The Rays need to bounce back from an embarrassing shutout. Instead of focusing on the negatives I looked for a bright spot in the Rays lineup. Jason Bartlett was a cornerstone of the Rays success in 2008. If he can harness his talent again the Rays may not have to burden themselves with what to do with Burrell. Bartlett can be the average leader of the Rays or the league. He always carries a strong message with him. Though the tattoo on his arm may be small it says it all, about his focus and his willingness to follow a winner. 

It isn’t too early to tab a
player for MVP or is it? Evan Longoria may just give Joe Mauer and Derek Jeter
a challenge for the MVP award in 2010. He is a clutch performer and makes tough
plays look like the basics. Longo is the face of the Rays franchise and arguably
the face of the next generation in MLB. His ability to lead and support
his teammates make him an asset to the Rays. He already has every
major award on his mantle so wouldn’t it be nice to see him take the MVP. I
guess this is one of those Charlie Brown like dreams. It could happen. 

We work hard with our
own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;
1 Corinthians
4:12

Opening day 2010 for the Rays was nail biting to say the least. The expectations were there and in the end the win did eventually come. Longo came through with an uplifting homer while Shieldsy gave a quality start including 6Ks. Of course the finale was exciting with Carl Crawford’s walk off hit to win the game, but…….all of these things would not have mattered if it were not for two scoreless innings of pitching maintained by two unsung heroes in the Rays bullpen….Randy Choate and Lance Cormier.