YGY Radio Show: Tampa Bay Rays Edition
By Ricky Keeler
Feb 18, 2014; Port Charlotte, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher
David Price(14) at spring training at the Charlotte Sports Park. (Photo Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports)
We continue our state of the AL East series here on the Yanks Go Yard Radio Show by taking a look at the Tampa Bay Rays. The Rays have been the definition of consistency in the American League East. Joe Maddon‘s team has won 90+ games each of the past four seasons. For the first time in a while, the Rays were actually spenders in the offseason. They were able to re-sign first baseman James Loney and former setup man Grant Balfour. Plus, Tampa made some interesting trades in acquiring reliever Heath Bell from the Diamondbacks and catcher Ryan Hanigan from the Reds.
The strength of the Rays is always their starting rotation. Led by David Price, the Rays have built a solid, young rotation with pitchers such as Alex Cobb and Matt Moore. The offense is inconsistent at times, but they always seem to get the big hit when it matters. Evan Longoria is still the star player on the Rays and outfielder Wil Myers will look to continue to build on his Rookie of the Year season he had last year.
On this episode of the Yanks Go Yard Show, I spoke with Drew Jenkins from RaysColoredGlasses.com to get his take on the Rays’ offseason and his expectations for the 2014 season. Plus, I give my take on Masahiro Tanaka‘s first spring training start and we unveil a new show introduction, courtesy of Jacob Misener from Cubbies Crib. Here is an outline of topics we discussed:
- How would you grade the Rays’ offseason?
- State of the Rays’ rotation with Jeremy Hellickson on the disabled list
- Player to Watch/Player With The Most To Prove In 2014
- Sophomore Slump for Myers?
- Additions of Balfour and Bell to the Bullpen.
- Most Intriguing Spring Training Storyline
- Future of David Price In Tampa
- Will the Rays finish over/under 88.5 wins as Vegas Projects?