(Credit: Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images North America)
The Tampa Bay Rays have exemplified the “Moneyball” philosophy over the last few seasons. Despite low payrolls, they have been able to field teams that exceed most expectations. The 2015 season was marred by injury to the most important element of their roster — the starting pitching staff.
Alex Cobb, the incumbent ace, was lost for the year, Matt Moore missed the first three months, and Drew Smyly spent time on the disabled list ending the season with only 12 starts. How would other teams fare with starters 1-3 on the disabled list for much of the season?
The silver lining was the emergence of Chris Archer and to some extent Jake Odorizzi and Erasmo Ramirez.
However, what doomed much of the year was a different component. The offense, where the farm system is thin and “taking a flyer” has become the norm, struggled mightily.
So what would a Rays front office wish list for this winter look like?
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