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Tampa Bay Rays 2015 season preview and predictions

ByRobSabo|
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 21, 2014; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Brad Boxberger (26) throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Tropicana Field. Chicago White Sox defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 10-5. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 21, 2014; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Brad Boxberger (26) throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Tropicana Field. Chicago White Sox defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 10-5. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

3 Keys for Success

  1. A Lights Out Bullpen
  2. Matt Moore Revival
  3. Surprise in the Lineup

Let’s face it: the Rays lineup is hurting.

There is no chance anybody can feel comfortable with this group. Not only is it weak on paper, but it doesn’t boast the speed (26th in 2014 with 63 SB) or station to station hitting necessary to take on an alternative trendy identity.

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    • The pitching staff, and most notably the bullpen, must be insanely good. Last year they were okay with a 3.36 overall ERA (13th in big leagues).

    They’ll have to top that this season, and it’s starts with Brad Boxberger.

    Boxberger was downright filthy a year ago. Striking out a Tampa Bay record 104 batters in only 64.2 innings, he was a nightmare for AL hitters late in games. He’s coming into this season with Jake McGee and Kevin Jepsen, creating the possibility of one of the more dangerous bullpens in baseball.

    Alex Cobb enjoyed a breakout in 2014. The Rays will need one time super-stud Matt Moore to get back to his 2012-13 form. Tommy John has halted the young lefty’s career (only two games started last year). If successful on his revival, he’ll combine with Cobb in generating a beautiful righty-lefty combo at the top of the staff.

    The problematic issue is the Rays won’t enjoy Moore’s presence until late May or early June at the earliest.

    While I feel the lineup is a certainty to finish in the bottom fifth of the majors in overall productivity, one or two surprises are necessary for the Rays to contend. Loney, Souza, Jennings, Rivera, Jaso, Asdrubal Cabrera – somebody must step up.

    Next: Season Predictions

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