We're going to have Andrew Friedman on our radio show (The King David Show) tomorrow at 2:15pm.  If you have any questions you'd like to have answered, feel free to leave them here, and I'll try to get to some of them.  You can listen streaming live @ 1010sportsonline.com or tune in to 1010AM if you're in the Tampa Bay area  You can be sure this will be a saber friendly interview...Thanks!

Looks like AF is a busy man...

While the Rays are rumored to be talking with Johnny Damon and Vladimir Guerrero to fill their void at designated hitter, they also are targeting the Angels' Mike Napoli via trade, according to a source.

Napoli would fit for the Rays as a righthanded bat at first base and catcher, where he could split time with lefthanded-hitting Dan Johnson and John Jaso. Napoli, 29, hit a career-best 26 homers in 510 plate appearances as a catcher, first baseman and DH for the Angels last season

Read more: http://www.sportingnews.com/mlb/story/2011-01-21/rays-in-trade-talks-for-angels-napoli#ixzz1BhoSu7XV

I hope this isnt true, as Manny would be a nice fit for the Rays...

http://www.thestar.com/sports/baseball/mlb/bluejays/article/922553--jays-sign-villanueva-but-likely-won-t-sign-ramirez

But while the signing may have helped solidify the Jays’ bullpen, it appears their chances of acquiring slugger Manny Ramirez have dissipated.

Ramirez is believed to be on the verge of signing a one-year deal with Anaheim, with the Angels having reportedly agreed to the deal.

Nice to see Hellickson rated the top RHP prospect in the minors and Moore the top LHP not named Aroldis. A lot of high grades thrown out there.  This system is still top of the line, and with all of the draft picks in 2011, along with whoever the Rays get once they trade a starter, the future is most definitely bright!

http://www.minorleagueball.com/2010/12/19/1886380/tampa-bay-rays-top-20-prospects-for-2011

I've seen many people asking, and I know I've been wondering..."Who cares about ST results, how's Benoit's velocity?"  Finally we have some semblance of an answer per Jayson Stark:

http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/blog?name=stark_jayson&id=4990395

"Hardest throwers I've run across in my Florida travels: Strasburg and Daniel Bard topped out at 98 mph. The group at 97: Matt Lindstrom (Astros), Joaquin Benoit (Rays), Jose Ceda (Marlins), Romulo Sanchez (Yankees), Merkin Valez (Blue Jays), Bobby Parnell (Mets)."

Benoit is running it up to 97?  That is huge news IMO.

Here's the link, although it is Insider:

http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/tmi-mlb/post?id=164

In 2008, Garza had a group of starts that would have been labeled “tremendously tremendous.” He two-hit the Rangers, one-hit the Marlins and had eight other appearances in which he pitched seven or more innings and allowed one run or fewer.

In the 11 games Garza won, his ERA was 0.64. I challenge you to find a pitcher who could match that. At the time, we asked Elias, and looked on Baseball-Reference.com, and the pitcher whose name kept coming up was Nolan Ryan. In 1980 Ryan won 11 games and had an ERA of 0.89 in those victories. The following year, he won 11 games, and had an ERA of 0.53 in his wins.

The problem for Garza was his other 19 starts. Some were decent. Most were not. His ERA in them: 6.30.

Fast-forward a year and you think that maybe those two ALCS wins will turn Garza into a star. They did….at least against the teams in the AL East (a more detailed analysis of which can be found in the blog Drays Bay). Most notably, Garza made six starts against the Red Sox, had a 2.74 ERA, and a .194 opponents batting average. But that didn’t carry over to other opponents.

Garza finished 2009 8-12 with a 3.95 ERA, and Rays diehards properly attribute that to his lack of run support.

Thats's just a part of the article, hope it wasnt too much....

Was wondering what everyone's thoughts were on trying to sign Carlos Delgado to a low cost contract to be the team's platoon DH.  Over the past 3 season's his slash line is 266/363/507 against RHP.  It sounds like there isnt much of a market for him right now, and he could be an inexpensive option,  I'm not advocating this move, but would be curious to hear what others think.

