Fansided

2016 MLB season: AL East preview

By Jason Parker

Sep 6, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Alex Rodriguez (13) hits a solo home run during the sixth inning of the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 6, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Alex Rodriguez (13) hits a solo home run during the sixth inning of the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 7, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Evan Longoria (3) is congratulated by second baseman Logan Forsythe (11) after he hits a solo home run during the eighth inning against the New York Mets at Tropicana Field. New York Mets defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 7, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Evan Longoria (3) is congratulated by second baseman Logan Forsythe (11) after he hits a solo home run during the eighth inning against the New York Mets at Tropicana Field. New York Mets defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Tampa Bay Rays

A lot of people seem to forget about the Rays until it’s late August and they’re still in the AL East title race. Perhaps that’s because the Rays continue to build their team with youngsters and through their minor league system, but as the saying goes: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Projected lineup
2B Logan Forsythe
CF Kevin Kiermaier
3B Evan Longoria
RF Corey Dickerson
DH Logan Morrison
LF Desmond Jennings
1B James Loney
C Curt Casali
SS Brad Miller

Tampa’s lineup is pretty much the same as it was last year, with former Corey Dickerson the only new addition coming in from the Colorado Rockies to play right field. Longoria is still one of the best infielders in the game and Loney can still be effective when healthy. The key to a successful year will be Jennings. If he can stay in the lineup and help out, the Rays should be competitive once again.

Projected rotation
RHP Chris Archer
RHP Jake Odorizzi
LHP Drew Smyly
RHP Erasmo Ramirez
LHP Matt Moore

The rotation will be anchored by Archer, who reminds plenty of Tampa Bay Rays fans of a young David Price, who ed them to the World Series in 2008. Odorizzi and Smyly provide depth to the rotation and take some of the pressure off Archer. The bullpen still has some holes, though, as Jake McGee left as part of the Dickerson trade.

Projected record: 83-79

Next: “Toronto

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