Looking forward to next season (because I can't stomach watching the Yankees in the post-season), I was trying to figure out next season's starting defensive lineup and came up with a lineup that builds on what started in 2008.

1b - Pena
2b - Zobrist
3b - Longoria
SS - Bartlett
LF - Carl Crawford
CF - Fernando Perez
RF - Matt Joyce
C - Zaun (if the Rays pick up the option)

Personally, I'm through with the Upton and Navarro projects. B.J. has tons of upside, but the negatives outweigh it and he'd make great trade bait for arms or a catcher. Navarro is what you saw this year... mediocre at best.

I'd like to see Gross stay put as a utility OF, but Kapler and Aybar can move on. There is plenty of talent in the pipeline and on the bench to replace both.

If money is an issue with this franchise, I'd sure hope Pat Burrell finds a new home or produces as advertised finally (the Rays payed Burrell $500,000 per homerun this year). Either way, a right-handed power hitter would be nice...

I agree that the Rays need to go in a new direction with catcher, but Upton is so underrated as a defender.  His low batting average this year may have been due to injury, or mental issues, but even if he is a lifetime 220 hitter, his defense is worth it.  He stops way more runs from scoring than anybody else the team could put in there and there are other guys who could step up as a hitter.  It is do frustrating to see so many fans who ignore the importance of defense to see a few more runs scored.  Defense and pitching wins championships, not a 330 hitter!!!!

point taken and i don't disagree, i'm just sick of watching BJ dog it.