Prior to Spring Training, Jake Bauers had already been a topic amongst Tampa Bay Rays fans. With his nearly perfect lefty swing, Bauers had opened quite a few eyes in his 2016 campaign. He produced a solid .274/.370/.420 batting line, hitting 14 homers and stealing 10 bases. Although he was going to get a look in the Rays Major League camp, he was likely to start the year in Durham, and could possibly be a September callup this season.
At least, that was the plan before Spring Training. Instead of getting a chance to train with Major Leaguers and take that experience with him as he embarked on his first tour of AAA, Bauers has truly opened eyes this Spring.