Are the Rays in position to contend in the AL East?

Tampa - We are 28 days away from Rays pitchers and catchers reporting to Port Charlotte.

What really is the state of the Rays right now?

Will Andrew Friedman's patience pay off or backfire?

These are somewhat anxious moments over in the Rays front office. Every year is the same, especially when your forced to pound your way through the AL East every season.

There is one constant that has propelled the Rays into a true contender, their bullpen.

The Sporting News did a study.

In 2007, the Rays bullpen was last in the AL with a 6.16 ERA.

In 2008, ranked 3rd with a 3.55 ERA and went to the World Series

In 2009, ranked 7th with a 3.98 ERA, finished 3rd in AL East

In 2010, led AL with 3.33 ERA and led the league with 96 wins

As the team approaches 2011, we all wonder if the Rays can survive an almost complete dismantling of the very area that has been the number one force in determining their fate.

GONE: Closer Rafael Soriano (NY Yankees), sete-up man Joaquin Benoit (Detroit), dependable right handed pitcher Dan Wheeler (Boston), Lone lefty (without JP Howell in 2010) Randy Choate, Chad Qualls and Grant Balfour.

ADDITIONS: Kyle Farnsworth, Joel Peralta, and Adam Russell

LOST OUT ON: Closers Brian Fuentes and Jon Rauch (if the team was even in the game for these established closers)

OTHER KEY LOSES: Carl Crawford (Boston), Matt Garza, (Cubs), and Carlos Pena (Cubs). Their replacements: Desmond Jennings Jeremy Hellickson, and Dan Johnson (possibly) respectively. Jennings is still developing, Hellickson could be an upgrade if 2010 is indicative of what we can expect from this youngster for a full season. Johnson is penciled in, but the Rays are still looking for a full-timer, or maybe go with Johnson and sign a big-bat DH in free-agency.

POSSIBLE FREE-AGENTS AVAILABLE: Johnny Damon and Vladimir Guerrero.

Are they attainable? Damon yes, Guerrero, not so much.

Damon's salary request should be in line with what the Rays can afford. Plus the proximity of the teams locale to his hometown of Orlando would make this move much more appealing.

Guerrero is still in talks with up to four AL teams, including the Rangers. Vlad is asking for a two to three year deal. Are the Rays willing to go that long? Don't think so, but it's not my money. Guerrero would be a big DH pickup.

It's obvious to me that the Rays are patiently waiting for the free-agent market to simmer down and hope to get one of these two players at an affordable price.

If they don't, and go into the season without another experienced bat, middle relief help, and a true closer, reaching 90 wins will be a daunting task.

Granted, Friedman has done an exemplary job of drafting and developing young talent, the Rays should be able to contend in the early stages of the season.

My concern, and a warranted one, will be the lack of depth. Injuries can easily crush this teams ability to compete.

Yet, there is still time to fill in those holes.

Who knows, maybe the strength of the Rays starting rotation will compensate for what this team will not be able to fill.

The Red Sox are locked and loaded. The Yankees could have potential problems in their starting rotation if Andy Pettitte retires.

Blue Jays are in the same boat as the Rays (no closer and need DH). Orioles have improved, but not enough to steal a few key wins.

So, right now, on paper, Boston looks to be the power player in the AL East.

Everyone else will need a little luck and more help to keep this division competitive.