Tampa Bay Rays: Fake GM Simulation Update

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ST. PETERSBURG, FL – APRIL 6: Tampa Bay Rays principal owner Stuart Sternberg speaks to members of the media before the start of the Rays’ Opening Day game against the Baltimore Orioles on April 6, 2015 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)

The FanSided Fake GM Simulation has begun and with it has followed a few trades to begin the 3 day event. The fake Tampa Bay Rays have some new faces, lets break down the moves.

Disclaimer: I attempted to approach this simulation as though I were actually the Tampa Bay Rays and I am acting with the restraint of an 80 million dollar payroll.

My main goals during this simulation:

Trade for controllable starting pitching and if needed, sign a free agent starter
Trade for a powerful and impactful bat at first base
Move Cron and Duffy
Replace Heredia with a more powerful right handed bat who could play outfield and even DH
Solidify back end of the bullpen

As I have written about previously, I think the Tampa Bay Rays should be in the market for Paul Goldschmidt or Jose Abreu. I will further explain both scenarios later in the article.

As stated above, I believe the Rays may be looking to move Matt Duffy and are likely going to move C.J. Cron. I acted according to the beliefs above and swung a few trades including Duffy and Cron.

I don’t expect the Rays to go crazy this offseason but I do expect them to look to upgrade a few areas. With the playoffs in reach, I expect them to pursue those upgrades rather aggressively, and I intend to mirror those expectations with my “actions” in the days that follow.

Lets break down the trades…