2009 Tampa Bay Rays thread (1 Viewer)

[Capella]

How much longer do we have to watch this out-of-shape clown attempt to play DH?

Well, not today at least. Thank God. And his salary is like a noose around the franchise's neck. Hopefully they can move him in the off-season for some non-prospect and get the money off the books.I'm starting to settle into the reality that the Sox and Yanks are just better this year, and the Rays are going to be pretty good, but not good enough. I figure they'll finish with 87-90 wins and be 4-5 games out of it when it winds down. They should be a terrific club for the next 4-5 years, but we're going to have to settle on the fact the two money spenders will be as well, and one will have to miss out every season.

 

[Capella]

At this point, it's hard to understand why Aybar isn't starting at first against tough lefties and at DH against all righties.

Seems like another Zobrist situation, where he has to literally be shoved into the starting lineup.

 

[gump]

Willy Hopefully made an impact on someone.

Does the radio theory that the FO is dictating Burrell being in the lineup hold water?

 

[Finless]

Pretty sure this team won't be getting into the postseason. Not sure why they didn't make a real push at Lee, Halladay or Felix. This team needs veteran leadership. Still a nice story though. Something to tell the grandkids....maybe 30-40 years down the road over some BBQ.

 

[Knightro]

Willy Hopefully made an impact on someone.Does the radio theory that the FO is dictating Burrell being in the lineup hold water?

Sure it does....7.5 million is a huge salary for a bench player.Aybar should be DHing vs RHP and playing 1B vs LHP. Burrell ain't hitting many righties and Pena sure as hell isn't hitting lefties. I think Aybar is in at 1st tomorrow night vs Jon Lester.

 

[gump]

Still a nice story though. Something to tell the grandkids....maybe 30-40 years down the road over some BBQ.

Not nice...but we can also share the story of how the '00's Red Sox cheated to the top over some corn on the cob.

 

[Finless]

Still a nice story though. Something to tell the grandkids....maybe 30-40 years down the road over some BBQ.

Not nice...but we can also share the story of how the '00's Red Sox cheated to the top over some corn on the cob.

Papi never juiced. It was a legal supplement.

 

[Knightro]

Still a nice story though. Something to tell the grandkids....maybe 30-40 years down the road over some BBQ.

Not nice...but we can also share the story of how the '00's Red Sox cheated to the top over some corn on the cob.

Papi never juiced. It was a legal supplement.

What kind of dietary supplement makes you gain weight???Papi's email inbox

 

[Capella]

Fin, stop fishing in my threads. We've had this conversation before.

New lineup tonight:

Bartlett

Crawford

Longoria

Zobrist

Aybar

Pena

Upton

Fatso

Kapler

I don't care about the lineup switches much, just nice to get Aybar in there.

 

[Gr00vus]

Fin, stop fishing in my threads. We've had this conversation before.

New lineup tonight:

Bartlett

Crawford

Longoria

Zobrist

Aybar

Pena

Upton

Fatso

Kapler

I don't care about the lineup switches much, just nice to get Aybar in there.

 

[Knightro]

Fin, stop fishing in my threads. We've had this conversation before.New lineup tonight:BartlettCrawfordLongoriaZobristAybarPenaUptonFatsoKaplerI don't care about the lineup switches much, just nice to get Aybar in there.

Pat the Fat

 

[Finless]

Fin, stop fishing in my threads. We've had this conversation before.New lineup tonight:BartlettCrawfordLongoriaZobristAybarPenaUptonFatsoKaplerI don't care about the lineup switches much, just nice to get Aybar in there.

Pat the Fat

Fishing? FISHING!?!?! Are the Rays going to the postseason? I'm not too hot on Boston this year. At least I can admit that. Cappy making a strong showing for of the year.

 

[gump]

Unbelievable call...but I can't blame the umps. Two things:

a) change the rule...it's bad

b) if you know the rule...GET THE BAGS OFF THE FIELD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Capella]

Fishing? FISHING!?!?! Are the Rays going to the postseason? I'm not too hot on Boston this year. At least I can admit that. Cappy making a strong showing for of the year.

You used to be better than this. Like watching Jordan on the Wizards.

 

[MrPhoenix]

Fishing? FISHING!?!?! Are the Rays going to the postseason? I'm not too hot on Boston this year. At least I can admit that. Cappy making a strong showing for of the year.

You used to be better than this. Like watching Jordan on the Wizards.

No, because at least Jordan showed flashes on the Wizards.This is like Jordan on the Birmingham Barons.

 

[gump]

So Burrell is in at DH vs a Rightie...no sign of Aybar.

 

[Knightro]

So Burrell is in at DH vs a Rightie...no sign of Aybar.

Going against King Felix tonight...Pat's fat ### better be on the bench.

 

[Knightro]

Rays trade for Gregg Zaun

Less time for Navi and no more Michel Hernandez hacking at the plate

 

[Capella]

Dionner Navarro's reign of terror is finally over.

