As many of us have known for a while, the Rays have a chance to make 2012 the year they contend for a World Series. Andrew Friedman, as he typically does, has remained humble about the new-found attention. The Rays have always been winning as underdogs. Nobody has expected it when the Rays have a big year.

This season is a bit different. Nobody will be surprised if the Rays contend. They have had a big offseason, filling all of their big voids and adding pop to the lineup. Add that to the great starting rotation and the Rays have something going. Friedman does not want us to get ahead of ourselves, saying that the Rays play in a tough division, but we all know the Rays will contend in 2012.

Rays News and Notes

• Marc Topkin of theTampa Bay Times wrote an interesting article on the Rays payroll boost for 2012. Stu Sternberg opened his checkbook, allowing the Rays to add to the team without trading anybody, specifically the starting pitchers.
• Another day, another Jose Molina article. The Times has an article out on Molina’s hopes to become the front-line catcher for 2012. He has never really done that before, but the Rays will need him to step up, considering his inexperienced backups Robinson Chirinos and Jose Lobaton.
• Two smaller notes from Marc Topkin. Single game tickets will go on sale February 25th, so start planning the games you want to see. Also, yesterday’s Fan Fest was a big success, drawing 25,000 and raising $100,000 for charity.
• We will end on a non-Rays related note. In case you haven’t seen this already, the Yankees traded A.J. Burnett to the Pirates for prospects. The deal will become official tomorrow.