“It’s go time!” Kevin Cash Formally Introduced as the Rays Manager

The Tampa Bay Rays formally (read: FINALLY) introduced new Skipper Kevin Cash, in an afternoon presser at The Trop — hitting coach Derek Shelton, RHP Jake Odorizzi, and ex-Devil Ray Toby Hall were among those on hand in the audience.

St. Petersburg Stadium Deal Delayed a Week, Winter Meeting’s Trade Rumors, Etc

St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman announced a possible agreement for the Rays to explore new regional stadium locations Tuesday morning. While the potential deal should be considered a huge step forward, the addition of any termination agreement to a contract (or in this case, a memorandum) is a complicated matter — especially when you factor in some of the less-than-popular terms which would be set in stone pending a yes vote by the St. Petersburg City Council.

Mayor Kriseman, Rays Announce Pending Stadium Deal

In a press conference at Tropicana Field Tuesday afternoon, St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman laid out his plan to allow the Tampa Bay Rays explore new stadium sites in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, with the hope of not only keeping them in the region, but in St. Petersburg. Making good on his campaign promise of finding a resolution that would benefit both the team and the citizens of St. Petersburg, Kriseman’s “memorandum of understanding” would give the Rays three years to analyze possible sites in Hillsborough and Pinellas. In kind, Kriseman and his staff are committed to making an aggressive pitch for a new stadium at another St. Petersburg location (such as Carillon/Gateway), on the Tropicana Field acreage, or a complete renovation of the Trop itself.

The Stadium Stalemate Could Be Coming to A Close, Rays Interviewed Charlie Montoyo, Hellickson Deal Pending, and More

To think this was going to be a fairly quiet news day…

To think this was going to be a fairly quiet news day…

Not only did the Rays interview Charlie Montoyo, managerial candidate number six of 10, rumor has it the Rays are trying to deal RHP Jeremy Hellickson, and the stadium stalemate could be coming to a close.

Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Rays Drop Season Finale, 7-2

Put a fork in it, the Tampa Bay Rays’ most disappointing season since 2007 came to a close in disappointing fashion, with the Rays falling to the Cleveland Indians 7-2. The Rays ended the season with a 77-85 record, and their lowest offensive output since the Devil Rays days (more on that below). Alex Cobb took the mound against Indians starter TJ House and allowed ten hits, including a rare two homer second inning. Meanwhile House, while lasting only 49 pitches, proved to be effective, ultimately limiting the Rays to one run in five innings.