Category Archives: Rays Roster Moves

The Case For James Loney Hitting Fifth

Desmond Jennings entered the 2015 season with high expectations placed upon his shoulders; a sizzling .435 BA/1.036 OPS spring upped the ante for the 28 year-old outfielder. No longer at the top of the order, now hitting fifth, Jennings now himself tasked with another challenge: offering protection for the cleanup hitter, Evan Longoria. Yet Jennings started the season tepidly, slashing .212 BA/.311 OBP/.212 SLG/.523 OPS leading many to wonder if the five hole is the best place for him. With the imminent return of James Loney in the near future, my premise is simple — Loney is better suited than Desmond to hit fifth.

Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Rays Fall 1-0, Injury News (Cobb, Brett, Smyly, Etc)

Chris Archer was great once again, although he took the 1-0 loss on the chin. Blame the offense for this one. The de facto ace allowed just one unearned run on seven hits and a walk in 5-2/3 innings of work. Archer’s best weapon was undoubtedly his wipe out slider, and he used it to great effect. 13 of his total 17 whiffs came courtesy of slider, and he racked up eight swinging strikeouts (nine overall) with it; making the Red Sox’s hitters look silly all the while.

Rays Roster Moves: Drew Smyly to Return Friday?

According to the soothsayers at ESPN, Drew Smyly is getting the start in Friday’s series opener against Toronto. While it’s a good assumption, seeing as Smyly would get the start on normal/five days rest, what ESPN lacks is the foreknowledge of whether he’ll be reactivated from the disabled list.

Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Rays Injury Notes, Etc

The Boston Red Sox will enter the Thunder Dome (pardon the pun) on Tuesday, following the off-day. Since it’s 420, and since you’ll probably spend the day watching Up in Smoke or Pineapple Express, perhaps you could spend a little of that leisure time on a few noteworthy, Rays-centric items.