I really loved watching the Rays this year and I am quite confident about our team. But looking at what the Yankees and especially the Red Sox have on their rosters, I don't see us entering the postseason in near future. Comparing wins of the Indians entering the postseason with the Rays not doing so, do you think it's time to change the procedure of division winners automatically advancing to the postseason?
-- Bruce G., Orlando
No, I don't think you'd ever want to change the procedure to where a team doesn't advance after winning its division. However, I do believe some thought should be given to balancing the schedule. Given the fact all the non-division-winning teams in both leagues are contending for two Wild Card spots, that seems to be the only fair way to go.
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I loved the fight in this team this season, but I wouldn't be honest if I said I expected 90 wins. My question is, do you expect the team to perform as well next year? I love what Blake Snell did, but is 20-plus wins again realistic? Also, with our payroll so low, do you see us as spenders this offseason? I'd love to get a high-profile free agent for a change, at least to help build on the solid core we have.
-- Nicholas B., Fairfield, Calif.
The Rays should be better in 2019. However, being a better team doesn't necessarily translate to 90-plus wins, which is an extraordinary season that normally puts a team into the playoffs.
As for the payroll, just because the Rays should have extra money doesn't necessarily mean they should spend it. And I'm not really sure what you would want to add. It looks like the team has a deep pitching staff, along with healthy competition at all field positions. Perhaps they will package some of their depth for a player or players they feel will be an upgrade, or to create a spot for a free agent they could add who they feel will be an upgrade. As for Snell, I believe he's the real deal, and capable of dominating again in 2019.
Austin Meadows put up monster numbers at Durham last August (.344, 10 homers). Will he be given a shot at starting?
-- Bruce H., Hicksville, N.Y.
The outfield depth should be a strength in 2019, with Meadows, Tommy Pham, Kevin Kiermaier, and Mallex Smith. Meadows, who came to the Rays in the trade that sent Chris Archer to the Pirates, will definitely have a chance.
Looking at the free-agent market for this upcoming offseason, it seems the Rays have some affordable options. Along with James Shields (I would like to see him back) maybe they can sign Matt Harvey. He had a solid bounceback season in Cincinnati and I'm sure Kyle Snyder would be able to return him to All-Star form with the Rays. Do you see this as a realistic free-agent signing?
-- Harrison S.
Harvey made $5.625 million last season, going 7-7 with a 4.50 ERA in 24 starts for the Reds. Combined with his performance for the Mets, he was 7-9 with a 4.94 ERA in 32 games. No doubt, Harvey will earn more than what he made in 2018, which is generally what happens through free agency. The question is this: Would paying Harvey be worth that salary, or could the Rays get the same performance or better from another free agent or by giving a player within the organization a chance? So in answer to your question, I don't really see that as a realistic free-agent signing.
What would it take for the Rays to trade for Paul Goldschmidt, and would the team truly put in an honest effort to get him? I have been a Rays fan from the beginning and getting Goldschmidt would be a sign to the fans that they truly want to win. I believe adding Goldschmidt is the piece of the puzzle that could put the Rays over the top in 2019.
-- Rick Q., Tempe, Ariz.
For starters, I think winning like the Rays did in 2018 is a pretty good sign to the fans that they want to win.
Now, Goldschmidt. Assuming the D-backs renew his option -- which appears to be a no-brainer -- he'll make $14.5 million in 2019. Would they consider trading him? And if they were to consider trading him, would the Rays want to package together enough talent to acquire him? In addition, would they want to assume his salary for one season, then have to face the reality he would be a free agent after the season? I don't see that happening, but the Rays have been known to throw many curveballs during the offseason.