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Kevin Cash leads the Rays in his 10th season as a Major League manager

The first three weeks of the 2024 season are in the books, and Rays Manager Kevin Cash leads the Rays to an 11-9 start, which is third in the AL East. This upcoming week, they'll face Juan Soto and Aaron Judge, as well as the rest of the New York Yankees.

By Daniel Mercado

Tampa Bay Rays v Los Angeles Angels
Tampa Bay Rays v Los Angeles Angels / Meg Oliphant/GettyImages
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In his 10th year with the Tampa Bay Rays, Kevin Cash has started the season in a respectable fashion. So far, they are third in the AL East. The Rays are 18th in the Major League in runs scored with 86, and 17th in batting average with .241.

While the bats may be in a slump, the Rays' third baseman Isaac Paredes leads the club with 5 HRs and 12 RBI. Breakouts from infielder/outfielder Amed Rosario and shortstop Jose Caballero help pace the Rays. On the mound, newly acquired right-hander Ryan Pepiot is making a statement as a dominant starter with four solid starts and two wins this season.

Here is what Cash said about Pepiot and his recent competent performances.

""They have been pretty strong performances; it's amazing how Pepiot has put up in his four starts; it has been pretty impressive. We couldn't ask for more on how he started the season so far.""

- Rays Manager Kevin Cash

Pitching for the Rays thus far in the season has been somewhat of a struggle. They are ranked fifth in the American League with a 4.69 ERA. Furthermore, newly acquired right-hander, reliever Phil Maton has struggled to start the season strong. However, in his recent two games, he allowed only one hit in two innings.

Cash remarked on Maton's past few games.

""Early on this season, he struggled to throw breaking balls with command, and now we have started to see the ability of his command. He's not fooling anybody due to his big sweeper, but we see he is getting ahead of the count and establishing in the zone.""

- Rays Manager Kevin Cash

Amed Rosario has been of a tear. In his season totals; so far, he is putting up totals of .339/.349/.532 with a pair of bombs and 10 RBI. His astonishing offense and defense are impressing Cash, as Rosario has been a critical factor for the Rays in both ends of the game.

Cash had the following to say about Rosario's brilliant offense this season

""I talked to Tito (Terry Francona, former Guardians Manager) about the player and the hitter he is. He has a similar profile to Harold Ramirez in so many ways, and when those types of guys see the ball well, they can beat you in all fields; he's a tough player to defend.""

The Rays have been in a number of close games to start the season as their record is 4-1 in one-run games. In the Colorado series, the Rays lost the first game on a walk-off grand slam by Colorado's Ryan McMahon. The next two games would see the Rays edge the Rockies by two runs or less.

Cash had this to say when the Rays are in close game situations, such as when Rays fell to Angels, 5-4.

""When our opponents get on base while in a tight ball game, we got to find a way to limit their opportunities to advance ninety feet.""

- Rays Manager Kevin Cash

The Rays season is looking good so far as Tampa Bay is looking to win the pennant for the second time in five years. Cash, a two-time Manager of the Year, wants to win a championship for the club and for the fans who have been dying to celebrate another championship.