Finally time to get really excited about the Rays? I think so.

Only 6 days until the season starts and well.. I think there is a lot to be excited about if you are a Rays fan.  Sure the Rays were playing really poorly in the early goings of the Spring with the exception of the pitching but on the 20th of this month, the time when the Rays were supposed to be starting to pay more attention to winning and well, the results have been very promising:

In last 8 games, Rays are 6-1-1.

They've out scored their opponents 58-21.
They've out hit their opponents 92-64.

Some of the hitting has been overdue but a big wonder is, is the scoring and the winning due to Maddon's attempt to make the Rays lineup more like an NL lineup?  

I think Maddon's lineup should not be overlooked as if the Rays continue with it and play small ball very agressively then I think with the Rays hitting and speed they can put enormous pressure on the other teams defense and  hopefully quickly get a 1 or 2 run leads early on.  This early Rays lead can then put more pressure on the other teams offense to score runs which will hopefully lead to the other team's offense pressing too much and being overly aggressive which will help out our young pitchers.  Obviously key to this whole strategy is the Rays ability to continue to tack on additional runs and the Rays bullpen being able to hold the leads.  I know, lots of IFs but still, I see some promise.

As for the Rays pitching:  If you look at the Rays Spring Training pitching stats, well they are looking pretty good.  Most of the big innings that the Rays have given up are either attributed to Kazmir tinkering (which I think we all know he will be fine), Dohmann, Glover, Micelli, and McClung.  Take out Kazmir tinkering and the fact that many of those who have been blown up this spring will not start the season with the Rays and the Rays' arms are looking strong.   A quick look at Rays starters stats as of 3/26:

Kazmir   13.2 innings 7.24era 12Ks 3HRs
Shields  24.1 innings 2.96era 25Ks 0HRs
J Seo    16.0 innings 1.69era  6Ks 0HRs
Fossum    7.2 innings 1.17era  5Ks 0HRs
Jackson  14.2 innings 1.84era 13Ks 0HRs

Note:  Shields 25Ks thru 6 starts is a Rays Spring Training Record.

I know its only Spring but 0 HRs by the non-Kazmir starters is great and hopefully this is a sign of the new focus of getting ahead of hitters by throwing 2 strikes for every 3 pitches.

How do the Rays Spring pitching numbers match up to other MLB teams?  As of right now (3/26), the Rays are keeping some great company:

1. St Louis  2.39 ERA
   
2. Yankees   3.06 ERA
   
3. Baltimore 3.18 ERA
   
4. Boston    3.47 ERA
   
5. Indians   3.90 ERA
   
6. Reds      3.98 ERA
   
7. Tigers    4.13 ERA
   
8. D Rays    4.17 ERA
   
9. Blue Jays 4.21 ERA
   
10. Marlins   4.32 ERA
    
11. Dodgers   4.34 ERA
    
12. Mets      4.41 ERA
    
13. Twins     4.50 ERA

Anyway, I know its only spring but if..

.. the Rays pitching has improved
.. the offense returns to 05 form and plays small ball aggressively
.. the defense has improved (improved depth plus acquisition of Aki)
.. and finally, the bullpen has been improved (those not worthy like McClung let go or sent to AAA)

Well I only have to conclude that this team is going to suprise quite a few folks this season and I cannot wait (and Saint Petersburg will never be the same)!  Go Rays!!