What’s Important Now: Moore Struggles

Spring Game 16: Red Sox 8, Rays 4

Matt Moore made his first career Grapefruit League start yesterday, and it wasn’t pretty. Moore lasted only 2.1 innings, allowing 4 earned on 2 hits and 3 walks. Both hits were home runs. I’m not too worried at this point, as Moore is still trying to get into baseball shape after his injury at the beginning of the spring.

Desmond Jennings continues to have a good spring, going 2 for 4 from the top of the order. Luke Scott went 1 for 4 with a RBI. Evan Longoria had a big game, going 2 for 3 with a solo homer and 2 runs. Carlos Pena picked up his second hit of the spring, going 1 for 4. Jeff Keppinger, Matt Joyce, Jose Molina, and Sam Fuld were all 1 for 3.

The Rays have today off before playing the Marlins tomorrow.

Rays News and Notes

• Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times looked at Jake McGee‘s relaxed offseason as he prepared for his first full season in the big leagues.
• The Rays made another round of cuts yesterday, with Tim Beckham being sent down to Durham. Brandon Guyer, Matt Bush, Dane De La Rosa and Stephen Vogt were also sent down. Vogt is a surprise, since some thought he could make the team as a backup catcher, but his defense proved to be too questionable to keep him on the team.
• Sporting News looks at the gamble the Rays took signing Jose Molina to be their main catcher. We have heard a lot about this move this offseason, and hopefully it turns out to be a good move.