Based on these quotes it appears he will be traded at some point this season:

Padres CEO Jeff Moorad stated the obvious yesterday regarding first baseman Adrian Gonzalez.  Tim Sullivan of the San Diego Union-Tribune has the quote:

"While I’d be thrilled to have him part of the organization for the long term, the early signals indicate his cost will be greater than our ability to pay."

Gonzalez's agent John Boggs agreed, and explained that he expects a trade:

"The feeling we're getting is more than likely (the Padres) are going to have to trade Adrian because (they) can't afford him."

These quotes are far from groundbreaking, so consider this your official Gonzalez Trade Prediction post.  Tell us the acquiring team and players given up.  Keep in mind that at $10.25MM over the next two years, any team willing to surrender the right players could acquire Gonzalez.  Given their first base incumbents, though, the Cardinals, Brewers, Phillies, Reds, Yankees, and Twins appear unlikely.

With the payroll dropping significantly after this season, and a hole opening up at 1st base, would you give up a Wade Davis and another top 10 prospect for Gonzo?  He is inrexpensive, can play 1st great, and the Rays could move Pena to DH.  I dont see this happening, but it would be frigging awesome.

http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/mlb/news/story?id=4798852

Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona informed Jacoby Ellsbury recently that he will be playing left field, with newcomer Mike Cameron in center, Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein confirmed on Wednesday.

Assuming Adrian Beltre passes his physical, the Red Sox will have changes at five positions from Opening Day a year ago: Beltre will be at third, Marco Scutaro at short, Cameron in center, Ellsbury in left, and Victor Martinez behind the plate.

"Jacoby Ellsbury is a very good center fielder who is going to be a great center fielder,'' Epstein said in confirming remarks Francona made to the Providence Journal. "It doesn't have anything to do with how he plays center field. We're happy with his center field defense.

"It's more to do with Cameron's experience, and Ellsbury's ability to play a dynamic left field. This is not necessarily a permanent arrangement, or a long-term arrangement. But we think Cameron is still an elite center fielder ... and that's the best way to go for now.''

Cameron, who signed a two-year, $15.5 million deal with the Sox last month, has played just three games in left field in 15 seasons in the big leagues, the last in 2000.

Francona, reached by phone Wednesday afternoon, said that he called Ellsbury and Cameron last month to inform them after discussing the matter in Florida with new bench coach DeMarlo Hale and coaching assistant Rob Leary.

"I knew how I felt about it, and all of our opinions concurred,'' Francona said. "This is how I feel we can put our best ballclub in the best light, but I wanted [Ellsbury] to hear it from me.

"He was probably a little disappointed, which is what I expected, but with Cameron's long strides and Jacoby's quickness, we have a chance to have a real dynamic outfield here.''

In ranking Desmond the #4 prospect overall:

"Why he’s here: Once he stayed healthy for a full season, Jennings showed true five-tool talent. He has size, speed, strength, explosiveness and skills.

What he’ll be: Jennings has many similarities to current Rays center fielder B.J. Upton, but his hitting track record is more consistent.

When he arrives: The Rays have an outfield spot open presently for 2010, and Jennings should be a big league-ready, inexpensive solution."

1st seasons…
In 2003, BJ hit 302/394/445 as an 18 year old in the Sally League..and even got a taste of AA to a tune of 276/376/381. Pretty damn good for an 18 yr old SS.

In 2006, as a 19 yr old in ROOKIE BALL, Desmond his 277/360/390…and didnt get promoted.

2nd seasons…
BJ Upton spent more time in AAA and Tampa then in AA! As a friggin 19 yr old! In AA his line was 327/427/471. In AAA his line was 311/411/519. As a 19 yr old in the BIGS, his line was 258/324/409.

Jennings spent his 20 yr old season in the Sally League hitting 315/401/465.

I like Jennings a lot. BJ Upton was a machine offensively through the minors. His only season he didnt dominate was 2006 when he was going through defensive issues(getting thrown all over the field). BJ Upton was a stud in the BIGS in 2007, good in 2008, and putrid last season. Before we talk about consistentcy, let let him have more then 1 down year.
Desmond Jennings will be 23 next season. 2008 was BJ Upton 23 yr old season… 4 seasons after his Big League debut.

I found this over at Halo's Heaven, and it got me pretty excited.  I understand he played in an offensive league/ballpark, but these numbers are sick, especially for a super utility guy.

