Tampa Bay Rays Spring Training Half-Time Report Card

Nick Anderson

When the Rays traded away Emilio Pagan they traded their team leader in saves from last season. Are they really placing the responsibility on a guy who is entering his coming off of his rookie year? Well, it’s the Rays and they may scoff at the idea of having a traditional closer, but Anderson is likely to consume a massive role out of the bullpen. For you fantasy players, it will likely involve a good portion of the Rays save opportunities.

Anderson turned 29 in July of last season and after a strong showing with the Marlins, the Rays front office decided that they must have the strikeout artist. They cursed a prospect and traded him away with Ryne Stanek, the team’s opener. In return, they received Trevor Richards and a Mr. Anderson.

The Marlins probably thought they were selling high on the rookie but after he put the Rays uniform on he posted a 2.11 ERA and walked two total batters in his time in Tampa. While he struck out 14.2 batters per nine with the Marlins, he stepped that up with the Rays and struck out 17.3 batters per nine innings.

By season’s end, it appeared Anderson was on the brink of becoming the next Josh Hader.

This spring he has pitched in two innings and allowed zero hits, no earned runs, and one walk. While the Rays bullpen is stacked with other dominant pitchers, Anderson appears to be on the brink of stardom. So far this spring, he hasn’t disappointed.