2016 Tampa Bay Rays

[Tobywan]

Players have all reported, full workouts got underway yesterday. Players presented Kevin Kiermaier with a nice present.



A painting commissioned by the team from a Sarasota artist of "The Catch".





Keirmaier needed a nap.




Then that moment when your boss catches you.

[Tobywan]

Rays having their FanFest today.




Rays announcer Dewayne Staats.






The whole crew...Staats, Brian Anderson, Emily Austen and Todd Kalas.


Rays minor league prize Blake Snell.




Alex Cobb on live radio.

[Tobywan]

Peter Gammons




Raymond is there of course.





Xavier Cedeno


Minor leaguer Taylor Guerrieri

[Tobywan]

Charlotte Stone Crabs 2015 Florida State League Championship trophy.





Face painting for the kids.




Cobb, Archer, Erasmo Ramirez





Photo bomb.

[Tobywan]

One the newest Rays Ryan Webb.



Minor leaguer Daniel Robertson.



Good crowd.



Kiermaier takes on Black Widow, she let him win.





Jake Odorizzi

[Tobywan]

Logan Morrison



Tim Beckham



Archer reads to the kiddies.


Cobb, Richie Shaffer


and Curt Casali making phone calls for fans.

[Tobywan]

Minor leaguer Jacob Faria plays cornhole.



Matt Moore



Mikie Mahtook and Corey Dickerson



Hank Conger and Rene Rivera

[Tobywan]

DJ Kitty



Logan Forsythe



Kevin Cash



Kevin Kiermaier

[BuckFoston]

What's the news on a new stadium? Anything?

[Tobywan]

The last I posted in the Rays stadium thread was about getting permission to look outside St. Petersburg. Lately, it is just the beginning of a Bay vs Bay war over where they will pick. I will probably post some new developments like sites that have drawn interest and the new St. Pete Mayor's initiative to keep the Rays there.

[Tobywan]

Rays dropped their first game on Wed. 6-1 to Washington Nats. Jake Odorizzi pitched the first, a perfect inning. Prize prospect Blake Snell pitched the 6th, Rays were leading 2-1, he got roughed up for three runs in the 6th was credited with a blown save and the loss.


On Thursday they were hitting early and often against the Orioles, Corey Dickerson announced his presence with a two run shot in the second inning that left the park and landed on the roof of one of the Rays offices on the property, measured at 569 feet from home plate. Brandon Guyer and Desmond Jennings also homered, Rays winning 10-3.

[Tobywan]

The Rays signed two more pitchers to minor league contracts, RHPs David Carpenter and Luis Medina. Reports are that Carpenter may see some action by Tuesday.

No surprise that they optioned Justin O'Conner to Durham Bulls, he hasn't been able to participate in any spring action due to back issues.

Steven Souza Jr., who had been out with an intercostal strain was back in action on Wednesday. Steve Pearce has been day-to-day since suffering a calf pull. Corey Dickerson left the game against the Yankees early on Saturday after being HBP but saying it is just a bruise on his left forarm and will not be an issue.

Matt Andriese has been scratched from his start against the Blue Jays on Sunday in Dunedin, Taylor Guerrieri will get the start for the Rays. They have a split squad, the other game will be at Port Charlotte against the Red Sox, Erasmo Ramirez is scheduled to start. My only dilemma is which one to watch first. After the SS is over, some heavy cutting will probably commence.


There has been some defense issues in middle infield between Brad Miller and Tim Beckham, Taylor Motter has been solid, but since more money is tied up with the others he will likely start in the minors.

The Rays would still like to move Loney, but with the wildness of Miller and Beckham, Loney has been able to corral some of the wayward balls a bit better than Morrison. Rene Rivera has been looking really good in spring he lost a few pounds and has been making solid contact, given he is also Archer's favorite, the fight for platoon catcher may now actually be between Curt Casali and Hank Conger instead of Rene being odd man out.


The Cuba trip is all set, the Rays will play a game there against the National Team in Havana on March 22. President Obama is scheduled to attend and throw out the ceremonial first pitch, Derek Jeter and St, Pete Mayor Rick Kriseman is also going as well as many officials for MLB. He wants a second chance to continue pitching the idea of a Cuban consulate in St. Petersburg due to recent shifts of focus being on Miami and Tampa.

[Tobywan]

The Rays had to get rid of a couple of gate crashers today before the Yankees game at Port Charlotte...


one got kicked out...



then his friend showed up in the seventh near the broadcasting booth...




The Rays also held their 5th annual Cut For the Cure benefit, among those getting clipped...


Logan Forsythe



Kevin Cash


Richie Shaffer


Tom Foley


Jacob Faria

[Tobywan]

The Rays have decided who is making the trip to Cuba next week, though Dayron Varona was sent down to minor league camp he will make the trip.

Matt Moore is making the start for the Rays.

[Tobywan]

Rays cut 14 from the spring roster bringing to camp count to 50.

LHP Blake Snell
RHP Taylor Guerrieri
RHP Jake Faria
RHP Jamie Schultz
INF Ryan Brett
RHP Eddie Gamboa
LHP Justin Marks
RHP Adam Reifer
LHP Adam Wilk
C Jake DePew
OF Johnny Field
INF/OF Patrick Leonard
SS Daniel Robertson
OF Dayron Varona