Rays Colored Glasses: Spring Training Hitting Report

We are a couple weeks away from the start of the season so it is time to look at the team as a whole and see how the battles are progressing. I’ve done a lot of work on Robinson Chirinos, and he continues to mash his way into the team’s consciousness.

The battle at first base, thought to favor Dan Johnson, seems to be leaning heavily toward Seminole High School grad Casey Kotchman. While not showing a lot of power Kotchman has received the second most spring training at bats so far and is hitting the ball well. Johnson is tied with Chirinos with 2 home runs, but his .160 BA and .222 OBP aren’t helping his cause.

At 2B, Sean Rodriguez is doing everything he can to win the job, with Ben Zobrist, who should start in the outfield, not far behind. Zorilla is expected to fill an OF spot, and is more than likely slated to play a super utility role. Joe Inglett is the next best option so far and has been safe on four of five stolen base attempts but needs to get his OBP and BA up to earn a spot on the roster.

The Desmond Jennings watch should be running on fumes for his chance at starting the season in the bigs. Jennings looks like he needs a bit more seasoning in the minors, but could easily be a June 1 call-up.