'Tampa Bay Rays 2017 Season Preview' premieres March 25 on FOX Sports Sun
TAMPA, Fla. -- Opening Day is officially nine days away for the Tampa Bay Rays and as the first game vs. the New York Yankees approaches, FOX Sports Sun, the statewide television home of the Rays, is set to premiere an all-new “Tampa Bay Rays 2017 Season Preview” show. Player interviews, Grapefruit League action, and in-depth analysis from play-by-play announcer Dewayne Staats and analyst Orestes Destrade break down the squad and the outlook for 2017.
Fans are encouraged to tune in on Saturday, March 25 at 4 p.m. as the episode will debut upon conclusion of the Rays vs. Boston Red Sox game on FOX Sports Sun.
Manager Kevin Cash enters his third season at the helm of the Rays ship, navigating the always competitive waters of the American League East and hopefully a playoff berth for the first time since 2013. The DNA of the club continues to be pitching and defense, and the starting rotation is once again being counted on to set the tone. From Chris Archer and Jake Odorizzi, to second-year Major Leaguer Blake Snell, the key for success may lay with the return to health of Alex Cobb, who is ready to pitch every fifth day for the first time since 2014.
The bullpen can close out games with 2016 All-Star closer Alex Colome, who converted 37 of 40 save opportunities last season. A return to health for 2015 All-Star right hander Brad Boxberger and left hander Xavier Cedeno can create matchup problems for opposing hitters. Add in the ever reliable Erasmo Ramirez, who made a team-leading 64 appearances last season, and the overall depth and quality of the bullpen makes the Rays optimistic coming out of the exhibition season.
Defensively, the outfield will again be patrolled by two-time gold glove recipient Kevin Kiermaier. “The Outlaw” will have some help, with the additions of Colby Rasmus and Mallex Smith, who both exhibit defensive skills and speed, providing needed depth in the outfield. Along with Steven Souza, Jr. and Corey Dickerson, this unit will be looked upon to provide offensive punch as well.
Offensively, 45 year-old Chad Mottola begins his first full season as Tampa Bay’s hitting coach. He will look upon the mainstay at third base, Evan Longoria, to follow up his career year. Entering his 10th season with the big club, Longoria will have another hitter coming off a career year, Brad Miller, protecting him in the lineup. Non-roster invitee and former number two overall draft choice Rickie Weeks Jr. has been having an outstanding spring, and along with the return of Logan Morrison, they create a potentially formidable right-left combination at first base. The key off-season signing of All-Star catcher Wilson Ramos will provide even more offense as Ramos returns from knee surgery and hopes to be in the lineup as a DH sometime in May to June.
Along with Cash and Mottola, Bench Coach Tom Foley and Pitching Coach Jim Hickey sit down with the FOX Sports Sun crew to provide their outlook on the season ahead. Finally, Senior Vice President of Baseball Operations & General Manager Erik Neander provides front office perspective as Tampa Bay looks to start a run similar to the 2008 season.
Join host Alex Corddry on FOX Sports Sun and FOX Sports GO as we debut a brand new “Tampa Bay Rays 2017 Season Preview,” and be sure to follow @FOXSportsRays on Twitter and Instagram and visit FOXSportsFlorida.com for channel listings and exclusive Rays video coverage.
Replay Schedule:
Sun, 3/26/17, 3:30 PM
Mon, 3/27/17, 1:30 PM
Tue, 3/28/17, 12:30 PM
Tue, 3/28/17, 9:30 PM
Wed, 3/29/17, 10:00 PM
Thu, 3/30/17, 12:30 PM
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FOX Sports Florida & FOX Sports Sun are the regional television homes of the Orlando Magic, Tampa Bay Rays, Miami Heat, Miami Marlins, Tampa Bay Lightning and the Florida Panthers. The regional sports networks have been fixtures in the homes of sports fans throughout the Sunshine State for over 20 years. Today, the networks combine to produce more than 700 live sporting events and over 300 studio based and original programs year round. FOX Sports Florida and FOX Sports Sun are committed to making a positive impact in the communities we serve by engaging our audiences and providing award winning TV and web coverage of Florida’s hometown sports teams. For more information, channel listings and how you can get involved with FOX Sports Florida / FOX Sports Sun, visit www.foxsportsflorida.com.