ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Tampa Bay Rays’ manager Kevin Cash has traversed through and about this journey before. In fact, several times.
During his 11-plus seasons as field general of the Rays, Cash guided this franchise to a position of envy. For a “small market” team and a payroll which might be considered a bag of fries at any fast-food establishment to the spectacular spending of the Yankees Dodgers, Phillies, Cubs and Red Sox, Cash seems to push the right buttons at the right time.
During his tenure in central Florida, Cash directed the Rays to five consecutive post-season appearances and appears on a trajectory for another meaningful run. This time, composition of his club is different but the dynamics of a pennant race, including the psychology, intensity, emotion, commitment and execution endure.
Those who remain from the last post-season run just three years ago include only first baseman Jonathan Arnada (0-1 in one game), third baseman Junior Caminero (0-2 in two games), shortstop Taylor Walls (2-for-6 in two games), and no pitchers.
To that end, the Rays enter play on Aug. 14 with the best record in major league baseball and, for now, hold a comfortable separation from the Yankees and Red Sox in the AL East.
“In this time of year, you lean on your experiences,” Cash said prior to the Rays opening a 10-game home stand on Aug. 14. “You can mentor things now just by the style of games we are playing and how challenging our division is right now. With the first-year players, it’s different. There are many guys on this roster who have not experienced playoff baseball and it’s very similar to September baseball. When you’re going down the stretch, and trying to win a division, I think this is in the back of their minds. We are challenging because we do many things which put pressure on other teams. As you put pressure on teams, you’re also putting pressure on yourself to get the job done.”
Perhaps it might be best a stranger put things in perspective.
At the recent trade deadline, the Rays were in the market for help behind the plate and on the mound. With two transactions, mission accomplished.
Of the two significant acquisitions, catcher Liam Hicks was the most important. The Rays immediately upgraded in that position and with the addition of spot starter-reliever Tyler Wells, the Rays appear ready for the stretch run.
“Now that I’m in the clubhouse, I can see how much of a close-knit this group this really is,” Hicks said before the Rays opened that 10-game game stand on Aug 14. “That definitely helps. Also, the skill sets are here. The pitching staff has been unbelievable and really sets the tone. Then, the offense is super pesky and many guys put the ball in play, steal bases, bunt, and it’s all important.”
End of one; start of another?
The Rays had a nine-game winning streak snapped by Baltimore on Aug. 14. With the game tied at 2-2 in the seventh, O’s pinch hitter Dylan Beavers drilled a bases-loaded single off Kevn Kelly that scored two and Gunner Hendersonson added a two-run blast in the eighth to give Baltimore a 6-5 win before 18,343 in Tropicana Field. The Rays valiantly staged a dramatic comeback with three in the ninth, but Ryan Vlade flied to left with the tying run in scoring position to end the game. “It’s just one loss,” said first baseman Jonathan Aranda after the defeat. “We’re coming off a great road trip and won those nine straight. We’re one of the best teams at home so we just have to keep doing what we do and again, it’s just one game. Nothing to worry about.”
Next … The set with the Orioles continues with the second of four. In this one, look for lefty Ian Seymour (9-3, 4.08) to face righty Kyle Bradish (7-11, 3.69). In a Sunday matinee, righty Fredy Peralta (5-9, 5.33 – two no-decisions in two starts for Tampa Bay) makes his Tropicana Field debut and faces lefty Trevor Rogers (7-8, 4.27). In the series finale, Rays’ manager Kevin Cash is undecided, and the Orioles will go with righty Brandon Young (9-3, 3.33). Then, the Toronto Blue Jays make their final visit to central Florida for three before the Rays head back on the road for three in Baltimore and three in Detroit.