Tampa Bay Rays: Money matters, D-Rob, and Rotation

Over the past week there has been much to talk about at Rays Colored Glasses. While the Tampa Bay Rays and Blake Snell have had some disagreements, D-Rob has been surging, and the starting rotation has been set.

Money Matter: Kimbrel

Last Sunday I discussed Blake Snell’s eagerness to add the best closer in the game to an already exciting bullpen and the Tampa Bay Rays unwillingness to spend money. I have to agree with Blake that Kimbrel should absolutely be a target for the Rays, who despite what Stu says, have money to spend.

"If the Rays are serious about going for it, this is move they should make. This is a move they need to make. Bravo to Blake Snell for saying it. Now we will just have to wait and see where he lands, I just hope it isn’t back in Boston. The Tampa Bay Rays have the money to spend, while it may be a little too late, it is time to spend it."

Money Matter: Snell’s raise

The Tampa Bay Rays recently renewed Blake Snell’s pre-arbitration contract. The issue is that after winning a Cy Young award, the southpaw will only be making roughly $15,000 more than he did in 2018.

Blake Snell made his displeasure known and seems poised to take the Rays to task in arbitration rather than sign an extension.

"The Rays did not do themselves any favors by short-changing Blake Snell, who is well aware of his worth. Now, he will in all likelihood be determined to get top dollar in extension talks rather than willingly meet somewhere in the middle. Had the Rays built some goodwill prior to his first year of arbitration eligibility, an extension might seem a little more realistic than it does right now."