SB Nation User Blog: raysfaninminnesota

New Report has Rays 'interested' in Griffey

raysfaninminnesota — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 16:22:44 -0000

SI's Jon Heyman has the Rays among 5 interested teams (2 AL teams being Seattle and TB). He does say that level of interest probably isn't the same level of interest the Rays have in someone like Burrell or Giambi or Abreu. But he mentions the Rays looking for one or two bats. What I found interesting was the "or two." Before I get burned at the stake, I'm just merely wanting to pose a question for all to consider: Could you see a situation where the Rays acquire a Burrell or Giambi, and also Griffey? This would involve Matt Joyce starting the season in the minors and the Rays probably trading Gabe Gross. I'm assuming this would involve a very low deal (vet min. or up to 2mil?)

Anyone see this being a good idea? I'm not saying it is, just curious to other thoughts.

Wondering why others weren't interested in Nelson

raysfaninminnesota — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 18:18:39 -0000

Not a lot of pub on this signing but once again ESPN's Buster Olney raves about another Rays move:

"Some insight, from ESPN Research monster Mark Simon:

• Hitters swung and missed at his pitches last season 29.2 percent of the time. NL average is about 20 percent.

• Hitters swung at 79 of his changeups last year, and hitters missed 39.2 percent of them (league average is about 28 percent).

• Right-handers batted .189 against him, 75 points below the league average.

• His opponents on-base percentage was below .300 against both righties and lefties -- .289 against righties, .292 against lefties (league averages were .318 and .348, respectively).

Five pitchers this season:

• Pitched at least 50 innings.

• Struck out a batter or more per inning.

• Had an ERA of 2.00 or better.

They were:

Mariano Rivera

Joe Nathan

Brad Lidge

Grant Balfour

Joe Nelson

Overall, Nelson had an extremely impressive season last year. And, while I know that 20 teams were in contact with his agent, it seems 1.3 million is rather small. I know he wanted to stay in the area, but if someone had an offer well over 2 mil, I would assume he would've thought about taking it. Even with some regression, this has the chance to be an extremely great signing for the Rays. If he has anywhere near this type of season this year, he will be worth more than Fuentes or Hoffman, the top two free agent relievers remaining on the market. Sure seems like a low-risk, extremely high potential reward move by the savvy Rays FO. At 1.3 mil, it's a great signing.

Any thoughts on if he can duplicate this year's numbers?

Why national pundits are still clueless

raysfaninminnesota — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 16:54:20 -0000

Why national pundits are still clueless

Will the Rays be able to compete in this division again?

It's easy to believe that window for the Rays is certainly closing. I don't know if it's slammed shut, but with the Yankees and the Red Sox they leave you no margin for error. The Rays can win 90 games next year and miss out on the playoffs by seven or eight games and never come close, be eliminated with more than a week to go. I do think it will be very hard for them to duplicate what they did last year because all their young pitchers had to pitch a seventh month. For that same thing to happen, and all of them to stay healthy two years in a row is a very difficult assignment to do. David Price should help but again they'll be playing with expectations. But the biggest thing is the bar is set so high." --Tom Verducci, Sports Illustrated

"healthy two years in a row". Kazmir missed near the first month of the season and never was fully healthy. Longoria missed six weeks towards the end of the season. Crawford missed the most significant time he has in his career. Floyd barely could run on two bad knees. Upton played through a torn labrum. "healthy two years in a row." If these injuries would've happened to a major market team there would've been so much 'woe is me' crap it could've furtilized the Gobi desert. The Rays won last year because of talent and amazing depth. Not because of health.

Rays still team to beat in 09

raysfaninminnesota — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 16:17:29 -0000

The Yankees are being the Yankees and that really shouldn't surprise us. In fact, right now we should thank them for signing Texiera. It kept him away from Boston who desperately needed to replace Ramirez in the lineup, and Texiera could have given them the 3-4 combo w/ him and Ortiz. But now, they don't know what to expect out of Ortiz. Can Pedroia replicate last season? Can Lowell rebound from hip surgery? Will Beckett be healthy? Bottom line, Boston did not improve themselves this off-season, and last time I checked, they were a second-place team last year.

The Yankees are being praised for taking 3 of the top 4 free agents on the market this year. How intelligent. I mean, who would've thought using resources that no other team has and using them to sign the best free agents? And to an extent, I agree with the comments being made that Sabathia replaces Mussina's production. His one addition is he can go deeper into games, saving the bullpen. But after how he was overused with the Brewers last season, he is an injury risk and no guarantee he can replicate those numbers. How quickly people forget how he struggled greatly at the beginning of the season. That should be a major red flag, especially in his return to the AL. Regardless of how people think, the Yankees have not replaced Abreu and Giambi, even by adding Texiera. And they still do not have a great bullpen.

