February 5, 2015
After posting a disappointing 77-85 record in 2014, Tampa Bay Rays ownership opted to remake its roster. Manager Joe Maddon optioned out of his contract while outfielders Matt Joyce and Ben Zobrist were traded. Shortstop Yunel Escobar was also traded. These moves came after Tampa Bay traded away starting pitchers, David Price and James Shields. The prospects acquired in the Price and Shields trades are starting to develop and produce for Tampa Bay. Starting pitchers, Drew Smyly and Jake Odorizzi are breakout candidates while Nick Franklin will solidify the hole at second base. Third baseman, Evan Longoria will lead this relatively young and inexperienced roster into a highly competitive American League East race. Expectations are not very high for Tampa Bay, but as we’ve seen in the past, this franchise has a keen eye for talent and can quickly develop players. Tampa Bay is also in the process of negotiating a contract for a new stadium that fans have been wanting for the last ten years.
[embedit cf="HTML1"]
On TicketIQ, the average price for the secondary market Rays Opening Day tickets is $156.22 while the get-in price is $56. Ticket prices for Opening Day 2015 are the highest over the last five Opening Days at Tropicana Field.
| Year |
Opponent |
Avg Price |
Get-in Price |
| 2015 |
BAL |
$156.22 |
$56.00 |
| 2014 |
TOR |
$91.91 |
$27.00 |
| 2013 |
BAL |
$72.40 |
$20.00 |
| 2012 |
NYY |
$86.57 |
$36.00 |
| 2011 |
BAL |
$70.33 |
$15.00 |
| 2010 |
BAL |
$53.32 |
$23.00 |
Tampa Bay’s Opening Day will feature a matchup between Baltimore’s ace Chris Tillman and Tampa Bay’s new ace Alex Cobb. Last season, Tillman went 2-0 with a 1.71 ERA over three starts against Tampa Bay. Cobb went 1-1 with a 1.91 ERA over four starts against Baltimore. Runs will be place at a premium when these two Aces square off on Opening Day at Tropicana Field.
[embedit cf="HTML2"]
