Inbox: What are Rays’ plans for Dickerson?

Nobody mentions Corey Dickerson when talking about the 2017 starting lineup. Did the Rays lose patience with him? — Jake B., Jacksonville, Fla.

Dickerson remains very much in Tampa Bay’s plans for next season. While he had a slow start to his first year with the Rays, he finished strong, hitting .307 with five home runs and 15 RBIs in September. For the season, he tied a career best with 24 homers.

I believe Dickerson’s slow start can partially be attributed to him getting accustomed to being used as the designated hitter. He did a much better job in the second half of taming his big swing and making solid contact. I look for him to be the team’s primary DH this season while also playing a lot of left field when right-handers are on the mound. The Rays would love to see Dickerson improve his power numbers against left-handers, but overall, he had a strong season.

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With Alex Cobb’s limited production last year and the offseason to recuperate, do you see him being able to acquire his old form and success? — Don O., Chicago

I believe in Cobb, so I don’t ever underestimate what he can do. While a lot of pitching is done with physical gifts, a lot can be attributed to what’s going on between the …

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