The New What Next: Royals vs. Blue Jays ― An ALCS Preview

The benches cleared the last time the Royals and Blue Jays met in the regular season. (Photo Credit: MLB.com)
The benches cleared the last time the Royals and Blue Jays met in the regular season. (Photo Credit: MLB.com)

After a pair of dramatic American League Division Series that went five games, the Kansas City Royals and Toronto Blue Jays are set to square off in the American League Championship Series.

Both teams relied on similar facets of the game in 2015 ― a relentless offense, good defense, and decent pitching. However, the Royals are a persistent contact happy team, while the Blue Jays are powerful and seemingly unstoppable.

Kansas City’s 15.9% strikeout rate during regular season was the lowest in baseball ― the MLB average was a 20.4% in 2015. To that end, per Mike Axisa (CBS Sports) Toronto’s pitching staff posted the sixth lowest strikeout rate in baseball this season at 18.7%. Former Ray David Price was their only starter with an above-average whiff rate during the regular season at 25.3% (overall and 29.4% with the Blue Jays).

And while they have a pair of relievers who have posted healthy whiff rates ― Roberto Osuna (27.7%) and Mark Lowe (28.4%) ― the other four hurlers (aside from Price) depend upon contact. That plays well into Kansas City’s favor, as the Royals will likely put a ton of balls in play. However, at an average of 5.5 runs per game, the Blue Jays are expected to do what they do best ― mash the baseball.

The Blue Jays boast a powerful offense, and though they slumped a bit at the end of the season, they’re beginning to fire on all cylinders once more. Their combined 891 runs and 232 homers are enough to strike fear in the opposition. True, the Royals may have a good starting rotation, but it certainly isn’t great. Keeping Toronto off the board will undoubtedly be a tall order to fill.

Royals and Blue Jays offensive production in 2015.
Royals and Blue Jays offensive production in 2015.

The other facet of the Royals’ offense is speed on the base paths. Kansas City swiped 104 stolen bases this season, and managed a 75% stolen base success rate. Because of it, Toronto will need to neutralize the running game. Enter Russell Martin.

Martin gunned down 40.9% of would be base stealers since 2013, and that ability to manage the running game will come in handy against Kansas City. Then again, Salvador Perez isn’t bad himself ― he threw out 29 would be thieves this season (just two fewer than Martin).

Royals and Blue Jays by the numbers.
Royals and Blue Jays by the numbers.

Kansas City and Toronto finished the season with the two best records in the American League at 95-67 and 93-69, respectively. Since they edged out the Blue Jays in the W/L column, the Royals have home-field advantage. This is where my beloved Tampa Bay Rays factor into things.

Both clubs had identical 92-67 records with three games left to go in the season. Tampa Bay took two-of-three from Toronto in the final series of the season, while Kansas City swept the Twins. Therein lies the difference in ALCS home-field advantage, the last weekend of the season.

Toronto and Kansas City last met in the postseason in 1985. In that series, the Blue Jays jumped out to a three games to one series lead before the Royals won the final three games. However, more recently, Toronto won the season series 4-3.

There may also be some bad blood between the two teams after an August 2nd scrum, in Toronto. Axisa recounted the incident:

These two teams played seven games in the regular season ― the Blue Jays won the season series 4-3 ― and, in their final meeting on August 2, the benches cleared. Josh Donaldson and Troy Tulowitzki were hit by pitches, and the Blue Jays retaliated by hitting Alcides Escobar.

After the game Volquez called Donaldson a “little baby. He was crying like a baby.” Reliever Ryan Madson piled on, saying for Donaldson “to get that upset [about being pitched inside], I don’t think he fully understands the game.”

Donaldson responded by telling reporters he didn’t want Volquez ejected from the game because he is “some pretty good hitting.” Jose Bautista also called out Royals manager Ned Yost for saying Escobar getting hit was “absolutely” intentional.

Royals and Blue Jays probable starters in 2015.
Royals and Blue Jays probable starters in 2015.

