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Opening day is upon us, giving new hope to the Tampa Bay Rays after a disappointing 2015 season. The Rays may have what it takes to surprise some people and contend in a competitive AL East, but their success this season is in no way a certainty. Heading into opening day, here are five pressing questions that the Rays will have to answer in 2016.
5. When Will Blake Snell Come Up?
Credit: Getty Images5. When Will Blake Snell Come Up?
Starting pitching is a strength for the Rays, but depth in the rotation may not be, especially as they await Alex Cobb's return from Tommy John in the second half of the year. However, the Rays could have one of the best rotations in baseball once they call up Snell, who's arguably the top left-handed pitching prospect in baseball. He looks awfully close to ready for the majors, so how long will the Rays wait to call him up?
4. Can Logan Forsythe Repeat Last Year's Production?
Credit: Getty Images4. Can Logan Forsythe Repeat Last Year's Production?
Forsythe's production last season was far and above his career numbers during his first year in Tampa Bay, so the question must be asked whether he can repeat that production or if last year was just a flash in the pan. He's expected to be a key part of Tampa Bay's lineup this year, possibly hitting leadoff, so the Rays need to hope he can repeat what he did last season.
3. Is Brad Miller The Answer At Shortstop?
Credit: Kelley L. Cox - USATODAY Sports3. Is Brad Miller The Answer At Shortstop?
Asdrubal Cabrera left in free agency and Tampa Bay's top shortstop prospects are another year or two away, so the acquisition of Miller is key to the team's success this year. Miller had a fine season last year in Seattle, but he has to prove he can provide that kind of production year after year. The jury is still out on whether Miller can be a viable replacement for Cabrera and Tampa's long-term solution at shortstop.
2. Can Young Outfielders Step Up?
Credit: Kim Klement - USATODAY Sports2. Can Young Outfielders Step Up?
The Rays hope the acquisitions of Miller, Logan Morrison and Corey Dickerson will help, but the depth of their lineup and success of their offense may depend on the performance of young outfielders like Kevin Kiermaier and Steven Souza Jr. Both have showed promise, but they need to prove to be consistent and reliable run producers to give the Rays a lineup that's formidable from top to bottom.
1. Who's The Closer?
Credit: Getty Images1. Who's The Closer?
Jake McGee was traded during the offseason and Brad Boxberger is hurt and could miss the first two months of the season, so who will be Tampa Bay's closer at the start of the year? The Rays have eight relievers on their opening day roster, but no clear consensus on their closer. Alex Colome is arguably their most talented reliever, but he's been a starter most of his career and the Rays don't have anyone with much closer experience.
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