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2019 Season Preview

Tampa Bay Rays
2019 Prediction: 1st AL East 2018 Record:156-6 HOME 78-3 ROAD 78-3

The Rays enjoyed a breakout season which saw them smash the major league record for wins (156) en route to the franchise's first world series title. The season began with an opening 20 straight victories, a record they would extend to 36 by seasons end.

There are more answers than questions entering 2019 as nearly the whole squad returns for the chance at a repeat. What questions there are center around the long term structure of the team, only 9 players are currently signed through 2020 and with so many stars, expect contracts to be a hot topic all season.

Rotation:Rays starters posted a league best 1.97 ERA and also lead in Strikeouts and WHIP. Andrew Newman is far and away the staff ace, leading the majors with 322 punch outs. Newman also paced the league in complete games (20) and shutouts (10). Connor Cuff along with Newman became the 8th and 9th pitchers to record 300 strikeouts in a single season while becoming the first teammates to accomplish the feat in the same season.

Perhaps the biggest surprise of the season came from Kevin Beglan, claimed from the Chicago Cubs in the 2018 Rule 5 Draft, The 25 year old became the first 30 game winner in nearly 50 years on his way to a Cy Young award. Beglan will compete with the aforementioned Cuff for the number 2 slot in 2019.
The back end of the rotation features right handers, Elliot Nelson and Jim McCrohan both of whom posted spotless records in 2018 with McCrohan finishing 4th in the AL in walks allowed.

The one concern is that all five of the current starters are only signed through 2019.

Bullpen: Much like their starting five, the Rays bullpen was at the top of the league and a huge reason they ended the season on top. Containing three relievers with closing experience, all pitchers finished with ERAs under 1.75. Ryan Stoppenbach, who saved 50 games as a Brewers rookie only had 18 chances during the season but converted successfully 17 teams to lead the club in saves.
Rookies Ryan Powers and Alex Chlapik were some of the brightest stars, Powers earned 11 relief victories while Chlapik struck out 56 hitters in 35 innings of work while showing no signs of being hampered by the torn labrum he sustained as a prep prospect.

Veterans Matt Cotigula and Bobby Briskey proved to be solid 7th inning arms while former National League Reliever of The Year, Cam Brenson preformed well in a set up role despite struggling down the stretch.

Middle Infield:
Both Pat Dillion and Spencer Mahoney return bringing both excellent defense and offensive presence to the team. Dillion finished 2018 3rd in both hits and doubles while also finishing top 5 in RBIs. Mahoney chipped in over 200 hits and finished with 40 home runs for the third season in a row. He remains one of the best defensive shortstops in the game securing his third Gold Glove in as many seasons

Corners:
Barring a monstrous year from catcher Brian Pieroth, Zack Chaib was 2018's second best hitter he finished 2nd to only Pieroth in Home Runs and RBIs while adding a Gold Glove on defense. Mike Harper will return splitting time at first base with Nick Curran. Harper finished top 5 in EVERY offensive category among AL hitters and was rewarded with a Silver Slugger for his efforts.

Outfield:
The off-season surprise was when the Rays were able to retain both Nick Pett and Denney Jackson, maintaining a defensive core in which 2 of the 3 outfielders won a Gold Glove. Pett and Jackson were major catalysts at the top of the lineup as Pett lead the majors in Hits and runs scored while batting over .330. Eric Chang provided a spark at the bottom of the order contributing 51 homers while hitting .330.

Catching:
Brian Pieroth is the best Rays hitter hands down. He became the first Triple Crown winner since 2012 while winning 4 post season awards.

If there is one personel question in Tampa, its the concern at back up catcher. Graham O'Toole, who appeared in 27 games primarily as the personal catcher for Jim McCrohan, unexpectedly signed a long term free agent deal with the Red Sox. While there is no immediate replacement, there will be several options in spring camp.

DH/Bench:

Mike Harper and Nick Curran will trade time at the designated hitter position, each providing their fair share of power and average. Curran is the better fielder so expect him to get the bulk of playing time at first base.

The Rays bench features returning veterans in Jimmy Helinbach and Mike Neizgoda as well as serviceable outfielder, Quent Fox.
Helinbach will provide utility in his ability to play all 3 outfield positions and is left handed which could sway some matchups. Neizgoda plays both middle infield spots and can provide back up at third, he struggles on offense and must find a way to earn time in the line up. Fox lacks the speed to play center but is a smart hitter and will play.

Final Analysis: The Rays are once again poised to make a deep run in the 2019 playoffs. An AL East Crown is the floor this year, repeating is hard but the expectations here are at an all time high.