AL East: Tampa Bay Devil Rays

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays have finished in last place every season they have fielded a team. Will they be like the '69 Mets? It is unlikely, as their Seavers, Koosemans, and Ryans are still developing. But Tampa has some good young talent, and it isn't out of the question to consider that they may soon rise to higher levels, although they are stifled somewhat by being in the AL East.

Lineup: The Devil Rays have good speed in Rocco Baldelli and Carl Crawford. Reserve outfielder Joey Gathright has good speed as well. The middle of the lineup is anchored by Johnny Gomes, who stepped up big last season, going .372/.534 in under 350 at bats. Aubrey Huff is their second best power hitter, but he struggled last year, hitting only 22 homers and falling to a .321 OBP. If he can repeat his 2003 season, when he hit 34 homers with a .367 SLG, Tampa's offense could be decent. The middle is solid, with Julio Lugo and the powerful Jorge Cantu. Toby Hall is weak at catcher, and new third baseman Sean Burroughs struggled mightily with San Diego last year. Nonetheless, the Devil Rays have the potential to be relatively potent offensively.

Starting Pitching: Scott Kazmir is the best starter, and is considered to have a lot of potential. Beyond that, questions arise. Mark Hendrickson, Casey Fossum, Seth McLung, and Doug Waechter are projected as the 2-5 starters, but none of them had an ERA under 4.92 last season. It is an awfully young rotation, and after Kazmir, it is awfully weak.

Bullpen: Closer Danys Baez was traded in the offseason, which allows Chad Orvella to step into the closer's role. Jesus Colome and Chad Harville are the only other relievers who put up reasonably good numbers last season, but neither of them would have a major role on a contending team. Edwin Jackson, acquired in the Baez trade, is a highly touted prospect, but has yet to show consistency at the major league level. Japanese import Shinji Mori and veteran Dan Miceli were brought in, but neither is expected to have a large impact.

X Factor: Scott Kazmir. The best pitcher on the club last year, the Devil Rays need him to improve, not regress, in his second full major league season.

Biggest Strength/Weakness: Speed/Starting pitching

Projection: 5th place in the AL East.

Win Range: 66-71