- Commissioner’s statement on Ventura, Marte
- Ronnie O’Sullivan: Masters champion ‘felt so vulnerable’ in final
- Arron Fletcher Wins 2017 WSOP International Circuit Marrakech Main Event ($140,224)
- Smith challenges Warner to go big in India
- Moncada No. 1 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- Braves land 2 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- Kingery makes MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- New Zealand wrap up 2-0 after Bangladesh implosion
- Mathews, Pradeep, Gunathilaka to return to Sri Lanka
- Elliott hopes for rain for Poli
Inbox: How will the Rays improve this offseason?
- Updated: December 16, 2016
I read a lot about Rays players that might be traded, usually to lower the payroll. I read almost nothing about how the Rays might get better. It’s season-ticket renewal time. Why do you think the Rays might do better next year? — Larry A., Seminole, Fla.
Really good question, and tough to answer. One of the biggest challenges facing the Rays’ front office during the offseason is evaluating what they have on their roster. The club must examine every player and decide whether his performance was up to par, and if it wasn’t, whether that was an aberration or the front end of a trend.
Having said that, I like some of what the Rays have in place. For example, an infield with Evan Longoria, Matt Duffy, Logan Forsythe and Brad Miller. Kevin Kiermaier is in center field, and it looks as if Steven Souza Jr. will be in right, with Wilson Ramos at catcher. The bullpen needs to be rebuilt, but they can build down from the top since they have Alex Colome and Brad Boxberger at the back end. That leaves a hole in left field to be patched. Will they use one of their starters to trade for a hitter who can fill that void? We’ll have to wait and see. But I think the team looks formidable on paper.
• Hot Stove Tracker
Will the Princeton Rays be coming back in 2017? My wife and I enjoy going to as many games as we can. — Danny R., Peterstown, Fla.
To my knowledge, the Princeton Rays are going nowhere. …
