Burt Bacharach never wrote a song about Tampa, of course, but “What’s New, Pussycat?” might work for the Devil Rays as a team. There is some serious young talent down there: B.J. Upton, Carl Crawford, the troubled Elijah Dukes, Delmon Young, Scott Kazmir, James Shields, Raul Casanova.

Just wanted to make sure you were still paying attention with that last one. Casanova, you may recall, once was property of the Padres — came to San Diego in a trade for Tony Fernandez. Yes, that Tony Fernandez. Left a few years later in the deal that sent Melvin Nieves to Detroit. If you don’t remember these events, I can’t say I blame you; those were not the best of times.

Back to Tampa, have you noticed that failed prospect Carlos Pena is tearing it up (.306/.397/.633) this year? He’s becoming everything Travis Lee never could be for the Devil Rays. Weird how it takes some guys a little longer.

Upton (.320/.396/.545), Crawford (.304/.361/.502), and the surprising Brendan Harris (.316/.369/.465) are providing Pena with plenty of support. Dukes (.196/.319/.402) and Young (.266/.301/.411) have struggled somewhat, which isn’t surprising given their extreme youth.

That Rocco Baldelli (.204/.268/.358) has scuffled is a matter of greater concern. He’s a legitimate center fielder, though, in an organization deep with talent at that position, and his value may never be lower. Just sayin’…

The pitching? Beyond Kazmir, Shields, and closer Al Reyes, it’s been brutal. The Devil Rays’ team ERA of 5.49 is worst in the big leagues (just beating out the Rangers’ 5.48), and there isn’t much cause for hope, unless you count former Kansas City prospect J.P. Howell or rookie Andy Sonnanstine.

Remarkably, Tampa Bay’s hitting has been good enough to earn them a 28-33 record to this point, good enough for a last-place tie in the American League East. As an aside, how depressing is it to be in that division if you’re not the Red Sox or Yankees? Last year, the Blue Jays slipped ahead of Boston by a single game to finish in second place. This marked the first time since 1997 that anyone other than Boston and New York had occupied the top two spots. (Detroit was still in the division back then; Milwaukee still in the AL.) Given the context, and shifting to yet another organization, it’s a little easier to understand why Peter Angelos and the Orioles are constantly shooting themselves in the foot trying to keep pace.

Meanwhile, back on the Padres, I’d like to see Russell Branyan get more opportunities, although I’m not sure at whose expense. I’d also like to see Kevin Cameron pitch in an actual game at least once a week. Five appearances over 43 days doesn’t really work for me, not that anyone asked. I still find myself wondering what kind of hitter he is. It’d be nice to get some use out of that 25th roster spot.

Thanks, Peter. Greg Maddux and Kazmir hook up in the opener Tuesday evening. We’ll have the IGD up and running by 3 p.m. PT. Go Padres!