One of the newer teams to the MLB, Tampa Bay joined the league in 1998 as "The Tampa Bay Devil Rays", before shortening to the "Tampa Bay Rays" in 2008, 10 years after it's inaugural season. That same exact season they would go to the World Series with arguably the most underrated rotation of the modern era in the foursome of Ace James Shields, Matt Garza, Wade Davis, and Scott Kazmir leading the franchise. But in this specific franchise, who are the ten greatest players of all time?
10. Wade Boggs
When you think of a player like Boggs, your mind immediately goes to his stint in The Boston Red Sox or maybe even the Yankees, but the 3rd Base Tampa native closed his career with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in its first two seasons in the league and his last two seasons in the league. In the first ever Devil Rays' game, Boggs would hit the first ever Rays homerun in the sixth inning in an 11-6 loss to the Detroit Tigers. However, he would hit yet another for his 3,000th hit, becoming the first of three players to who have hit home run's for their 3,000th at bats, the other's being other fellow Yankees/former Yankees, Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez. Wade Boggs would soon retire due to a knee injury sustained in 2000, but he makes the list due to how he led this team into the 00's. Nobody was more influential than Wade Boggs.
9. Scott Kazmir
After being drafted by the New York Mets out of high school, before being traded to a place he'd call home for years to come: The Tampa Bay Devil Rays. In exchange for Victor Zambrano and Bartolome Futanato, The Mets would send Kazmir and Joselo Diaz to the Tampa Bay Rays. It's here where Kazmir would find his success.
Making his MLB debut in 2004 in a start against the Seattle Mariners, he threw an impressive FIVE shutout innings before handing it over to the bullpen. In his first season he'd post a 5.67 ERA in 8 appearances, including his first appearance in relief, giving up three runs to the Yankees. At 22 years of age in 2006, he became the youngest player since the Mets' Dwight Gooden (1986) to pitch on the season opener, despite losing to division rivals, the Baltimore Orioles. Putting up 10 wins on the season, while gaining those decisions against starters such as the great Curt Schilling, Tim Wakefield, Roy Halladay and Jamie Moyer. Kazmir would also surpass Hall of Fame Dodger Sandy Koufax on the list of most strikeouts before the age of 22, and was also elected into his first All-Star game. In what some may consider his best season, Kazmir racked up 13 wins on a team that won 64 games on the year (however would go to the World Series the next year) and lead the AL in strikeouts and set a franchise record of 239 K's in a single season, before that record was broken by Chris Archer this past season in a game against the Yankees. The next season the Rays would go to the World Series, however Kazmir being injured for a majority of the season, up until his trade to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in 2009.
8. Matt Joyce
Traded from the Detroit Tigers for Edwin Jackson, Matt Joyce made a major name for himself in the Bay, making the 2009 Opening Day Roster after outfielder BJ Upton, before heading down to Durham for the remainder of the season.
In his first two games as a Ray in 2010, he'd pinch hit a go-ahead grand slam against the Twins, and a grand slam in Matt Garza's no-hitter against the Detroit Tigers, giving him a slot in the starting line-up. He'd bat .241 on the year with 52 hits, in 216 at bats; the highest since his rookie season as a Tiger.
With 417 hits and more than 175 home runs in his stint (even though only lasting a few years) with Tampa Bay, Matt Joyce somehow finds his way on a Rays Top Ten yet again, even after being traded to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Very few people have left Tampa with a longer lasting impression than Matt Joyce.
7. Wade Davis
Overshadowed in a rotation with starters such as Matt Garza, David Price and James Shields, Wade Davis' tenure with The Tampa Bay Rays often goes overlooked or forgotten about, however, after extensive research put into this project, this won't be the case here. With his spiked curveball, 2-Seam Fastball and Slider, Davis was drafted in the third round of the 2004 amateur draft by The Devil Rays.
Making his MLB debut in September of 2009 in a start against the Detroit Tigers with 9 K's and a No Decision. In his first full season, he'd win the AL Rookie of the Month in July of 2010, posting a 3.03 ERA and 4-0 record. On the season overall, Davis would end the year with a 12-10 record and 4.07 ERA, one of the best for a pitcher on that specific Tampa team. The next year he'd be moved to the bullpen; where he'd be for the rest of his career (thus far). In 2013, along with arguably the greatest pitcher in the franchise (James Shields), he would be involved in a six player trade, being dealt to the Kansas City Royals, where he'd go on to become the most dominant pitcher in all of baseball, recording the final 3 outs of the 2015 World Series. Much like a lot on the list, Davis' Tampa period was relatively short, yet remarkable.
6. Matt Garza
Another player with less than five years as a Ray, however, probably the most accomplished is a California native by the name of Matt Garza. Traded along with Jason Bartlett from the Minnesota Twins in 2007, Matt Garza immediately became a force to be reckoned with in the Rays rotation, along with ace James Shields, Scott Kazmir, and Wade Davis. This trade couldn't have been worse for the Twins, as the duo of Garza and Shields proved to be a force to be reckoned with when they single handedly led a team with an offense such as Reid Brignac, to go to the World Series. Going 11-9 in the regular season with a 3.70 ERA, as well as defeating the Rays biggest rivals, The Boston Red Sox in the ALCS twice, to not only be the ALCS, but take the Rays to their first (and only) World Series in the history of the franchise, before ultimately falling to the Philadelphia Phillies (which is the last championship the city will see for at least another decade).
