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Rays have pieces in place to bounce back in 2017
- Updated: October 3, 2016
ST. PETERSBURG — Nobody in the Rays organization will debate whether or not the team took a backward step in 2016 — it did. However, the way the Rays righted the ship in the second half, coupled with the development of some key players, bodes well for an improved product in ’17.
“There’s a lot to be optimistic about as we look towards 2017, and it begins with our starting pitching,” said Matt Silverman, president of baseball operations. “We have the ability to bring back what can be one of the top rotations in the game. You combine that with an improved defense anchored by [Kevin] Kiermaier in center, and we can get back to the type of run prevention that has fueled our winning seasons.
“We also have a number of upper-level prospects who will be trying to force their way into our plans. It’s encouraging to see that next wave of talent knocking on the door.”
• Rays persevere through a tough 2016 campaign
One thing that would help make the team come full circle in 2017 is turning Tropicana Field into a home-field advantage. The Rays did not win their first home series this year until August.
“We’ve got to win more games — period — whether they’re on the road or at home,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “There’s something to be said for playing at home and creating an advantage. And we need to create that advantage for us. We have to get to where opposing teams come in here and realize that there’s something about playing here at the Trop, and playing the Rays, that we’re going to go out and play really solid games.”
Behind the scenes, the Rays’ front office is already looking at ways to improve next year’s team. Stay tuned, it should be an interesting winter.
Arbitration Eligible: RHP Alex Cobb, LHP Drew Smyly, RHP Erasmo Ramirez, LHP Dana Eveland, IF Brad Miller, RHP Danny Farquhar, LHP Xavier Cedeno, OF/DH Corey Dickerson, RHP Jake Odorizzi, RHP Brad Boxberger, IF Tim Beckham, OF Kiermaier, and C Bobby Wilson.
Free Agents: 1B/DH Logan Morrison and RHP Kevin Jepsen.
Rotation: The Rays head into 2016 with a wealth of starting pitching, with Chris Archer, Odorizzi, Smyly, Cobb, Blake Snell, Chase Whitley, Matt Andriese, and perhaps Ramirez. The numbers suggest a …
