What I don't like is all of the negativity that surrounds it. It's always better to reach an agreement before it gets to that point, but sometimes it doesn't work out that way. He is expected to challenge for a spot in the rotation and also is a candidate for a long-reliever job. Rekar's arbitration hearing is scheduled for Tuesday in Arizona, and he expects to attend. In past years, the Rays have avoided the arbitration process, in part because of the potential for acrimony.
Teams essentially build their cases by emphasizing a player's shortcomings.
It's something I'd like to witness, to see what goes on. Last month, general manager Chuck LaMar suggested this might be the year the Rays have their first arbitration case. Tampa Bay was 12 hours from a hearing for Albie Lopez last week when they came to terms at the midpoint between what the pitcher was seeking and the club was offering. Rekar said he would be amenable to a similar compromise, but he felt relatively confident about his chances of winning at arbitration. I've heard some positive things about my chances from other people.