in his 22/3 innings over a pair of outings to know Hellickson is close to major league-ready.

Hellickson impressed with his calm demeanor and his ability to throw strikes (he struck out six of the eight batters he faced). The organization's top pitching prospect will benefit from a few more Triple-A innings and could be a contributing member of the big-league staff should an opening occur.