Key Matchups

Edinson Volquez (13-9, 3.58 ERA) hasn’t been dominant in the postseason thus far ― allowing three runs on five hits and four walks in 5-2/3 innings in Game 3 of the ALDS ― so he tasked with trying to reverse that course against the Blue Jays. In his favor, the righty has held Toronto to a .227 BA/.353 OBP/.361 SLG/.714 OPS over his career. Key matchups: Chris Colabello (1-4, HR, 2 RBI, 2 BB), Edwin Encarnacion (3-9, HR, 2 RBI, 3 BB), Dioner Navarro (1-1, RBI)

Marco Estrada (12-8, 3.28 ERA) earned a victory over the Rangers in Game 3 of the ALDS, allowing one run on five hits while fanning four in 6-1/3 innings. Estrada held Kansas City to four total runs in two regular-season starts (12-1/3 innings) this season. Key matchups: Lorenzo Cain (2-6), Alcides Escobar (2-7,  RBI), Eric Hosmer (4-5, 2B), Alex Rios (2-5, 2B, RBI), Ben Zobrist (1-3)

Yordano Ventura (13-8, 4.08 ERA) served up multiple home runs to Houston in Game 4 of the ALDS. The righty hopes to buck that trend against the powerful Blue Jays. He’s had a decent amount of success against Toronto, slashing .217 BA/.280 OBP/.413 SLG/.693 OPS in an incredibly small 46 at-bat sample size. Key matchups: Jose Bautista (3-5, HR, RBI), Edwin Encarnacion (1-3, 2 BB), Justin Smoak (2-8, HR, 3 RBI)

David Price (9-1, 2.30 ERA) didn’t fare particularly well in Game 4 of the ALDS when John Gibbons brought him in for three innings in relief of R.A. Dickey. Price allowed three runs on six hits while striking out two. He will be on normal rest for his start on Saturday. Key matchups: Lorenzo Cain (4-11, HR, RBI), Alcides Escobar (2-7), Salvador Perez (3-9, HR, 2 RBI), Alex Rios (12-30, 4 2B, 3B, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 3 BB), Ben Zobrist (2-6, 2B)

Johnny Cueto (4-7, 4.76) struggled over the final month of the regular season, yet he was incredible in Game 5 of the ALDS. Cueto held the Astros to just two runs on two hits over eight innings, retiring 19 straight to end his outing. Key matchups: Jose Bautista (2-8, 2B, BB), Josh Donaldson (1-2, 2B, 2 RBI, BB), Edwin Encarnacion (4-7, 2B, HR, RBI), Dioner Navarr0 (1-2), Kevin Pillar (2-3, RBI)

Marcus Stroman (4-0, 1.67 ERA) played a key part in Toronto’s victory over the Rangers in the ALDS. Stroman allowed a total of five runs over 13 innings in his two starts against Texas, with just two allowed over six in Game 5. Key matchups: Jarrod Dyson (1-2), Alex Gordon (1-3, 2B), Eric Hosmer (1-3), Kendrys Morales (2-3, 2B), Ben Zobrist (2-5, BB)

Kris Medlen (5-2, 4.50 ERA) put up two clunkers to go with six strong outings in his eight starts. Medlen allowed 13 runs on 20 hits in his two bad starts, but just nine runs on 26 hits in his other six. A caveat, he has yet to record more than six strikeouts in any start this season. Key matchup: Edwin Encarnacion (1-1)

RA Dickey (11-11, 3.91 ERA) held his own in Game 4 of the ALDS, yet for whatever reason he had a short hook. Dickey blanked the Royals over seven innings, allowing just two hits and two walks on August 2nd. Key matchups: Jarrod Dyson (2-6, 2B), Alcides Escobar (6-18, 3B, 2 RBI), Alex Gordon (3-11, 2B, RBI), Eric Hosmer (3-9, 2B, RBI, BB), Salvador Perez (3-12, 2B, HR, RBI, BB)

Noteworthiness

― Doug Padilla (ESPN) compiled the two team’s previous seven meetings in one quick read.

― Former Ray lookout: David Price, Dioner Navarro, Ben Zobrist, and Wade Davis grace the Jays and Royals’ rosters.

― All of the statistics above have been gathered from FanGraphs, CBS Sports, and ESPN.

