'Tampa Bay Rays Preseason Special' premieres March 27 on FOX Sports Sun
TAMPA, Fla. (March 25, 2016) -- On Sunday, March 27 at 4 p.m., FOX Sports Sun, the statewide television home of the Rays, will debut the "Tampa Bay Rays Preseason Special." The all-new episode, which airs immediately upon conclusion of the Tampa Bay Rays vs. Toronto Blue Jays Spring Training game, will get fans ready for Opening Day on April 3 and the 2016 season with in-depth analysis and player interviews.
New additions and returning veterans have Rays Manager Kevin Cash optimistic for a playoff run in the always competitive American League East. Cash sits down to discuss the prospects for the season surrounding the club, as well as his own learning experiences from his first season of managing in the big leagues last year.
Pitching Coach Jim Hickey is entering his 10th season with Tampa Bay and that stability, combined with his leadership and experience, has helped make the Rays staff one of the best in baseball during his tenure. Opening Day starter Chris Archer, along with fellow starters Matt Moore and Jake Odorizzi, give viewers their insight to the teachings of Hickey and how he has influenced them. The bullpen will be without the services of 2015 All-Star Brad Boxberger to begin the season, and pitchers Alex Colome, Danny Farquhar and Tampa native Ryan Webb will be looked upon to fill the void.
Rays President of Baseball Operations Matt Silverman made several moves during the offseason to provide more offensive fire power to the lineup. Outfielder Corey Dickerson arrives from Colorado to add some pop from the left side of the plate, while veteran Steve Pearce provides power from the right side and adds depth to the corner infield positions. Shortstop Brad Miller and first baseman Logan Morrison were acquired from the Seattle Mariners, and they will team up with second baseman and last year's team MVP Logan Forsythe and third baseman Evan Longoria to make up a formidable infield.
The outfield will also have plenty of talent and depth, beginning with center fielder and Gold Glove recipient Kevin Kiermaier. FOX Sports Sun Rays analyst Orestes Destrade shares his perspective on the position group that will see the return from injury of Desmond Jennings, the continued development of Steven Souza, Jr. and the versatility of Brandon Guyer.
Join host Todd Kalas and FOX Sports Sun as we debut a brand new "Tampa Bay Rays Preseason Special," and be sure to follow @FOXSportsRays on Twitter and Instagram and visit FOXSportsFlorida.com for channel listings and exclusive Rays video coverage.
Re-Air Schedule:
Mon. 3/28/16 2 p.m.
Tue. 3/29/16 5 p.m.
Wed. 3/30/16 8 p.m.
Sun. 4/3/16 2:30 p.m.
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