TBR management rather unlikely to trade more than one of the current crop.
My bet would be either Davis or Niemann. And it will most likely be to target a new first basemen in the event that the revitalized Casey Kotchman asks for too much money this offseason as a free agent.
What this club believes and has now demonstrated over the past four years is that with sufficient nasty pitching, there's no driving need for heavy duty offense. More specifically, there's no need to pay ANY offensive player more than the median rate for their position in the manner that so many clubs have done with one or more position players. (See the NYY/BOS for most egregriously overpaid players of course)
Plus, the Rays' current young lineup has plenty of room for continued improvement.
Jennings, Joyce, Rodriguez all have excellent potential to deliver improved numbers over this year's decent results. And meanwhile, don't forget that Upton is still only 27 and Longoria will only turn 26 next week.
Look for John Damon to return and fulfill the second season of his two year deal and likely deliver same ol' same ol' .270/16 HR/75 Runs/75 RBI/15 SB for the DH slot, thus allowing the Rays a full 18 months before they have to identify a new DH "big bat".
Perhaps ManRam will have served his 100 game suspension by then......heh
My bet would be either Davis or Niemann. And it will most likely be to target a new first basemen in the event that the revitalized Casey Kotchman asks for too much money this offseason as a free agent.
What this club believes and has now demonstrated over the past four years is that with sufficient nasty pitching, there's no driving need for heavy duty offense. More specifically, there's no need to pay ANY offensive player more than the median rate for their position in the manner that so many clubs have done with one or more position players. (See the NYY/BOS for most egregriously overpaid players of course)
Plus, the Rays' current young lineup has plenty of room for continued improvement.
Jennings, Joyce, Rodriguez all have excellent potential to deliver improved numbers over this year's decent results. And meanwhile, don't forget that Upton is still only 27 and Longoria will only turn 26 next week.
Look for John Damon to return and fulfill the second season of his two year deal and likely deliver same ol' same ol' .270/16 HR/75 Runs/75 RBI/15 SB for the DH slot, thus allowing the Rays a full 18 months before they have to identify a new DH "big bat".
Perhaps ManRam will have served his 100 game suspension by then......heh
