The Rays thought spring training would go better -- and be less painful -- than it did. After projecting a relatively smooth spring and expecting to make only a few minor decisions, they instead are going to the final week without knowing who will play right field or third base, how their bench will be constructed and who will fill the final spots in their bullpen. Plus they don't know how long ace LHP Scott Kazmir or OF Rocco Baldelli will be out.

ROTATION:

1. RHP James Shields

2. RHP Matt Garza

3. RHP Andy Sonnanstine

4. RHP Jason Hammel

5. RHP Edwin Jackson

The biggest question about their rotation is how long LHP Scott Kazmir will be on the DL. With him back, the Rays believe that with the addition of Garza they have quite a trio -- three potential frontline starters all under 27. But with Kazmir out, Shields and Garza have to step up in class, Andy Sonnanstine is in the No. 3 slot and incumbents Edwin Jackson and Jason Hammel, who were both out of options so they were going to be on the team anyway, fill the back end, with a considerable dropoff. One thing of interest is that manager Joe Maddon said the back-end pitchers will be on a shorter leash, and with RHP Jeff Niemann at Class AAA and LHP David Price in the system, the Rays might not wait long to make a change.

BULLPEN:

RHP Troy Percival (closer)

RHP Al Reyes

RHP Dan Wheeler

RHP Gary Glover

LHP Trever Miller

LHP J.P. Howell

RHP Scott Dohmann or RHP Grant Balfour

The bullpen can only get better after a horrendous 2007 performance, and the signings of Percival and Miller, plus a full season from Wheeler and lesser responsibility for Reyes, should all help. But all are older and more prone to injuries, so that needed improvement is far from assured.

Howell and the Balfour/Dohmann winner are the success stories of spring, having pitched their way into jobs. Manager Joe Maddon is confident Howell, who has been inconsistent as a starter, is better suited to the long relief role.

LINEUP:

1. 2B Akinori Iwamura

2. LF Carl Crawford

3. 1B Carlos Pena

4. CF B.J. Upton

5. DH Cliff Floyd

6. RF Jonny Gomes

7. 3B Willy Aybar

8. C Dioner Navarro

9. SS Jason Bartlett

The Rays are confident they have the pieces for a dynamic offense, though they also have a few uncertainties. Until 3B prospect Evan Longoria gets a chance to play every day, they are going to fill in at third with utility man Willy Aybar, and they are seeking a left-handed bat to platoon with Jonny Gomes in right field.

Manager Joe Maddon plans to stick with his unorthodox lineup of batting three left-handers at the top, convinced that the protection provided by B.J. Upton is a big reason Carlos Pena had the success he did. Maddon also likes the idea of speed at the bottom, which is why he will use Bartlett there and Navarro eighth. Iwamura seems to have handled the move from third base to second well.

RESERVES:

C Shawn Riggans

INF Ben Zobrist or Elliot Johnson

INF Joel Guzman

OF Eric Hinske

The Rays went into the final week of spring with their bench unsettled. If Ben Zobrist's fractured left thumb is healed, he could be ready for Opening Day, but he seems more likely to be on the DL with Johnson making his debut. Guzman has not had an impressive spring, but until 3B prospect Evan Longoria is deemed ready for the majors, they need him to fill a utility role that eventually will go to Aybar.

Hinske is something of a last resort; the Rays are expected to scour waiver-wire and trade options seeking a left-handed hitter who can platoon in right field as well as provide backup in center. Riggans, 27, is at the point where the Rays need to know if he can play in the big leagues, even on a backup basis.

ROOKIE WATCH: Even if he spends the first month or two in the minors, 3B Evan Longoria is expected to be one of the league's top rookies. With his ability to hit for power and average plus his smooth defense, he could challenge for the AL Rookie of the Year Award. LHP David Price, the top pick in last June's draft, could make it up sometime during the season. INF Elliot Johnson is probably only a short-term fill-in at a utility infield spot, but he made a huge impression with a strong spring.

MEDICAL WATCH:

OF/DH Rocco Baldelli (leg fatigue) is out indefinitely because of a condition that saps his leg strength, even after a short workout.

LHP Scott Kazmir (left elbow strain) was injured Feb. 26, and he was placed on the 15-day disabled list March 25. He is unlikely to return before late April.

INF Ben Zobrist (fractured left thumb) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 21, and he could return as soon as he's eligible.

C Hector Gimenez (shoulder surgery) was brought along slowly in spring training but showed enough promise at the plate that he will be watched closely at Class AAA.

RHP Chad Orvella (sore right shoulder) was sidelined the last two weeks of spring training.

3B Willy Aybar (left hamstring strain) was out March 22-26. The team expects him to be ready for Opening Day.

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