I2008-2009 in 608 ABs. (Keeping in mind that 608 ABs is about what a top-of-the-order guy gets in a full MLB season.)

.305 avg, .400 OBP, 147 runs, 50 HRs 145 RBIs, 17 SBs, 3 CS

(79 BBs against 161 Ks !!)

I was perousing espn.com and stumbled across an article by Steve Phillips discussing the trade deadline, and what teams wer still in the AL hunt.  Well, unfortunatelty, I have some bad news for everyone.  Apparently the Rays arent even in the hunt for a playoff spot.  I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Steve Phillips said so.  He says the Yanks and Sox are locks for the playoffs.  He says it so casually it is amazing.  Apparently the Rays might as well call up all the rookies and start dealing players.... Check it out for yourselves.  Ugh! 

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/notebook?page=bbtn

I have no idea how reputable this person is, or his blog..... But he is speculating that Andrew Friedman and Brian Sabean have been involved in some serious trade talks involving Carlos Pena and/or Carl Crawford.  The prospect they are supposedly discussing is Madison Bumgarner.  Just for shits and giggles, lets assume these trade talks are occurring, would you do a CC for Bumgarner trade....

 http://bayareasportsmachine.blogspot.com/2009/07/giants-in-trade-talks-with-thed-rays.html

Per the SpTimes:

Scott Kazmir pitched an efficient six innings for Triple-A Durham in his second rehab start, allowing one run on five hits, striking out five and walking none. Kazmir, on the DL with a left quad strain and trying to rebuild his mechanics, threw 55 of 78 pitches for strikes against Boston's Pawtucket affiliate.

What the hell do these guys do for a living?  Dont you think it would be useful information if the Times Beat writer to mention what Kazmir's velocity was at?  Is it that hard to make a phone call?  If Kazmir is only throwing 88-90, then there is still an issue....but if he is sitting in the low 90's, then we may have something to be excited about.

Per Peter Gammons-

I understand what Scott Boras says about Pedro Alvarez not signing an "illegal" contract, but if he takes the $6 million and MLB goes forward and enforces deadlines in the future, aren't Alvarez and the Pirates all better off than risking having to spend the winter preparing for independent ball, next June's draft and the postponement of major league service time? MLB has relaxed deadline rules for years, even on trades. Hey, the Yankees aren't thrilled that the Red Sox and Dodgers were allowed to go past the deadline on the three-way Ramirez deal.

If this is true, I will be irate. I thought from the begining there was something fishy about the 3-way trade, and how difficult it would be to complete it within 30 minutes or less(the Rays were rumored to have agreed around 3:30).

What is the point of having rules if you are allowed to bend them for the teams you want in the playoffs.  There is no question in my mind MLB wanted this trade to happen.  If I was a season ticket holder, and shelled out good money on MLB's product, I would consider a potential class action lawsuit.  I know that sounds awful, but if you are spending a lot of money on a product, and there is a "fix" or a team getting preferential treatment, then I have a huge problem with it.

I understand the Rays are in a great position right now, but this is a major issue nonetheless.

Scroll down to Devil Rays Webtopia(not sure why th Devil is there), and they decided to make fun of the posters here for timing runners to first base Saturday night.  Personally, I dont have a roblem with BJ being benched...just hold every player to the same standard...whether that player is Baldelli, Gross, or Aybar.  Dont use the times to say it is ok for BJ to loaf.  Use those times to say that other players should feel the wrath of Maddon.

http://www.raysindex.com/

Follow the link below to get a detailed description of Price's first AAA outing.  SOunds btter then his line indicated in my opinion.  Sounds like a lot of balls found the holes, and he wasnt pitching in ideal conditions either.  Good to see his FB was reaching 96mph as a starter, and he made lefties look foolish apparently.  Imagine 94-97 coming out of the pen for the Rays....

http://www.immaculateinning.com/2008/08/david-price-aaa-debut.html

The Rays have 4 games this weekend against the worst team in baseball.  It is never easy to travel all the way across the country.  If this team can win 3 of 4, we may be able to put some more room between us and the Sox and Yanks.  The Yankees have to travel out to Anaheim to face a tough Angels squad, while the Red Sox face off with the White Sox in Chicago. 

