Tampa Bay Rays
Key Acquisitions: Heath Bell, David DeJesus, Grant Balfour
Key Losses: Kelly Johnson
Biggest Strength: Starting pitching
Biggest Weakness: Bottom of the order
I suppose the word “key” could be replaced with the word “only” as this team really didn’t do a whole lot in the offseason except trade for Bell and catcher Ryan Hanigan. The lineup that was ninth in runs scored as a team in 2013 will go into 2014 largely intact. That means Desmond Jennings and Ben Zobrist at the top of the order with Evan Longoria and Wil Myers driving in whoever they can. After those four guys, this is a lineup relying on production from James Loney and Yunel Escobar so runs will dry up for them in prolonged stretches.
As is typical, the starting rotation is the anchor of this team. Even with the trade of James Shields last year, the Rays finished third in the American League in starters’ ERA. One thing that could derail this rotation is a possible trade of David Price at some point. It’s uncertain if the Rays will be able to re-sign him and he’s on a one-year deal. If Price is gone, they’d be unlikely to take on a true ace right now in return so that could destabilize this rotation later in the year.
Joel Peralta and Jake McGee will be at the back end of the bullpen but getting there might be an adventure at times with the addition of Bell. The Rays have been able to salvage some careers but it will be interesting to see how much leash Bell has if he starts to falter.
If Price is in the Rays rotation for the full 2014 season, the Rays will at least be in the Wild Card conversation come September.