The Rays are not to be forgotten in this mess. They will get no where near the publicity they should for signing a Pat Burrell and Matt Joyce, but the Red Sox and Yankees will feel the difference. Baseball executives all around the game raved about the Rays acquiring Joyce. Joyce solidifies the outfield and gives the Rays the best team defense in the AL. Burrell is a major upgrade at DH and gives the Rays and additional,legitimate middle-of-the-order bat. Even better, the Rays have addition by subtraction, taking away E-Jax and replacing him with David "ice in his veins" Price who already has MLB credentials by closing out ALCS Game 7.

This is shaping up to be the best division race in MLB history. If the Rays can repeat, or at least win the wild card, then one of the Yankees or Red Sox and their third-world country payroll will be staying home in October.

When you look at all the questions on every team, the Rays major question is health. I like that. It means the Rays have very few holes. It means the only thing that stands in their way is something that they cannot control. Bring on the Yankees. Bring on the Red Sox. It doesn't matter. This Rays team that won the 08 AL East has even improved. Put their best 9 on the field and their best pitching and they can stand toe-to-toe with any team they go up with. That's all you can ask.

Gary Sheffield?

raysfaninminnesota — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 14:26:53 -0000

Gary Sheffield?

before saying no just yet, his name was thrown out there in the papers as a potential candidate for DH. IF the Tigers payed most of his 13.5 mil salary, and left the Rays on hook for no more than 5mil, what do you think? Last year was an injury-filled season, but in '07 he hit .265, 27hrs, 75 rbi ,an obp of .378, and an OPS of .840. Even last year, 21 of his 35 xbh came after the allstar break, including 14 of his 19 HR, or about one HR every 15 at-bats.

I don't think he should be the only offensive addition, but if the Rays can fill the RF void--if anyone could live with Abreu, Burrell, or Bradley, then the Rays could pick up two offensive threats for what they thought would cost for one coming into this offseason. Maybe they could even trade someone like Chad Bradford in the deal to free up a little more cash? Either way, it seems like something to consider, idepending on how the meetings unfold and if the price is right.

Most Interesting Comment of the Offseason...so far

raysfaninminnesota — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 14:10:52 -0000

"There's no question," Friedman said. "We've gotten calls from players that don't fit us at all, at positions that we have guys entrenched for a number of years, who said, 'Look, we know you're fairly well set at this position, but this guy's very interested in playing there and would be willing to move around a little bit to accommodate it.' It's great, and it's something we hope to be able to continue in the future." -- Mark Lancaster, TBO

I know it's pure speculation, but any ideas here of some of these 'accomodating' players? Anyone think that could lead to a different signing than expected? At the very least, it's nice to see St. Pete as a destination other than the final signing before retirement.

Why the Rays will be BETTER in 2009

raysfaninminnesota — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 21:54:05 -0000

While so much can happen in this off-season (two key times to watch for...GM Meetings in December, and bargain-bin shopping after big FAs sign) the Rays can be better next year regardless of how this off-season unfolds. With Turkey day coming fast, here are some early thoughts for thanksgiving why the '09 product of the Rays will be better than the '08 version:

1. Carl Crawford will product more to his career norm of .293 and 50 SB. The 27 year old outfielder, along with Upton and Perez (if he gets a shot to start in RF) should produce well over 120 SB's and wreak havoc on pitching staffs. Upton showed us this post-season how an baserunner can take over any given situation.

2. B.J. Upton will have two shoulders. It was amazing to see Upton put together the season he had, despite working with only one good shoulder. In fact, it may have helped him become a better hitter.

3. The Rays will have the real Scott Kazmir. Whoever that imposter was last year, a healthy Kazmir gives the Rays four potential aces. Pitch counts aside, unlike his first few seasons with the Rays, Kaz doesn't have to feel he has to do it all himself. If Kaz can tap into his potential, or at least be the pitcher he was the two seasons before last, the Rays pitching staff can go from solid to dominant.

4. All of the AL will get to know Mr. David Price. The Rays have had some hyped players make their way to the big leagues. C.C, Kazmir, Upton, Baldelli...none of them had the combination of makeup and talent that Price appears to possess. It's unbelievable Price is this good this early in his career. A formidable Rays rotation will be that much more dangerous in '09.

