Tampa Bay Rays Spring Training Half-Time Report Card

The Tampa Bay Rays have reached the halfway point of spring training. Let’s check the report card of some key players.

The Tampa Bay Rays are halfway through spring camp. What better time for a half-time report on how the roster is taking shape. There are a few roster battles we are watching carefully. There are also players and prospects giving us reason to cast our eyes upon them like Sauron watching Frodo and Sam relieving themselves on the base of Mount Doom.

Randy Arozarena

Randy Arozarena was acquired in the exchange for Matthew Liberatore. The Rays sent the left-handed prospect to the Cardinals in exchange for Jose Martinez and Arozarena. At first it looked like he might be a fourth outfielder despite having limited major-league experience.

There’s no doubt, he’s more dynamic than both Batman and Robin. That is why the Rays have had their eyes…

Wait a minute. I can’t live with that last statement. Batman and Robin are more dynamic than Randy Arozarena, that’s ridiculous. They are the Dynamic Duo. In my attempt to celebrate his versatility and highly refined skills, I have overstepped a sacred boundary and made my description of his prowess a farce. Batman and Robin are the dynamic duo and he is a really good baseball player.

Let me try again…

There’s no doubt, Randy Arozarena could beat both Batman and Robin in a home run derby.

Like I was saying, the Rays have had their eye on him for a while… Okay, wait a minute. In fairness, I haven’t seen Batman’s swing, I’m willing to bet he’s no slouch.

While the Rays love his tools, they appear to also believe that Batman and Robin are better baseball players than he is. Likely due to his lack of experience. That may explain why they traded their projected closer, Emilio Pagan for Manuel Margot.

It appears Margot and his magnificent glove are slated to play fourth outfielder and primary backup to the staple that is Kevin Kiermaier.

Arozarena may be making them regret that decision with his performance thus far this spring.

Randy has appeared in eight games and is hitting .583 with a double, a triple, six runs batted in and a fantastic six walks in 18 plate appearances. He’s displaying the tools he’s showed in the minor leagues, basically where he does everything. He hits for average, power, steals bases and is rangy on defense.

The Rays have to be pleased with his performance. Should something happen to one of the regular outfielders, the traditionally soft-hitting Margot may have a short leash with Arozarena waiting in the Batcave.