ALEast_Tampa Bay Rays

2014 Arizona Gameday HQ

TAMPA BAY RAYS 5-YEAR SCORECARD 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 WINS 92 90 91 96 84 RUNS PER GAME 4.32 4.30 4.36 4.95 4.95 RUNS ALLOWED PER GAME 3.98 3.56 3.79 4.00 4.65 OPENING-DAY PAYROLL (millions) $61 $63 $42 $72 $63 2014 STRENGTHS: • Deep starting pitching staff. • Joe Maddon’s managerial skills. 2014 WEAKNESSES: • Bullpen is shaky • Questionable up-the-middle defense The Tampa Bay Rays won 92 games and fell in the ALDS to the eventual World Series champion Boston Red Sox. No shame there. The Rays had a solid regular season and then pushed the Red Sox in a hard-fought four-game series. Third baseman Evan Longoria and right fielder Wil Myers are back and the addition of James Loney at first base has been huge. If David Price can anchor the starting staff, the Rays should contend in 2014. There is depth at every position, and the club looks to be in better shape than last season. Like every club, health will be vital. When healthy, the Rays look to be dangerous. HITTING Evan Longoria carried the Rays last season on his way to 32 home runs and 88 RBIs. He added 39 doubles and 165 hits while becoming a team leader in every aspect. Right fielder Wil Myers developed quite fast and wound up with 13 home runs and 53 RBIs as a rookie. Myers wasn’t bothered by the pace of the game and he was a major reason they went on to win 92 games. The Rays possess balance up and down the lineup anchored by David DeJesus and Ben Zobrist at the top and Yunel Escobar and Ryan Hanigan at the bottom. Teams won’t be able to pitch around this lineup because there are so many weapons. First baseman James Loney (13 home runs, 75 RBIs) provides some punch in the middle. This lineup could wind up being the best in the AL East. Evan Longoria AL EAST TOM DIPACE/GETTY IMAGES SPORT


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