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Rays News
The Rays got some MLB network airtime in a spring match-up against the Boston Red Sox. It was a very good game for the Rays, who bombed away at the Red Sox with 6 HRs. The very most absolutely filthy of which came from Avisail Garcia: BEHOLD
Also yesterday, the Rays made some more roster moves, with the most attention worthy being RHP Rake Faria being optioned to the minors. My immediate instinct is this is a move to get Faria’s arm built up to be ready to pitch bulk innings early in the year, while the rest of spring there are still a lot of arms auditioning and not a ton of innings to spare. Hopefully Faria continues to build off a solid start to his spring.
Faria’s response:
Sometimes good isn’t good enough but looking forward to working hard and proving myself right and being the big leaguer I know I am. #GodsPlan https://t.co/z6dNV07o0q
— Jacob Faria (@JDFaria34) March 11, 2019
Rays renew Blake Snell, who points out they ‘chose’ to do this - Marc Topkin, Tampa Bay Times: A very short, to the point, and definitely seeped in Agent speak statement from Snell on his modest raise, and how he’s now focused on the 2019 season, winning the World Series with the team, and not talking about it anymore. I’m sure nobody will draw a ton of conclusions and pop-psychology based on this.
Duffy takes cautious approach with hammy - Juan Toribio, MLB.com: Frustrating spring for a motivated Matt Duffy continues with caution.
Money matters, D-Rob, and Rotation - Austin Reimann, Rays Colored Glasses
#TopkinWhispers:
I know what #Rays have said and what I've written about them not planning to add an experienced and expensive closer like Kimbrel, but am also getting the sense there is a "never say never" sentiment as he continues to remain unsigned (and thus in theory less expensive).
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) March 10, 2019
Laurila talks to Ryne Stanek: A deep dive into how various pitchers have developed their splitters
Rays Media
Not everyday you get invited on the field to throw with a big leaguer like @D_Robertson28!#SpringRays pic.twitter.com/Gh22Wx1HsM
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) March 10, 2019
Sounds of Spring
Around the League
Effectively Wild Episode 1344: Something Old, Something New - Ben Lindbergh, Fan Graphs: After the Rays stole Jeff Sullivan from the world and Effectively Wild podcast, it was time for a new co-host. Well, Ben has a new co-host (the great Meg Rowley) and the return of the original, Sam Miller!
Adam Jones Signs With Arizona Diamondbacks - Keegan Thompson, AZ Snake Pit: Adam Jones finally found a job, which means we can finally stop hearing bad takes about, “why isn’t Adam Jones unsigned?!”.
Vlad Guerrero Jr is going to miss some time with an oblique strain. This certainly will make the holding him down in the minors to start the year a bit easier to sell.
Ben Lindbergh at The Ringer obtained a whole heap of old leaked scouting docs from the Cincinnati Reds. These articles are fantastic and a must read for anyone interested in scouting and that entire world. Each are well worth the time: