A BJ is a Hard Thing to Replicate

[DOUGHBOYS]

I just saw a blurb about Michael Bourn possibly getting close to signing with a team. In a fantasy sense, I get a chucle out of Scott Boras holding on to Bourn and Kyle Lohse as if teams will be clamoring for them. In the fantasy community, they are a judy and a pitcher who's statistics are team and ball park driven. Other GM's know this. They know, and they'll wait till they either get a one year deal or until Boras gives and realizes his clients are not material that can impact a team greatly.
One team really could use Bourn. In fact, they can use ANY hitter. And they have a GM that is smart enough not to pay full price for Bourn.
That team is the Tampa Rays. The Rays will miss BJ Upton's production a lot. He wasn't a obp guy that Tampa prefers, but he was a game changer for them. Now, their lineup is among the worst in baseball.
Here is their projected lineup for now...

1. Jennings
2. Y Escobar
3. Longoria
4. Zobrist
5. Loney
6. Myers
7. Joyce
8. Roberts
9. Fuld/Guyer

If Longoria goes down, there is not a scary hitter in the lineup. I'm also assuming Myers to be starting with the Big Club, if not, the lineup looks even punier.
Zobrist is not a 4th hitter, but the Rays best form of protection for Longoria.
If signing Bourn, they replace a nine hole hitter with a leadoff hitter and Escobar tumbles down the lineup where he belongs.
With the additions of Myers and Bourn, Tampa would be using two players to replace the departed Upton.
They still have other options. They could trade another arm to get another hitter. They could shock the world and put together a package good enough to get BJ's brother, Justin. But, it's a longshot.
Other teams in the AL East have improved themselves for this year. While Tampa may have helped their future with the Myers- Shields, Davis trade, they lessened their team a bit for this year.
I love Friedman as a General Manager and respect Maddon as a field boss. But, if they don't sign Bourn or make a trade, their starters will be throwing a lot of stress filled innings this year and may sue their offense for lack of support.

[DOUGHBOYS]

Due to the recent trade, the Upton to Tampa line can be ignored

[Atlas]

Dan
Do you really think this is the worst lineup in baseball?
Worse than the Astros?

[DOUGHBOYS]

No, not THE worst, just among the worst.
When/if Longoria goes down, there is simply not a hitter to fear. We like Zobrist as a fantasy player, but lets face it, if he were outfield only, he wouldn't be among the top 30 taken at the position.
Bourn/Boras are dreaming about a five year contract. They'll be luck to get four and probably end up with three. Or maybe even one, if the $$$ aren't there. Tampa has to play some small ball this year. Bourn is right up their alley.

[Atlas]

And as a Yankee fan, I know those small market SOBs are going to find a way to be competitive. Maddon always finds a way.

[DOUGHBOYS]

And as a Yankee fan, I know those small market SOBs are going to find a way to be competitive. Maddon always finds a way.

EXACTLY.
It's the power of great Management from Friedman to Maddon to their coaches.
Oakland is the same way with Beane.
It's why I don't listen to teams like Pittsburgh, Kansas City, Colorado and others, cry the blues over not having enough payroll.
It can be done.

[DOUGHBOYS]

And Voila!
The Rays go out and sign Kelly Johnson.
A good signing.

[Captain Hook]

And Voila!
The Rays go out and sign Kelly Johnson.
A good signing.

Yes > assuming he is the good Kelly Johnson
BUT now the defensive lineup? Can Desmond Jennings handle CF? because if not and they have to play Fuld/Guyer there then Matt Joyce is either sitting or DH moving Luke Scott to the bench OR (as Ken Rosenthal suggests) K. Johnson is just a utility guy with Zobrist the main 2B?

[DOUGHBOYS]

This is the reason they need Bourn. It eliminates the Jennings to CF and Fuld/Guyer starting.
Now, they have Zobrist going between shortstop and right field (not completely sold on Yunel)
Maddon will make Johnson work on the infield.
If signing Bourn, SS, RF, and DH becomes a cerousel for Zobrist, Escobar, Joyce, and Scott.
With Zobrist the only one of the four guaranteed every day at bats.