Arizona Fall League Begins, Cubs Headed to the NLCS

The Tampa Bay Rays acquired Daniel Robertson in the trade of Ben Zobrist in January of 2015. (Photo Credit: USA Today Sports)
The Tampa Bay Rays acquired Daniel Robertson in the trade of Ben Zobrist in January 2015. (Photo Credit: USA Today Sports)

The Mesa Solar Sox kicked off their 30 game Arizona Fall League schedule with an 8-7 loss to the Glendale Desert Dogs on Tuesday. Why is this important? The Solar Sox boast six Rays’ prospects: 1B/OF Jake Bauers; 1B Casey Gillaspie; SS Daniel Robertson (his second stint with the AFL); and RHP’s Buddy Borden, Mike Franco, and Brad Schreiber.

Since some of the AFL games will be televised, it might be a good idea to know something about those representing the Tampa Bay Rays organization. Worry not, DRaysBay has your back.

Staff writer Johntown99 wrote a primer on a handful of players including Gillaspie, Bauers, Border, Franco, and Schreiber:

1B Casey Gillaspie

Gillaspie, like Robertson, is coming off an injury this season. Gillaspie broke his finger and missed a month and a half just five games after being promoted to Class A-Advanced Charlotte. He struggled after returning, with a .262 wOBA and 67 wRC+. Unlike Robertson, who was missing just his power, Gillaspie had a poor average .185 as well as poor power with .296 slugging percentage and .111 ISO.

Gillaspie will face tougher competition than he ever has. It makes sense to allow Gillaspie this chance considering the team probably wants him to the majors as quickly as possible. A strong performance in Arizona against mostly Double-A and Triple-A pitchers would justify a promotion to Montgomery even with a lackluster stint in Charlotte.

1B/OF Jake Bauers

Bauers had a strong season cumulatively and especially in his stint in Charlotte to start off the year where he hit 267/.357/.433. He was promoted to Double-A and saw his average rise (.276) but his slugging percentage fall (.405). Even though Bauers is ranked No. 24 by mlb.com, his strong early push prompted Danny and Scott to slot Bauers at Nos. 10 and 11, respectively, in their midseason rankings.

Bauers is caught in the mix of four top-30 mlb.com first base prospects for the Rays, so seeing him listed as an outfielder makes sense. A position change could get Bauers out of the logjam, especially since he has Gillaspie right on his heels in terms of promotions. The Fall League provides a low-stress environment for this kind of experiment. While there is a lot of outfield talent headed to Arizona (five of the 11 top-100 prospects are outfielders), none of them are going to be part of the Solar Sox, so Bauers’ bat is hopefully enough to get him time in the outfield.

Right-Handed Pitchers Galore

While there are no Honeywells or Guerrieris headed to the AFL, the pitchers coming from the Rays’ system are still worth noting.

Buddy Borden spent time in the rotation and in the bullpen for Charlotte this season after coming over in the offseason from the Pirates. He had a 2.97 ERA in 127.1 innings. The time in Arizona gives the opportunity for Borden to work on his walk rate (4.10 per nine innings) which was less than ideal this season. Borden’s arsenal is also criticized for a “lack of movement”, so adding some to his pitches should still be a goal for him going forward.

Mike Franco was drafted in the seventh round in 2014 and always has been a reliever in the Rays system but survived the jump to full-season baseball, starting the year with Class-A Bowling Green but finishing it out with Class A-Advanced Charlotte. Over the full year, he posted a 1.52 ERA, 2.77 FIP, and a 9.63 K/9. Franco works with an average 89-92 fastball and a curve that flashes average. The AFL gives him the chance to log more innings, which is important for a pitcher already committed to the bullpen.

Brad Schreiber split the season between Charlotte and Montgomery and pitched fairly well as another reliever. Over 54 appearances, he had an 8.30 K/9 and a 2.81 ERA. He was named to the Florida State League All-Star Game for Charlotte along with Borden.Schreiber posted 30 saves and led the FSL with 15 at the time of being named to the All-Star Game. Like Franco, he hopes to log more innings considering he came out of the bullpen all year.

