"The Rays' primary goal going into the offseason was to bolster their occasionally anemic offense without diminishing their dazzling defense.

Additionally, they wanted to add a few experienced arms to their bullpen, improve their bench and solidify their catching.

For the most part, they have done all that, though it sure seems they still need to add another experienced catcher, given that Jose Lobaton and Robinson Chirinos, the potential partners for Jose Molina, have a combined 42 games in the majors.

The surprise is how the Rays have done that: primarily by opening their checkbook — committing more than $18 million to five free agents — and without trading any starting pitchers.

To think they'd get this close to spring training with their primary holes filled and still have Wade Davis and Jeff Niemann in their stable of starters would have seemed most unlikely, especially given the high number of pitchers traded elsewhere.

From what it sounds like, the Rays just didn't find a deal to their liking. Also, they're still looking.

They say they are willing to go to spring training — and even into the season — with an extra starter, but it's also likely other teams will become more willing/desperate going forward, and as injuries occur."