Spring Training 2015 represents a symbolic moment of truth in the careers of couple of infield prospects: Tim Beckham and Hak-Ju Lee. The former is coming off a string of lackluster seasons in the Rays minor league system (his 2014 .258 BA/.281 OBP/.290 SLG/.571 OPS/.256 wOBA line speaks to tat), while the latter is coming off a disastrous, recovery season at Triple-A Durham. In short, both need to work their way into the Rays’ plans. And while one Spring Training game may not be enough boost his chances of making the Opening Day roster, Lee made a valiant attempt to leave an indelible mark on manager Kevin Cash, leading the Rays to a 5-2 win over the Minnesota Twins, Wednesday. Tampa Bay is now 2-0 in the Knutson Classic.
Tag Archives: AL east
Rays to Sign LHP Jonny Venters, Etc
According to Jeff Todd (MLB Trade Rumors), the Tampa Bay Rays have signed former Braves LHP reliever Jonny Venters to a two-year minor league contract. Venters is currently recovering from his third Tommy John’s surgery –performed in September 2014, and the Rays will look to provide him with rehabilitation sources and bring him back slowly.
Rays Spring Training Update, Day 16: The X-Rays Spex Guide to Spring Training
Sound the alarm! Panic! The Tampa Bay Rays fell to a 1-5-1 record on the after dropping both of their split squad games Tuesday afternoon — 4-3 to the Pittsburgh Pirates and 5-1 to the Boston Red Sox. In actuality though, you should probably think twice before you sound the death knell on the season before it even starts. While Spring Training scores and statistics are mostly meaningless, many place too much emphasis on them — especially early on. Instead of summarizing Tuesday afternoon’s split squad action, I thought it a good idea to step back and discuss what we should and shouldn’t be taking away from Spring Training.
Rays Spring Training Update, Day 15: Rays Fall to Yankees 4-3; Karns’ Change-up, Injury Update, Colome Returns
Nathan Karns continued his bid for the fifth starter spot with a three inning, 49 pitch outing, relinquishing two runs (one earned) on two hits and a walk. Karns told Marc Topkin (Tampa Bay Times) was pleased to go three innings and get in work on his change-up; a pitch he wants to improve. His change, though not wholly consistent, was effective enough to get Carlos Beltran to whiff. In an ideal world, the outcome of that at-bat will resonate with Karns as a growth moment.
Rays Spring Training Update, Day 14: Rays Fall to Philly, 5-4; Injury Update
Chris Archer took the mound for the Tampa Bay Rays Sunday afternoon, in what amounted to a sloppy error filled game against the Philadelphia Phillies — sans any base runners until the fifth inning and no scoring until the eighth. Suffice it to say, it wasn’t pretty. Despite everything, there were a few bright spots.