The 2001 Tampa Bay Devil Rays season was their fourth since the franchise was created. This season, they finished last in the American League East, finished the season with a record of 62–100. Their managers were Larry Rothschild and Hal McRae, the latter of whom replaced Rothschild shortly after the season began.
Offseason
November 2, 2000: Bill Pulsipher was signed as a free agent with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.[1]
November 27, 2000: Quinton McCracken was released by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.[2]
November 27, 2000: Jim Morris was released by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.[3]
January 8, 2001: Johnny Damon was traded as part of a 3-team trade by the Kansas City Royals with Mark Ellis to the Oakland Athletics. The Oakland Athletics sent Ben Grieve to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. The Oakland Athletics sent Ángel Berroa and A. J. Hinch to the Kansas City Royals. The Tampa Bay Devil Rays sent Cory Lidle to the Oakland Athletics. The Tampa Bay Devil Rays sent Roberto Hernandez to the Kansas City Royals.[4]
March 23, 2001: Bill Pulsipher was released by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.[1]
April 4, 2001: Kenny Kely was purchased by the Seattle Mariners from the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.[6]
June 5, 2001: Dewon Brazelton was drafted by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the 1st round (3rd pick) of the 2001 amateur draft. Player signed August 25, 2001.[7]
June 5, 2001: Jon Switzer was drafted by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the 2nd round of the 2001 amateur draft. Player signed August 13, 2001.[8]
Citrus Series
The annual interleague games between the Florida Marlins and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays were played in June and July. They are known as the Citrus Series. The Marlins won the series 4-2.