Tank: Pitchers and Catchers Report!

This Date in Team History!

In 2004, Josh Hamilton is suspended for 30 days due to violating MLB's drug policy. During the suspension, he would again test positive, thus causing him to be suspended for the entire 2004 season. This is coming after missing all of 2003 and having not played a game since July of 2002. He would return to being an active player late in the 2005 season, but he'd never play a major league game in the Rays organization and went on to have considerable success before falling off the wagon again.

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Trivia Time! (Darby)

It seems like most of my trivia questions relate to the history of terrible, terrible play and players in the franchise. And today will be no different!

Which Rays/Devil Rays hitter has the lowest fWAR in a season, and which has the lowest career fWAR in franchise history?

*note: these are two different players.

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There are 46 days until Opening Day!

That's the same number of times Jonny Gomes struck out during the 2008 season.

He was on the brink of adding to that total when he launched this pinch-hit, game tying home run.

*Note the excellent catch by Shawn Riggans

*Jason Bay would hurt the Rays for the 1st time that season by hitting a walk-off shot in the 13th

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Links! (Darby)

- Check out another great installment in the Process Report's 2016 player's card series, this time showcasing Steve Pearce.

- Dave Cameron runs down his worst transactions of the offseason, with the Rockies trade with the Rays playing a big role in earning their #4 spot on this list.

- Bill Chastain joins in the already crowded conversation about the Rays crowded outfield.

- PECOTA rankings came out yesterday, and Sam Miller at Baseball Prospectus breaks down why PECOTA hates the Royals again. It's a real interesting read about the system.

- Henry Druschel at Beyond the Boxscore looks into how new strategies in baseball are changing the game faster than ever.

- Grant Brisbee writes up his choice for the three most confusing teams in baseball. (spoiler: the AL East does not make an appearance)

- Incredibly nerdy, but super interesting read over at The Hardball Times about a scientific look into the oh so sweet sound of the crack of the bat.