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| Saturday, March 17 | |||||
| Season in review: Tampa Bay Devil Rays Diamond Mind Baseball | |||||
Diamond Mind is a highly-realistic strategy-oriented computer baseball game. Founder Tom Tippett and a team of top baseball analysts -- Gary Gillette, Stuart Shea and Zack Scott -- are presenting detailed reviews of each team's performance in 2000 (with projected and actual statistics for all key players) along with their thoughts about the outlook for the 2001 season.
This article takes a look at how the Tampa Bay Devil Rays did in the 2000 season relative to preseason expectations. For an overview of the approach used in this review, and a definition of some of the key terms and statistics, please see the overview page at the Diamond Mind web site.
Capsule summaryProjected Actual Runs for 791 733 Runs allowed 909 842 Run Margin -118 -109 Wins 71 69 Pythagorean wins 70 69 Placement 5th 5thManagement had high hopes for the 2000 season, having acquired Greg Vaughn and Vinny Castilla to create what they thought would be a modern-day murderer's row along with Jose Canseco and Fred McGriff. Despite these additions, however, our pre-season computer simulations of the 2000 season pegged them for 71 wins and last place. Those simulations indicated that even if Canseco and Vaughn were as productive as expected, the offense would fail to score a lot more runs because (a) Castilla's departure from Coors Field would expose him as a mediocre power hitter, (b) McGriff couldn't be expected to repeat his surprisingly good 1999 campaign, and (c) even if these guys did hit a lot of homers, there wouldn't be enough men on base to make them count. We also pointed out that their additions to the pitching staff -- Juan Guzman, Steve Trachsel, and John Burkett -- were unlikely to be able to do much more than replace the departed Rolando Arrojo. And that their highly-touted prospect Dan Wheeler had been giving up far too many homeruns to be considered as a potential savior this early in his career. Most of that proved to be prophetic. The retooled offense was awful, and while the pitching was better than expected, it wasn't because of Wheeler or the guys they acquired before the season (though Trachsel had some success before he was traded to Toronto). And they were out of the race before it even started, going 9-15 in April and 8-19 in May to fall 13-1/2 games behind the division leader going into June. After that, things stabilized a little and the team was only six games below .500 the rest of the way. Key position players GM Chuck LaMar brought in Vaughn and Castilla to provide improved power on a team that finished the previous year with the second-fewest homeruns in the AL, but he neglected to find players who could get on base in front of them. Even though Castilla's season was mostly lost to injury, the 2000 edition of the Devil Rays did indeed hit more homeruns, but there were few if any other improvements. They finished last in the league in runs scored, batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage. Only McGriff and Vaughn could even be considered average at their positions. In the field, the Rays made 17 fewer errors than the previous year and had average team range. John Flaherty, c, age 32 AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC Projection Tam 479 126 21 0 13 51 63 4 32 1 69 0 1 .263 .310 .388 .699 56 Prorated Tam 381 100 17 0 10 41 50 3 25 1 55 0 1 .263 .310 .388 .699 44 Actual Tam 394 103 15 0 10 36 39 0 20 2 57 0 0 .261 .296 .376 .671 42Following his best all-around season in 1999, Flaherty cashed in by signing a three-year, $9 million contract. Tampa Bay unwisely tied up a catcher whose best offensive numbers are below average for his position. In 2000, he performed slightly worse than expected and almost cut his RBI total in half as compared to the previous year. Among AL catchers with at least 300 plate appearances, only Dan Wilson of Seattle had a lower OPS than Flaherty. Behind the plate, he threw out only 25% of attempted base stealers, and they ran often (only Jason Varitek faced more steal attempts among AL catchers). Mike DiFelice, c, age 31 AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC Projection Tam 89 23 5 0 2 8 11 1 6 0 16 0 0 .258 .313 .382 .695 10 Prorated Tam 205 53 11 0 5 18 25 2 14 0 37 0 0 .258 .313 .382 .695 23 Actual Tam 204 49 13 1 6 23 19 0 12 0 40 0 0 .240 .280 .402 .682 21Flaherty's decline in performance resulted in more playing time for DiFelice, but he failed to do much better. After an impressive 1999 performance, DiFelice continued to put up relatively good numbers through the season's first half (.813 OPS), but his offense disappeared after the break (.528). Overall, the increase in playing time resulted in a 67-point decline in batting average and offensive production equally as disappointing as Flaherty's. In fact, DiFelice and Flaherty are essentially carbon copies -- they're both average-at-best defensive catchers in their early thirties with little plate discipline, below-average power, and a virtually identical career OPS (.672 for Flaherty and .674 for DiFelice). Given Flaherty's much-higher salary, the Devil Rays would probably benefit by dumping him on a wealthy team in need of catching (LA comes to mind) and going with DiFelice and top prospect Toby Hall. Fred McGriff, 1b, age 36 AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC Projection Tam 549 160 28 0 30 78 96 2 80 8 110 2 0 .291 .381 .506 .887 107 Prorated Tam 574 167 29 0 31 82 100 2 84 8 115 2 0 .291 .381 .506 .887 112 Actual Tam 566 157 18 0 27 82 106 0 91 10 120 2 0 .277 .373 .452 .826 98At age 36, McGriff quietly plugged along, driving in 100+ RBI for the second straight year and sixth time in his career. Since his rookie season in 1987, he has knocked in at least 80 runs each year, placing him 7th among active players in career RBI. Last season, McGriff surpassed the 400 homerun plateau, but his doubles power was worse than ever (lowest 