13done

@13done @LWorthySports I know what’s in it. I have read it. I thought it was a superb column. That’s why I shared it. It’s comical that you call me “dense” given your response here. Maybe get someone else — a friend? — to explain it.

#Rays Erik Neander on the outfield, and how things will shake out post-Josh Lowe trade, mentioning Mullins, Fraley, Vilade, DeLuca, Melton, Malloy and Simpson. "I'd expect a lot of competition in camp, and we'll just see who kind of takes it, earns it, and makes something of it," Neander said. "That's really, ultimately, what we thought we were going to need to do in the outfield. We were unlikely to line up on an established, lockdown alpha-performer out there. It was going to be strength through competition, and players we believe in that all have something to prove. I think we're going to have that, and I think they're going to push each other." Will OF Jacob Melton, acquired in the 3-team deal from the Astros and the Rays No. 4 prospect, get a shot in 2026? Seems like he'll get to show in camp that he's deserving of an Opening Day roster spot, but they won't push him. "He does so much with his legs and defensively that it takes a lot of pressure off of his bat to produce at a really high level," Neander said. "I think that's going to afford him a lot of at bats to develop on the offensive side, because of just how good he is in those other areas. I think you want to make sure that you don't ask too much of him too soon, right? "Heck, we could get into camp and maybe it's apparent that the time is now, or maybe he could use a little more polish," Neander said, "...he'll kind of give us that feedback once we get him in the door."