The New What Next: Rays vs. O’s — A Series Preview of Sorts

It’s been opined by more than a few, the Rays appeared to be in restructuring mode early in the offseason, yet they made several present-day improvements to put themselves in position to win in 2014. Matt Silverman put together a team that — in an ideal world — is deeper offensively, more athletic, and improved defensively. And while they were fairly successful during Spring Training (as it relates to wins and losses), the true test of the team’s mettle begins Monday, when the Baltimore Orioles enter the Trop for a three-game set.

Rays 3/31/15 Starting Lineups; Roster and Stadium Notes

Per Marc Topkin, given the potential of external options, Rays manager Kevin Cash said the team will hold off announcing the order and other pitchers on the rotation until weeks end. Cash also said Alex Colome won’t be ready when the Rays need their fifth starter on April 14. Likewise Drew Smyly and Alex Cobb are slated for later April returns.

Rays Spring Training Update, Day 34: Front Three Starters Announced, Namoli Set to Throw, Stadium News, Etc

There really isn’t much to say about the Tampa Bay Rays/Baltimore Orioles contest Friday afternoon. It wasn’t televised or on the radio, and it was ultimately rained out. If it wasn’t for a handful of tweets suggesting otherwise, you’d never have known there was a game in the first place. In lieu of a formal summary, listed below are a few notes from the “game” as well as other noteworthy things.

Rays Spring Training Update, Day 32: Andriese Solid, Forsythe Named Second Baseman, Updated Stadium Deal, Etc

The Tampa Bay Rays capped off their Grapefruit League season series against the Minnesota Twins, with a 2-1 win Wednesday. Not only did they take the Knutson Cup last Thursday, the Rays posted a perfect 5-0 record against Paul Molitor’s boys. Dukes Knutson would be proud.

Rays Spring Training Update, Day 26; Rays Win 4-2, On Nathan Karns, Etc

To be certain, there is a measure of concern surrounding the Tampa Bay Rays starting rotation, and rightly so; Alex Colome has finally been released from the hospital after contracting pneumonia, Drew Smyly is starting to throw after battling shoulder tendinitis, and Alex Cobb is coping with his own bout of tendinitis. The challenge for Matt Silverman and Kevin Cash will be to cobble together a handful of pitchers plug the hole in the rotation until Smyly and Cobb return.