2B total since rookie year), and his resulting offensive production was only average among AL first basemen. He enters 2001 in the final year of his contract. Miguel Cairo, 2b, age 26 AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC Projection Tam 648 184 29 6 7 84 60 8 38 0 62 28 10 .284 .329 .380 .709 81 Prorated Tam 382 108 17 4 4 49 35 5 22 0 37 16 6 .284 .329 .380 .709 48 Actual Tam 375 98 18 2 1 49 34 2 29 0 34 28 7 .261 .314 .328 .642 42Since being drafted by the Devil Rays in the 1998 expansion draft, Cairo's playing time has decreased each season, and Tampa Bay granted him free agency by not tendering a contract after the season. Although he's one of the league's best base stealers and sure-handed second basemen (3rd best fielding percentage), Cairo experienced a drop in batting average and extra-base power, and only Homer Bush had a lower OPS among AL second sackers. This winter, Oakland signed Cairo to a minor-league contract as defensive insurance for rookie Jose Ortiz. Bobby Smith, 2b/3b, age 26 AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC Projection Tam 67 17 3 0 2 9 10 1 7 0 18 1 1 .254 .333 .388 .721 8 Prorated Tam 171 43 8 0 5 23 25 3 18 0 46 3 3 .254 .333 .388 .721 21 Actual Tam 175 41 8 0 6 21 26 1 14 1 59 2 2 .234 .293 .383 .676 18The Rays called Smith up in June and moved him from third to second in an attempt to get more power from their middle infielders. The plan paid immediate dividends as Smith batted .311 and slugged .500 before spraining his right knee's medial collateral ligament in early July. After his late-August return, Smith hit .178 and slugged .297 thanks to an ugly month-long slump that included a 6-for-67 stretch with 31 strikeouts. Despite three disappointing seasons, Tampa Bay is giving him a chance to battle top prospect Brent Abernathy for the starting job at second. Vinny Castilla, 3b, age 32 AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC Projection Tam 534 136 21 1 25 70 85 4 43 6 78 2 3 .255 .313 .438 .751 69 Prorated Tam 323 82 13 1 15 42 51 2 26 4 47 1 2 .255 .313 .438 .751 42 Actual Tam 331 73 9 1 6 22 42 3 14 3 41 1 2 .221 .254 .308 .562 24Castilla would like to forget his first season in the American League. He began the year on the disabled list with a strained oblique muscle and was disabled two more times (lower back) later in the year. Castilla easily produced the worst offensive numbers among major-league third basemen and had the lowest OPS among all AL players with at least 350 plate appearances. He was coming off four consecutive years with 100+ RBI and had averaged 40 homeruns per year in that time, but his 1999 numbers dropped significantly and were not impressive by Colorado standards. He played well in winter ball and is reportedly determined to make a comeback this season, but the Rays have Aubrey Huff waiting in the wings should Castilla falter. Aubrey Huff, 3b, age 23 AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC Projection Tam 68 18 5 0 3 10 9 0 7 0 10 0 0 .265 .333 .471 .804 10 Prorated Tam 117 31 9 0 5 17 15 0 12 0 17 0 0 .265 .333 .471 .804 18 Actual Tam 122 35 7 0 4 12 14 1 5 1 18 0 0 .287 .318 .443 .760 16Huff moved up to his third level in three minor-league seasons and tore up Triple-A pitching, earning him a big-league callup when Castilla went on the DL in August. In the majors, Huff hit with less power and walked about one third as often as in the minors but still provided a huge offensive upgrade over Castilla. In the field, Huff was shaky, committing errors at a rate that would have rivaled Troy Glaus (who 'led' the league with 33 errors) had it continued over a full season. If Castilla cannot improve on his dreadful 2000 campaign and they feel the left-handed-hitting Huff is ready to face southpaws regularly (only 12 atbats versus LHP), don't be surprised to see the Rays deal Castilla away and hand the job to Huff. Russ Johnson, 3b/2b/ss, age 27 AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC Projection Hou 63 17 4 0 1 11 8 0 10 0 10 1 1 .270 .365 .381 .746 9 Prorated Hou 40 11 3 0 1 7 5 0 6 0 6 1 1 .270 .365 .381 .746 6 Actual Hou 45 8 0 0 0 4 3 0 2 0 10 1 1 .178 .213 .178 .391 1 Prorated Tam 181 49 11 0 3 32 23 0 29 0 29 3 3 .270 .365 .381 .746 27 Actual Tam 185 47 8 0 2 28 17 1 25 0 30 4 1 .254 .344 .330 .674 23 Prorated Tot 221 60 14 0 4 39 28 0 35 0 35 4 4 .270 .365 .381 .746 33 Actual Tot 230 55 8 0 2 32 20 1 27 0 40 5 2 .239 .320 .300 .620 23At the end of May, Tampa Bay acquired Johnson from the Astros for pitcher Marc Valdes in order to provide defensive stability for the injury-plagued Castilla and their weak-hitting middle infielders. Johnson provided good glove work at three positions and was more successful at the plate following the trade, but he still hit for a lower average and with less pop than normal. This spring, Johnson is fighting to be a part of the Abernathy/Smith group at second. Kevin Stocker, ss, age 30 AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC Projection Tam 474 124 19 3 7 63 47 7 48 2 90 10 6 .262 .338 .359 .696 58 Prorated Tam 121 32 5 1 2 16 12 2 12 1 23 3 2 .262 .338 .359 .696 15 Actual Tam 114 30 7 1 2 20 8 2 19 0 27 1 2 .263 .378 .395 .773 17 Prorated Ana 240 63 10 2 4 32 24 4 24 1 46 5 3 .262 .338 .359 .696 30 Actual Ana 229 45 13 3 0 21 16 2 32 0 54 0 3 .197 .299 .279 .579 19 Prorated Tot 361 94 14 2 5 48 36 5 37 2 69 8 5 .262 .338 .359 .696 44 Actual Tot 343 75 20 4 2 41 24 4 51 0 81 1 5 .219 .326 .318 .644 36Stocker may be best known for being part of the franchise's biggest bonehead move -- before their inaugural 1998 season, Tampa Bay acquired him from Philly for Bobby Abreu. Since then, Abreu has gone on to become one of the game's best all-around players while Stocker has yet to play more than 112 games in a season and hasn't produced when available. Last year, he was enjoying his best season at the plate but made 11 errors in 40 games, an unacceptable rate that led to his release at the end of May. Desperately in need of a shortstop, the Angels