Rays...Sitting back, Enjoying The View?

Question

Hand it to The Rays. While teams hurriedly made last moment trades, and some not so worthy, and others not doing a thing, Tampa is just chillin, watching "the contenders" make their move. Not that they should have done anything. I mean why should they? They are quite solid, on all cylinders. Why break up a winning mix. Do you think Rays were smart to just remain silent and not go out for anyone? Or should they have made a move, and for who?

Answer 1

Their offense is pretty weak. It would have helped them a lot to add a hitter like Jason Bay, as the Angels did with Mark Teixeira.

Answer 2

The Rays have lost some games after the All Star break. The Yanks beat them one on one and have only improved their ballclub. The RedSox made a bad move in losing the Yankee killer Manny. So why would the Rays be be enjoying a view of a team that beat them and has improved?

Answer 3

They could have really used another veteran bat in their lineup.  Yeah they're a solid team, but with the moves made, especially in the AL they needed to do something to keep pace with everyone.  I don't think they really know just yet what moves need to be made to make a big playoff push just yet.  Again, while they are a good team, they are also a very young team and don't have much late season or post season experience on their roster.  Those veterans can pay dividens with their experience late in the season.

Answer 4

Yankees fan here. But I really think the Rays needed to do something to add some offense. The pitching should suffice and the defense is OK, plus the chemistry is great. But I think they needed a big bat or just a good on-base guy to add to their lineup. Plus, they could have used another veteran who has been in a pennant race before to help them get through August and September.

You can't sit here and say everything's OK when the Yankees made a bunch of moves that will clearly benefit them. And while the Red Sox took a big hit trading Manny Ramirez away, that team still has a lot of veteran experience and strong pitching. That could help them if they choose to keep fighting for the AL East.

Answer 5

i don't think it's really bad that the rays stood pat considering their amazing team chemistry at the moment, but they still could have used a righthanded bat or a lefthanded reliever...jason bay was an option but the red sox were clearly intent on getting him in a deal for manny ramirez, so they were just outbid on that front...i'm not sure what kind of lefty reliever they could have gotten, but considering that they have only trever miller they could use one

Answer 6

You're right the Rays have a great thing going with their current roster and did not need to make any desperate moves. While other teams are dumping their prospects to get high paid veterans, the Rays are content with what they had and getting ready for the future.

I think the Rays have played this really smart. They are contenders this year, and set to be a powerhouse (with their top draft picks developping in the minors) in the future.  

Answer 7

I think they really should have got Jason Bay, and a few GOOD relievers and they would be set.