Chris Archer named Opening Day starter

Chris Archer has been named Opening Day starter for the Rays, something that needs formalized from a press perspective and is an incredible honor for any pitcher, but if you watched yesterday's broadcast Archer wasn't jumping for joy.

He knows this was Alex Cobb's mantle. He is thankful for the recognition, ready to win games for this team and step up, but also not boisterous about it.

He encourages all to wear their stripes, which has become the Archer motif to match the socks he wears on the mound. To rise up.

"I'm excited for sure," said Archer. "Not excited that Cobb and Smyly and Colome are all out. I know that Cobb was ready to take the ball and this is just a temporary thing. They're all going to be back by the end of April... We'll hold it down."

This is Opening Day we are approaching, and honestly it could use more excitement.

Kevin Cash said of Archer that his hard work earned him this opportunity.

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- As for the rest of the rotation, we have the front three named for the opening series against Baltimore, order to be determined:

Kevin Cash says 1st series of pitchers will have Archer, Karns, Odorizzi, but order of last 2 not determined. Based on matchups for month.

— Neil Solondz (@neilsolondz) March 27, 2015

- Rob Manfred was in house yesterday, and pointed to the stadium situation as being the Rays' biggest issue, asking goverment to step up and play their role for a community asset. Among other comments were that the Cubs' tampering charges are still pending, but a resolution is expected within the next 1-2 weeks.

- It looks like Logan Forsythe is the second baseman.

- McGee and Moore return to throwing today.

LHP's Matt Moore and Jake McGee will throw bullpen sessions todat in Port Charlotte. For Moore, it's the end of his two-week break. #Rays

— Steve Carney (@stevecarney) March 27, 2015

- And finally, a belated congratulations to Tommy Rancel!

Happy to announce I will be writing for ESPN Insider & doing some work w/@keithlaw. Thx to all those who have helped along the way.

— Tommy Rancel (@TRancel) March 25, 2015