Projections
After a 2016 season that showed little promise and few bright spots, the Rays look to improve in 2017. That could be a struggle, as the Rays traded one of their best bats, Forsythe, and the offensive production he produced will be replaced by Colby Rasmus, who batted .206 last season. Their pitching staff didn’t perform the way it was supposed to last season, so there is room for improvement there, which is reason for optimism.
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Rotation:
- Chris Archer
- Jake Odorizzi
- Alex Cobb
- Blake Snell
- Matt Andriese
Bullpen:
Middle Relief: Danny Farquhar / Ryan Garton / Shawn Tolleson
Long Relief: Erasmo Ramirez / Chase Whitley
Setup: Brad Boxberger / Xavier Cedeno
Closer: Alex Colome
2017 Starting Lineup:
CF Kevin Kiermaier
2B Brad Miller
3B Evan Longoria
DH Corey Dickerson
LF Colby Rasmus
RF Steven Souza
1B Logan Morrison
SS Matt Duffy
C Curt Casali
Predictions
It is hard to get on base and score runs with a collective .243 team batting average. Not scoring runs makes it harder to win games. Not making moves to improve the team that was struggling to win games will make it hard for them to improve on an already atrocious season. Unfortunately for the Rays, it doesn’t look like they will be competing in 2017 and it may be a few years before they are on track to be successful again. Look for it to be another tough season at Tropicana Field.
Next: Rangers 2017 Team Preview
2017 Record: 64-98
Division Rank: Fifth
Playoffs: No
The Rays are nowhere near the level they were with Joe Maddon at the helm. It doesn’t help that they refuse to spend money and their farm system hasn’t produced a guy like David Price or Evan Longoria recently. The Rays used to be the blueprint others followed to develop players and save money. Now, they are making questionable moves when it comes to trades and losing out on affordable free agents. Hopefully the Rays start moving in the right direction in 2017, but with the lack of improvements to their roster, it may be difficult.