Tampa Bay Rays news and links: Rays are set to K a lot (but less than last year)

Jeff Sullivan took a broad look at the projected strikeout rates for MLB teams, combining Steamer and ZiPS projections. Unsurprisingly, the Rays are set to be one of the highest strikeout teams.

The Rays come in projected 4th highest, missing out on the medal stand behind just White Sox, Twins, and Brewers.

However, for those hopeful in some more contact, the combined projection also has the Rays with the 4th best Change in K%, dropping by around 2%.

What does this mean? Probably not much (by Sullivan’s own admission), but I still find it interesting to look at projections.

Links:

• MLB Network’s 30 Clubs in 30 Days stopped by Rays camp. Check here for interviews with Longo, Archer, and Kiermaier.
• Speaking of Kiermaier, Topkin goes out on a super sturdy limb making the case for why the extension makes it worth it for the Rays.
• Not all that surprising, but Brad Boxberger is doubtful to be healthy enough to start the season with the club.
• Fangraphs just kicked off their 2017 Positional Power Rankings with Catcher. The Rays come in at 23rd, propped up almost entirely by a projected 256 PA by Wilson Ramos.
• Long time Adam Sanford trade favorite, Andrew McCutchen’s defense in CF has been rough. However, Beyond the Box Score’s Audrey Stark makes the case for a defensive bounce back in 2017 for Cutch.