54 of the 63 players on the Rays spring roster reported to camp in Port Charlotte on this, the first official day of Spring Training. Of those players, all of the pitchers who were expected report did with the exceptions of Ronald Beliasario and Alex Colome, who were delayed by visa issues.
Tag Archives: Grant Balfour
Projecting the Rays 2015 Bullpen
The Rays ‘pen has been in a state of flux this off-season. Gone are Joel Peralta and Cesar Ramos, two relievers many grew to love (or hate, you choose). They were also dealt a setback, albeit temporary, with the injury and subsequent surgery on closer Jake McGee. In turn, a few experienced arms have been brought in and to deal with the flux. As of now, a little more than a week before the start of Spring Training, as many as 11 players are vying for a role in the later innings.
Looking Backward While Moving Forward: The Rays Romp the Tigers, 7-2
The Tampa Bay Rays were in a prime position going into the contest agains the Tigers, Saturday. Just 8.5 games out of first, the Rays had an opportunity to end the day 7.5 games back if everything broke in their favor. Yet things didn’t look good until the fifth inning — dare I say it looked like as though they were in route for yet another low scoring game, or even another no hitter? But something happened: Logan Forsythe opened the door to an offensive onslaught with his solo shot in the fifth inning. The Rays walked out of Comerica Park with a big 7-2 win.
Rays Relieve Grant Balfour of Closing Duties
Rays manager Joe Maddon announced on this afternoon’s pre-game show (on WDAE), that Grant Balfour has been relieved of his closing duties. The Rays will opt for a closer by committee type of scenario — at least for the time being. Maddon didn’t specifically mention who may spend the most time in that key position, …
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Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Rays, Balfour Fall 5-0 in the Ninth
A marquee pitching match-up was promised at the Trop Sunday, when Chris Archer took on Felix Hernandez and the Seattle Mariners, and a marquee pitching duel between the two righties is what we got. In the case of the Rays’ starter, Archer was more than happy to have the M’s put the ball in play, responding with eight groundouts and five fly-ball outs. Hernandez, on the other hand, was dominant and efficient, ringing up 15 Rays over the span of his seven inning/100 pitch outing.