picked up Stocker, and while his defense improved, he was worse than ever at the plate. The Mets recently invited him to camp, but Stocker said he didn't have the desire to get his knees (bothered by tendinitis over the last two seasons) and the rest of his body in shape. He retired at age 31. Felix Martinez, ss, age 26 AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC Projection Phi 66 15 4 1 0 9 6 1 6 0 13 2 1 .227 .301 .318 .620 7 Prorated Tam 311 71 19 5 0 42 28 5 28 0 61 9 5 .227 .301 .318 .620 31 Actual Tam 299 64 11 4 2 42 17 8 32 0 68 9 3 .214 .305 .298 .603 31In early April, the Devil Rays claimed Martinez on waivers from Philly and later called him up (following Stocker's release) in an effort to bring defensive stability to short. Despite his very good defense, Martinez hasn't been given much of a chance at the major-league level because he can't hit and his maturity is questionable -- he lost a lot of respect for taking cheap shots in a brawl that occurred during his Kansas City days. Basically, Martinez is Rey Ordonez without the flair and the New York spotlight, and like Ordonez, his defense isn't good enough to make up for his bat. And Tampa Bay doesn't have the kind of lineup that can afford to carry a guy like this. Ozzie Guillen, ss/3b/1b/2b, age 36 AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC Actual Tam 107 26 4 0 2 22 12 0 6 0 7 1 0 .243 .283 .336 .620 10The Braves released Guillen at the start of the season to make room for Rafael Furcal, and Tampa Bay picked him up shortly after. The once-great defensive shortstop has never had much if any offensive value and now has no business being in the field. Guillen signed on for another year and will fill a utility role if he makes the team. Greg Vaughn, lf/dh, age 34 AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC Projection Tam 541 138 24 2 41 103 111 4 78 3 121 10 3 .255 .351 .534 .885 105 Prorated Tam 470 120 21 2 36 90 96 3 68 3 105 9 3 .255 .351 .534 .885 91 Actual Tam 461 117 27 1 28 83 74 2 80 3 128 8 1 .254 .365 .499 .864 88Tampa Bay signed Vaughn to a four-year, $34 million contract with the hope that he could hit 45+ homers as he had the two previous seasons, but hamstring and shoulder injuries limited him to 127 games and robbed him of some power. On the plus side, he walked at his best rate ever, resulting in his highest on-base percentage in seven years. When he's healthy, Vaughn is the only Devil Ray position player that can be considered one of the league's best at his position. Before he injured his hamstring in June, Tampa Bay's investment was paying off in spades. Vaughn finished May with a .298 batting average and 13 dingers, but his nagging injuries resulted in a major decline the rest of the way (.225, 15). Quinton McCracken, lf/cf, age 30 AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC Projection Tam 577 160 30 4 8 82 63 3 54 0 99 21 12 .277 .340 .385 .724 74 Prorated Tam 33 9 2 0 0 5 4 0 3 0 6 1 1 .277 .340 .385 .724 4 Actual Tam 31 4 0 0 0 5 2 0 6 0 4 0 1 .129 .270 .129 .399 1Often overrated in Colorado, McCracken was handed the starting CF job in Tampa Bay's first season and showed that he couldn't get on base, hit for power, steal bases at an above-average rate, or play the position. The following year, his season was cut short when he tore his ACL running into a wall. McCracken expected to be healthy in 2000 but had even less mobility in the outfield and lost his job to newly-acquired Gerald Williams. He had four brief stints with the Rays but performed horribly and was not tendered a contract after the season. McCracken is currently trying to earn a spot on the Cardinals roster as a fifth outfielder. Bubba Trammell, lf/rf, age 28 AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC Projection Tam 108 30 7 0 6 17 18 0 13 0 20 0 0 .278 .352 .509 .862 20 Prorated Tam 189 52 12 0 10 30 31 0 23 0 35 0 0 .278 .352 .509 .862 35 Actual Tam 189 52 11 2 7 19 33 2 21 0 30 3 0 .275 .352 .466 .818 32 Prorated NYN 58 16 4 0 3 9 10 0 7 0 11 0 0 .278 .352 .509 .862 11 Actual NYN 56 13 2 0 3 9 12 0 8 0 19 1 0 .232 .323 .429 .752 8 Prorated Tot 246 68 16 0 14 39 41 0 30 0 46 0 0 .278 .352 .509 .862 45 Actual Tot 245 65 13 2 10 28 45 2 29 0 49 4 0 .265 .345 .457 .802 39Why guys like McCracken and Randy Winn have been given more playing time than Trammell is a mystery to me. He hits for a decent batting average and has good power (especially versus LHP -- career .537 SPC) but has never played in more than 82 games in a season for Tampa Bay. Defensively, he lacks range but has a very good arm. At the trading deadline, the Devil Rays packaged him with Rick White and sent them to the Mets for Jason Tyner and Paul Wilson. Trammell was recently traded to the Padres and should get an opportunity to see significant time in their weak-hitting outfield. Randy Winn, lf/cf, age 26 AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC Projection Tam 69 19 3 1 1 11 6 0 5 0 13 3 2 .275 .324 .391 .716 9 Prorated Tam 175 48 8 3 3 28 15 0 13 0 33 8 5 .275 .324 .391 .716 22 Actual Tam 159 40 5 0 1 28 16 2 26 0 25 6 7 .252 .362 .302 .664 19There aren't many redeeming aspects of Winn's game, but manager Larry Rothschild keeps finding ways to work him into the lineup. Perhaps it's ironic that he played in his fewest games last year but walked at his best rate, resulting in his highest on-base percentage. Regardless, Winn has zero power, is not a good outfielder, and has a disappointing career SB-success rate of 59% despite his good speed. But I'm sure his solid performance at Triple-A will keep him around for another season. Jason Tyner, lf/cf, age 23 AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC Projection NYN 68 18 2 0 0 10 3 0 6 0 7 5 2 .265 .324 .294 .618 7 Prorated NYN 44 12 1 0 0 6 2 0 4 0 4 3 1 .265 .324 .294 .618 4 Actual NYN 41 8 2 0 0 3 5 1 1 0 4 1 1 .195 .222 .244 .466 2 Prorated Tam 85 23 3 0 0 13 4 0 8 0 9 6 3 .265 .324 .294 .618 9 Actual Tam 83 20 2 0 0 6 8 1 4 0 12 6 1 .241 .281 .265 .546 7 Prorated Tot 129 34 4 