The questions started before the season was even over, will Matt Moore be part of the Rays starting rotation plans for 2012? If so, who is likely be moved to the bull pen to make room OR to not be donning the white and blues next season?
The “obvious” choice might be James Shields, he made $4.25 M this season, the club holds options worth $28 M for the next three seasons. Maybe too expensive for Stu’s tightening purse, but at the cusp of 30 he could be invaluable as the “vet” in the rotation. If James stays, then who goes? The Rays at the moment are deep in pitching, they could move Wade Davis to the pen and trade one of the other highly sought starters or two since Alex Cobb has also thrown himself into the ring along with Alex Torres waiting in the wing.
Maddon has already shown a great deal of confidence in Moore. He gave him the reins in a must needed win against the Yankees in the Bronx during the “mission impossible”. Once again in the first game in Texas of the ALDS and the youngster delivered.
The hardest question maybe not be if there is a move but when, will the Rays pull the trigger and trade a starter for some offense and move an heir into position in the off season or wait to see how all their horses do in spring training?