5. Longoria version 2.0. A healthy Longoria that has had his taste of the majors and playoff baseball, and saw with his own eyes what it takes to succeed in the bigs. He is in a very good position to build off of his Rookie of the Year campaign. What could Boston's Dustin Pedroia and Phillies Ryan Howard have in common with Longoria? How 'bout an MVP to put on the mantle next to the ROY in just their second season?

6. Our 23rd, 24th, and 25th players are better than your 23rd, 24th, and 25th players. A main reason for last year's success can be attributed to the solid depth on this team. Riggans looks like he's becoming a solid backup catcher. Aybar proved he can handle as big of a load as the Rays need, evidenced when Longoria went down late in the season. Baldelli, if resigned, could be one of the better 4th outfielders in the game. Zobrist came through well last year for the Rays and can play nearly every position on the field. The quality of arms waiting in the minors (Davis, Niemann, Hellickson, Thayer, Salas) is added insurance in case of injury.

7. *If* the Rays can add a DH the offense will not just have speed, but some power to go with it. A solid DH gives the Rays the type of offense that can compete in the AL, especially the AL East.

8. *If* the Yankees strike out and cannot add Sabathia, Lowe, or Burnett. It sure wouldn't hurt if the Yankees or Boston cannot make any major upgrades to their teams.

What do you think? Do you agree with the points above? Are there others? A better team does not mean more wins, but the Rays should be equipped to try to duplicate last year's success and try to get back to the big dance. It would be nice if the Rays could trade E-Jax for offensive help and hang on to Niemann and others for a mid-season upgrade depending upon injuries and how the first half of the season unfolds.

New Right Field Option Emerging

raysfaninminnesota — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 21:35:36 -0000

"What sort of contract teams will offer Dayan Viciedo is unclear, though there are a number of starting points. The contemporary to whom he is most often compared, San Francisco Giants prospect and Dominican product Angel Villalona, signed at 16 for $2.1 million two years ago. The last Cuban defector to score a big-league contract, Ramirez, also a Torres client, got a four-year, $4.75 million deal. And the richest went to Contreras, who received $32 million over four years.

One general manager speculated Viciedo’s contract will exceed Ramirez’s in total value and could approach eight figures, though one scout said it’s unlikely because it would be overpaying Viciedo during his pre-arbitration years.

“It’s not only the most money,” Torres said. “It’s the best opportunity. His preference is third base. Clubs want him for right field. And that option is open. If the contract is enticing enough, he’d play right field.” -- Jeff Passan, Yahoo Sports

the Rays FO has always been intrigued by international talent and this has some possibilities. So far the Rays are 1-for-2 in Japan (Aki has been a solid player--the bullpen arm who got hurt and never pitched for them...not so much). But remember the Rays also put in a pretty high bid for Dice-K. This guy is young (only 19), supposedly can hit (you never really know until they are tested by MLB pitching), fits a position of need (RF) and overall may not be that expensive...especially compared to the other options that are out there. While I am skeptical, it is something worth looking into.

Jermaine Dye + Bobby Jenks = Awesome Trade

raysfaninminnesota — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 05:35:02 -0000

According to Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune, White Sox GM and other front office members are evaluating talent at the Arizona Fall League for a possible Jermaine Dye trade. -- MLBTR

SI.com reported Williams was listening to offers for closer Bobby Jenks as well as Dye and Vazquez. One NL scout believes Jenks remains a bargain despite his expected salary hike to at least $5 million because of his consistency and the dearth of dependable closers. -- Chicago Tribune

All I'm saying, is this is something for the Rays to consider. A Fernando Perez, Jeff Niemann, Reid Brignac offer would be a good start. Even if they would have to consider Wade Davis. If they're lucky, they could still hold on to E-Jax to find a young RF so Dye could be primarily a DH. The Rays would have cost control for the next couple seasons and not be tied down long term. Good deal? Or would you rather try for Brian Giles (for E-Jax perhaps) and go after Jenks separately (combo of Niemann and Brignac?)?

One thing is for sure, as long as looks aren't deceiving, the Rays are in a great market for late-inning relievers and DH/OF power hitters.

Add Rick Ankiel to the rosterbation

raysfaninminnesota — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:49:21 -0000

The Cardinals can envision a future outfield of Ryan Ludwick, Rick Ankiel and Colby Rasmus — and they also can envision trading one of the three, perhaps the center fielder Ankiel, to fill a specific need or needs. The shortage of quality center fielders is one reason the Brewers exercised Mike Cameron's $10 million option. Ankiel, 29, has hit 36 home runs in 585 at-bats over the past two seasons, but Rasmus also plays center. ... - Ken Rosenthal, Fox Sports

Crawford in left, Upton in center, Ankiel in right? Sounds like a good outfield to me!