0 0 19 6 0 11 0 13 9 4 .265 .324 .294 .618 13 Actual Tot 124 28 4 0 0 9 13 2 5 0 16 7 2 .226 .261 .258 .519 9The Mets' 1998 first-round draft pick has a reputation for blazing speed, good defense, and the ability to hit for a high average. It seemed like the Rays were finally moving away from building around those type of players -- they replaced McCracken and Winn with Williams and Vaughn -- until they traded a power-hitting outfielder (Trammell) for Tyner. In the minors, he has always hit over .300 and has walked at an average rate but hasn't hit a homerun since high school. In his brief major-league stint, Tyner didn't hit, was impatient at the plate, and had only four doubles in 50 games. This season, he will try to earn a roster spot as a reserve outfielder and pinch runner. Gerald Williams, cf, age 33 AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC Projection Tam 93 26 6 0 4 16 13 1 6 0 15 4 2 .280 .327 .473 .800 14 Prorated Tam 622 174 40 0 27 107 87 7 40 0 100 27 13 .280 .327 .473 .800 93 Actual Tam 632 173 30 2 21 87 89 3 34 0 103 12 12 .274 .312 .427 .739 83When Tampa Bay acquired Williams from the Braves and signed him to a two-year deal before the season, they weren't depending on him to be their everyday CF. But McCracken's knee limited his outfield range, allowing Williams to become the starter and leadoff hitter. He went on to set career highs in homeruns, runs, and RBI and was declared team MVP, but that goes more towards showing just how pathetic the Devil Ray offense was. Williams performed below expectations in every aspect of his game, walking at the league's 7th-worst rate, getting caught stealing 50% of the time, hitting far fewer extra-base hits, and playing average-at-best defense. Among AL starting center fielders, only Chris Singleton and Carlos Beltran had a lower OPS. Jose Guillen, rf/cf, age 24 AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC Projection Tam 507 138 27 1 15 72 75 7 32 1 85 2 3 .272 .322 .418 .740 65 Prorated Tam 321 87 17 1 10 46 48 4 20 1 54 1 2 .272 .322 .418 .740 41 Actual Tam 316 80 16 5 10 40 41 13 18 1 65 3 1 .253 .320 .430 .750 44Guillen has very good range and one of the best arms in the game, but even though this was his best offensive season, he still had the second-worst OPS among AL right fielders (Matt Stairs was last). The only reason his on-base percentage was even that high was because he finished fourth in the league in getting hit by pitches. Perhaps he was bothered by the shoulder tendinitis that caused him to miss the first month and a half of the season or he was rushed to the majors at age 21, but the Devil Rays have grown impatient and acquired Ben Grieve to play right field in 2001. Because of that move, Guillen has not been a happy camper this spring. Steve Cox, rf/lf/1b/dh, age 25 AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC Projection Tam 66 18 4 0 3 11 12 0 8 1 11 0 0 .273 .347 .470 .816 11 Prorated Tam 325 89 20 0 15 54 59 0 39 5 54 0 0 .273 .347 .470 .816 52 Actual Tam 318 90 19 1 11 44 35 4 46 2 47 1 2 .283 .379 .453 .832 55The 1999 International League Player of the Year finally got a significant opportunity following three straight years in Triple-A. In 1999, Cox was also recognized as the International League's top defensive first baseman, but McGriff had that position occupied so Rothschild played Cox in the outfield, at first, and as the DH. He put up offensive numbers better than Guillen and almost identical to McGriff, earning himself a big chunk of playing time. While he doesn't do anything extremely well, Cox is good enough to deserve atbats and will be part of the DH/RF/1B mix in 2001. Dave Martinez, rf, age 35 AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC Projection Tam 143 40 6 1 3 21 16 1 16 1 21 3 2 .280 .354 .399 .753 21 Prorated Tam 103 29 4 1 2 15 11 1 11 1 15 2 1 .280 .354 .399 .753 15 Actual Tam 104 27 4 2 1 12 12 0 10 1 17 1 4 .260 .319 .365 .684 12 Prorated ChN 49 14 2 0 1 7 5 0 5 0 7 1 1 .280 .354 .399 .753 7 Actual ChN 54 10 1 1 0 5 1 0 2 0 8 1 0 .185 .214 .241 .455 3 Prorated Tex 118 33 5 1 2 17 13 1 13 1 17 2 2 .280 .354 .399 .753 17 Actual Tex 119 32 4 1 2 14 12 1 14 2 20 2 1 .269 .351 .370 .720 14 Prorated Tor 181 51 8 1 4 27 20 1 20 1 27 4 3 .280 .354 .399 .753 26 Actual Tor 180 56 10 1 2 29 22 1 24 0 28 4 2 .311 .393 .411 .804 31 Prorated Tot 450 126 19 3 9 66 50 3 50 3 66 9 6 .280 .354 .399 .753 66 Actual Tot 457 125 19 5 5 60 47 2 50 3 73 8 7 .274 .346 .370 .716 58Martinez began the season as the starting right fielder until Guillen's shoulder felt better in May. He played well defensively but provided little with his bat and was traded to the Cubs for Mark Guthrie in order to make room for Guillen. He was traded two more times before season's end with his best performance coming as a Blue Jay. After the season, he changed teams again, signing a two-year deal with Atlanta. Jose Canseco, dh, age 35 AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC Projection Tam 549 141 24 1 42 92 108 7 67 3 154 17 4 .257 .342 .534 .876 101 Prorated Tam 231 59 10 0 18 39 45 3 28 1 65 7 2 .257 .342 .534 .876 43 Actual Tam 218 56 15 0 9 31 30 4 41 1 65 2 0 .257 .383 .450 .832 40 Prorated NYA 120 31 5 0 9 20 24 2 15 1 34 4 1 .257 .342 .534 .876 22 Actual NYA 111 27 3 0 6 16 19 0 23 1 37 0 0 .243 .365 .432 .797 19 Prorated Tot 351 90 15 1 27 59 69 4 43 2 98 11 3 .257 .342 .534 .876 65 Actual Tot 329 83 18 0 15 47 49 4 64 2 102 2 0 .252 .377 .444 .820 60As usual, Canseco suffered injuries that limited his playing time -- he has appeared in more than 113 games only once in the last eight years. When he played for Tampa Bay, he walked frequently but his power output was disappointing. In a foolish, Steinbrenner-driven move, the Yankees rescued the Rays from Canseco's contract and claimed him off waivers. As a Yankee, he was worse and contributed nothing to their World Series run. Overall, Canseco had his worst slugging percentage of his 16-year career. Following the season, he changed his workout to