Tampa Bay Rays Organization Discussion

by John Sickels on Dec 16, 2025 8:00 PM EST

I am working on the Rockies and should have them done Friday afternoon. The next team on the docket is the Tampa Bay Rays. This is a strong system and it may be hard to chop this down to 38 or 39 players. Point out your sleepers and discuss the system in general.

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everyone knows about the guys at the top Hellickson, Jennings, Moore

but I am interested to hear your thoughts on Leslie Anderson and where you put him. While not having the upside as many of the prospects that will be in the top 20, Anderson have a very good chance to make the opening day roster and an outside shot at winning a starting spot either in the outfield, 1B, or DH.

by Dbullsfan on Dec 16, 2025 8:06 PM EST reply actions

Sleepers

Scott Shuman as a fast-rising reliever (13.9 K/9 in 2010, admittedly as a 22 year old in the MWL)
Kevin James if he stays healthy has the stuff for a breakout season in short-season ball
Matt Bush could open some eyes, but health is the thing with him, too
Hector Guevara didn’t hit a lot in his stateside debut, but he was young in the Appy League and was hardly overmatched, 31 strikeouts in 64 games)

And my big breakout candidate is Ty Morrison. .290/.390/.450 with 60 steals and plus centerfield defense as a 20-year old in the FSL is my prediction.

Vroom vroom party starter
www.raysprospects.com

by Imperialism32 on Dec 16, 2025 8:58 PM EST reply actions

ian kendall

there’s a sleeper… HS pitcher that flashes 3 above-average pitches. Count it.

by another know it all on Dec 16, 2025 11:01 PM EST up reply actions

Nick Barnese

The guy might need a trade more than anyone in the minors.

Brian Sabean would return more calls if he wasn't so busy being the greatest baseball mind in the history of the game.

by The_Beard on Dec 16, 2025 8:59 PM EST reply actions

Why?

by mr. maniac on Dec 16, 2025 10:24 PM EST up reply actions

I'd imagine with Torres and Moore presumably ahead of him

along with those already in the majors (Price, Niemann, Davis, Hellickson) Barnese may be destined for the bullpen which would limit his potential.

by Dbullsfan on Dec 16, 2025 11:43 PM EST up reply actions

If he pitches to his ability, he iwll get his chance.

by mr. maniac on Dec 17, 2025 12:34 PM EST up reply actions

Tim Beckham?

Is this a make or break year for him given he was much hyped when drafted?

Brian G

by captstrato on Dec 16, 2025 9:08 PM EST reply actions

his last couple months last season were his best in pro ball

hopefully he can start where he left off and show at least a little why the Rays took him #1.

and speaking of starting slow and finishing strong last year, how much do the slow starts from Matt Moore hurt him? He’d arguably be the #1 prospect in baseball if you only played the 2nd half of seasons.

by Dbullsfan on Dec 16, 2025 10:04 PM EST up reply actions

Will Kline?

No I dont think he should be anywhere near this list, but does anyone know anything about him? He was a high pick in 07 and has been injured ever since, but for some reason the Rays keep him around. Anyone know anything about him? Must be a reason he’s been kept for 3+ years.

by Ralpho316 on Dec 16, 2025 9:52 PM EST reply actions

Sorry, I haven't heard much on him.

by mr. maniac on Dec 16, 2025 10:25 PM EST up reply actions

He's been kept so the Rays can at least try to get a return on the $525,000 they gave him

Vroom vroom party starter
www.raysprospects.com

by Imperialism32 on Dec 17, 2025 1:42 PM EST up reply actions

John, what is your opinion of Romero?

by mr. maniac on Dec 16, 2025 10:25 PM EST reply actions

Joseph Cruz

In a system known for the depth of its pitching talent, he is sometimes overlooked. I am curious if he makes your cut and what you think of him.

by bobr on Dec 17, 2025 8:28 AM EST reply actions

How in the world would he not make the cut?

by mr. maniac on Dec 17, 2025 12:35 PM EST up reply actions

Rollins and McCormick?

In addition to getting a better picture of what McGee and Beckham are going to become in the near future, I’m interested in Rollins and McCormick.

Rollins looked like he was never able to make the transition to AAA ball. And I haven’t heard so much as a whisper about McCormick since 2008.

by Aslan on Dec 17, 2025 8:47 AM EST reply actions

McCormick actaully retired

And Heath Rollins was selected in the minor league Rule 5 draft (I think by the Royals)

Vroom vroom party starter
www.raysprospects.com

by Imperialism32 on Dec 17, 2025 1:43 PM EST up reply actions

Kyeong Kang

had a disappointing year, I thought he was a breakout candidate for sure. did he get hurt or something in 2010?

"Fantasy, reality, science Fiction. Which is which? Who can tell?"

by feslenraster on Dec 17, 2025 9:08 AM EST reply actions

Torres and Sweeney

I’ll also be interested to see where Torres is on the list. His walk rate is a little high for my tastes, but all his other numbers have been consistent and solid.

And will Matthew Sweeney even get a mention after his embarrassment of a year in AA?

by Aslan on Dec 17, 2025 9:33 AM EST reply actions