Johntown99’s piece can be read in its entirety via the link above (also here).

Fans gather on the streets outside of Wrigley Field after the Cubs won 6-4 in Game 4 in baseball's National League Division Series against the St. Louis Cardinals, Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2015, in Chicago. (Photo Credit: Paul Beaty)
Fans gather on the streets outside of Wrigley Field after the Cubs won 6-4 in Game 4 in baseball’s National League Division Series against the St. Louis Cardinals, Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2015, in Chicago. (Photo Credit: Paul Beaty)

Also, I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the Chicago Cubs for advancing to the National League Championship Series for the first time since 2003. Joe Maddon’s Cubbies beat the St. Louis Cardinals 6-4 on Tuesday to close out the series in four games.

The North Siders clubbed their way into the NLCS, hitting nine home runs in the series’ two games at Wrigley Field, which was 14% of the total St. Louis had allowed all season on the road. More over, seven different players hit seven home runs, tying a league division series record (per ESPN Stats and Information). The Cubs hit 10 overall in the four games.

In short, before the Rays, I was a huge Cubs fan. Without a home team to root for back then, afternoons growing up were spent watching hours of baseball on WGN. There were no talent Cubs teams, and then there were ’84, ’89, ’98, and ’03 Cubbies who held so much promise, yet ultimately broke my hears. It’s been over 100 years since a Cubs World Series. Is this their time? Who knows?

While I still have a huge axe to grind with the treatment of former manager Rick Renteria, and though I’m sick of hearing how Joe Maddon is the mad genius who completely changed the culture of the previously 73-89 north side team ― you know, because the $120,337,385 payroll and a stacked lineup has nothing to do with their postseason success ― I’ve got to hand it to Chicago, and what the team has been able to accomplish this year.

The New What Next: Astros vs. Royals ― An ALDS Series Preview

Jason Castro embraces Jose Altuve after the Astros beat the New York Yankees 3-0 in the American League Wildcard game on Tuesday, October 6, 2015. (Photo Credit: AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Jason Castro embraces Jose Altuve after the Astros beat the New York Yankees 3-0 in the American League Wildcard game on Tuesday, October 6, 2015. (Photo Credit: AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

I am a man without a horse in the race. For the second straight year, my team ― the Tampa Bay Rays ― fell out of postseason contention about a week-and-a-half before the end of the season. Because of it, I’m approaching this postseason as I had the last, follow the teams that most closely resemble the Rays way of play ― quality pitching, solid defense, and timely hitting. There are two teams that parallel my beloved team in some way, shape, or form: the Houston Astros and the Kansas City Royals, and it just so happens that they are set to start the American League Division Series against one another on Thursday.

The Kansas City Royals followed their 2014 playoff run with another great season in 2015, this time owning the best record in the American League. They will host the Wildcard winning Houston Astros in the ALDS at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City.

The Royals were the scrappy Wildcard team that went all the way to the World Series last year, only to fall in Game 7 by a run. The Astros are now that plucky team with hopes to go deep into October.

Houston started the year hot, leading the AL West for 139 days this season before scuffling a bit in September. The Astros battled back, however, subsequently capturing their first playoff berth since 2005 in the final week of the season. They are coming off a big 3-0 win against the New York Yankees in the AL Wildcard game on Tuesday.

After coming from behind against the Oakland Athletics in the 2014 AL Wildcard game, Kansas City blew through the first two rounds of the playoffs without the luxury of home field advantage. This season, the Royals will start every series they are in at Kauffman Stadium, where they posted a 51-30 record.

The Astros were second in the AL with 230 home runs during the regular season. Both Colby Rasmus and Carlos Gomez went deep against New York.

Yankees Outfielder Carlos Beltran succinctly described the ‘Stros on Tuesday:

Young team. They play hard, they have speed, they have three good outfielders playing out there.

Yet the Royals have a formidable offense of their own, led by former Ray Ben Zobrist, Eric Hosmer, Kendrys Morales, Mike Moustakas, Alex Gordon and Lorenzo Cain.

