Keys to October
Since the team changed its name in 2008, the Tampa Bay Rays have consistently remained competitive in what most would call the toughest division in Major League Baseball; the AL East. With four playoff berths, including two division titles and a trip to the World Series in 2008, the Rays have shown they can keep up with teams like the Red Sox and Yankees.
With a new year comes a fresh start. Everyone is back to zero. That includes the Rays, who finished last in the division last year – 26 games below .500.
So what must happen this season if the Rays want to be playing in October?
Number One: Staying Healthy.
One of the biggest things that can affect a team’s chances are injuries. For the Rays, it is important to keep the core of the team healthy for an entire season.
Kevin Kiermaier is healthy after missing a chunk of last season. His defense alone can be the difference between an out and an extra base hit. The guy catches anything that is hit near him. Despite missing a third of the season last year he still won a Gold Glove.
Another key player the Rays need to stay healthy is Alex Cobb, who only had five starts in 2016 after recovering from Tommy John surgery. If Cobb can stay healthy and can get back to his 2013 form, minus the liner off the dome of course, he could possibly put up career highs this season.
Number Two: Offense
The Rays have some great bats. But they have to be able to use those bats to generate runs. I’m not talking about hitting dingers over the fence, I mean getting guys on base and bringing them in. And that means getting hits instead of strikeouts.
For example, Steven Souza Jr. had 159 strikeouts in only 120 games last season. That’s a little over 1.3 per game. While that isn’t as high as some others around the league, the Rays need hitters like Souza Jr. and Evan Longoria to get on base, and someone bringing them across the plate on a more consistent basis if they want to win games.
Imagine if this were Central Ave in downtown Saint Petersburg.
Chicago sure knows how to throw a party! #FlyTheW #WorldSeries pic.twitter.com/i40kDxW8gI
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Number Three: Reliable Bullpen
With Brad Boxberger currently on the DL, bullpen depth could be an issue early on. However, with the addition of Tommy Hunter, the Rays should have an improved bullpen. Last season the team had a 4.09 bullpen ERA which ranked 21st in MLB.
Starting pitching is crucial but being able to hold a lead or vice versa, keep a deficit to a minimum is just as important. While Alex Colome only had three blown saves in 40 opportunities last year, Erasmo Ramirez had four in only six chances. That number needs to be lower if the Rays want to finish above .500 this season.
There is nothing like playing baseball in October. If the Cubs winning a World Series after 108 years is any indication, miracles can happen in the fall.
Maybe the best way for the Rays to cap off their 20th season in the league is another division title and, if all goes right, their first World Series title.
