Down to the last one, the relief pitchers. Relief pitching may be the one place, other than catchers, that needs the most work. Dan Wheeler, Lance Cormier and JP Howell should be staying. Andy Sonnanstine will probably get a spot as well.Beyond that, not much is known. As I have said, one of the starting pitchers should become the closer, probably Jeff Niemann. That’s five spots filled. Who knows what will happen with the rest.

Chad Bradford, Russ Springer and Brian Shouse (club option) are free agents. The Rays should pick up the option on Shouse, since there is not much out on the free agent market. Grant Balfour is signed, but I think he needs to be traded or non-tendered. He is too hittable since last year. Teams have figured out his fastball, which is his only pitch.

I see the Rays pursuing Chad Cordero and Brandon Lyon. Both are good back of the bullpen guys who have either had a bad season or ran into injuries. Cordero is a risk, but it is a risk worth taking if he is in shape. The Rays could also go from within and bring up Winston Abreu or Dale Thayer. Now, for the depth chart:

2010 Bullpen Depth Chart

Closer: Lance Cormier (until the Rays send a starter here)

Set-up:Dan Wheeler, JP Howell

The Rest: Brian Shouse,  Andy Sonnanstine, Winston Abreu, Brandon Lyon