focus more on flexibility and less on weight training and reported to Angels camp about 25 pounds lighter. Anaheim hopes Canseco can replace the power lost with Mo Vaughn's injury. Key pitchers In 1999, Tampa Bay's staff allowed the AL's second-highest run total and was 10th in ERA, so LaMar replaced Rolando Arrojo and Bobby Witt with Juan Guzman and Steve Trachsel. Guzman and Wilson Alvarez were lost for the year due to injury, forcing manager Larry Rothschild to scramble to fill out his rotation. He used 13 different starting pitchers, but a solid bullpen held the staff together and produced better overall results than expected -- 71 fewer runs than the previous year. Most of their improvement can be attributed to an emphasis on control. The staff decreased its league-worst total of 695 walks (in 1999) by 162 in one year, moving them up to 4th best and lopping 25 points off their opponents' on-base percentage. Because they were around the plate more often, opponents hit 26 more homeruns, but the damage was minimized by keeping runners off the bases. Among the plethora of starting pitchers used, Albie Lopez, Bryan Rekar, and Paul Wilson emerged as their top options while Esteban Yan proved he's not cut out for the rotation. In the pen, just about everyone except closer Roberto Hernandez performed beyond expectations, resulting in the league's 6th best bullpen ERA even though Tampa Bay had traded away three key components (Jim Mecir, Rick White, and Mark Guthrie) before season's end. Steve Trachsel, starter, age 29 ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS Projection Tam 5.18 32 32 10 12 0 191 209 33 68 130 .280 .814 Prorated Tam 5.18 23 23 7 9 0 139 152 24 50 95 .280 .814 Actual Tam 4.58 23 23 6 10 0 138 160 16 49 78 .294 .827 Prorated Tor 5.18 11 11 3 4 0 63 69 11 23 43 .280 .814 Actual Tor 5.29 11 11 2 5 0 63 72 10 25 32 .293 .836 Prorated Tot 5.18 34 34 11 13 0 202 222 35 72 138 .280 .814 Actual Tot 4.80 34 34 8 15 0 201 232 26 74 110 .294 .830Trachsel is a league-average starting pitcher with outstanding durability -- he logged 200+ innings for the fifth straight year -- which makes him valuable to a team's rotation. But Tampa Bay signed him to be their #1 guy, and that was asking too much. Although he looked brilliant at times (beating Pedro Martinez and El Duque 1-0 in back-to-back May starts), Trachsel got hit hard and often, and while his homerun rate was lower than expected, only four AL pitchers allowed more extra-base hits. For the second-straight season, his winning percentage was below .350 thanks to a lack of run support from the league's most anemic offense. At the deadline, the Rays traded Trachsel to Toronto. After the season, he became a free agent and signed a two-year deal with the Mets worth $7 million. Trachsel will be expected eat innings at the bottom of their rotation, and that's a role he's suited for. Ryan Rupe, starter, age 25 ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS Projection Tam 4.48 32 32 11 11 0 193 186 26 74 129 .254 .768 Prorated Tam 4.48 16 16 6 6 0 99 95 13 38 66 .254 .768 Actual Tam 6.92 18 18 5 6 0 91 121 19 31 61 .321 .940The Rays had high expectations for Rupe following his solid rookie performance in 1999, but almost nothing went right in his sophomore season. He followed a reasonable first start with five awful outings, an 0-4 record, a 10.95 ERA, and a demotion to Triple-A. At Durham, Rupe left his first start due to shoulder stiffness, then made five unsuccessful starts (6.52 ERA) before being recalled in July. Although he seemed to calm down a bit after the All-Star break (5-2, 5.15), he continued to experience arm problems. In September, doctors discovered a blood clot in his upper right arm, and he was shut down for the remainder of the season. Rupe was relieved to discover the reason behind his poor performance and to learn that he can expect to be 100% for this year. He has pitched pretty well in his first three spring training appearances. Esteban Yan, starter/middle reliever, age 26 ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS Projection Tam 5.52 32 32 6 11 0 168 191 27 79 139 .288 .832 Prorated Tam 5.52 26 26 5 9 0 135 154 22 64 112 .288 .832 Actual Tam 6.21 43 20 7 8 0 138 158 26 42 111 .285 .854After two full seasons in the Devil Ray bullpen, Rothschild moved Yan and his nasty stuff to the rotation, where his career as a full-time starter got off to a good start with seven innings of shutout ball against Minnesota. But that was as good as it got. Yan went on to make 19 more starts, allowing more than seven earned runs per nine innings. He experienced his annual shoulder pain and returned to full-time bullpen duty shortly after the break. He was much better as a reliever, lowering his ERA by almost two runs, cutting his gopher-ball rate in half, and doubling his strikeout-walk ratio. Yan is currently in a tight race with Tanyon Sturtze for the closer job left open by Hernandez' departure. Wilson Alvarez, starter, age 30 ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS Projection Tam 4.55 29 29 10 10 0 172 168 24 84 132 .258 .769Alvarez had been experiencing shoulder tightness in his throwing arm since at least 1997, but this was the first year he had surgery that ended his season. He pitched through the pain in spring training but was forced onto the DL at the start of the season. Doctors determined there was too much wear and tear on Alvarez' rotator cuff and performed arthroscopic shoulder surgery on May 25th. He is working out this spring and expects to return in mid-April. Juan Guzman, starter, age 33 ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS Projection Tam 4.94 24 24 7 9 0 142 145 24 64 109 .265 .806 Prorated Tam 4.94 1 1 0 0 0 3 3 1 1 2 .265 .806 Actual Tam 43.20 1 1 0 1 0 2 7 2 2 3 .636 1.874Like Alvarez, Guzman has a history of shoulder problems that included surgery to repair a torn labrum at the end of the 1997 season. Although he pitched through pain during spring training, Guzman actually made his first