Both teams tend to wreak havoc on the base paths by way of stolen bases ― 121 by Houston, and 104 by Kansas City ― but their hitters couldn’t be more different. The Astros led the league in strikeouts, while the Royals had the fewest. Houston finished second in homers, while the Royals hit only 139; good for second to last. And while the Astros drew the fifth most walks, the Royals drew the fewest. The ‘Stros tend to thrive on pitchers mistakes, whereas the Royals are relentless at the plate ― BABIPing opposing pitchers to death as exemplified by their .301 batting average on balls in play*.

The question begs, how will the pitching stand up? Although the Royals starting rotation was pretty dominant in 2014, they have combined for a 4.36 ERA/4.35 FIP in the second half of the 2015 campaign. Compare that to Dallas Keuchel and company, who collected a 3.33 ERA/3.84 FIP since the All-Star Break.

Kansas City has lined up Yordano Ventura to start the opening game of the set, with Johnny Cueto and Edinson Volquez following. The Astros will counter with Collin McHugh, Scott Kazmir, and Keuchel for Game 3 in Houston, where he was 15-0 this season.

Houston took the season series against Kansas City, winning four of six and sweeping the Royals at home.

*The 11th best BABIP in baseball, and the best of all the AL teams in the playoffs.

Astros and Royals series starters over the last 14 days.
Astros and Royals series starters over the last 14 days.
Astros and Royals offensive production over the last 14 days,
Astros and Royals offensive production over the last 14 days.

Key Matchups

Collin McHugh (19-7, 3.89 ERA): McHugh allowed two runs on four hits and a walk while fanning one over six innings on Thursday, earning the win in the first game of the ALDS against the Royals. The righty allowed two solo shots during the game ― both to Kendrys Morales ― but, combined with Tony Sipp, Will Harris, Oliver Perez and Luke Gregerson to hold the Royals’ offense scoreless otherwise. Lorenzo Cain (1-3), Alex Gordon (1-3), Omar Infante (1-3), Salvador Perez (1-3), Ben Zobrist (2-5, 2B, 3B, 2 RBI, BB).

Yordano Ventura (13-8, 4.08 ERA): Ventura will be pitching on short rest after tossing just 42 pitches in his rain-shortened outing in Game 1. He should be able to handle a full workload Monday. Jason Castro (4-8, 2B, RBI), Carlos Correa (1-2, 2B), Evan Gattis (1-3, 3B), Marwin Gonzalez (2-5, 2B), George Springer (1-1, 2B, 2 RBI, BB)

Scott Kazmir (7-11, 3.10 ERA): Kazmir will get the start in Game 2 of the ALDS on Friday. Don’t let the 3.10 ERA deceive you, the former Ray struggled mightily down the stretch for the Astros, posting a 6.52 ERA and 18/11 K/BB in 29 September innings of work.

Johnny Cueto (11-13, 3.44 ERA): Cueto allowed three runs on eight hits and two walks on Tuesday, September 30th against the ChiSox. He struck out two. Cueto, however, has improved, collecting three consecutive quality starts to end the season, but he still boasts a gaudy a 4.95 ERA, having allowed 10 home runs in 11 starts. His 45/11 K/BB is solid, and the righty has been good enough in the past that a rough stretch shouldn’t be alarming. Chris Carter (1-2, 2B), Carlos Gomez (4-12, 2B, 2 HR, 2 RBI), Jed Lowrie (1-3), Colby Rasmus (9-27, 3 2B, HR, 5 RBI, 3 BB)

Dallas Keuchel (20-8, 2.48 ERA): Working on just three days’ rest, the obvious Cy Young award candidate shut out the Yankees over six innings in Tuesday’s AL Wild Card game, allowing three hits and a walk while fanning seven. He will be afforded the normal five days of rest this time around before taking the hill Sunday. Lorenzo Cain (5-12, 2 2B, HR, 2 RBI, BB), Alcides Escobar (4-14), Jonny Gomes (3-6, RBI), Eric Hosmer (4-6), Kendrys Morales (6-16, 2B, RBI, BB), Alex Rios (10-26, 4 2B, 4 RBI, BB)

