Key offseason additions- Heath Bell, Ryan Hanigan
Key offseason losses- Ryan Roberts, Kelly Johnson, Jose Lobaton, Fernando Rodney, Roberto Hernandez
Things were quiet in Tampa Bay this offseason, this biggest change coming at the back end of the bullpen with the departure of Fernando Rodney and the return of former Ray Grant Balfour. There was a lot of offseason chatter about potentially trading David Price, but nothing came of those talks. How the Rays begin the season could hold the key to everything. If they struggle out of the gate, the Rays could look to deal Price mid-season. If they are in the playoff hunt, its hard to picture them doing so.
The Rays return largely the same lineup they had last season, with some minor changes. Wil Myers will get his first full season in the big leagues after being called up in June. Joe Maddon is reportedly floating the idea of hitting Myers in the leadoff spot, but if he decides against that then Myers should slot in the middle of the lineup somewhere near Evan Longoria.
Pitching is the heart and soul of this team once again, and yet again they have one of the best rotations in the American League. Chris Archer was sensational last year, especially down the stretch and the Rays will benefit from having him for a full season. Jeremy Hellickson, who had an awful 2013 season with a 5.17 ERA, is the key to this rotation. If he can return to his 2011-2012 form where his ERA was 3.07 during that two year span then this rotation has a chance to be the best in baseball.
I see big things for the Rays in 2014. They have the deepest rotation in the American League, and a deep bullpen to go along with it. The offense isn't flashy, but they don't have to be because of the starting pitching the Rays are going to throw out every night. This team is the class of the AL in my opinion, and I have them making it all the way to the World Series.
Predicted finish: 1st in AL East, lose in World Series
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