Tampa Bay Rays to have best rotation in American League?
The Tampa Bay Rays are PECOTA’s pick to win the A.L. East, but could they have the best rotation in the American League?
Ever since the departure of Joe Maddon, the Tampa Bay Rays have tried to be a dominant force in the American League East. However, the Tampa Bay Rays have yet to secure an A.L. East championship since 2010. Some savvy moves over the past couple of seasons put the Tampa Bay Rays in a position to be a force in the American League, headlined behind a solid rotation from top to bottom.
Last season, the Tampa Bay Rays missed out on Alex Cobb, who missed the whole season due to injuries. However, in Cobb’s stead, Chris Archer became the Tampa Bay Rays’ perennial ace and showcased why he was a highly-touted prospect just a few years ago. On the other hand, the good came with the bad for the Tampa Bay Rays, as Matt Moore endured one of the worst seasons of his professional career.
The Tampa Bay Rays have some bounce-back candidates in their starting rotation, but if everything clicks, the Rays should easily have the best rotation in the American League East, if not the American League as a whole. So, let us see how the Tampa Bay Rays’ starting rotation projects as we enter the beginning of Spring Training.
Next: Who Slots in at #5?
Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Matt Moore. 5. player. 21. <p>Just a few short years ago, Matt Moore looked like the ace of the future for the Tampa Bay Rays; however, injuries derailed a stellar start to his professional career. Over the past two seasons, Matt Moore started just 14 games, owning a 5.05 ERA and 4.80 FIP. Moreover, his strikeout totals were down over the last two years, and his walk totals were up.</p><p>Due to Matt Moore’s ineffectiveness in 2015, the Tampa Bay Rays sent him down to the minor leagues, where he had some up-and-down moments. Coming in as a hard throwing left-handed pitcher, Matt Moore possesses the necessary tools to reclaim his form at the Major League level. Last season, Moore’s arm slot dropped, resulting in his change-up being regularly hit hard.</p><p>If Matt Moore can bounce back from a rough 2015 season, he must re-establish his change-up as an out pitch. With Tommy John surgery in the rear-view mirror, Matt Moore should be viewed as an asset in the Tampa Bay Ray’s starting rotation, especially entering his age-27 season. Moore should round out the Rays’ rotation, with the upside of performing as a number three.</p>. LHP
Next: Who Earns the Spot at #4?
Little Rock, Arkansas. Drew Smyly. 4. player. 21. <p>A couple seasons ago, <strong><a href=. LHP
Next: Who Starts at #3?
3. player. 21. <p>As a first round pick in the 2008 MLB Draft, <strong><a href=. RHP. Breese, Illinois. Jake Odorizzi
Next: Who Slides into #2?
player. 21. <p>Ok, so Alex Cobb will certainly start out the 2016 season on the DL, but upon his return to the Tampa Bay Rays’ starting rotation, he should assume the number two spot. From 2013-2014, Alex Cobb became one of the best right-handed pitchers in baseball, and he assumed the ace role once the Tampa Bay Rays parted ways with fan-favorite David Price.</p><p>After two straight seasons of sub-3.00 ERAs, Alex Cobb missed the entire 2015 season due to injuries. Moreover, in May of last year, Alex Cobb opted to have season-ending Tommy John surgery, which might keep him out until the All-Star break in 2016. Whether it be sooner or later, Alex Cobb will pitch again for the Tampa Bay Rays, and he should find his old form, similarly to <strong><a href=. RHP. Boston, Massachusetts. Alex Cobb. 2
Next: Who is the Rays' Ace?
RHP. Raleigh, North Carolina. Chris Archer. 1. player. 21. <p>Last season, Chris Archer looked like the likely number three starter for the Tampa Bay Rays; however, injuries to Smyly and Cobb vaulted Archer into the top spot in the starting rotation. Chris Archer took advantage of being labeled as the team’s ace. With a phenomenal season in 2015, Chris Archer narrowly lost out on the American League Cy Young Award, but he looks like a favorite heading into 2016.</p><div class=
In 2015, Chris Archer earned his first All-Star selection, as he improved in most statistical categories. Archer made 34 starts, pitching 212 innings, with 12 wins, a 3.23 ERA, 2.90 FIP, and nearly 11 strikeouts per nine innings. With the improvements, Chris Archer should easily open the season as the Tampa Bay Rays’ ace, and he should be the ace for the next five seasons (barring a trade).
The Tampa Bay Rays desperately needed Chris Archer to step up in 2015, and he lived up to the billing. Chris Archer should be considered one of the best right-handed pitchers in baseball. With an improved team heading into 2016, Archer should push closer to 20 wins and really open up some eyes around the baseball community. Chris Archer is, hands down, the best pitcher on the Tampa Bay Rays.
Chris Archer throws three plus-pitches out of the same arm slot, resulting in his outrageous 10.7 K/9 in 2015. As long as Archer’s off-speed offerings are hitting the mark, he should show no signs of regression moving forward. The Tampa Bay Rays might have just enough in 2016 to make an A.L. East championship push. The Rays are back in business.
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Chris Archer
RHP, Raleigh, North Carolina
Last season, Chris Archer looked like the likely number three starter for the Tampa Bay Rays; however, injuries to Smyly and Cobb vaulted Archer into the top spot in the starting rotation. Chris Archer took advantage of being labeled as the team’s ace. With a phenomenal season in 2015, Chris Archer narrowly lost out on the American League Cy Young Award, but he looks like a favorite heading into 2016.
In 2015, Chris Archer earned his first All-Star selection, as he improved in most statistical categories. Archer made 34 starts, pitching 212 innings, with 12 wins, a 3.23 ERA, 2.90 FIP, and nearly 11 strikeouts per nine innings. With the improvements, Chris Archer should easily open the season as the Tampa Bay Rays’ ace, and he should be the ace for the next five seasons (barring a trade).
The Tampa Bay Rays desperately needed Chris Archer to step up in 2015, and he lived up to the billing. Chris Archer should be considered one of the best right-handed pitchers in baseball. With an improved team heading into 2016, Archer should push closer to 20 wins and really open up some eyes around the baseball community. Chris Archer is, hands down, the best pitcher on the Tampa Bay Rays.
Chris Archer throws three plus-pitches out of the same arm slot, resulting in his outrageous 10.7 K/9 in 2015. As long as Archer’s off-speed offerings are hitting the mark, he should show no signs of regression moving forward. The Tampa Bay Rays might have just enough in 2016 to make an A.L. East championship push. The Rays are back in business.