Rays Colored Glasses – Eight more cuts as the Rays roster tightens

The Tampa Bay Rays made some more roster moves today, whittling the field down as they prepare to finalize their 25 man roster for the season-opener on April 1st against division rivals the Baltimore Orioles.

The cuts were Casey Kotchman, Felipe Lopez, Joe Inglett, Chris Carter, Ray Olmedo, Craig Albernaz, Jose Lobaton and Justin Ruggiano. The only surprise for me was Kotchman, who seemed to play well enough to earn at least a bench spot, but it could be that his lack of versatility destined him for the minors. This means that Dan Johnson has most likely locked up the job at first base, although with the way Joe Maddon shifts players around, we are certain to see Ben Zobrist get his at bats at the position as well.

Sam Fuld, who the Rays received in the Matt Garza trade, is still in the mix as the team’s fifth outfielder while Jose Lobaton, who hit .393 during spring training, was cut, leaving three players to trim before opening day.