start. He lasted only two awful innings and was placed on the DL. He hoped to avoid surgery but faced the inevitable in late June when doctors repaired his frayed rotator cuff and damaged labrum. Guzman is in camp and hopes to return by the end of April. The Rays have about $15 million riding on the ability of Alvarez and Guzman to return. Bryan Rekar, starter, age 28 ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS Projection Tam 6.03 33 3 3 5 0 78 94 15 28 49 .301 .874 Prorated Tam 6.03 6 11 0 166 201 32 60 105 .301 .874 Actual Tam 4.41 30 27 7 10 0 173 200 22 39 95 .292 .788Despite missing the season's first month due to a groin injury, Rekar was one of Tampa Bay's best starters and had his best season to date. Perhaps the three years he spent pitching in Colorado wore on him mentally, explaining his disappointing first couple of years with the Devil Rays. In 1999, he began losing command and continued to watch many balls leave the yard, but Rekar bounced back last season and pitched with his best control, had his lowest homer rate, and set career bests in innings pitched, ERA, and strikeouts. Albie Lopez, starter/long reliever, age 28 ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS Projection Tam 4.21 53 0 4 4 0 73 77 10 30 50 .274 .775 Prorated Tam 4.21 10 10 0 182 193 25 75 125 .274 .775 Actual Tam 4.13 45 24 11 13 2 185 199 24 70 96 .277 .780Lopez was having a rough season in the bullpen (2-4, 5.53 ERA) when Rothschild gave him his first start as a Devil Ray on May 28th. He followed three decent outings with a hot streak in which he won 8 of his next 12 starts (2.69), thus securing a spot in the rotation. Lopez' weak finish (0-4, 6.62) brought his overall numbers back to his norms, but he still finished in the league's top 10 in ERA. Because of his success as a starter (9-9, 3.88) and his health, the Rays are counting on Lopez as their #1 guy in 2001. Dave Eiland, starter/long reliever, age 33 ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS Projection Tam 6.13 23 0 2 4 0 47 59 8 14 29 .311 .870 Prorated Tam 6.13 3 5 0 59 74 10 18 36 .311 .870 Actual Tam 7.24 17 10 2 3 0 55 77 8 18 17 .326 .910As usual, Eiland was bad, but the Rays still allowed him to make ten starts. Anaheim should be embarrassed for scoring no runs and only getting three hits in six innings in Eiland's only good start of the year (April 23rd). The junkballer couldn't strike anyone out and surrendered homers at a high rate, but the only thing that kept Tampa Bay from trotting him out to the mound even more was a hip injury sustained at the end of May (missed two months) and a hyperextended knee in September. He is in camp with Oakland but doesn't have much of a chance to make their talented staff. Paul Wilson, starter/long reliever, age 27 ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS Projection NYN 5.19 3 3 1 1 0 17 20 2 7 12 .294 .834 Prorated Tam 5.19 8 8 3 3 0 46 53 5 18 32 .294 .834 Actual Tam 3.35 11 7 1 4 0 51 38 1 16 40 .209 .565Wilson, the first overall pick in the 1994 draft, was a top prospect in the Mets organization but missed most of 1996 and 1997 due to shoulder surgery and all of 1999 to elbow surgery. Last season, he began pitching regularly in Triple-A, but the Mets apparently gave up and used him to acquire some outfield (Trammell) and bullpen (White) depth for their stretch run. Tampa Bay never sent Wilson to the minors, instead working him into his first four appearances as a long reliever before inserting him into the rotation. Despite two lousy starts against Oakland, he was even better than his ERA suggests -- his stats are more consistent with a figure in the 2.15 range. Wilson closed out the season in style, tossing 14 straight shutout innings against Toronto and Boston. He is having a solid spring thus far and hopes to survive the season in the rotation with no major injuries. Dwight Gooden, starter, age 35 ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS Projection Hou 4.71 5 5 2 2 0 29 31 4 14 21 .277 .820 Prorated Hou 4.71 1 1 0 0 0 4 5 1 2 3 .277 .820 Actual Hou 9.00 1 1 0 0 0 4 6 1 3 1 .353 1.156 Prorated Tam 4.71 7 7 3 3 0 38 41 5 19 28 .277 .820 Actual Tam 6.63 8 8 2 3 0 37 47 14 20 23 .315 1.045 Prorated NYA 4.71 11 11 4 4 0 60 65 8 30 44 .277 .820 Actual NYA 3.36 18 5 4 2 2 64 66 8 21 31 .266 .752 Prorated Tot 4.71 18 18 7 7 0 103 111 14 50 75 .277 .820 Actual Tot 4.71 27 14 6 5 2 105 119 23 44 55 .287 .875Houston hoped Gooden was over his shoulder problems of 1999 and could contribute as their 5th starter, but they released him after just one poor start. Decimated by injuries, the Devil Rays were desperate for starting pitching when they brought in Gooden and handed him the ball for eight starts. Opponents clobbered him for an incredible number of homeruns in very little time -- his 14 dingers in 37 innings projects to 76 in 200 -- and Gooden averaged less than five innings per start. Tampa Bay released him at the end of May, and it appeared his career was over. But the Yankees gave Gooden another life by trying him as a long reliever, and he excelled (3.32 ERA) in that role. This spring, he is trying to fill New York's final rotation spot but will otherwise return to long relieving. Travis Harper, starter, age 24 ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS Actual Tam 4.78 6 5 1 2 0 32 30 5 15 14 .244 .751Despite being regarded as one of Tampa Bay's top prospects, Harper wasn't projected to pitch in the majors because he had only thrown 72 unimpressive innings above Single-A prior to last season. Upon being called up, he got bombed in his major-league debut in August and didn't see additional action until a month later. In September, he finished the season with four solid starts that included a complete-game 2-hit shutout in Toronto for his first win ever. Harper is currently penciled into the Rays' 2001 rotation but may only be keeping a spot warm until Alvarez or Guzman are ready to go. Cory Lidle, long reliever/spot starter, age 28 ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS