Close Article Return to stream X
MLB •

2015 MLB Spring Training: 5 Tampa Bay Ray Rookies To Keep An Eye On

+Read full article
Kim Klement- USA TODAY Sports

2015 MLB Spring Training: 5 Tampa Bay Ray Rookies To Keep An Eye On

Tim Beckham Tampa Bay Rays
Kim Klement - USATODAY Sports

Since the Tampa Bay Rays are rarely able to sign their best players to long-term contracts, they usually have one of the younger teams in baseball, and 2015 will be no different. The Rays have a slew of young players worth watching closely this season, and here are five rookies that Rays fans should keep an eye on this spring.

5. Enny Romero, Pitcher

Baltimore Orioles v Tampa Bay Rays
Getty Images

5. Enny Romero, Pitcher

Baltimore Orioles v Tampa Bay Rays
Getty Images

Romero has one of the best fastballs in the minor leagues, and that alone warrants keeping an eye on him. He made one major league start in September of 2013 but then had a modest season as a starter in triple-A in 2014. If his secondary stuff doesn't show improvement this spring, he may be moved to the bullpen, although that may give him a chance to help out the Tampa Bay bullpen at some point in 2015.

4. Burch Smith, Pitcher

Burch Smith
Joe Camporeale - USATODAY Sports

4. Burch Smith, Pitcher

Burch Smith
Joe Camporeale - USATODAY Sports

Smith spent some time in the big leagues in 2013 but was held back by injury in 2014 before the Rays acquired him in a trade this offseason. Rays fans will get their first look at Smith this spring, and aside from trying to prove that he's healthy after missing most of 2014, Smith could become a dark horse in the competition to be Tampa's fifth starter if he plays well.

3. Alex Colome, Pitcher

tampa bay rays prospects spring training
Getty Images

3. Alex Colome, Pitcher

tampa bay rays prospects spring training
Getty Images

Colome has spent small parts of the past two seasons in the majors with considerable success, but now it's make or break time for him, as he's out of options. He has great stuff, but he's struggled with inconsistency and injuries. With Matt Moore out until the summer, Colome may be the favorite to win the fifth starter job. If he can start to put everything together this spring, Colome can be a real asset in the Rays' starting rotation.

2. Steven Souza, Outfield

Steven Souza Nationals
Getty Images

2. Steven Souza, Outfield

Steven Souza Nationals
Getty Images

Souza is another young player Tampa acquired this offseason, and spring training will be the first chance for Rays fans to get a look at him. He'll have to earn a spot in the Tampa Bay lineup this spring, but after a sensational season in triple-A in 2014, Souza appears to be putting everything together and may soon emerge as a middle-of-the-order caliber hitter for the Rays.

1. Tim Beckham, Shortstop

Tim Beckham Tampa Bay Rays
Getty Images

1. Tim Beckham, Shortstop

Tim Beckham Tampa Bay Rays
Getty Images

Beckham was the first overall pick in 2008, but thus far he has just seven major league at-bats. After an injury-plagued 2014 season, he enters 2015 as Tampa's ultimate wild card. He's still a five-tool player with a world of talent, and now that he's healthy he'll be fascinating to watch this spring. A strong performance could give him a chance to factor into the Rays' plans at eight middle infield position.

Bryan Zarpentine is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.
Your Favorites