What's Next for the Tampa Bay Rays?

The Tampa Bay Rays have just finished their best season in franchise history with a AL Championship under their belts and a pennant to hang in Tropicana Field. How will this improbable success story fare next season? Is another World Series berth, and maybe a win, in the cards for the Rays? Or is it back to the bottom for the team that has held that spot in the AL East for much of it's history? Here are some factors that could contribute to the continued success of the Rays in the years to come.

A Culture of Winning

Manager Joe Maddon has taught this team to be proud of themselves and play at their best every day. With his quirky "9=8" philosophy, referring to nine players playing nine innings to become one of the eight team in MLB's playoffs, Maddon has been able to create a culture of winning in Tampa Bay that could be a powerful psychological boost for an organization that is used to losing. Players and fans alike now expect to win-a striking change in mentality for the Rays. If Maddon is able to keep his players used to winning, they will indeed continue to win.

Keep Faith in Relief

The Rays' relief staff was one of the best in the American League in 2008. Set-up man turned closer Dan Wheeler turned in the best season of his Major League career, and fellow pitchers Grant Balfour and J.P. Howell both had ERAs under 2.20. However, the relief staff showed some signs of inexperience and a lack of confidence during some games in the playoffs, blowing a seven run lead in Game 5 of the ALCS. Maddon should keep the faith in his relief staff, however. The bullpen was a major reason for the Rays' success, and becoming skittish over the staff's performance in the playoffs would be an unwise move for Maddon.

Put Price in the Rotation

Rookie phenom and former #1 overall draft pick David Price is poised to be a huge star in the Major Leagues. He was trusted by his manager to pitch the most important innings in Tampa Bay history, and Price performed by striking out J.D. Drew in the bottom of the eighth in Game 7 of the ALCS, and finishing off the ninth to put the Rays into the World Series. Price is projected to be a starter, and Tampa Bay should waste no time in starting a Joba Chamberlain-like transition to the rotation for Price. Edwin Jackson, who had the first winning season in his career in 2008, would probably be better suited for the bullpen.

Offense Remains Strong

Tampa Bay's continues to have several offensive threats in their lineup. Carlos Pena, Carl Crawford, and rookie sensation Evan Longoria are probably the team's best offensive players. If B.J. Upton can continue hitting like he did during the playoffs, he could be a big star as well. Outfielder Rocco Baldelli and designated hitter Eric Hinske both filed for free agency, but Baldelli could be seamlessly replaced by Gabe Gross, and Cliff Floyd will resume the DH duties. Tampa Bay could use a stronger offensive shortstop than Jason Bartlett or Ben Zobrist-perhaps this need could be filled in the offseason via free agency.

Threats From Outside

Tampa Bay, as the champion of the most competitive division in baseball, faces its biggest threat not from inside itself, but by the other teams in its division. The Boston Red Sox, embittered by a Game 7 loss in the ALCS will be back to full strength and pose a big challenge to the Rays. The New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays should also be watched as potential threats to Tampa Bay's crown. If the Rays are able to continue their success against the AL East that they discovered in 2008, they will likely be able to repeat their ride to the top of their division.

What's Next?

Tampa Bay's rotation and bullpen are both very strong. To improve, the Rays should look for a high average hitter, potentially at shortstop, and a closer that is more reliable than the oft-injured Troy Percival. Combining these acquisitions with the culture of winning that manager Joe Maddon has created and the success Tampa Bay had against AL East teams last year could be a winning formula to repeat a trip to the World Series.