I was talking with a friend this morning and he states that Kelly Shoppach is going to have surgery after the current roadtrip to fix a torn meniscus in his injured knee. He's a close friend with the Shoppach family, so I would tend to believe this information. If this news is indeed true, why haven't the Rays released this information? In my opinion this would be a very large hurdle for the team to overcome. If all goes well, we're looking at a mid to late June return to the lineup.

Joe Christensen, baseball writer for the Star-Tribune, was being interviewed this afternoon on "The Beat with Charlie Steiner". He states the latest trade rumor around the Twins organization has Ty Wigginton going to the Twins to help "jump start" their offense. He sees Wigginton adding a bit of fire to their lineup, just like Shannon Stewart did a few years back.

First, I hope this rumor has no merit to it. I love the versatility he brings to the Rays. He brings a high level work ethic, no matter where the Rays play him on a given night. All of the young up and coming players should look at the way he plays the game and learn from him.

Secondly, however, if they do receive an offer too good to pass up, I hope it includes one or two of the Twins fine bullpen arms.

I feel if the Twins want "Wiggy" that much, they're going to have to come up with a deal that is really worthwhile.

This morning on XM Home Plate there was an interview with Lisa Winston, who co-hosts a minor league baseball information show on XM radio, and she claims that Fernando Perez is the top prospect to watch in all of minor league baseball this season. She states that Perez will someday be a cornerstone for the Rays franchise. She said he has all the tools and personal makeup to be a true fan favorite. She said he has great range in the field, is one of the top 3 fastest base runners in all minor league baseball, and is determined to be a switch hitter which he just began last season. He also has a charismatic personality and will stay late after ball games to make sure every fan has an autograph. After hearing this glowing report, I hope Fernando continues his rise through the Rays minor league system and one day soon we can see his talent on display at the Trop.

I'd like to take this opportunity, on this blog, and say here's hoping Greg Norton gets a spot on the final 25 man roster of the Rays. I saw Greg on Sunday, here in Ft. Myers against the Twins, and thought he is exactly like the player Eduardo Perez was for the Rays the last couple of years. Like Perez, he bring a wealth of baseball knowledge that can only help the younger guys on the roster. I feel he is a great pinch hitter and a very adequate firstbaseman, who knows his role with the team, and can only help the Rays in that capacity. Here's hoping the Rays see him as a valuable piece to their 2006 puzzle.