2010 Fantasy outlooks: Tampa Bay Rays

There has been a lot to like about the Rays system top to bottom the past few years and it shouldn't stop. It promises to get exponentially better.

They boast a strong young rotation that could match up with anyone in baseball and have a bunch of hitters that still haven't reached their physical peak. The addition of anticipated closer Rafael Soriano shouldn't go unnoticed either.

If pitching wins, particularly young pitching, the Rays are going to be a lot closer to their 2008 pennant-winning form than their disappointing 2009. David Price is still very wet behind the ears as a pro, much less as a major leaguer and Fantasy gem. Wade Davis could be a favorite for AL Rookie of the Year, while some big-time prospects in Jeremy Hellickson, Desmond Jennings, Jake McGee and Reid Brignac will either be midseason catalysts or trade bait.

They aren't loaded like the Yankees or Red Sox with big-ticket guys, but we learned in 2008 that tends to turn on a dime. Tampa Bay isn't deep in the pockets, but they're deep in the prospects.

This is a wealth of resources for Fantasy owners in all leagues, perhaps even more than those large market clubs since the Rays still have yet to maximize their potential.

Breakout: B.J. Upton, OF

Hopefully we won't have to pick him here again. Upton has shown immense first-round-type potential from time to time, posting career highs in the Rotisserie categories of .300 average, 24 homers, 82 RBI, 86 runs and 44 steals. He also was the beast of the 2008 postseason before having shoulder surgery that sapped more than just his power last season. Still just 25 years old, Upton could finally put it all together this season. The fact he is coming off such a bad season could trump the fact he is one of the most-hyped young players in Fantasy, making him a relative bargain in the middle rounds on Draft Day.

Bust: Ben Zobrist, 2B/OF

It is usually bad form to look at a 27-year-old breakout from a year ago and project him as a bust for the upcoming season. We will try to do it here. With position versatility, pop, steals, a high average, a high on-base percentage, Zobrist was a big-time Fantasy MVP in 2009, especially since he was a waiver pick-up in so many leagues. Now all that goobly goodness will be highly, highly sought on Draft Day. The hype is definitely warranted since it was a great year and he is in his prime. If he gets placed in the elite range of picks, though, you might be disappointed. Zobrist has good pop, but those expecting 27-plus homers could be disappointed. Heck, he had just 23 career homers in 1,336 minor league at-bats. Also, his steals were out of character. He didn't steal 17 bases in any one stop in the minor leagues. There is a lot to like about Zobrist, but just be wary of overrating one huge breakout year right away -- Josh Hamilton and Carlos Quentin-style.

Sleeper: Sean Rodriguez, 2B

Rodriguez might not look like much now -- unless you like to stare at Triple-A stats -- but he is this year's Zobrist in our eyes. He hit 29 homers in 365 at-bats in the minors last year, which could make him a huge sleeper if he forces Zobrist to right field out of spring training. Rodriguez won't be draftable in mixed leagues without a roster spot, much less a starting job, but we have a feeling he is going to be owned in all leagues by the time 2010 reaches the stretch run. If you don't stash him, watch him closely in spring training and the first part of the season.

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