We are inside of two weeks now, and with the number of players being a bit more manangeable maybe it is time to take some shots at what the 25 man roster will look like April 1. Here's mine:
Pitchers:
David Price
James Shields
Wade Davis
Jeff Niemann
Jeremy Hellickson*
Andy Sonnanstine
Rob Delaney
Cory Wade*
Adam Russell
Kyle Farnsworth
Jake McGee
Joel Peralta
Juan Cruz
Catchers: John Jaso, Kelly Shoppach
Infielders:
Dan Johnson
Sean Rodriguez
Reid Brignac
Evan Longoria
Elliot Johnson
Outfielders:
Ben Zobrist
Matt Joyce
BJ Upton
Johnny Damon
Manny Ramirez
Sam Fuld
* Hellickson may start the season on the DL until the Rays need a fifth starter, in which case Delaney or Wade would be a temporary extra arm in the bullpen.
This would leave McGee as the only LHP in the bullpen, but IMO none of Cabarl, Ramos or Swindle has distinguished themselves as deserving. Cruz & Wade would have to be added to the 40 man roster, which would make some other interesting removals, possibly De La Rosa, Cabral, Ekstrom or even Lobaton.
Pitchers:
David Price
James Shields
Wade Davis
Jeff Niemann
Jeremy Hellickson*
Andy Sonnanstine
Rob Delaney
Cory Wade*
Adam Russell
Kyle Farnsworth
Jake McGee
Joel Peralta
Juan Cruz
Catchers: John Jaso, Kelly Shoppach
Infielders:
Dan Johnson
Sean Rodriguez
Reid Brignac
Evan Longoria
Elliot Johnson
Outfielders:
Ben Zobrist
Matt Joyce
BJ Upton
Johnny Damon
Manny Ramirez
Sam Fuld
* Hellickson may start the season on the DL until the Rays need a fifth starter, in which case Delaney or Wade would be a temporary extra arm in the bullpen.
This would leave McGee as the only LHP in the bullpen, but IMO none of Cabarl, Ramos or Swindle has distinguished themselves as deserving. Cruz & Wade would have to be added to the 40 man roster, which would make some other interesting removals, possibly De La Rosa, Cabral, Ekstrom or even Lobaton.