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Getting Smyly means less hope for AAA pitchers




We had a stacked rotation before the season, and we'll have one again next season. To me, that speaks volumes to the front office's opinions on our AAA pitchers. This, right now, looks to be our rotation next season:

Cobb, Moore, Archer, Smyly, Odor

Yes, I think Hellickson will be traded in the offseason. Of course, the Rays don't need to trade him. They could send Odor to Durham and keep Hellickson. Still, for the current Durham starters, there is no room. Guys like Montgomery, Colome, Andriese, Karns and Romero clearly have not shown enough to Freidman. Personally, I think Colome and Romero are perfect bullpen candidates. Both have high powered fastballs that would best serve them in the bullpen ala McGee and Davis. That does not mean they are failures. I think both of them would flourish there.

The good news for the Durham starters is the lack of talent behind them in Montgomery. I don't know if any of the starters in AA would be worth moving Colome or Romero to the bullpen. They have time. I think Garvin will repeat AA.

We may not be loaded with top end talent like we're used to, but the Rays are still in great shape pitching wise. Traditionally, the Rays have excelled on good pitching and great defense. With the pitching depth we have, and the infield locked up for a couple years, our beloved Rays will continue to be a good team. It's hard losing David Price, but life goes on.

This post was written by a member of the DRaysBay community and does not necessarily express the views or opinions of DRaysBay staff.

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