Projection Tam 5.71 19 0 1 1 0 17 20 2 5 11 .294 .788 Prorated Tam 5.71 6 6 0 97 112 11 28 61 .294 .788 Actual Tam 5.03 31 11 4 6 0 97 114 13 29 62 .294 .800Coming off Tommy John surgery (yet another Devil Ray with arm problems), Lidle was up and down several times from AAA and the majors as well as from the rotation to the bullpen. They eased him back into duty by using him as a long reliever in his first eight appearances before giving him his first start on May 31st. Lidle's first few starts were solid, but his next four were awful enough to 'earn' him a demotion to the minors. He returned in August and was used exclusively as a reliever for the next month before making four decent starts to end the season. Tampa Bay included him in the three-team deal centered around Johnny Damon, and Lidle is currently battling for the fifth rotation spot in Oakland's rotation. Tanyon Sturtze, long reliever / spot starter, age 29 ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS Projection ChA 5.05 7 7 2 3 0 41 43 5 21 32 .272 .789 Prorated ChA 5.05 3 3 1 1 0 19 20 2 10 15 .272 .789 Actual ChA 12.06 10 1 1 2 0 16 25 4 15 6 .379 1.146 Prorated Tam 5.05 8 8 2 4 0 48 51 6 25 38 .272 .789 Actual Tam 2.56 19 5 4 0 0 53 47 4 14 38 .236 .631 Prorated Tot 5.05 12 12 3 5 0 68 71 8 35 53 .272 .789 Actual Tot 4.74 29 6 5 2 0 68 72 8 29 44 .272 .767Sturtze is now with his fourth big-league team, having flamed out in previous trials with the Cubs, Rangers, and White Sox. Before joining Tampa Bay, Sturtze had allowed 135 runners to reach base in 67-1/3 innings, surrendered a homerun every five innings, and compiled an 8.55 ERA. So it was obvious why Tampa Bay was willing to give up a useful utility infielder (Graffanino) to acquire Sturtze from Chicago last May, wasn't it? And wasn't it equally obvious that Sturtze would suddenly become one of the better relievers and spot starters in the AL? And given that Sturtze had a 2.76 ERA as a starter and a 6.56 ERA as a reliever last year, just as obvious why Tampa Bay is planning to use Sturtze in the bullpen this year, possibly even as the closer? Oddly enough, Sturtze wound up compiling a complete-season record that was very close to what we had projected for him. That projection was based mainly on his work in AAA, which was much better than his major-league record but not extraordinary in any way. He's a hard thrower who doesn't walk too many guys, but given his history, I don't know whether to regard his performance last year as a fluke or an indication that he's turned a big corner in his career. Dan Wheeler, long reliever/spot starter, age 22 ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS Projection Tam 7.29 4 4 1 2 0 21 27 5 7 16 .314 .915 Prorated Tam 7.29 5 5 1 2 0 24 31 6 8 19 .314 .915 Actual Tam 5.48 11 2 1 1 0 23 29 2 11 17 .302 .892Although Tampa Bay and some prominent members of the baseball media are high on Wheeler, he has yet to prove that he can succeed above A ball. Last year, he put 42 runners on base in 23 innings with the D-Rays and could do no better than a 5.63 ERA with AAA Durham. And his tendency to give up homeruns in bunches is still a concern. In that respect, his big-league performance was an improvement (one HR every 11.5 innings), but he watched 35 balls leave the yard in 150 innings at AAA, continuing a pattern that saw him yield 30 longballs in 171 innings the previous year. Perhaps there was a reason why Wheeler was only a 34th-round draft pick back in 1996. Doug Creek, lefty specialist, age 31 ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS Projection Tam 7.02 9 0 1 1 0 17 20 4 11 16 .299 .937 Prorated Tam 7.02 29 0 3 3 0 55 65 13 36 52 .299 .937 Actual Tam 4.60 45 0 1 3 1 61 49 10 39 73 .224 .758On the plus side, Creek did a wonderful job against lefties last year, holding them to a .170 batting average and striking out more than a batter per inning. But the negatives were just as pronounced -- almost six walks per nine innings and a .527 slugging average allowed to right-handed batters. That means his value is limited to being a situational lefty, and his hold on that job will continue to be tenuous unless he can find home plate a little more often. Maybe the new strike zone will help him out this year. Jim Morris, lefty specialist, age 36 ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS Projection Tam 6.57 53 0 2 4 0 49 61 11 33 33 .307 .957 Prorated Tam 6.57 11 0 0 1 0 10 12 2 7 7 .307 .957 Actual Tam 4.35 16 0 0 0 0 10 10 1 7 10 .250 .737Morris provided one of the great human-interest stories in baseball in 1999. Selected in the first round of the 1983 draft by the Brewers, Morris ran into arm problems and never made it out of A ball, pitching only 16 innings in his last four seasons before retiring at age 25. But he made it to the big leagues and pitched in a few more games last year. Tampa Bay released him after the season and the Dodgers picked him up, but Morris decided to re-retire a couple of weeks ago, saying that he really belonged back in the classroom. Mark Guthrie, lefty setup, age 34 ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS Projection ChN 4.60 53 0 3 4 0 72 76 12 31 55 .271 .813 Prorated ChN 4.60 14 0 1 1 0 19 20 3 8 14 .271 .813 Actual ChN 4.82 19 0 2 3 0 19 17 1 10 17 .258 .698 Prorated Tam 4.60 24 0 1 2 0 33 35 5 14 25 .271 .813 Actual Tam 4.50 34 0 1 1 0 32 33 4 18 26 .262 .743 Prorated Tor 4.60 15 0 1 1 0 20 21 3 9 15 .271 .813 Actual Tor 4.79 23 0 0 2 0 21 20 3 9 20 .263 .740 Prorated Tot 4.60 53 0 3 4 0 72 75 12 31 54 .271 .813 Actual Tot 4.67 76 0 3 6 0 71 70 8 37 63 .261 .731Guthrie was one of several players who appeared for three teams last year, and he gave each of his three managers a solid performance. He became a free agent after the season and signed a interesting two-year deal with Oakland that will pay him a lot more if he makes their starting rotation. Guthrie began his career as a starter with Minnesota but was converted to relief in his third season there. Since 1992, he has