With spring training now in full swing and the first games nearing, the Rays' 2013 roster appears to be coming together.
Tampa Bay has made their share of roster moves and put their final touches on signings this month. Now all that remains are spring training battles that will take place next month before Opening Day.
If one thing's for sure, skipper Joe Maddon will likely have some tough choices to make when deciding who makes the cut.
Without further delay, here's my prediction of what the Rays' Opening Day roster will look like.
Starting Lineup
C: Jose Molina 1B: James Loney 2B: Kelly Johnson 3B: Evan Longoria SS: Yunel Escobar LF: Matt Joyce CF: Desmond Jennings RF: Ben Zobrist DH: Luke Scott
Barring any injuries, this will more than likely be the Rays' starting nine for Opening Day. There aren't really any battles for starting spots in the lineup.
The 2013 lineup will feature a few changes. James Loney will be replacing Carlos Pena at first, and recently-signed Kelly Johnson will take over second instead of Ben Zobrist who will start in right field. Also, the Rays will finally have an everyday shortstop with Yunel Escobar in lineup.
Another thing worth noting is key loss of B.J. Upton, who will be replaced in centerfield by Desmond Jennings.
Bench
C Jose Lobaton INF Sean Rodriguez UTIL Ryan Roberts OF Sam Fuld
Ryan Roberts, Sean Rodriguez and Jose Lobaton making the roster seem to be sure locks for the Opening Day lineup, but it will be interesting to see who wins the battle for the backup outfielder spot.
Sam Fuld, prospect Brandon Guyer and veteran slugger Shelley Duncan will all vie for the job this spring.
I predict Fuld edges out Guyer and Duncan, and there are a couple reasons. He has the most experience with the Rays out of the three, and Maddon likes the plus speed and defense he brings to the team—two things Guyer and Duncan can't offer.
Starting Rotation
1. LHP David Price 2. RHP Jeremy Hellickson 3. LHP Matt Moore 4. RHP Alex Cobb 5. RHP Jeff Niemann
Joe Maddon has already made it clear that David Price, Jeremy Hellickson, Matt Moore and Alex Cobb will all be in the rotation to start the season.
The battle for the fifth spot in the rotation will without a doubt be the fiercest spring training competition in Port Charlotte. Jeff Niemann, Roberto Hernandez, Chris Archer and Jake Odorizzi will all fight for the spot.
It'll be a difficult decision for Maddon, and it's really going to come down to spring training performance.
Bullpen
Closer: RHP Fernando Rodney Set-Up Man: RHP Joel Peralta Middle Relief: LHP Jake McGee Middle Relief: RHP Kyle Farnsworth Long/Middle Reliever: RHP Roberto Hernandez Lefty Specialist: LHP Cesar Ramos Groundball Specialist: RHP Jamey Wright
Besides for Jamey Wright, we can expect to see all the names above in the 'pen for Opening Day.
With right-handers Josh Lueke and Brandon Gomes also looking for a spot on the roster, Wright will likely have to pitch pretty well this spring to make the cut.
Another notable name in my bullpen projection is Roberto Hernadez. The 32-year-old veteran, formerly known as Fausto Carmona, would serve as a long/middle reliever if he were to lose the battle for the fifth spot in the rotation.
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