As my gift to our readers and to all the children of the world, I proudly offer the  All-Time Greatest Devil Rays Virtual Advent Calendar (completely updated for 2009)….

Every day up till Christmas we will reveal another of the Top 25 Greatest Devil Rays Of All-Time*, and on Christmas Morning, we will unveil the Greatest Devil Ray Of All — The Devil Ray Baby Jesus….

The 23rd Greatest Devil Ray Ever is….

Joe Kennedy P (2001-2003)

(Last year’s rank: 20th)

• Pitched the first (and one of only three) complete game one-hitters in Devil Ray history (May 2, 2003)
• Was Tampa Bay’s Opening Day starter in 2003, and facing Pedro Martinez pitched seven innings, gave up only one earned run, and settled for a no decision in a 6-4 win over the Red Sox at historic Tropicana Field
• Pitched five complete games in 2002, a Devil Rays single-season record, and tied for 2nd-best in the AL that season
• Six career complete games is also a Devil Rays record
• Two career shutouts is tied for the best in Devil Rays history
• Made his MLB debut with a 6-2 victory on June 6 at Toronto, and at 22 years, one month, he became the youngest Devil Ray ever to win a game
• Named the Devil Rays’ Most Outstanding Rookie in 2001
• In 2001, finished third among AL rookies in ERA (4.44), tied for fourth in starts (20) and fifth in strikeouts (78); 12 quality starts were second to only C.C. Sabathia among AL rookies
• Tied for the staff lead in victories in 2002
• 72 starts ranks 6th on Devil Rays career list
• 448 innings pitched ranks 9th on Devil Rays career list

There have only been 22 Devil Rays greater than the late Joe Kennedy. There are only 22 more days until Christmas. Tune in tomorrow as we reveal the 22nd Greatest Devil Ray Ever.

Previously on All-Time Greatest Devil Rays Advent Calendar 2009….

Day 1: #25 Mark Hendrickson
Day 2: #24 Ben “Zorilla” Zobrist

*Rankings based on player’s entire Devil Ray careers through 2009 and regardless of position. Special thanks to Robotto Clemente for tweaking last year’s formula and crunching the numbers.