As I write this, the Tampa Bay Rays have split their first four games of the season.  In the two wins, the team has played pretty well.  In the two losses, they’ve played not so well.  Should we expect anything different the rest of the way?
Hate to say it, because there’s just no excitement in it, but a .500 season, a good and bad Rays’ team, an improvement over last year’s disaster is all Rays’ fans can expect in 2017. Why?

Once again, there are just too many “if’s”.

That’s the way they have to do business.  We all know that.  Because they’re a small market team, with limited resources… an average stadium… and the worst attendance in baseball.. the Rays have to toe the low budget line.  That’s where the “if’s” come in… at almost every position.

They have very few certainties.  Evan Longoria is their best player, a former All-Star and Golden Glover, who can still play well.  Kevin Kiermaier is a blossoming star, the best defensive center fielder in the game.  Chris Archer has some of the best stuff in baseball, but even he must erase the 19-loss stain of last season.  And Alex Colome is coming off a 37-save season. Other than these four, all the other players have “if’s” and question marks on their resume.

Go down the list. 

  • If Corey Dickerson can adjust to the AL and hit better than .245.
  • If Steven Souza can live up to his vast potential.
  • If Brad Miller can hit the long ball again, and convince Rays’ management to stop having him switch positions.
  • If Matt Duffy can get healthy.  Same with Colby Rasmus and Wilson Ramos.
  • If Logan Morrison can be consistent.
  • If Jake Odorizzi can be more than a .500 pitcher.
  • If Alex Cobb can recover from Tommy John surgery.
  • If Blake Snell and Matt Andriese can grow up quickly.

If all these scenarios happen, the Rays can contend for a playoff spot.  For me, that’s a lot of “if’s”. How about you? Feel free to comment below. Find additional articles by sports writer Dave Wirth on our Sports Page. 

Related: Big Three Questions for the Rays in Spring Training