The Rays are still trying to keep their grip on the AL East with the Yankees and Red Sox right there, and the pressure only gets louder as the postseason creeps closer. That’s the backdrop for this week’s roundtable, which touched on Tampa Bay’s divisional chase, a promising start from Freddie Peralta, the value Chandler Simpson brings without much power, and what to expect when the Padres come to Tropicana Field.
When it comes to the biggest threat in the division race, Michael Brauner went straight to New York.
"It's gotta be the Yankees. They are starting to click, and if Aaron Judge does return in a couple of weeks, it could change everything down the stretch and into October."
Christian Rauh sees Boston as the team to watch, even if he thinks both clubs end up in the bracket.
"I have this weird feeling the Red Sox are going to pass the Yankees by the time we hit the middle of September, so I'm going to say Boston. I think both teams will find a way to make the postseason; however, you just have to make sure that they finish behind you."
Freddie Peralta’s latest outing also drew attention after a rough stretch since being acquired by the New York Mets. Brauner isn’t ready to go all-in yet, but he sees Tampa Bay as the place where the pitcher can get back on track.
"I would like to see more before I can say I have confidence, but if there's anywhere he can turn around what this season has been, it's in Tampa Bay."
Rauh was a little more encouraged, pointing to what Peralta has shown in past postseason runs.
"Confidence is certainly growing for Freddy Peralta, and we've seen it in the past years, especially when he was with Milwaukee, that he can be trusted as a playoff pitcher. I'd like to see one or two more starts to show that consistency, but I think he's well on his way."
Chandler Simpson’s second half has also kept him in the conversation, even without the extra-base punch that usually gets the headlines. Brauner said the numbers are already enough to make the case.
"I don't care what the analytics say. A guy who is stealing 40 bases a year and batting over .300 is useful to any lineup you put him in."
Rauh echoed that view, stressing how often Simpson creates pressure once he reaches.
"Absolutely. Does he have a spot in this game?
One of the most underrated traits a player can have is just finding a way to get on base, and Chandler Simpson does that. When he gets on base, he is always a threat to get into scoring position.
He is a huge asset to Tampa Bay. I don't care if he can't hit it out of the park."
The final topic was Tampa Bay’s upcoming three-game set against San Diego, and the predictions split.
Brauner expects the Padres to take the series, saying, "San Diego is coming off a dropped series to the Pirates. With Casey Mize, Walker Buehler, and Robbie Ray on the mound, it's gonna be a tough series to win. I predict the Padres take 2 out of 3"
Rauh thinks the Rays can answer at home.
"The Padres are fighting for playoff relevancy themselves, and for some reason, Tampa Bay has struggled at home this past homestand. This is a perfect opportunity for a get-back series. Give me the Rays winning two against San Diego."
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