To begin with, it’s hard to imagine a team that does more with less than the Rays. Tampa Bay has little in the way of fans or revenue. Their stadium was outdated when it opened. Yet much like the Oakland A’s, Tampa Bay uses “Moneyball” tactics to regularly contend for the postseason. Last year the Rays won at least 90 games for the second straight season. And made the playoffs for the first time since 2013. Tampa Bay has gained considerable credibility with the baseball betting odds for now. Their days as a prohibitive long shot are over for 2020.
2020 Tampa Bay Rays
| Date: | The season opens March 26, 2020 |
|---|---|
| Baseball Odds Today at SBG: | 25/1 to win the World Series |
2020 Tampa Bay Rays Overview
Specifically, manager Kevin Cash has proven to be a sportsbook asset for Tampa Bay. General Manager Erik Neander has established himself as a perfect fit as well. Together Cash and Neander provide one of the most innovative tandems in baseball to the Rays franchise. Of great concern is a startling erosion of betting value for the Rays. Tampa Bay went 96-66 for the 2019 season, but they finished in the red. Their days of ambushing oddsmakers have clearly ended. The high expectations for 2020 perpetuate concerns about possible overlays. Now Tampa Bay opens with the 27th ranked payroll in MLB.
Top Pitchers
Specifically, Charlie Morton heads the Rays rotation. Morton is coming off a career season for 2019. To illuminate he was 16-6 with a 3.05 earned run average and 1.08 WHIP. Morton struck out 240 batters in 194.2 innings of work. Further, Morton has been named an All-Star for the past two seasons. He was a member of Houston’s 2017 World Series championship club.
In like manner, Blake Snell is expected to contribute after a 2019 setback season. Snell was 6-8 with a 4.29 ERA and 1.27 WHIP after a much better 2018 campaign. To illuminate Snell dominated with a 21-5 record, 1.89 ERA, and 0.97 WHIP two seasons ago. He was named 2018 American League Cy Young Award winner and an All-Star.
Closer Emilio Pagan broke out for 2019 with a 4-2 record and 20 saves. In turn, Pagan posted a 2.31 earned run average with 96 strikeouts in 70 innings of work.
At the Plate
Second baseman Brandon Lowe has emerged as a key leadoff hitter. To show Lowe hit .270 with a .514 slugging percentage and .850 OPS. He scored 42 runs with 17 doubles and home runs to go with 51 runs batted in. Most important of all Lowe played only half of the season. Meaning he is expected to have plenty of upsides. To be exact he was a 2019 AL All-Star.
Supplying much of Tampa Bay’s power is left fielder Hunter Renfroe. Extending his reputation was a career-high 33 home runs and 64 runs scored in 2019. Renfroe was the MVP of the 2018 San Diego Padres.
Baseball Odds Today Betting Odd Picks
It is true that expectations have increased for the Rays. Concerns about their value with the baseball betting odds are prudent. Tampa Bay is at their best when they are under the radar. On the contrary, their recent success has taken away their most valuable element. Which is the element of surprise.
Baseball Odds Today Betting Online Pick: Tampa Bay Rays to miss the playoffs