In this episode of Locked On Rays, we dive into the evolving Rays lineup and how Yandy Díaz could be shifted out of the leadoff spot. With Jonathan Aranda and Josh Lowe emerging as strong left-handed options, we break down what this means for the team’s offensive approach.

Next, we focus on Brandon Lowe’s tenure with the Rays and his potential path to becoming a franchise mainstay. With over six years of service time, he’s climbing the ranks of the longest-tenured Rays players. Could he join the likes of Ben Zobrist, Carl Crawford, and Evan Longoria as one of the all-time greats in Tampa Bay? We discuss his impact, legacy, and what the future might hold.

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In this episode, we welcome back WTSP Channel 10 Sports Director Evan Closky to break down the latest Tampa Bay Rays storylines from spring training.

Can Eloy Jiménez crack 15 homers in his first season with Tampa Bay? Will Zack Littell still be on the roster when the season starts? We also take a closer look at Jonny DeLuca and Curtis Mead hitting the weight room—will their added strength translate to on-field success this season? Is that a result from their hard-hit % results from last year?

Also, baseball trivia and “Name That WAR” to round out a Fun Friday ep!

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FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

WTSP Channel 10 Sports Director Evan Closky joins the Locked On Rays crew to break down the latest drama surrounding the Rays' stadium situation.

From Rays team presidents Brian Auld and Matt Silverman’s eyebrow-raising comments to the bigger question—why are the Rays handling things this way?

We discuss whether MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred could step in, the realistic odds of the team fulfilling its obligations by March 31st, and what happens if they don’t.

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Last season, the Rays’ bullpen ranked among the best in the league in ERA (9th, 3.73), saves (4th, 51), and WHIP (6th, 1.19). But they also allowed the second-most homers (82) and finished just 10th in strikeouts (619). With a mix of returning fireballers and intriguing new arms, Tampa Bay is rebuilding its relief corps with power in mind.

In this episode, we break down the bullpen battles, the impact of new additions like Alex Faedo and Eric Orze, and whether high-velocity arms like Mason Montgomery, Hunter Bigge, and Manny Rodríguez can cement their spots. Plus, we discuss Pete Fairbanks’ future, Kevin Cash’s thoughts on velocity, and how roster decisions could shake out as Opening Day approaches.

Will the Rays’ bullpen become a dominant force in 2024? Tune in for our analysis, roster projections, and inside notes from camp!

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FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Opening Day is right around the corner, and the Rays have made their choice—Shane McClanahan is back as the ace. After missing the end of 2023 and all of 2024 due to Tommy John surgery, McClanahan has impressed this spring, hitting 97-98 mph in live BP. But with his injury history, how much will the Rays manage his workload?

And off the field, Rays leadership isn’t holding back on their perceived issues with a new stadium deal. With fresh comments from Rays presidents Brian Auld and Matt Silverman, we break down the franchise’s frustrations and what it means for the team’s future in St. Petersburg.

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FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

For the first time ever, Rays Fan Fest was held at the St. Pete Pier—was it a success? We share our observations, breaking down the positives and negatives of the event and whether this location could become the new norm. Plus, we dive into key comments from Rays manager Kevin Cash and pitching coach Kyle Snyder on the team's makeup heading into spring training. What do they expect from this year's squad? Are there surprising options for the outfield this year? What growth do they expect from Taj Bradley and Junior Caminero? Can Yandy Diaz remain a cornerstone of this offense? Tune in for that and videos from Saturday’s Fan Fest!Tune in for all that and more!

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In this episode of the Locked On Rays , we’re again joined by WTSP Channel 10 Sports Director Evan Closky to break down some of the best quotes and comments from Erik Neander and Kevin Cash during the Rays 2025 Spring Training opening press conference.

We then dive into one of the biggest questions of the spring: Is the Rays rotation battle the most important storyline? Plus, another edition of “Closky on the Clock, where Evan tackles key topics in rapid-fire, including the stadium negotiations between Rays owner Stu Sternber, Pinellas County, and the City of St. Petersburg — what happens by March 31st? And who will have the higher WAR in 2025: Eloy Jiménez or Danny Jansen? Tune in for all that and more!

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The Tampa Bay Rays’ offseason is in the books, so it’s time to hand out some grades!

WTSP Channel 10 Sports Director Evan Closky joins the show to break down all the team’s moves this offseason, including the added impact of Ha-Seong Kim and Danny Jansen. Did Closky think the Rays did enough to stay competitive in 2025?

The conversation then transitions into the Rays questionable outfield composition – and why this may be one of the Rays weaker defensive seasons.

Finally, it’s time for “Closky on the Clock” (with a brand-new catchy intro!), where we get Evan’s rapid-fire takes on key Rays storylines.

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FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)