The period between Christmas and New Years is always sort of a lull period for the Tampa Bay Rays. I took a look at the moves they have made in the past during this week and they have only made two signings, C Raul Casanova in 2002 and RHP Joe Nelson in 2009.

In 2014, they completed a courtship with INF Asdrubal Cabrera on December 30th, but wouldn’t consummate the signing until a week into January.

Things have been quiet for the Rays since the stunning trade of Evan Longoria on December 20th. However, another deal could happen at any time, with Longoria’s trade breaking and being completed in the span of just an hour.

The Rays are still very likely to deal Alex Colome, and they also have talks swirling around Chris Archer and Jake Odorizzi. Of course, they’ll be searching for a new home for Denard Span as well, or possibly could even deal Corey Dickerson.

On the free agent market, they’re searching for a RHB for the outfield or at first base. Adding some veteran presence in the starting rotation and the bullpen could also be on the agenda.

We have 49 days until pitchers and catchers report for spring training and a lot will happen between now and then.

Buckle up.

Links

• One of the top pitchers of the first decade of the new millennium, Johan Santana, is likely ticketed for just one appearance on the Hall of Fame ballot
• MLB Pipeline’s Jim Callis, lists the top 5 most improved farm systems in 2017
• Kevin Kiermaier is the best defensive player in baseball, and now his offensive potential is starting to be realized as well
• Chris Archer gave homeless teens a major league Christmas
• The San Francisco Giants discussions with the Cincinnati Reds about Billy Hamilton continue to be ongoing

Trivia

Name the player based on an excerpt from Baseball America

He's a solid first-round pick who has improved his stock significantly this spring. His best tool is his speed, which grades as a 70 on the 20-to-80 scouting scale, and it's easy to look at him and dream of Kenny Lofton. He's still a bit raw on the bases and at the plate, where he's more of a slap hitter and needs to settle down his feet. He does have gap power and it's hard to ignore a lefthanded hitter with plus tools. He tracks balls well in center field, though his arm is no more than playable.

Hint: He was a mainstay in his organization’s top 20 from 2002 to 2007