Collegiate Times

Who saw the Rays coming last year?

They had been quietly acquiring young talent for years, quietly assembling one of the strongest pitching rotations in the major leagues, quietly setting up a World Series run. Well, they won't sneak up on anyone this season.

There's no doubt the Rays will be a great team again and will be right in the thick of the American League East race come fall. So, who out there could make a run like the Rays? After observing the early part of the season, there is another team, off to a scorching 11-2 start, that looks eerily similar.

Major League Baseball, say hello the 2009 Florida Marlins.

The Division

The National League East is becoming more and more like its AL twin each year. Two heavyweights slugging it out at the top each year (Phillies and Mets - who, coincidentally, are also from New York), a balanced team that could be very competitive in any other division in their league (Blue Jays and Braves), a young team (the Rays and Marlins, both with very highly ranked farm systems) and the annual bottom-dwellers (sorry Orioles and Nats fans). Both divisions are considered the most competitive within their league; both are on the East Coast. Heck, both the teams are in the state of Florida.

The Rotation

The staff of Scott Kazmir, James Shields, Andy Sonnanstine and Matt Garza was one of the best in the bigs last year. Even fifth starter Edwin Jackson had a career year, posting 14 wins. The Rays were able to ride their strong starting pitching through several injuries to the top of the AL East, and the Marlins could do the same. Ricky Nolasco proved last year that he's the team ace, but comeback kid Josh Johnson might compete with him for that title this year. After returning from Tommy John elbow surgery, Johnson went 7-1 in 14 starts for Florida and is currently 2-0 this year. Another one to look out for is Chris Volstad. The young right-hander, standing at 6-foot-8, showed some serious promise in his first season in the majors last year, posting a 6-4 record with a stout 2.88 ERA in 14 starts. Anibal Sanchez is another pitcher with potential if he can stay healthy. It's easy to forget that this was the same kid who threw a no-hitter back in 2006. Shoulder issues have hampered him, but he finally seems ready to get back to pitching on a consistent basis.

The Slugger

Dan Uggla and Carlos Pena have a lot in common. Both hit around the .250 range, both strike out a lot and both knock the tar out of the ball whenever they make contact. Sure, Uggla may not be the greatest fielder ever to take to the field in Dolphin Stadium, but he makes pitchers sweat when he steps up to the plate. His slugging percentage was a ridiculous .514 last season - third among second basemen.

The Rookie

So maybe Cameron Maybin won't be as great as Evan Longoria was his first season (hitting .194 so far), but give this guy a chance. In eight September games last season, the speedster swiped four bags and hit .500. He swings a lot, but plate discipline will come with time, as he's shown a vast improvement during spring training. While Maybin may not have the kind of immediate impact Longoria did on the lineup, he'll be a spark plug hitting near the top of the order. Plus, with Hanley Ramirez a mere two batters away, he'll get plenty of chances to score runs.

The All-Star

Carl Crawford had been the Rays' lone star prior to the 2008 campaign, making two All-Star game appearances. Hanley Ramirez is not only the Marlins' best player; he's the most talented player in the game ... bar none. He's not the greatest player - that title goes to Albert Pujols - but no other player has as much pure talent as Hanley. He's the epitome of a five-tool stud and has a better chance then any to reach the 40-40 mark every season. He's quick, crushes the ball and is a Gold Glove-caliber fielder. He's the type of player franchises are built around.

Well there you go. Enough similarities to convince you? Maybe not, but don't be surprised if you see the Marlins playing in October.