First of all, they are going to have to get even better pitching than last year. The Rays are in the same division with the retooled and powerful New York Yankees, as well as the Boston Red Sox. Additionally, the Baltimore Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays are no pushovers anymore as both have strengthened their chances. The competition is the one thing that has changed for the Rays, and they must improve with it.

The Rays are largely the same team that took the field last year, with one important addition of note. They now have slugger Pat Burrell to take over the DH duties and his power and presence should pay dividends. The one catch with Burrell is that he strikes out far too often, and he does not hit for any average at all to speak of. What Burrell does do, however, is hit Home Runs and drive home runners. The slugger will be a potent force for the Rays in the 2009 season.

Carl Crawford is another key ingredient for the Rays. He has just not been the same the last couple of years, and the Rays could really use him getting back to the player he was a couple years ago. He still has the speed, and gets the stolen bases, but he has the talent to be so much more. You have to know that Crawford is due to break out soon. He is just too talented not to.

Evan Longoria provided one of the more memorable rookie seasons in MLB history last year, and this year he will need to avoid the sophomore slump. This year will be the year that he might struggle if he is going to. With the natural ability he possesses, this is highly unlikely. I expect that Longoria will be even better with Burrell in the lineup. Also the loss of Rocco Baldelli will demand that Longoria produce even more. Baldelli was hurt a lot, but when he was in he was a force to be sure.

The Rays are in prime position to repeat last seasons World Series run, and if the cards fall right, they could even improve and win it. The keys are going to be pitching, and the continued growth of their young players. If these things come together, the Rays might find themselves back in the Fall Classic and continuing their rise to the top of the baseball world.

Many experts in the industry believe that Toronto general manager J.P. Ricciardi’s comments last summer about Dunn’s supposed lack of motivation have stuck as fact with many front offices. Throughout the process, Dunn has stayed composed and said he just wants a fair contract.

Last week, Dunn said his first preference was to play for the Cubs and Jim Hendry confirmed that his team had interest in the slugger. On Monday, the Dodgers and general manager Ned Colletti said they were interested in Dunn. A source close to Dunn said that he would choose the Dodgers over any other offer.

Of course, the Dodger’s sudden interest in Dunn could be a move to leverage a smaller contract out of Manny Ramirez. Ramirez is well aware that should the Dodgers sign Dunn, his market would almost completely evaporate. Colletti made a point to say that the team was interested in Dunn and Bobby Abreu as well as Ramirez.

Whatever the Dodgers’ motivations, the market for Dunn has suddenly sprung to life. Late Monday, word from Tampa Bay was that the Rays were considering offers to Dunn and slugger Pat Burrell to become their new designated hitter.

So it appears, despite the best efforts of leaders within the industry, that Adam Dunn will get a multiyear contract after all.

Where he eventually signs is up in the air. The Cubs are an excellent fit. Dunn can roam left field for a year until Derrick Lee’s contract expires, when he can move over to first base. The Cubs have long needed a left handed bat and someone who can get on base. Dunn would slot in nicely in the fourth or fifth spot in the order. We say the Cubs remain the favorite to sign Dunn.

The Dodgers aren’t as good a match. They have one open spot in the outfield if they bypass Ramirez, but first base is essentially blocked by James Loney. Dunn profiles best as a firstbaseman, especially as he enters his thirties.

Teams that have yet to express interest but would be good fits for Dunn include the San Francisco Giants, the Baltimore Orioles and the Washington Nationals. The Nats, with Dunn’s former general manager Jim Bowden, could desperately use a power bat like Dunn’s. The question is; will the Nationals’ ownership spend the money to make it happen.

At any rate, the market for Dunn is taking shape and the big man can be expected to sign by mid-January.

Sabathia, a 6’7” lefthander, gives the Bronx Bombers the ace they’ve been looking for. The Yankees sealed the deal by increasing their offer to $161 million over seven years and adding an opt-out clause after the third year. That provides Sabathia with a chance to leave if things don’t work out in New York and, more likely, a chance to extend the deal for more money in 2012.

Meanwhile, the Mets, owners of one of the major’s worst bullpens in 2008, added free agent closer Francisco “K-Rod” Rodriguez. The Amazins inked Rodriguez to a three-year deal worth about $37 million with a vesting option for a fourth year. Mets GM Omar Minaya didn’t stop there. On Wednesday, he traded Aaron Heilman, Joe Smith, Endy Chavez and three prospects in a three-team deal for Seattle Mariners closer J.J. Putz. Putz and Rodriguez give the Mets a lethal back end of the bullpen.

Some of the more notable names that didn’t sign include sluggers Mark Teixeira and Manny Ramirez and pitchers Derek Lowe and A.J. Burnett.

The market for Ramirez is remarkably low. The Dodgers, his former team, don’t seem inclined to offer any more than the two-year deal they have on the table. Ramirez is seeking at least four years and preferably five. Latest word is that the Los Angeles Angels may make a two-year offer worth about $50 million if they lose Teixeira.

Teixeira, on the other hand, has several suitors. The Washington Nationals have reportedly offered $180 million over eight years while the Baltimore Orioles and Angels have offered lucrative five-year contracts. Still, most experts believe “Big Tex” is heading for Fenway Park and the Boston Red Sox. No word on a firm offer from Boston is available, but the team has been in contact with Teixeira’s agent, Scott Boras.

AJ Burnett, a hard-throwing but often injured righthander, has offers on the table from the Yankees and the Atlanta Braves. Both deals are for five years and around $85 million. Look for Burnett to be signed to a deal in the next couple days, with the Yankees as the frontrunner.

Lowe has now become the hottest commodity among pitchers with at least five teams – including the Yankees, Red Sox, Mets, Phillies and Braves – looking into signing him. Lowe is known for his durability and excellent sinking fastball.

Other free agents on the market include Adam Dunn, Raul Ibanez, Randy Wolf and Rafael Furcal.

Dunn, who averages 40 home runs and 180 strikeouts a year, has drawn interest from just a couple teams. Many believe the Washington Nationals will make a strong push to add the slugger to their roster.

Furcal has several teams vying for his services, including the Oakland A’s, Kansas City Royals and Atlanta Braves.

Ibanez has been linked the Mets, Phillies and Angels, while Wolf has yet to receive any firm offers.

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