After having the lowest range factor for a starting pitcher in 2009, Garza went into 2010 not knowing he was about to make franchise history. On July 26th, 2010, Matt Garza would put his name in the record books and make his career when he'd strike out six batters, and pitch 101 fastballs in a 120 pitch game, against the Detroit Tigers in the first ever Rays No-Hitter (with a walk and an error) and is thus far the only pitcher in Tampa history to pitch a no hitter. Garza would be traded to the Cubs however at the end of the season, but he left Rays fans with their jaws on the floor, and that's why he makes this list.
5. Carl Crawford
The longest tenured Ray on this list, Carl Crawford is no doubt top five Tampa players of all-time. Playing with Tampa from 2002-2010 Crawford leads the franchise in hits (1,480), games (1,235), total bases (2,217), stolen bases (409), singles (1,056), and triples (105).
Drafted in the 2nd round, 52nd overall in 1999 by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in arguably the best draft pick they've ever made, debuted in 2002 in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays and started his career showing nothing but potential with two RBIs. Finishing with a .259 batting average in 63 games in 2002, Carl Crawford would become a staple in 2003, with a .289 average, while leading the league in steals. He'd lead the league once again in steals in 2004, as well as being named to his first MLB All-Star game in his hometown of Houston, Texas, though only on reserves. 2005 was a monumental season for Crawford as he batted over .300 and became the third Devil Ray in history to do so (others being Fred McGriff and Aubrey Huff). With 194 hits, 15 home runs and 81 RBIs, Crawford would NOT lead the league in steals; instead place in third at 46 stolen bases. This 2005 season was yet somehow outshone by the stud's 2006 season, where he'd bat .305 with 183 hits in 151 games. Even though the main key to his 2006 success was his defense in the outfield, he also became the eight player in history to steal 200 bases before the age of 25 and join Hall of Famer Roger Hornsby as the only players in history to have their batting average increase for five consecutive seasons. Staying with them until 2010, which including a World Series run (albeit falling to the Phillies), Carl Crawford makes his way to kick off the five greatest players in Tampa Bay history, even though you can make a case for #1. Crawford was the most beloved Devil Ray of all-time, that is until he gave his loyalty to the Boston Red Sox, the cardinal sin to a Rays fan.
4. Ben Zobrist
When you think of Rays of the past, your mind immediately goes to the name Ben Zobrist.
"To be with him daily, you get to see it all and all the little things that he does, and beyond that, all the team things that he does. This guy is all about winning. That's it. That's it. He doesn't care about his batting average. He does only in the sense that if he's not hitting well, that means he's not helping the team."~~Joe Maddon
Traded to the Rays from the Houston Astros for veteran-Aubrey Huff (and cash), Ben Zobrist was immediately placed as a starter with the Rays in shortstop putting up poor numbers. However in 2008, he turned into the player that we all know and love today. Used mainly in right field, placed a .253 batting average with 50 hits and 30 RBIs, was an integral cog in the Rays offense, along with Evan Longoria and Crawford in taking the Rays to the World Series in 2008, before ultimately losing 4-1 in the Series against the Philly's. In his third year with Tampa in 2009, Ben Zobrist had 91 RBIs and 149 hits with a .297 batting average (a career high for Zobrist). Leading the history of the franchise in walks at 592, Ben Zobrist would be with the Rays until 2014, when he went to the Athletics, before going to the Royals to win the World Series, along with Wade Davis, this past year. But it's the little things that he did that not only helped the team, but made Ben Zobrist one of the best all-round players in baseball.
3. David Price
Hated by few, loved by many, repected by all. Drafted first overall by the Rays in 2007 out of Vanderbilt, David Price would make his Major League debut in September of 2008 in the bullpen pitching almost 6 innings in relief against division rivals, The New York Yankees. In the 2008 ALCS, Price would be credited his first Major League save, in a 3-2 win over The Boston Red Sox, to take the Rays to the World Series, while also gaining a save in Game 2 of the World Series (although giving up two runs).
In his first full season, Price logged 102 strikeouts, a 10-7 record and a 4.42 ERA. Being the first pitcher to reach 10 wins in MLB in 2010 (at 10-2), Price was elected the starter of his first MLB All-Star game, before closing the year tied for second in wins and third in ERA, with a 2.72. In 2011, Price would have the worst record of his career, thus far, at 12-13, being the only year his record has been under a .500. In 2012 he'd put on the best season of his career; tying the league in wins with a 20-5 record and a 2.54 ERA, Price would become the first Rays pitcher to do so in the history of the franchise. Not only this, but Price would win the 2012 Cy Young Award. Staying with Tampa up until the 2014 trade deadline, Price would break multiple pitching records, including the franchise win loss percentage (.636). With 7 years under his belt in Tampa Bay he'd go 87-42, before going to the Tigers and The Blue Jays, prior to signing with the Boston Red Sox for $217 million, breaking the hearts of every Rays fan on the planet.
