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Roger Mooney

Roger Mooney covers the Tampa Bay Rays for The Tampa Tribune, TBO.com and News Channel 8. He has covered the Rays since their first season in 1998, including 11 years for the Bradenton Herald. Roger has also covered Florida, South Florida and Florida State football, the Bucs and the Lightning.

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For optimism, see Longoria

Posted Feb 23, 2010 by Tribune Sports

Updated Feb 23, 2010 at 07:39 PM

PORT CHARLOTTE—Evan Longoria believes the Rays took a “huge” step forward by adding closer Rafael Soriano and he thinks they have the best starting rotation “anybody can put together” and that they’ll benefit offensively from rebound years by B.J. Upton and Pat Burrell.

Gushing with spring optimism in his first group media chat today, the All-Star and Gold Glove third baseman sounded like he expects the Rays to return to the playoff mix this season.

“We probably said this last year coming into the spring, but this year, definitely, with the names and stars we have, it’s the best team we’ve put on the field,” Longoria said on the eve of the club’s first full-squad workout Wednesday.

Longoria said the addition of Soriano, who saved 27 games last year for the Braves, will take pressure off the rest of the bullpen and “puts the threat in other teams’ minds that we have a closer that’s going to be able come in and save games for us.”

About a starting rotation that will be comprised of five pitchers 28 or younger, Longoria said “they might not be the marquee names of Major League Baseball, but I mean, stuff-wise and mentally … they’re the best there is in this game.”

Longoria exceeded his 2008 AL Rookie of the Year performance in almost every offensive category last season, hitting .281 with 33 home runs, 44 doubles and 113 RBIs.
Asked how he feels about this year’s projected lineup, he said the potential has “never been a question” in his mind.

“I’m happy (last) year is over for Pat and B.J., because I think those guys are hungrier than ever to prove what they can do,” Longoria said. “I truly believe those two had fluke years. Both are unbelievable hitters.”

- Tony Fabrizio