The Rays play in a dome.  I don’t care where you are located or how good your team is.  If you play in a non-retractable dome, you are playing in an environment in which the game of baseball was not meant to be played.

The Rays play in St. Petersburg.  It’s not Tampa Bay and it’s home to 109,665 households according to a 2007 consensus.  The median income for a household in the city was $34,597.  In these tough economic times, how can a family afford to come to a seasons worth of games especially when most games are broadcast on tv.

Think of a baseball team much like a rock band.  Fans of rock bands can be extremely loyal, but before pledging allegiance to a band one must enjoy the music the band plays.  Since the conception of the Rays (or Devil Rays before 2008) the organization, until this season, has never won more than 70 games while losing more than 100 three times an 99 twice.  Bottom line, the Rays have not build a following during their first 9 years in the league.   The fans simply have not enjoyed the product that has been put on the field.  Though now they are in a position to win the AL East, years of finishing in last have taken their toll on potential fans. 

I think fans should show up!  But I am a diehard baseball fan and I understand that not everyone follows the game like I do.  I will go watch a team in spring training just to see the prospects.  I will support a team even if times are tough.  That’s the way I feel about the game.  However, I know that some people enjoy the game from a different perspective.  Some people are causal fans.  And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.  Sports thrive on the causal fan.  People have things to do.  They work and raise kids and watch football and go to the beach.  It’s these fans that are choosing to stay home and watch from there new HD TV that they saved up to buy.  From bizjournals.com:

Overall, as the Rays work toward by far the team’s best record in franchise history, ratings on FSN Florida for the 33 Tampa Bay games it aired are up 36 percent over 2007.

I’ll say one thing though.  If the Rays do not sell out any one playoff game it’s time to seriously look at the market.  The thing about the Rays is their organization is peaking at the right time.  The Yankees are in a mini rebuilding process, the Red Sox are showing their age and the Orioles and Blue Jays are still well behind when it comes to their pitching.  As of 2008 the Rays organization is set up for a run of competitive seasons as long as management is willing to spend a few extra bucks here and there.  If the Rays sustain success and eventually move out of the dome, the people will come.  They most certainly will come.

 Adrian Beltre was told he needs surgery for a torn ligament in his left thumb, but he intends to keep playing for now.

It was recommended that he undergo the surgery right away in an effort to guarantee that he’d be ready for 2009. However, he could wait the extra 2 1/2 weeks and still would likely be 100 percent for spring training. “I’m debating,” he said. “What I really want to do is finish the year, then do it. Everyone’s against me, and wanting me me to do it before then. I don’t really want to. I truly want to finish the season, but I don’t think it’s going to happen. I’m debating when to do it. I want to have enough timne to be 100 percent sure I’m going to be 100 percent by spring training. If I finish the season, it would be a really tight schedule to have surgery and be ready. It would take me to January and February. That’s cutting it too close. I’m not really sure what to do yet.” Sep. 11 – 8:45 pm et

This is a very tough for those in head to head leagues.  I for one would not plan on having Beltre for next week.  There is really no reason for him to play out the season for a last place team if it will affect his 2009 preparation.  The Mariners will most likely push Beltre to have surgery asap so he can be ready for spring training.  Here are some possible free agents to target:

Brandon Wood LAA – Wood strikes out a lot, but lately has shown flashes of his prodigious power showcaed in the minors.  With the rash of Halo middle infield injuries, Wood has been playing everyday.

Marco Scutaro TOR – Last three games 2-4, 3-4, 3-4 with an RBI in each.  He’s always been a useful utility guy, but now he’s playing everyday.

Pablo Sandoval SF – Also eligible at C and 1B, Sandoval has maintained a .326 AVG with 2 HR and 14 RBI in 95 AB’s

Dropkick Murphys bagpiper Scruffy Wallace tries to catch a Mike Lowell pop fly

Kelly Johnson ATL – Johnson has struggled with injury and inconsistancy this season, but has come on lately hitting .311 with 13 RBI over the last month.  He seems to be finding a groove and should find his power stroke before too long.

Felipe Lopez STL – Since arriving in St Louis, Lopez has been playing full time and has responded with a productive few weeks.  With an AVG at .403 and 2 HR’s and 2 SB’s, Lopez seems to be locked in and looking like the player he was with Cincinnati a few years back.

Freddy Sanchez PIT – Two seasons removed from a batting title, Sanchez was turning in a nice second half in AVG with no power or RBI until he left yesterday’s game with blurred vision.  Keep updated on his status, but if you can do without power, Sanchez is your guy.

The only good news here is that he’ll have a full offseason workout program.  This injury should not affect Kinsler’s 2009 standing.

1. Hanley Ramirez SS FLA- The only category he is lacking in 2008 is RBI.  A move to the 3 hole would help, but as good as Hanley has been (Should end up at .290 30+HR 30+SB 100+R) he’s only 25 andjust now entering the prime of his career.  He’s got the most upside of any player in the first round to be a 5 category stud.

