MLB Season Predictions – Tampa Bay Rays Regular Season Win Totals

With a total team payroll equal to that of just a handful of New York Yankees, the Tampa Bay Rays have managed to put together a successful ballclub, reaching the World Series and winning the tough American League East twice in just the last five years.

The regular season win total for the Rays’ 2011 season is set at 84.5 games.

Regular Season Wins:

Over 84.5 +105

Under 84.5 -135

Finishing last season at 96-66, the Rays have made big changes during the offseason. Over 80 percent of the pitching staff that led the Rays to the 2008 World Series is now gone. Tampa Bay now relies on James Shield, the only starter left from the 2008 team, as well as David Price and Jeremy Hellickson, the 2010 Minor League Player of the Year, to form the starting rotation.

However, the bullpen is very weak as the team lost many of its relief pitchers.

On the other side of the ball, the Rays added Johnny Damon and Manny Ramirez to strengthen their line-up. The key to winning games this season will be if Damon and Ramirez can make a difference.

An important statistic for the Rays is their efficient base running. Last season, 31.8 percent of all Tampa Bay base runners scored, igniting their otherwise sluggish offense.

The Rays will need to put together consistency in their pitching game to match the stronger bats. Although not likely to win the American League East this season against the Red Sox or Yankees, the Rays can hope for a Wild Card berth if they can put together enough wins.

After a successful 2010 campaign, I expect the Rays to go well over .500 again this season, so the best MLB prediction is to take the Over with Tampa Bay!

MLB Season Predictions – Bet the Over 84.5 wins on the season with the Rays!