The offseason has arrived, and the time has come for the Tampa Bay Rays to study what went right and wrong from a season that ended short of October.
In the coming weeks, we'll break down the Rays at each position. The review will include highlights and lowlights for the players that saw a majority of the action there, and we'll touch on the possibility of their returns.
This week, we focus on second base, where Ben Zobrist and Logan Forsythe spent most of the time at the position. Zobrist, a seasoned veteran, furthered his reputation as a valuable talent in multiple areas. Forsythe, meanwhile, struggled at times to transition to the Rays after spending the first three seasons of his major-league career with the San Diego Padres. Utility man Sean Rodriguez also experienced action at second base throughout the year.
Here's a closer look at the play from Rays' second basemen during the 2014 season ...
BEN ZOBRIST
What he did right: He's the Rays' most effective versatile presence, so it's hard to imagine their lineup without him. Zobrist appeared at six different positions last season, in addition to serving as designated hitter seven times. But the 79 games played at second base were the most for him at any spot on the field. As a switch-hitter, he provides manager Joe Maddon with flexibility in the lineup. A two-time All-Star, Zobrist has gained his team's trust because of his ability to embrace a range of roles.
Where he needs to improve: Versatility remains Zobrist's best trait, but he can afford to sharpen his defense. He committed six errors at second base, an increase from the four he committed at the position in 2013. His fielding percentage at second base declined from .993 in 2013 to .980 last season. In addition, his defensive WAR declined from 1.3 in 2013 to 0.9 last season.
Contract status: The Rays hold a $7.5 million team option for 2015 ($500,000 buyout).
Likelihood of return: It's a no-brainer for the Rays to pick up the team option. There was chatter during the trade deadline that Zobrist was a candidate to be dealt, but fortunately for Tampa Bay, nothing came of the rumors. Few players in the lineup offer as much flexibility on offense and defense. Though he played 11 fewer games than 2013, had a lower batting average than the previous season (.272 compared to .275) and produced fewer runs than the year before (52 RBI compared to 71), he remains an asset.
LOGAN FORSYTHE
What he did right: Much of last season was a struggle after he was gained in a seven-player trade with the Padres last January. Still, like Zobrist, Forsythe's ability to play multiple positions is a plus. He appeared at second base in 74 games, but he also played third base (six games), left field (three), shortstop (two) and first base (one), in addition to serving as designated hitter 13 times.
Where he needs to improve: Offense was a concern throughout most of the season. He closed hitting .223 with six home runs and 26 RBI. He produced monthly batting averages worse than .200 three times. He has never been a breakout offensive presence â his RBI total last season matched his career high with the Padres in 2012 â but more consistency early in the season would be something to strive for next year.
Contract status: Arbitration eligible. He made $509,700 in 2014.
Likelihood of return: With Brad Boxberger's emergence in the bullpen, it's hard to remember that Forsythe was a headline name in the trade with San Diego. Still, expect Forsythe to return in 2015 with urgency to improve on his shortcomings at the plate. At age 27, he's younger than Rodriguez, who's 29. Forsythe should fit into the Rays' plans.
SEAN RODRIGUEZ
What he did right: He made 14 starts (23 games played) at second base. He also was seen at first base (18 games), third base (nine games), left field (17), right field (two) and shortstop (one). His power was a pleasant surprise this season, and he finished with 12 home runs and 41 RBI, both career-high totals. He saw an uptick in his at-bats this year with 237, compared to the 195 he had last year.
Where he needs to improve: Rodriguez can use more refining on defense. Despite his ability to play both in the infield and outfield, his lack of consistency as a fielder has hurt his attempt to become an everyday player. He committed three errors this season, an increase from one last year. His defensive WAR was -0.6 this season, a decline from his 0.0 total last year.
Contract status: Arbitration eligible. He made $1.475 million last season.
Likelihood of return: He's an interesting case. Rodriguez can become a free agent after next season, so it wouldn't be out of the question to consider that the Rays could try to package him in a trade to receive some value. He has been a serviceable presence off the bench, especially against left-handed pitching. But with Forsythe and Nick Franklin maturing as versatile talents, Rodriguez could be replaceable.
You can follow Andrew Astleford on Twitter @aastleford or email him at aastleford@gmail.com.
