The Rays cleared away about $28 million from their payroll this offseason as B.J. Upton, James Shields, Carlos Pena, Jeff Keppinger, J.P Howell and Wade Davis either found new homes themselves or were traded.

Despite the subtractions, Tampa Bay is confident that they'll remain a power in the American League. They have a lineup led by Evan Longoria, who received a major contract extension, and a deep pitching staff ready to fill the holes left behind by Shields and Davis.

"I learned so much from him over the years, and the biggest thing was I didn't work hard enough," Jeremy Hellickson said. "I want to pitch 200 innings and pitch deep into games. I'm ready to do that. I'm working hard to be that."