AL East Round Up: Opening Week Edition

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Tampa Bay Rays:

Let’s see…David Price opened the season against the Blue Jays and was a true ace. In 7 1/3 innings, he struck out 6. Chris Archer also contributed a solid start against the Jays Thursday night to even that series at two games apiece. What is somewhat surprising to me is the performance of the offense. Again, it is VERY early, but the Rays have had big contributions from Evan Longoria (.381/.500/.571), Desmond Jennings (.304/.385/.522) and Sean Rodriguez (.286/.375/.857) who had a big game against the Texas Rangers driving in 4 Friday night. The Rays sit in first place, which no one will admit to being surprised about. They just seem to quietly go about their business and put together solid games with good results. I’m sure they’re happy to keep doing that.

NOTES:

–Bill Chastian at MLB.com tells us that the Rays have locked up Yunel Escobar for the next couple years. The deal is reported to be 2yr/ $13M with an option for ’17. Not bad…if you’re into that sort of thing. I wonder if his deal includes a clause that provides him with eye black stickers? Too soon?

-Evan Longoria has tied Carlos Pena for the franchise lead in homeruns with 163. What is surprising is that Pena had that many. I know he hit a lot of bombs during his time there, but it wasn’t a long time. Anyway, a celebratory butt pat to Longoria!