The Tampa Bay Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays have not made many additions or subtractions this off season, but some very intelligent moves. They are a team that is highly invested in small ball and always finds a way to win with such a low payroll. The Rays look to do the same in 2014, possibly the last season with David Price.

How will the Rays perform in 2014? 

The lineup is anchored by All Star third baseman Evan Longoria. He does not receive much protection in the lineup, but all the other members definitely contribute. The only significant position player the Rays added this off season was Ryan Hanigan in a three team deal with the Diamondbacks and Reds. The following is how I would make the Rays lineup in 2014. Adjacent to each player's name is their side of the plate they hit from, their position and their OPS+.

1. R. Desmond Jennings  CF 110 OPS+
2. S. Ben Zobrist             2B 113 OPS+
3. R. Evan Longoria        3B 134 OPS+
4. L. James Loney           1B 118 OPS+
5. R. Wil Myers               RF 132 OPS+
6. L. Matt Joyce              DH 109 OPS+
7. R. Yunel Escobar         SS 97 OPS+
8. L. David DeJesus         LF 99 OPS+
9. R. Ryan Hanigan            C 58 OPS+

Price and Longoria 

The Rays did not make many alterations to their starting rotation which seems to always be consistent and devastating to opposing players. David Price is the rock with young guns Matt Moore, and Chris Archer backing him. The following is how I would make the Rays starting rotation, adjacent to each name is their throwing arm and their ERA+ for the 2013 season.

1. L. David Price          114 OPS+
2. L. Matt Moore         116 OPS+
3. R. Chris Archer        118 OPS+
4. R. Alex Cobb           138 ERA+
5. R. Jeremy Hellickson 74 ERA+

The Rays did make a few adjustments to their bullpen in the off season. They wisely let Fernando Rodney sign with the Seattle Mariners and signed Grant Balfour for a reunion. Also in the three team deal with the Diamondbacks previously mentioned, the Rays acquired former closer Heath Bell. Also in their bullpen is lefty Jake McGee, Joel Peralta, and Juan Oviedo. The other three positions in the bullpen are open for the taking. Possibly Alex Colome, Mike Montgomery, and Jake Odorizzi can make a run for the Major League Club as a member of the bullpen or the 5th spot in the rotation.