Tampa Bay Rays News and Links: Yoshi ready to take the AL East by storm

Rays News

• Meet the Japanese slugger who could power the Rays’ run at the Yankees - Tim Brown, Yahoo!Sports: Yoshi gets a nice profile from Yahoo!Sports.

• With the Rays, being able to play multiple positions well is key - Josh Tolentino, The Athletic: The Rays definitely have a type, a Brian O’Grady fits that type.

• Kevin Cash’s latest prediction: Pirates’ Derek Shelton will be a star - Marc Topkin and John Romano, Tampa Bay Times: Rays will get to see our old friend in action on Opening Day.

• Who’s having most impressive spring for Rays? - Juan Toribio, MLB.com: Rays have already had some very exciting Spring starts.

• Margot flashed the leather, the speed, and the range today:

• Gambler Accused of Threatening Tampa Bay Rays, Other Athletes - Michael Shapiro, Sports Illustrated: There’s some absolutely disturbed, messed up people out there.
• Rays say gambler’s threats were real, ‘scary’ part of game - Marc Topkin, Tampa Bay Times
• Tampa Bay Rays encouraged by Blake Snell’s health, Tyler Glasnow’s velocity - Steve Gardner, USA Today

• Sweet 16: A Dispatch From Baseball’s Expanded Playoff Field Future - Zach Kram, The Ringer: A whimsical look into one of this universes possible futures.
• Know your enemy: Tampa Bay Rays - Al Yellon, Bleed Cubbie Blue: Always fun to see how other teams and fans and writers view the Rays from afar.

• Get to know a bit more about Cafecito (aka Jose Martinez):

• Coming soon:

Around the League

• Dave Cherman’s 10 Bold Predictions for the 2020 Season - Dave Cherman, Pitcher List: Among the bold takes for 2020, spot who he has going to (and ultimately losing in) the World Series.

• He’s gonna be fine, but what if, just what IF shaving that beard and going corporate ruined Cole?

• But he’s obviously gonna be fine and great. It’s just Spring Training. But what if though?!? (4 HR given up and 6 ER in 2IP of work yesterday)