2. Evan Longoria
Tampa's all-time career home run leader, Evan Longoria was drafted third overall in 2006 (in a draft with Scherzer, Kershaw, little did they know that he'd become the franchise guy, and the most popular player in Devil Ray history.
Being called up in 2008 from the Durham Bulls after 3B Willy Aybar went on the disabled list, and Longoria took over his spot—making Aybar a utility player. In May, Longoria would drive in six runs in an 11-4 win over division rivals, The Baltimore Orioles; unprecedented for a rookie. Participating in both the All-Star game and the Home Run Derby as a rookie, the Rays signed Longoria to a six year deal with an option for 2014. In September 2008, he'd catch a foul ball off of Joe Mauer of the Twins to clinch the franchise's first ever playoff spot. During the postseason, he broke Miguel Cabrera's 2003 record of most HRs by a rookie in a postseason series (4). In 2009, he had a .281 Batting Average with 164 hits in 584 at bats. In his 135th game, he knocked his 100th RBI, the only two other current who have done that is Ryan Braun and Albert Pujols. Longoria ended the season with a Silver Slugger and a Gold Glove.
With a third consecutive All-Star game, 96 runs, 169 hits and a .294 batting average; the highest of his entire career in 2010. In extra innings highlight of the final game of 2011, Longoria hit a homer to win against the Yankees, and the Red Sox lost to the Baltimore Orioles for the Rays to overtake a playoff spot after being 9 games back at the beginning of September. After being sidelined for most of 2012, Longoria came back in 2013 to drive in Sean Rodriguez for his 500th RBI, but also hit 25 home runs, giving him his fourth 25 HR season, tied for Carlos Pena's Rays record. In 2014, Longoria would play the full 162 games, a first in his career. Even with a rather lackluster 2015, Evan Longoria leads the pack for the future in players who will lead the future of the organization, such as Logan Forsythe, Richie Shaffer, Kevin Keirmaier, and Brandon Guyer.
Honorable Mentions & Future Four
Joe Maddon-Having managed teams such as the Angels and the Chicago Cubs, Maddon is famous mainly for his work with the Rays, taking them from the worst team in 2007 to the World Series in 2008.
Carlos Pena-Having the most HRs per at bat, Carlos Pena obviously can't be neglected or even shunned from this list. Making a major name for himself as a Ray, he'd even go back to sign a one day contract to retire as a Ray.
Fred McGriff-Even though he made his name as an Atlanta Brave and a Toronto Blue Jay, Fred McGriff was a big part of the earlier Tampa days being the main star on the team through Tampa's own rotten years of 1998-2001, and re-signing to retire with Tampa in 2004.
Other notable Rays: Jonny Gomes, Jake McGee, John Jaso, BJ Upton, and DeWayne Stats
Future Four-Chris Archer, Logan Forsythe, Kevin Keirmaier, and Jake Odorizzi.
From Boggs to Longoria, from Longoria to Zobrist, to Zobrist to Price, who else is there to be the #1 greatest Ray of all-time?
1. James Shields
Playing with Tampa for 7½ seasons, Shields holds a plethora of franchise pitching records at 1,250 strikeouts, 84 wins, 1,454.2 innings pitched and 217 games started.
The 2011 All-Star was drafted by the Devil Rays in 2000, before making his MLB debut in May 2006, becoming the first ever Rays pitcher to start his career with four straight wins. After a 6 win rookie season in 21 starts, he'd go into his second year with the team looking so much better than the first, becoming the James Shields all of the Tampa fans know and love. With his second year, he'd go 12-8 with a .600 win/loss percentage and a 3.85 ERA in 31 starts on a Tampa team that had the worst record in all of baseball; as Shields would shine bright on a team with minimal hope, and show a glimpse into his 2008 season.
Along with Garza, Kazmir, and Davis in the rotation, Tampa Bay would have arguably the most underrated rotation of all-time, took the Rays to the World Series, with Shields as the head of the staff. With a .636 win percentage in 33 games started, Shields would throw a 93 pitch-one hitter on the Angels on May 9th, the first one hitter of his career. Following an incident the night prior where Jonny Gomes got in a fight with Red Sox after Coco Crisp seemingly intentionally took out the knee of second basemen Akinori Iwamura; Shields would hit him on the thigh with a pitch, causing an all-out bench clearing brawl. Setting the record for most wins by a Rays pitcher in a single season, Big Game James would also become the only Rays pitcher to win a World Series game. Flash forward to 2011, where Shields would rank third in Cy Young voting while pitching 225 strikeouts, with 16 wins, 11 complete games, and a 2.82 ERA. Shields would have a 15 win 2012, with absolutely zero run support from the Rays offense, before being traded along with Wade Davis to the Kansas City Royals in the most heartbreaking Rays trade of all time.