started only two games, both in 1995, so there's no recent history to go on when assessing his chances to move back into that role. One encouraging sign is that Guthrie has been almost equally effective against lefties and righties over the past five years. Starters with big platoon splits are vulnerable to opposing managers who can stack the lineup against them, but that shouldn't be a problem for Guthrie. Nevertheless, my guess is that he will wind up spending most of his time in the bullpen -- he hasn't been all that good in relief in recent years, so it's hard to see how his stuff will hold up as a starter. Jim Mecir, setup man, age 30 ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS Projection Tam 3.09 70 0 6 3 3 99 86 8 45 85 .236 .683 Prorated Tam 3.09 33 0 3 1 1 47 41 4 21 40 .236 .683 Actual Tam 3.08 38 0 7 2 1 50 35 2 22 33 .201 .540 Prorated Oak 3.09 26 0 2 1 1 36 31 3 16 31 .236 .683 Actual Oak 2.80 25 0 3 1 4 35 35 2 14 37 .255 .677 Prorated Tot 3.09 59 0 5 3 3 83 72 7 38 71 .236 .683 Actual Tot 2.96 63 0 10 3 5 85 70 4 36 70 .225 .600Mecir can point to the last round of expansion as the turning point in his career. Originally in the Seattle system, he was traded to the Yankees after the 1995 season in the deal that sent Tino Martinez and Jeff Nelson east for Sterling Hitchcock and Russ Davis. He didn't do much in New York (5.47 ERA in 74 innings over two seasons) before going to Boston as the player to be named in the 1997 Mike Stanley for Tony Armas deal. Red Sox GM Dan Duquette apparently had no plans to keep him around. Six weeks later, he exposed Mecir in the expansion draft and Tampa Bay snapped him up. Mecir became Tampa Bay's best middle reliever for two-plus seasons (though much of 1999 was wiped out by injury) before he was once again traded, this time to Oakland for hard-throwing pitching prospect Jesus Colome. Before moving back to the west coast, Mecir was putting together another fine season, holding enemy hitters to a .201 batting average, allowing only 2 of 21 inherited runners to score, and racking up 11 holds. With Oakland, he wasn't quite as good, but he did bring them some badly-needed bullpen depth for their successful stretch run. Over the past five years, Mecir (a right-hander) has been more effective against lefties than righties, so he can be used in all situations rather than being spotted against certain hitters. That makes him especially valuable. Rick White, setup man, age 31 ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS Projection Tam 5.13 23 0 2 3 0 47 56 5 16 31 .298 .806 Prorated Tam 5.13 33 0 3 4 0 67 79 7 23 44 .298 .806 Actual Tam 3.41 44 0 3 6 2 71 57 7 26 47 .220 .649 Prorated NYN 5.13 14 0 1 2 0 29 34 3 10 19 .298 .806 Actual NYN 3.81 22 0 2 3 1 28 26 2 12 20 .232 .663 Prorated Tot 5.13 47 0 4 6 0 96 114 10 32 63 .298 .806 Actual Tot 3.52 66 0 5 9 3 100 83 9 38 67 .224 .653White was one of the better middle relievers in the AL last year, but the Rays sent him to the Mets in the deal that brought Paul Wilson. If Wilson emerges as a decent-or-better starting pitcher, this is a big win for the Devil Rays even though they'll miss White in the bullpen this year. Before the trade, White allowed only 3 of 29 inherited runners to score and was terrific against right-handed batters, holding them to a .172 average and a .559 OPS. Lefties fared better, but even they were only at the league average. Roberto Hernandez, closer, age 35 ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS Projection Tam 3.22 70 0 5 5 33 73 67 5 37 62 .248 .686 Prorated Tam 3.22 70 0 5 5 33 73 67 5 37 62 .248 .686 Actual Tam 3.19 68 0 4 7 32 73 76 9 23 61 .272 .754Although his ERA was only a hair above his career average, this cannot be considered a good season by Hernandez' standards because he blew 8 saves in 40 chances and allowed 42% of inherited runners to score (the league average is 35%). Nevertheless, Hernandez continued to be one of the Devil Rays better players and cannot be blamed for their poor showing. After the season, he was a key part of that three-team deal among the Rays, Athletics and Royals. From KC's perspective, the deal was Johnny Damon for Hernandez, and even though Hernandez will be an asset in what has been a terrible Royals bullpen, it's hard to see how an aging closer provides adequate compensation for a player like Damon. Outlook The only major off-season move was the trade that sent Hernandez to KC and brought Ben Grieve from Oakland. As a result, the biggest differences between this group and the club that opened the season a year ago are the result of the moves they made during the 1999 season. The offense is likely to be a little better this year. Ben Grieve will be a big help, Steve Cox should play a little more, and they should get more out of the third base position, either because Castilla bounces back or Huff takes the job away from him. Super-prospect Josh Hamilton could be on the scene by season's end. But Tampa Bay didn't do much to improve a lineup that ranked a distant last in on-base percentage, so the rallies could be few and far between. The starting rotation could be much better. Rekar, Lopez and Wilson emerged as solid starters last year, and it's possible that Alvarez and Guzman could help out before too long. Though neither has pitched in a game yet this spring, both are expected to be ready by the end of April. But the bullpen could be a horror story with the departures of Guthrie, Mecir, White and Hernandez in the last eight months. It's very hard to see who's going to fill their shoes in the coming season. So it looks like another long year for Devil Rays fans. There are some good prospects in the pipeline, but it could be 2-3 years before this organization begins to make a big move in the right direction. Projections and text: Copyright © 2000-2001. Diamond Mind, Inc. All rights reserved. Actual 2000 statistics: Copyright © 2000. STATS, Inc. All rights reserved.  Send this story to a friend | Most sent stories | Diamond Mind reports | ||||