Post by Commissioner Erick on Mar 22, 2020 10:16:41 GMT -5
Toronto Blue Jays (39-26) @ Tampa Bay Rays (33-31)
TOR: T.J. Zeuch (3-3, 4.83)
TB: Lucas Sims (3-3, 3.07)
The Tampa Bay Rays under Ryan Morneau have always been willing to aggressively trade their players. Last year, the activity led to the team winning the AL East and earning a trip to the ALCS. This year, the activity may have taken the club out of the playoff chase. Rumors have it, a selloff may occur, with even more trades made. With all the uncertainty, Tampa Bay finds itself at a crossroads heading into a date with the Toronto Blue Jays in the Game of the Week.
Tampa Bay has found itself with one of the best pitching teams in the league, but the 10th ranked offense. The team has good speed and leads the league in doubles, but can't bring those runners home. The main issue seems to be simple bad luck with clustering. As a result, a team that is expected to be 38-26 according to Base Runs is a mere 33-31. The other factor working against Tampa Bay is their inability to win on the road. The club is a strong 20-8 at home, but is merely 13-23 on the road, with more tough road games ahead. The Rays may need to make changes, or they merely may need to survive some bad fortune.
They'll need to pick up a series win from the Blue Jays though, as Toronto has opened up a 5.5 game lead. Toronto has settled in on lineups that work, and have taken off after a 14-13 start. They've shown remarkable perseverance considering how much they got out of Reese McGuire last year. The Catcher led the league in Average and On-Base percentage in 2022, but is hitting .221 with a .280 OBP this year. Despite that though, the Blue Jays strike out the fewest times in the league, have the second best Zone Rating, and are second in the AL in wSB, showing that there's still a place for old school speed, contact, and defense to succeed in the PBA.
Questions for the GMs:
For Brian Violette, you have a ton of injuries to your rotation. What changes will you make to your staff this week?
It looks like you've settled on using a bunch of platoons to get all your players playing time. How have you maintained a happy clubhouse?
T.J. Zeuch's numbers are way down this year. Does that concern you at all?
For Ryan Morneau, Toronto has a terrific defense. Does that affect your lineup choice at all?
Toronto puts pressure on defenses by putting the ball in play so much. Does that affect your lineup choice at all?
Your team hasn't been able to win on the road. Do you chalk that up to anything in particular?
TRIVIA: What team is the only team to make the WBC Semifinals in all 3 Seasons?
TOR: T.J. Zeuch (3-3, 4.83)
TB: Lucas Sims (3-3, 3.07)
The Tampa Bay Rays under Ryan Morneau have always been willing to aggressively trade their players. Last year, the activity led to the team winning the AL East and earning a trip to the ALCS. This year, the activity may have taken the club out of the playoff chase. Rumors have it, a selloff may occur, with even more trades made. With all the uncertainty, Tampa Bay finds itself at a crossroads heading into a date with the Toronto Blue Jays in the Game of the Week.
Tampa Bay has found itself with one of the best pitching teams in the league, but the 10th ranked offense. The team has good speed and leads the league in doubles, but can't bring those runners home. The main issue seems to be simple bad luck with clustering. As a result, a team that is expected to be 38-26 according to Base Runs is a mere 33-31. The other factor working against Tampa Bay is their inability to win on the road. The club is a strong 20-8 at home, but is merely 13-23 on the road, with more tough road games ahead. The Rays may need to make changes, or they merely may need to survive some bad fortune.
They'll need to pick up a series win from the Blue Jays though, as Toronto has opened up a 5.5 game lead. Toronto has settled in on lineups that work, and have taken off after a 14-13 start. They've shown remarkable perseverance considering how much they got out of Reese McGuire last year. The Catcher led the league in Average and On-Base percentage in 2022, but is hitting .221 with a .280 OBP this year. Despite that though, the Blue Jays strike out the fewest times in the league, have the second best Zone Rating, and are second in the AL in wSB, showing that there's still a place for old school speed, contact, and defense to succeed in the PBA.
Questions for the GMs:
For Brian Violette, you have a ton of injuries to your rotation. What changes will you make to your staff this week?
It looks like you've settled on using a bunch of platoons to get all your players playing time. How have you maintained a happy clubhouse?
T.J. Zeuch's numbers are way down this year. Does that concern you at all?
For Ryan Morneau, Toronto has a terrific defense. Does that affect your lineup choice at all?
Toronto puts pressure on defenses by putting the ball in play so much. Does that affect your lineup choice at all?
Your team hasn't been able to win on the road. Do you chalk that up to anything in particular?
TRIVIA: What team is the only team to make the WBC Semifinals in all 3 Seasons?
