The Rays were incredibly good at fielding a team that’s competitive year in and year out with good development and good trades. In the last few years, the Rays have had a salary of $45 M in 2008, $66M in 2009, and $71M in 2010. Their records, respectively, were 97-65, 84-78, and 96-66. Making the most of players during their younger contracts, the Rays have struggled through a disinterested fan base, an aging stadium, and a lack of appeal for superstars. The Rays have struggled in recent years, Andrew Friedman leaving definitely had an impact in 2014. What has 2017 shown us?
1st Story: How have the Rays best pitchers come back this year?
Despite great stuff, Chris Archer has failed to find consistency in the majors.
Alex Cobb broke into the MLB 2012, making 23 starts to a tune of an 11-9 record. He followed that up in a huge way with an 11-3 record in 22 starts and posting a 2.76 ERA. He only allowed 13 HR’s in 143.1 IP and had 134 K’s and 45 BB. He hasn’t been able to make a full seasons worth of starts yet, however. He’s been fairly durable in 2017, making 23 starts, and having minimal trips to the DL. Cobb hasn’t been quite able to fully solidify himself as an ace without making it through a full season, but it appears that he’s ready to make the full turn next season if he can make a full seasons worth of starts.
Chris Archer has consistently had some of the best stuff in the MLB since he made a full season. With 194.2 IP and 173 K’s in his first full season; he followed that with a 2015 season that saw 212 IP and 252 K’s. However, Archer showed a propensity to get beat in 2016. Allowing 30 HR, 100 R, and 67 BB in 33 starts. So far in 2017, Archer hasn’t quite figured out how to bring down the home run totals yet, with 21 in 27 starts. Hopefully, he’ll figure out how to match the electric stuff with a reduced HR rate.
2nd Story: Is there something the Rays can do to get fans in the doors?
The Rays have muddled through season after season of low fan attendance. Being located in St. Petersburg doesn’t help matters, with the closest major city not across a body of water being Clearwater. Being stuck in their lease until 2027, the Rays are likely unable to make much headway by increasing the fan base. Hopefully, management will be able to keep the Rays competitive and capable until the city of St. Petersburg allows the Rays to move to a more friendly location, one that gives the state a chance to embrace a team that hasn’t quit despite all the hardship.
3rd Story: What does Dickerson’s All Star campaign mean for him?
Corey Dickerson broke out in an impressive way with the Rockies, with a slash line of .312/.364/.567. He was on his way to following up his breakout year with another impressive season until he got hurt, but he was on pace to match his season totals from the year before.
He was then traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in the deal for Jake McGee. His first year with Tampa was less than desirable in some regards, with a slash line of .245/.293/.469. There were concerns that the Rays had not gotten a proper return on their trade. However, Dickerson has bounced back in a huge way, hitting .286/.333/.498 and 23 HRs in 121 games played. Being that Dickerson is eligible for arbitration beginning in 2018, this rebound season is incredibly important for him. His similarity scores on Baseball Reference put him with the likes of Mookie Betts, Yasiel Puig, and Kris Bryant.
Previous entries in the “3 Stories” series: Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Indians, Colorado Rockies, Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Los Angeles Dodgers, Miami Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, St. Louis Cardinals
