The Evan question

By the end of the day, we may know whether phenom Evan Longoria will join the team in Baltimore for Opening Day, or whether he is off to Triple A.

Whatever the Rays decide, don't look too much into it. Keeping him in the minor leagues may save the Rays some money in the future, sure. But seriously - what will it hurt giving the kid a few more minor league at-bats?

The Rays aren't a playoff team. They're hoping to win between 80 and 84 games this season. So being sans Longoria for a few weeks won't cost them the wild card or the American League East title.

Would it be exciting to see him start the year at third base for the big club? Sure. But if he doesn't, don't think the new regime isn't about winning. They cleansed the clubhouse by getting rid of Elijah Dukes and Delmon Young and bringing in Troy Percival and Cliff Floyd. They upgraded the rotation by bringing in Matt Garza, and bolstered the infield by picking up Jason Bartlett.

They threw money at Carlos Pena, James Shields and Scott Kazmir.

If I'm a Rays fan, I'm prety excited - whether Longoria is in Baltimore or not.