Edinson Volquez (13-9, 3.55 ERA): Volquez scattered nine hits while allowing one run over six innings in a no-decision against the White Sox on October 3rd. He struck out five and walked one. It was an odd outing for Volquez, as he allowed nine singles in the game. Even so, Volquez had one of the best seasons of his career, as exemplified his 3.55 ERA/1.31 WHIP/152 K which ranks third best across his 10-year career. Jose Altuve (3-7, RBI), Chris Carter (1-3, HR, RBI), Jason Castro (1-3, RBI, BB), Carlos Gomez (9-31, 3 HR, 3 RBI), Colby Rasmus (5-14, 3 2B, HR, 6 RBI), George Springer (1-2), Luis Valbuena (3-10, 2B, HR, 2 RBI, 2 BB)

Lance McCullers (6-7, 3.22 ERA): The rookie RHP will get the call for Game 4 of the ALDS. McCullers scattered four hits over seven innings against the Royals on June 29, allowing just one run while fanning six. Key matchups: Jarrod Dyson (1-2, 2B, BB), Alex Gordon (1-3), Salvador Perez (1-3, HR, RBI), Alex Rios (1-3)

Noteworthiness

― Gerard Farek (Outside Pitch) wrote an excellent piece titled Starting pitching the key to the Houston Astros against the Kansas City Royals in the ALDS. It goes much more in-depth into the issues that both Ned Yost and A.J. Hinch face with their respective starting rotations.

― August Fagerstrom (FanGraphs) writes that the Astros are the new Royals. I’d add that both teams are variations of the 2008 Rays.

Silverman and Cash Sum Up the 2015 Season, Look Ahead Toward the Future; Rays Arbitration Eligibles

Rays manager Kevin Cash, during an end of season press conference Tuesday at Tropicana Field. (Photo Credit: Dirk Shadd/Tampa Bay Times)
Rays manager Kevin Cash, during an end of season press conference Tuesday at Tropicana Field. (Photo Credit: Dirk Shadd/Tampa Bay Times)
Matt Silverman and Kevin Cash wrapped up what they called a disappointing 2015 season with a media session at Tropicana Field on Tuesday. However, a feeling of optimism for the future belied the general feeling of disappointment by the Tampa Bay Rays president of baseball operations and manager.

Cash deferred a quick assessment of the season to Silverman to start off the session,

Anytime we’re sitting here before you guys and not talking about a postseason series, it’s a disappointment. We came into spring training believing we had a team that would compete for the playoffs and possibly extend our season deep into the playoffs, and that didn’t happen. There are a number of reasons for that.

However, Silverman also hinted at a glimmer of hope for the future,

If you take a step back and reflect on what’s taken place, there’s a really good foundation.

Marc Topkin (Tampa Bay Times) attended the media session, and listed some of the more interesting points:

  • While acknowledging injuries are a factor for all teams, Silverman said it was a bigger issue for the Rays due to the number of injuries and that they “don’t really have the luxury for bad breaks.”
  • Silverman said he sees “a really good foundation” between the major- and minor-league teams, and Cash said the experience gained by the young players, and the staff, will benefit them going forward.”
  • Silverman said he expects it to be a busy offseason at least in terms of talking, and they have a number of positions to address. Shortstop looks to be the biggest hole, and he made clear they would be open to dealing a starting pitcher.
  • Though principal owner Stuart Sternberg indicated last month the payroll may go down from $72-million, Silverman said they are just now having those conversations as they look at it over a several year window. He did note that the top 10 teams average $100- million more than the Rays.
  • One reason for their losing record was a run differential of only plus-2. Both Cash and Silverman put the onus on the offense to improve and feel that it can especially as they stick with the more aggressive approach.
  • Silverman said the oft-discussed pitching philosophy was hatched out of necessity and will be further studied as they shape their rotations and bullpens going forward.
  • Silverman said they were probably lucky to be 40-30 at one point, and that he felt the actually played better later in the season and didn’t have the same results.
  • All the coaches are expected back; all are signed thru 2016 except 1B coach Rocco Baldelli.

