SB Nation User Blog: davelrogers

Would someone take a moment to explain "Velociraptor Jesus" to me. I'm trying to tie David Price...

davelrogers — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:38:30 -0000

Would someone take a moment to explain "Velociraptor Jesus" to me. I'm trying to tie David Price in with the tenents of intellegent desing, but I still can't figure it out.

Yankees v. Rays - The bandwagon grows

davelrogers — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 21:20:54 -0000

Yankees v. Rays - The bandwagon grows

I'm heading out to tonights game 2 of the double header, I hope the weather doesn't get in the way of the game.
I have, for 4 years now, gone and seen the Rays every time they come to town, but this is the first time I have seen multiple people around they city with Rays caps or shirts on.
This is all very unusual for me, in fact 4 drunk girls came into my building 20 minutes ago wearing Rays gear. I'm not sure they notice I was wearing a Rays hat, as it is the old green variety, but they were all excited to drink for 2 hours and get back up to yankee stadium. What exactly is going on?

Manny to the Dodgers per CNNSI

davelrogers — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 20:29:34 -0000

Manny to the Dodgers per CNNSI

CNNSI

Opinion Subject to Change by 4pm today.

davelrogers — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 13:01:46 -0000

Typically I prefer reading the site to posting on it, but I wanted to take a look at a few things before the trade market winds down today.

If the Boston 3 way deal goes through today, I am pretty sure our front office will be much maligned for doing nothing to improve the team, while Boston and New York seem to have upgraded their respective squads (though in NY's case I don't know how effective it will be.)

I think it is wise to remember, though, that these kind of player come at a significant price. If there is one thing the Rays front office has shown us since they have taken over, it is that they are able to correctly value talent at all levels. They know what the price/value should be of these players on the trade market (Jason Bay, Nady, Tex, and Dunn), and I believe know more or less what they are willing to put on the credit card for them ( in terms of future valuable major leaguers).

So, an offer is on the table from the Rays, which is positive. The Boston deal could get in the way, which is life. If we get Bay at the right price, we will all be very happy, but we should all hope Friedman and co. resist the temptation to up the offer/payment beyond what they have valued the incoming asset at. This would be the worst case scenario even more so if it involves too much pitching.

We shouldn't be shocked if something came completely out of left field (or hopefully right field) if the Bay trade falls through, see the Wigginton deal form last year. That is the perfect example of another team overpaying for a player (Ty) that a few other teams were interested in.

There are those who think we are wasting roster spots and that we have "to much pitching" waiting to come up before 2011. They ask "Why not trade some pitching you can not have ten starters?" If one looks at the odds (I have not), we are going to have injuries in our rotation over the next 2-3 years. Players will be out for months (Kazmir early this year) while some will possibly be out for a year or two (countless numbers of pitchers with Tommy Johns). We can not assume that all of our prized minor league prospects will turn out ot be stars or even front of the rotation pitchers. I would be happy if a few of them are. I wouldn't want to trade a player from that few for a year and a half of any outfielder in the majors, and neither do the Rays.

If we look at our abundance of outfield prospects 2 years ago we are shown a perfect example of an area of strength becoming a serious deficiency. That can not happen with our pitching strength, it is even more valuable.

So in conclusion, staying level headed is imperative if we want to succeed long term, and the Rays know this.

Thoughts?

Hank Steinbrenner Hates Us

davelrogers — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 19:37:56 -0000

Hank Steinbrenner Hates Us

"There's a lot of excitement around here from the Rays fans, but almost to a point of arrogance. They better be careful. They'll learn this (expletive) can change real quick.'''

Who has the highest Trade Value right now?

davelrogers — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:38:12 -0000

Who has the highest Trade Value right now?

Edwin Jackson
Sonny
J Niemenen
J Hammel

Listening to Balfour's postgame interveiw last night was classic. He looked as nervous as hell,...

davelrogers — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:25:40 -0000

Listening to Balfour's postgame interveiw last night was classic. He looked as nervous as hell, but he threw out some very typical Aussie cliches that I hadn't heard since my days of watching England Australia cricket matches.

He had the look of "Shit I was in AAA two weeks ago, I can't believe the role I'm in on a serious contender; maybe I am a legit pitcher after all."

I noticed he was really working the corners with that 96mph heat last night. I think I remember a show me curve, but I might be mistaken.

So just for making me crack up (not that it was hard last night in the jovial mood I was in), and putting down the last four outs of the game, I am now, if you will allow me, the new official head of the Grant Balfour cheering section for this site.

Here's to hoping he's the next guy to step up and play well beyond expectations. Maybe we can see what he capable of in the ninth until Percy gets back and keep everyone else in their slots.

Non Rays News.... Lightning Ink Vinny for another Decade

davelrogers — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 20:34:46 -0000

Non Rays News.... Lightning Ink Vinny for another Decade

Kazmir also has had a bit of help from his fellow rotation anchor, Shields. Primarily a...

davelrogers — Tue, 20 May 2008 17:15:30 -0000

Kazmir also has had a bit of help from his fellow rotation anchor, Shields. Primarily a fastball-slider pitcher throughout his career, Kazmir has begun using his change-up more often after getting some pointers from Shields, whose change is his signature pitch.

"He's throwing my change-up, but he's got his own little way of throwing it and it's a little different from the left side, but he's throwing it really well," Shields said. "It's got good depth, he's got great arm speed on it and he's throwing it with confidence. He hasn't had that with his change-up the last couple of years."

Kazmir acknowledged that his change-up, which could be an effective weapon against right-handed hitters in particular, is "coming along."

TBO.COM

First quarter of the year

davelrogers — Mon, 12 May 2008 23:42:59 -0000

Which pleasant surprise from the first quarter of this season will turn out to be the most important for the long term success of the team?

A) Navarro's hitting.

B) Wheeler's pitching.

C) Hinske: looking pretty useful in his role.

D) Teams defense lately

E) Other

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