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Inbox: Are some Rays providing deja vu?

I really like what I'm seeing from Jacob Faria and Mallex Smith. Do either of those players remind you of anybody from past Rays teams?
-- Sam B., Seattle

Now that you mention it, both remind me of players from the Rays/Devil Rays past. Smith reminds me some of Quinton McCracken, who starred for the Devil Rays in their first season. Like Smith, "Q" could get things going and put pressure on the defense with his speed. As for Faria, when I see him pitch, James Shields comes to mind. I know he doesn't have the Shields change, but thus far he's pitched like a bulldog, going after hitters much like Shields used to do.