April 1, 2000 baseballhistorian.com - Internet News Services

1999 Season Tampa Bay Devil Rays

AL East Record 69-93

2000 Season: Predicted to move up in the standings and possibly win a wild-card berth.

Manager - Larry Rothschild.

Starting Pitching Rotation: Steve Trachsel RH, Ryan Rupe RH, Esteban Uan RH, Dan Wheeler RH and Juan Guzman RH.

Meat Of The Batting Order, 3-4-5 hitters: Jose Canseco Fred McGriff and Greg Vaughn. Bullpen Closer: Roberto Hernandez New Century - Looking Good: The Tampa Bay Devil Rays are loaded with home run sluggers, in a hitter-friendly ballpark, and rate as the most improved team in the American League for 2000.

Although newly acquired Vinny Castilla and veteran pitcher Wilson Alvarez will open the season on the DL, the Rays' fans will focus on the big bats of Canseco, McGriff, and Vaughn along with the pitching of Ryan Rupe and Steve Trachsel. The Devil Rays lost so many 10-9 games in '99 but now seem to have the bullpen stuff that will turn it all-around in 2000.

Joining Roberto Hernandez, one of the best relievers in baseball, are Abie Lopez, Rick White and Bryan Reker. Bubba Trammell a top-of-the line outfielder and infielders Kevin Stocker, Miguel Cairo, Bobby Smith, Randy Winn and Tony Graffanino should highlight a fan pleasing Tampa Bay franchise in 2000. All-in-all this Devil Rays' team, with their elite home run sluggers, will find a way to sting their opponents and have 'Fun in the Sun' in 2000.

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