If Cantu returns to his 2005 form, it obviously would make him look like the team's second baseman of the future. If he doesn't, Wigginton would certainly have a shot to become the team's everyday second baseman. Right now, Wigginton is happy to move around, so it's a decision that doesn't need to be made just yet.

As for Dukes, he has a first baseman's mitt, but he really hasn't played much first base -- a position not near as easy as it appears. The Rays have said Dukes can make the team as a reserve, so he could eventually have the chance to show what he can do. If he proves to be as good as he looks, the Rays can either keep him and use one of their other outfielders to procure a player they need at another position, or they can trade Dukes for the player they need. This is one of those wait-and-see situations.

Bill, I'm always excited to see new, young talent progress. To that end, I am excited to see what the Rays are beginning to put together, but also feel the pain of Anita in Richmond, Va. What strikes me is that there are no high-caliber coaches from the past to teach the likes of B.J. Upton and other exceptional athletes on the Rays.
-- Mickey K., Annapolis, Md.

Mickey is talking about an email in my last mailbag in which a reader addressed the lack of teaching throughout the organization. As I told Anita, the organization plans to address the way it teaches its youngsters and hopes to implement a plan where all are being taught the same way at each level to insure a level of consistency in the teaching.

By the looks of it, it seems like the Rays got a heck of a bargain for their new acquisition of third baseman Akinori Iwamura. How big of an impact do you think he will actually have for the Rays? Do you predict .300 average and 30-home run potential like he showed in Japan?
-- Tommy L., New Orleans, La.

I don't think .300 is out of the question judging by the way he controls the bat. But 30 home runs might be difficult for him to come by given the larger size of the stadiums in Major League Baseball as compared to Japan (I'm told). Iwamura is said to have gap power, so it's likely less home runs will translate to more doubles and triples to the gaps.

Does Andrew Sonnanstine have a chance to make the team this year? How about in the future? I've heard a lot of good things about him.
-- Sam J., Clearwater, Fla.

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Sonnanstine was named the organization's 2006 Minor League Pitcher of the Year after going 15-8 with a 2.67 ERA for Double-A Montgomery. The right-hander has terrific control as personified by the fact he had just 34 walks in 185 2/3 innings with 153 strikeouts. However, I don't see him making the team out of Spring Training due to the glut of pitchers in camp. My guess is he'll start the season at Triple-A Durham. If he does well there, maybe he'll be pitching at Tropicana Field by the end of the season.

Does Brian Stokes have a chance to be in the five-man starting rotation? If not, what about another role?
-- Nathan W., Riverside, Calif.

Stokes definitely has a chance to be the team's No. 5 starter. Manager Joe Maddon said he'd like to see Stokes' curveball become a more dependable pitch -- which would nicely offset his fastball and changeup. If he doesn't make the team as the No. 5 starter, Stokes will definitely be given a good look in the bullpen.

I had heard that Jonny Gomes had an injury late last season. What was the injury and how is he?
-- Andrea C., Durham, N.C.

Gomes was bothered by his right shoulder throughout the 2006 season and didn't play after Aug. 21. He underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on Sept. 5 to repair an impingement and reduce fraying of the rotator cuff. He seems to be swinging the bat well this spring, which could lead to him rediscovering his 2005 form.

Why don't the Rays use Casey Fossum in the bullpen this season? His experience would help a struggling bullpen and save his arm.
-- Sandy S., Tampa

Fossum originally was acquired to work in the bullpen, so the team has shared your observation in the past, but he has since found his way into the starting rotation. I don't see such a move being made at the present.