2. Matt Holiday OF COL- I knew the guy could steal a few bases, but now Holliday is knocking on the door of 30/30 and he missed a couple weeks due to injury.  Still only 29 at the beginning of the 09 season, Holiday’s high AVG/power/speed combo makes him a legit 5 category stud.  If he’s traded in the offseason and to what team could change his status.

3. Alex Rodriguez 3B NYY- Coming off a monster 2007, A-Rod has disappointed as the number one overall in most drafts in 2008.  Even taking away the short time on the DL, A-Rod hasn’t been 07-like, but still remains a top tier hitter.  Let’s face the facts.  A-Rod is 33 (34 next July) typically these years (non-steroids era) are the front to middle end of a players decline.  However, A-Rod is not your typical player and should continue a .300 30-40 HR 100 RBI 15 SB pace for the next couple years.

4. Jose Reyes SS NYM- He’s Hanley without the power, though it is just a matter of time till Reyes cracks the 20 HR mark.  He’s shown he can hit for power (19 in 2006) and his 50-80 SB potential makes his value skyrocket.  Also entering his prime years, if Reyes continues to improve his OBP, he’s a guy who could single handedly dominate the SB category while making great contributions in all other categories. 

5. Ryan Braun OF MIL- Just think A-Rod in his prime with a few less HR and SB.  Yea, that’s how good Braun can be.  If he can avoid small nagging injuries .300/45/120/15 is a reality if not more.  How anyone could rank Chase Utley and Lance Berkman ahead of Braun is beyond me (I’ll get to them later).

6. Albert Pujols 1B STL- What bad elbow?  Though it remains a concern, Pujols has played as though nothing is wrong in 2008.  There isn’t anything I can say about this guy except that he doesn’t stead many bases.  That’s no cause for complaint, but unless he hits .350 again it keeps him behind the 5 category guys listed above.

7. David Wright 3B NYM – Wright’s numbers are down from a year ago, but that shouldn’t scare you away from taking him high in 2009.  Entering the peak years of his prime, Wright has shown the base of what he’s capable of (.325/30/107/34 in 2007).  His power seems to be in the 30 HR range, but it’s the AVG and SB that can make him a true stud.  I think 2009 will be a nice “bounce back” season fantasy wise for Wright.

8. Grady Sizemore OF CLE- The only thing keeping Sizemore out of the top 5 is his low AVG.  Entering 2009 at the magical age of 27, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Sizemore get even better to the tune of .280/40/40.

9. Miguel Cabrera 3B,1B DET- When all is said and done Cabrera’s numbers will be close to his career line minus the AVG and runs.  With a full season in the AL behind him and the hope that Jim Leyland will get a clue and move him to the 3 spot, all numbers should return to pre-2008 with room for more.  Cabrera is still only 25. 

10.  Chase Utley 2B PHI- Though Utley has really come down to earth after the all-star break, he’s still the .300/30/100/15 guy we thought he’d be.  Look for more of the same in 2009.

11. Ian Kinsler 2B TEX- This guy has the talent and if he can stay healthy for a full season he’d be ranked much higher.  The another question I have about Kinsler is the high AVG this season. Kinsler may be more of a .290 hitter, but his potential power/speed combo is unquestionable.  Guess what, he’s 26 and getting better.

12. Tim Lincecum SP SF – I don’t like taking pitchers early, but this guy is amazing.  look at his stats compared to Johan Santana:

You’ll notice several omissions that have had huge seasons in 2008.  Here’s why.

Lance Berkman – I don’t expect the SB to return (0 since all-star break).  I don’t expect the AVG to be higher than .310 (career AVG of .304).  He’s 33 in 2009.  He’s a very nice 2nd round pick. 

Carlos Quentin- There is no debating his 2008 numbers.  He’s young, he plays in a good ballpark andhits in a good lineup.  I just need to see him do it again.  If he does, the first round will be waiting in 2010.

Josh Hamilton – I love the story and the power, but he has shown fatigue late in the season.  Again a solid early 2nd round pick.

Carlos Lee- That’s how good the first round is next year.  Mr. Consistent is pushed to the 2nd round because of all the potential of the players in round one.

Carl Crawford- We keep waiting for his big year.  I’ll take a flyer on a few other guys in 2008 before I go after Crawford in round one.

Jimmy Rollins – I thought he was a bit overrated coming into 2008, but he’s not this bad.  Look for .290/20/35 in 2009.

Johan Santana- Still a top tier pitcher.  I typically don’t like taking pitchers in round one because as we see in 2008, wins can dependant on team performance (Johan should have more than 12 and Lincecum should have 5 or 6 more wins).

CC Sabathia – No doubt this guy has been amazing since joining the Brewers.  I just want to see where he ends up in the off season.  If he sticks to the NL, I might move him above Lincecum.