Tampa Bay Rays Mount Rushmore
Although players tend to come and go from the Tampa Bay Rays, they have had their share of star talent. Which of those players make up their Mount Rushmore?
In some ways, the Tampa Bay Rays history mirrors that of the New York Mets, at least at the beginning of their history. Both teams were woeful for their first few years, showing few signs that they would be ready to contend. But then, suddenly, those young players blossomed together, leading to a World Series run. However, unlike the Mets, the Rays fell short in 2008, losing to the Phillies in five games.
From that point, the Rays continued to be contenders, reaching the postseason in three of the next five years. They had their surprising heroes, with players like Dan Johnson and Brandon Allen contributing in key spots. Retreads like Fernando Rodney and Carlos Pena found a new life in Tampa Bay, suddenly becoming key pieces on a successful team.
Unfortunately, the finances of the game kept the good times from continuing. Virtually every one of the Rays home grown stars has left, either in free agency or in trade, because of payroll restrictions. Those problems can be felt today, as Tampa Bay has not made the postseason since 2013.
Yet, the future is bright in Tampa Bay. There are a number of stellar prospects on the cusp of reaching the majors, with the talent in Durham the envy of any farm system. The Rays second Golden Age may be coming, and if so, it could last for some time.
For now, let us look back, not forward, at the Tampa Bay Rays roster. Here are the players that make up their Mount Rushmore.
David Price (2008-2014)
It did not take long for David Price to announce his presence in the majors, as he was a key part of the Tampa Bay Rays bullpen in the 2008 postseason.
A top prospect, he was called up to get a taste of playoff action. As it turned out, Price dominated, allowing just 13 baserunners and three earned runs in his 14 innings. Added to the postseason roster, he allowed just two runs in 5.2 October innings, even earning a victory. He appeared ready for his ascension to stardom.
Price did exactly that. Just two years later, he made his first All Star Game, and was second in the Cy Young vote. Then, in 2012, he led the American League with 20 wins and a 2.56 ERA, bringing home the award. He was a four time All Star, a workhorse who was the staff ace that the Rays needed during their run of success.
Overall, Price had a great deal of success with the Rays. He posted an 82-47 record, along with a 3.18 ERA and a 1.142 WHiP. In his 1143.2 innings, he struck out 1065 batters while issuing 309 walks. Although it is easy to focus on his postseason struggles, or his problems since joining the Red Sox, Price was a star with the Tampa Bay Rays.
David Price gave Tampa Bay exactly what they needed. He proved to be a key piece of their time as perennial postseason contenders.
Carl Crawford (2002-2010)
Carl Crawford terrorized the Red Sox while he was a member of the Tampa Bay Rays. Then, after signing in Boston as a free agent, he continued to help the Rays.
A brilliant speedster, Crawford was the type of player that the Rays came to be known for. He had solid contact skills, allowing him to use his excellent speed to get on base. Once there, Crawford did not stop running, leading the American League in steals and triples four times. He had a bit of pop, with six seasons of double digit homers, and was an excellent defensive player.
The prototypical Rays outfielder, Crawford blended his speed and power in a way that Rays fans came to know and love. He was a four time All Star, winning a Gold Glove award and a Silver Slugger during his final year in Tampa Bay. Of course, signing a large contract with the Red Sox, and then failing to live up to even a tenth of the value, adds to his legacy.
During those nine years with the Rays, Crawford was one of the more dynamic players in the game. He posted a .296/.337/.444 batting line, hitting 104 homers and 215 doubles. His excellent speed was apparent, as he stole 409 bases and hit 105 triples. That speed was also handy in the outfield, as Crawford led AL left fielders in runs saved twice, and in range factor five times.
Carl Crawford came to be the type of outfielder the Tampa Bay Rays looked to develop. He was a dynamic player, and the perfect leadoff hitter for the Rays.
Ben Zobrist (2006-2014)
Considered a throw in when the Tampa Bay Rays sent Aubrey Huff to the Astros, Ben Zobrist was able to carve his way into franchise history.
Zobrist became one of the more underrated players in the league. He was typially amongst the league leaders in WAR, but remained relatively unknown. His defensive flexibility, as well as his being a part of the Rays, kept him in relative anonymity. However, his value in the game forced him from the shadows, with people coming to understand how good of a player he really was.
He played everywhere but catcher and pitcher in Tampa Bay, leading the team in games in four different positions. That versatility and solid bat led to two All Star Game selections, and he placed in the top ten of the MVP vote in 2009. He has been a highly coveted player, one that contending teams value for his ability to play virtually anywhere.
A solid hitter, Zobrist put together a solid .264/.354/.429 batting line, hitting 114 homers and stealing 102 bases. He had six consecutive seasons with double digit homers and steals, although he was not known for his speed or power. Zobrist picked his spots well on the basepaths, and even stole 24 bases in 2010. He also had three seasons with 20 or more homers, showing more power than one expected.
Ben Zobrist first became known for his defensive versatility. He turned out to be a fairly solid all around player for the Tampa Bay Rays. Not bad for a throw in, right?
Evan Longoria (2008-present)
These days, it is difficult to picture the Tampa Bay Rays without Even Longoria. After all, of all the star players that have gone through the clubhouse, he is the one that has stayed.
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It was evident to the Rays early on that Longoria would be a star. In what was a controversial move at the time, they signed their young third baseman to a long term extension after just five days in the majors. That move turned out to be brilliant, as Longoria rewarded the Rays faith, earning an All Star berth and the Rookie of the Year in 2008.
He has continued to be the cornerstone of the Rays franchise. During his career, Longoria has made three All Star Games, and earned the 2009 Silver Slugger award. He has three top ten finishes in the AL MVP vote, finishing as high as second twice. Longoria has also been an excellent defensive third baseman, winning three Gold Glove awards.
During his time in Tampa Bay, Longoria has posted a .270/.341/.483 batting line, hitting 261 homers and 338 doubles. He has even displayed decent speed over the years, with 51 steals in 66 attempts. Longoria has four seasons with at least 30 homers, and has failed to hit at least 20 home runs only once in his ten year career. He has been the one player that the Rays could count on year in and year out.
Next: Finding room for Eovaldi
Even Longoria has been the player who stayed with the Tampa Bay Rays. It may be some time before someone comes along to claim his title as the greatest player in franchise history.