Alex Faedo’s Return to Tampa Bay
Alex Faedo has deep ties to the Rays, having grown up and still residing in Tampa, and frequently attending their games. The recent trade from the Tigers to his hometown team added another layer to his connection.
It turns out that Rays manager Kevin Cash has a history with Faedo as well. Back in the mid-1990s, Cash played at Gaither High School, where Faedo’s dad, Landy, was an assistant coach. Faedo joked about the possibility of Cash taking out any coaching frustrations on him due to his father’s coaching style.
Cash, however, assured that all is well with Landy and fondly recalled memories of pre-spring training workouts at Alonso High School, where a young Alex Faedo would watch Cash and others, including future All-Star Jose Fernandez.
Now, Cash is hoping that Faedo, who pitched at the University of Florida and was a first-round pick by Detroit in 2017, can contribute to the Rays’ success. Faedo’s transition from a starter to a reliever/opener with the Tigers could align well with the Rays’ needs.
Despite facing some injury challenges last season, Faedo showed promise with a 5-3 record and a 3.61 ERA in 37 games. The Rays see potential in Faedo’s talent and local ties, hoping that being close to home will benefit him.
As the Rays work to integrate Faedo into their roster, Tigers’ president Scott Harris acknowledged the difficulty of parting ways with the talented pitcher due to roster constraints. In exchange for Faedo, the Rays traded minor-league catcher Enderson Delgado and cash.
Miscellany
The Rays’ camp roster currently includes 72 players, with a focus on potential additions to the pitching staff. Cash emphasized the need for offensive improvement while Neander and Cash prepare for the annual spring opening media session.
The countdown to Opening Day will kick off with a radio show featuring Andy Freed, Neil Solondz, and Chris Adams-Wall, building anticipation for the upcoming spring games.
With Faedo’s arrival, the Rays hope to capitalize on his talent and local connections to further bolster their roster for the upcoming season.
Conclusion
Alex Faedo’s trade to the Tampa Bay Rays brings a mix of personal connections and professional potential to the team. As he navigates his new role in a familiar setting, Faedo’s journey from hometown standout to Major League pitcher presents a unique opportunity for both him and the Rays.
FAQs
Q: What position does Alex Faedo play?
A: Faedo is a pitcher.
Q: Where did Alex Faedo play college baseball?
A: Faedo pitched at the University of Florida.
Q: What team did Alex Faedo play for before joining the Rays?
A: Faedo was previously with the Detroit Tigers.
