FanPost

Former Rays Feelings Guide

It is a common occurrence in professional sports that players will change teams throughout their careers. It is also a common occurrence for fans of professional sports to have a change in opinion over these players that leave their favorite team. Even though Evan Longoria is still around the Rays still have plenty of former players to have feelings about. So, here is a handy guide to let you just how you should feel about the most significant former Rays players.

"Whatever"

Justin Ruggiano

Kelly Johnson

Chris Gimenez

Stephen Vogt (Fun Fact: He managed an .074 OBP and a .000 BA in 18 games with the team.)

J.P. Howell

"I wish him well"

Dioner Navarro: A below average offensive player for in his time with the Rays, and in all but one year since his tenure in St. Petersburg, there's not much to hate him for.

James Loney: Two okay years and one awful one amidst a career of little significance has you feeling happy that he's playing the game he loves for a living.

"I liked him"

Matt Joyce: He was never terrible when he was on the Rays and even managed to make an All-Star Game. A solid OBP makes you think it would be fine if he came back and played, but his defense and low average tell you there's no reason to yearn for him.

Fernando Rodney: He had a great two year run with the team, and you certainly would have him back. Of course, his journeyman career tells you that he was a great fling, and you just need to be thankful for the times you shared.

"Gross"

John Jaso: He was never the worst player on the team, but he was definitely not the best. He's played well in other cities, but his dreadlocks are a nice reminder that you're better off without him.

"He deserves to be hit that many times"

Brandon Guyer: He's a good guy, and everything, but did you really have to make it all the way to game seven of the World Series right after leaving The Trop behind?

"I'll leave a light on for you"

Matt Garza: This is a tricky one, as his career, apart from his first year after leaving, has steadily declined. But his best years came with the Rays and his performance in the 2008 ALCS arguably makes him the best postseason performer in franchise history. If you could get 2008 Garza back, he'd be welcome. And even if he were spending his twilight years in the bullpen, he'd be a nice nostalgic presence.

Melvin Upton Jr.: While no player by this name ever suited up for the franchise, B.J. Upton would be more than welcome. His best years, by far came with the Rays. In fact, his career could use a swift kick in the rear, so maybe a reunion with his original team could be just what he needs. Don't forget that he's giving Garza a run for his money with his performance in the 2008 ALCS. No one would complain if the old B.J. took to the field.

Jeremy Hellickson: After two great years in 2011 and 2012, Hellickson saw a decline in his numbers. In 2016 he saw a return to those first few years, that all Rays fans should welcome back with open arms.

Matt Moore: If he gives fans a repeat run of 2011-2013, you can forgive 2014-2016. Also, he has the second best eyebrows in the game of baseball (raise a brow to Trevor May).

Scott Kazmir: Apart from his dominant 2007, the once highly touted prospect never became the true ace he was supposed to be. That doesn't mean Rays fans miss the light of hope he provided to the long suffering franchise. Dreams of a big future could come in handy right now, and a late career run or a Bartolo Colon style marathon career would do wonders for the franchise.

"So embarrassing..."

James Shields: "Big Game" James is second to Chris Archer in Rays starting pitcher history, but everything that's happened to him since the end of the 2014 regular season should have fans hiding their faces in shame for ever thinking he was worth missing.

Logan Forsythe: The most recent of significant Rays to leave should have you throwing away your diary. The Dodgers were clearly interested in Brian Dozier. That's the bat they wanted, but when the Twins played hard to get they went for the easy Logan Forsythe. Have some self respect, Logan, you're making us all look bad.

"F*** You"

Jose Bautista: His status as a former Ray has nothing to do with this (he had 15 plate appearances for the Rays). It's just that he remains the most disliked player in the league.

Ben Zobrist: This was true love! But then you went and won more World Series rings in the last two years than this franchise has pennants. Boy, bye.

Wade Davis: You probably didn't care about him as much as you cared about the guy listed above him, but it's clear he's trying to become Ben Zobrist Jr., and that deserves some hate.

David Price: We loved you more than Ben! But then you went and pitched for two division rivals. I hope you're enjoying your famous postseason struggles.

So there you have it. Now you know how to feel.

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