The media session follows in its entirety below:

[youtube_sc url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOr6beFlOns&feature=youtu.be”]

2016 Projected Arbitration Salaries

MLB Trade Rumors just released their 2016 projected arbitration salaries. The Rays have 11 players who will likely see a raise next season, and they are listed below. They project to earn a combined $28.9MM, lending the assumption that the front office could have some tough calls on their hands this winter.

Note: Major League service time is included in parenthesis (years.days), followed by the projected salary.

Jake McGee (4.127) – $4.7MM
Logan Forsythe (4.113) – $3.3MM
Desmond Jennings (4.101) – $3.1MM
Rene Rivera (4.082) – $1.6MM
Alex Cobb (4.061) – $4.0MM
J.P. Arencibia (4.052) – $1.8MM
Daniel Nava (4.045) – $1.9MM
Drew Smyly (3.154) – $3.9MM
Brandon Gomes (3.082) – $900K
Brandon Guyer (3.066) – $1.3MM
Erasmo Ramirez (2.158) – $2.8MM

Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Rays Crush Jays in Series Finale, 12-3

The Shirts Off Our Back raffle can mean only one thing: the end of the season. (Photo Credit: Anthony Ateek/X-Rays Spex)

162 games have come to pass, and here I sit wallowing in sadness ― in order for me to watch October baseball, I’ll have to watch somebody else’s team. The season that started with such promise, at least in certain circles, is over with nothing to show but a round number in the win column.

Still, if you tweak your perspective, and view the past week though a different set of lenses, you’d be left with a pretty solid six-game set of baseball. Sure it may be too little too late, but who doesn’t like watching their team succeed in some capacity?

That said, it all came down to the season finale against the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday. Tampa Bay scored nine runs in the first inning, the most in any inning this year, and finished off the 2015 season with an impressive 12-3 win. It became the second time in club history that the Rays scored at least nine runs in the first — the last time was June 25, 2008 against the Marlins (10 runs).

In the game, Joey Butler went yard twice, including in the first when he hit the team’s first and only grand slam of the season.

How could I forget Mikie Mahtook, who crushed a monster blast to left field. Butler and Mahtook brought the Rays rookie total to 57 home runs — the most by an American League club since the 2003 Indians (90), according to Elias Sports Bureau. Don’t look now, but Mahtook amassed a productive .290 BA/.349 OBP/.600 SLG/.949 OPS/.403 wOBA line in 110 plate appearances. Compare with Desmond Jennings, who put together a .268 BA/.324 OBP/.340 SLG/.664 OPS/.294 wOBA line in 108 plate appearances. If someone doesn’t get traded this winter, I’d imagine there could be an old fashioned battle for an outfield spot during Spring Training.

The run support was more than enough for Matt Moore, who posted six innings of one run/four hit baseball. It was the fourth consecutive quality start for Moore, who allowed four total runs in his last four starts. Moore walked four and struck out four, with Chris Colabello’s fourth inning homer being the only blemish against his record. Moore said the season-ending victory is something that will be fresh in the team’s mind when they look back on the year.

A good number of questions lay in the wake of the season finale. How will Matt Silverman fill the presumed hole at short? Will John Jaso return to the fold next season? How will the team attempt to build a dominant bullpen? …So on and so forth. What is known, Stu Sternberg will again put together another $70MM ball club — give or take a couple million — and most of the players will return in 2016. The rest, as they say, will reveal itself as the offseason unfolds.

I recapped the final week of play over at DRaysBay. You can relive the Rays’ 5-1 week by clicking the link.

Noteworthiness

— Logan Forsythe has been named a finalist for the Hank Aaron Award, given to the top offensive performer in each league. Fans can vote for him at mlb.com until October 11.

— Steven Souza Jr. thinks the Tampa Bay Rays can be a dangerous team next year with a couple of additions.

— Speaking for myself, I’ll be rooting for the Pirates and/or the Cubs in the NL, and the Royals and/or the Astros in the AL. Sure, I’d love to see David Price lead the Blue Jays deep into the postseason. However, I’d also like to see Ben Zobrist make it to the World Series. That being said, I’ll be putting together a few postseason series previews here and there, starting Thursday.