The slow sporting season in Tampa and St. Petersburg from mid-June to the end of July.. is about to end. The Bucs open their 42nd training camp in exactly two weeks. The USF Bulls will begin shortly after that, with their first game Aug. 26. The Lightning start training camp in September. But for right now, the sports spotlight belongs to the Rays. Will other teams be overshadowed by the Rays’ push for the playoffs?
It could happen folks and don’t be surprised when it does.
The All-Star break is over, and with 70 games to go, the Rays own the 2nd Wild Card spot. It looks like their toughest competition to keep that spot, will be the Yankees and the Royals. But here’s why I like their chances. Almost everyone they were counting on for the 2017 season, is finally healthy and ready to play.
Let’s start with the outfield. Steven Souza Jr. is having his best season, so he’s a fixture in right field. Kevin Kiermaier should be back in August after the hip injury. Now, they’ve lost Colby Rasmus for the season, but here’s where Mallex Smith fits in. He could slide to left field, making a speedy, slick-fielding outfield. And how do you like Smith and KK batting 1-2 in Kevin Cash’s lineup? That’s a lot of speed creating havoc from the top.
In the infield, you’ve got the slugging Logan Morrison and Evan Longoria at the corners, as usual. Matt Duffy is nowhere to be seen, but the Rays pulled off a sharp trade in getting SS Adeiny Hechavarria. He’s an upgrade defensively, and that will also help out pitching. Brad Miller has returned to play second base, and if he can contribute a few homers (you’re right, it won’t be 30 again), he’s a big addition. That returns Tim Beckham to the position the team originally had in mind for him in the spring… utility man.
Related Content: Was Hechavarria the Right Move for The Rays?
You’ve still got the red-hot Corey Dickerson at DH. Now, C. Wilson Ramos is finally healthy, and Jesus Sucre is an excellent backup. They still could use some bullpen help, but the 7-8-9 slots look good with Brad Boxberger, Tommy Hunter, and Alex Colome.
The top 3 starters are healthy in Chris Archer, Alex Cobb (please don’t trade him at the deadline), and Jake Faria. I’m not comfortable with Jake Odorizzi and Blake Snell at 4 and 5, but maybe they can get their acts together.
Overall, I like this 25-man roster, and I think their chances of making the playoffs are outstanding. Which means we may have to hold off on our football and hockey enthusiasm for a month or two, while the Rays ride this wave.
For me, I am happy Tampa Bay’s slow sporting season is over and am looking forward to seeing our Tampa Bay Rays push for the playoffs.
Read articles about the Tampa Bay areas amateur and professional sports scene, golf and much more by Dave Wirth on our Sports Page, and on his Local Contributor Profile Page. We invite you to register on 727area; stay connected to local things to do and events in your area! Then visit our sister site 813area.com to connect to restaurants in Tampa, businesses, and #Everything Local. (cover photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)
