Tampa Bay Rays' Biggest Weakness So Far In 2016

The Tampa Bay Rays have a way of always putting together a great pitching staff. They have done it through reclamation projects. They have done it through great drafting and training. Unfortunately, their offense hasn’t been as consistent. In the first half of 2016 the Rays’ offense has been their biggest weakness.

The Rays haven’t had a rash of injuries. Of note, they have only had two. Kevin Kiermaier, the best defensive outfielder in MLB, has been injured with a broken left hand and back-up outfielder Steve Pearce has been out since the middle of June.  Other than that they have had their pieces in place. In the off-season they traded for outfielder/DH Corey Dickerson. He has provided some power, but his OBP and average have left much to desire. Other than that it is combination of unusual pieces and the usual youngsters for Tampa Bay.

At the mid-point of the 2016 season the Rays have scored the fewest runs in the American League. This is in no small part due to the fact that they have the second worst OBP in the league. In fact their low OBP and runs scored are caused mostly by their inability to hit for a reasonable average. They’re not great at taking walks, but they are dead last in the AL in average. Combine that with striking out second most in the AL and this just isn’t a good hitting team. The Rays are what all of the sabermetricians have been calling for from hitters. Look at pitches and don’t be afraid to strikeout. Unfortunately, they forgot that there is such a thing as a productive out.

The Rays are looking good for a run at the play-offs next year. They have been able to get their young pitchers and some young hitters MLB experience this year. Unfortunately, their offense has been too much of a weakness in the first half of 2016 for them to contend.