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Tampa Bay Rays 2015 season preview and predictions

By Robby Sabo

Aug 17, 2014; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Evan Longoria (3) at bat against the New York Yankees at Tropicana Field. New York Yankees defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 17, 2014; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Evan Longoria (3) at bat against the New York Yankees at Tropicana Field. New York Yankees defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 20, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres catcher Rene Rivera (44) during the ninth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres catcher Rene Rivera (44) during the ninth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

Key Additions

  • OF, Steven Souza (Trade with Nationals)
  • RP, Kevin Jepsen (Trade with Angels)
  • 2B, Asdrubal Cabrera (Free Agent)
  • C, Jon Jaso (Trade with Athletics)
  • C, Rene Rivera (Trade with Padres)

David Price, Andrew Friedman, Joe Maddon, Wil Myers – four guys who were once considered staples of the organization were all gone in the matter of a few months.

Of course after those four departed, drastic turnover was to be expected. That’s exactly what new general manager Matt Silverman did.

The big shock of course came when super prospect Wil Myers was shipped to San Diego for catcher Rene Rivera and a couple of youngsters. While Rays fans could be upset the personnel has dipped in the present, the future looks promising.

As far as 2015 is concerned, the Rays newcomers must produce.

It starts with Steven Souza. Many believe the 25-year old has a ton of potential. It’ll be up to Cash to work on his plate patience to counter his free-swinging ways.

Kevin Jepsen is currently locked in a battle with Brad Boxberger and Jake McGee in sorting out late inning relief roles.

Key Losses

  • OF, Wil Myers (Trade with Padres)
  • RP, Joel Peralta  (Trade with Dodgers)
  • IF, Sean Rodriguez (Trade with Pirates)
  • SP, Jeremy Hellickson (Trade with Diamondbacks)
  • OF, Matt Joyce (Trade with Angels)
  • U, Ben Zobrist (Trade with Athletics)
  • SS, Yunel Escobar (Trade with Athletics)

We touched on it already, the loss of Wil Myers signals the franchise moving towards a longer, drawn out rebuilding phase.

Silverman didn’t stop there.

He cut deals with the Dodgers, Athletics, Cubs, Diamondbacks, Pirates and Angels as well. Clearly, the team decided to go hyperactive during the Hot Stove months.

Losing a top clubhouse guy like Ben Zobrist and a big-time bullpen arm such as Joel Peralta will crush their 2015 chances.

Next: Players to Watch

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