Some difficult matchups for that Yanks and Sox, while the Rays face the feeble Mariners.  Lets go out there and kick some ass this weekend, and further cement the Rays playoff hopes.

In the minor league's between Peoria and Dayton.  Follow the link and watch the video.  Check out the idiot the chcuks a ball at the opposing team from close range.  Apparently it ricochet'ed into the stands, hit a fan, and the fan had to go to the hospital.  The player was arrested on felonious assault....CRAZY!!!!

http://www.whiotv.com/news/16982662/detail.html

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This isn't a reactionary post based on the past few games.  The Rays are average to slightly above average when it comes to scoring runs.  The only reason for the team's success this season has been the outstanding starting pitching, the unbelievable work of the pen, and the incredible defense.  Offensively, the Rays clearly need improvement.

The only positions that can be addressed are RF and DH.  We all know who is lurking out there at DH, so I won't even get into that "wet dream".  But what impact bad can be had without severely depleting the farm system?

Matt Holiday will be to expensive, and given his splits, the Rays really shouldnt be considering him unless they feel like they arent giving up much in value.

Jason Bay would be a substantial upgrade, but how much will he cost in prospects?

Nady would be an upgrade as well, but how much of an upgrade, and at what cost?

Who else is out there other then the Casey Blake rumors?

After carefully evaluating this team and its potential TO WIN THE FREAKING WORLD SERIES THIS DAMN SEASON, how can you not want to add Bonds?  Would you rather give up some pieces to the future to land Bay?

How about both?  You put Bay in right and Bonds at DH, and the Rays probably would have won there last 3 games instead of losing.  That's all pure speculation, but not far from the truth.

Is this lineup good enough now to go deep into the post season? Maybe, but there are certainly some holes.

Last not during ESPN's telecast of the Sox/Yanks game, Peter Gammons mentioned that the Sox had internal discussions about the possibility of signing Bonds.  He said he didnt know how likely it would be given the Boston area, and how accepting they would be of this.

Frankly, this scares the hell out of me.  If Ortiz doesnt come back, which is a decent possibility, I could see the Sox making this move.  A health, well rested, Bonds in that lineup would be difficult to overcome.  I know there are some on this board that have advocated signing Bonds....I would say now, more then ever, the Rays need to consider this, if only to keep him out of Boston's lineup(and making our's far better).

From a PR standpoint, I can see all the negative publicity.  The clubhouse cancer aspect is not even plausible in my mind.  The Giants were in contention every season with this "cancer".  Bonds also knows this is his last shot, so he'd have to be on his best behavior.

I know it isnt likely, but this is a move the Rays MUST consider.

I went to the game last night, and I gotta say it was unbelievable.  Probably a 70/30 split for Rays fans.  Everyone knows that there are bad fans for every team, but Red Sox fans absolutely atrocious.  They come to someone else's yard, run their yaps the entire game while they are winning, and when you throw it back in their face, I swear to God, their only reaction is to want to fight.  It is insane.

I would never go to Fenway, and hoot and holler whenever something good happens for the Rays.  It is disrespectful, and a good way to get your ass kicked.  I dont even mind people wearing their Papelbon and Ortiz jersey's....Hell, root for your team, but when you tease them at all, these idiots just want to throw down.

I saw 4 fights last night, AT THE GAME.  After the game, at Ferg's, I saw a couple fights.  I had an altercation where the guy threw up his hands and wanted to go at it.  I had several friends that said the same thing happened to them, and the Sux fans are always the one's instigating the fight.

Just venting, I guess.  But has anyone else had experiences like this with Sux fans?  I always knew they were obnoxious.  But I've been to 2 Rays-Sux games this year, and almost gotten in 2 fights because these cry babies cant take it when they are losing.

Percy has to go on the DL now.  I used to pitch, and could see he has been favoring his hamstring on his follow through.  These could lead to a ton of problems if he continues to pitch...namely, the Rays blowing leads and him getting more injured.  So Who gets called up?  Is Reyes close? Salas is on the 7 day DL right now, so I dont think he is the guy.  Is Niemann the guy?  Dohmann has pulled a Balfour and is dealing down there...Thayer has posted good numbers. 

I am assuming Reyes will be the guy, but if not, who do you guys see?