Bartlett

Crawford

Longoria

Zobrist

Pena

Burrell

Upton

Gabes

Zaun

A much more complete lineup.

 

[MrPhoenix]

Dionner Navarro's reign of terror is finally over.BartlettCrawfordLongoriaZobristPenaBurrellUptonGabesZaunA much more complete lineup.

I never thought I'd live to see the day where Gregg Zaun would make a team "complete".

 

[Limp Ditka]

Dionner Navarro's reign of terror is finally over.BartlettCrawfordLongoriaZobristPenaBurrellUptonGabesZaunA much more complete lineup.

I never thought I'd live to see the day where Gregg Zaun would make a team "complete".

You haven't.

 

[Capella]

Dionner Navarro's reign of terror is finally over.BartlettCrawfordLongoriaZobristPenaBurrellUptonGabesZaunA much more complete lineup.

I never thought I'd live to see the day where Gregg Zaun would make a team "complete".

You haven't.

Hi. I know you don't know anything, but Navarro has been one of the five worst-offensive regulars in baseball this year. And he's pretty bad defensively too.While Zaun is not exactly Mauer, he's a pretty massive upgrade over what the Rays presently have. And considering they've stuck around the race all year with the dregs they have at catcher, this is a really good move for them.

 

[Limp Ditka]

Dionner Navarro's reign of terror is finally over.BartlettCrawfordLongoriaZobristPenaBurrellUptonGabesZaunA much more complete lineup.

I never thought I'd live to see the day where Gregg Zaun would make a team "complete".

You haven't.

Hi. I know you don't know anything, but Navarro has been one of the five worst-offensive regulars in baseball this year. And he's pretty bad defensively too.While Zaun is not exactly Mauer, he's a pretty massive upgrade over what the Rays presently have. And considering they've stuck around the race all year with the dregs they have at catcher, this represents a pretty decent upgrade for them.

COMPLETE!

 

[Limp Ditka]

Cappy

When I'm ready for bed, will you give me a call and tell me the story about how Delmon Young is the best prospect in baseball and how that guy from the interenet had the nerve to say that he'd take Billy Butler over him?

That's my favorite bedtime story.

 

[gump]

I don't know why we bother showing up on Sundays...

 

[gump]

Pathetic showing. This team is Jeckyl and Hyde.

Upcoming homestand is the last hope.

 

[Capella]

Awesome. Get within 1.5 of the wild-card and you barf up a 1-5 road trip.

Boston will likely sweep Detroit tomorrow, so the Rays will once again be 5 full games back when they get the pleasure of facing Halladay on Friday. I don't want to say the season is over, but I would put their odds of making the playoffs at less than 5% at this point.

Worst part is the step back the starting pitching has taken this year. Price and Kaz have been awful, Garza and Shields just ok...Niemann has been terrific, but I don't trust him long-term. The other sucky thing is they'll likely be breaking in another rookie next year in Davis.

All in all, they've taken a real step back this year. Shame.

 

[RedRaiders]

I think the Phils made the right choice with Ibanez over Pat. Big ups Ruben Amaro

 

[Capella]

I think the Phils made the right choice with Ibanez over Pat. Big ups Ruben Amaro

The real shame is losing a World Series to the trip of Blanton, Jamie Moyer and Brett Myers. May never get that opp again.

 

[Capella]

Shtick aside, Burrell has been unbelievably bad. Didn't see that coming, thought he would still be good for 20-25 homers.

Between the DH, catcher, Kaz and Price, it's hard to believe they're 8 games over .500.

 

[RedRaiders]

I think the Phils made the right choice with Ibanez over Pat. Big ups Ruben Amaro

The real shame is losing a World Series to the trip of Blanton, Jamie Moyer and Brett Myers. May never get that opp again.

Something to tell the grandkids in 40 years. The night JOE THE LUMBER crushed Edwin Jackson.

 

[Capella]

I think the Phils made the right choice with Ibanez over Pat. Big ups Ruben Amaro

The real shame is losing a World Series to the trip of Blanton, Jamie Moyer and Brett Myers. May never get that opp again.

Something to tell the grandkids in 40 years. The night JOE THE LUMBER crushed Edwin Jackson.

Sad times.The real sand in the face is that Jackson turned into Sandy Koufax or something this year.

 

[Finless]

I think the Phils made the right choice with Ibanez over Pat. Big ups Ruben Amaro

The real shame is losing a World Series to the trip of Blanton, Jamie Moyer and Brett Myers. May never get that opp again.

Something to tell the grandkids in 40 years. The night JOE THE LUMBER crushed Edwin Jackson.

 

[gump]

Shtick aside, Burrell has been unbelievably bad. Didn't see that coming, thought he would still be good for 20-25 homers.

He was noticeably overweight when I saw him at a preseason golf tourney. He's no different than Wilson Alvarez...got his payday (and ring), and mentally and physically sailed into the sunset...even though he two years on a new team.I don't know how you can be that elite an athlete and let yourself slip to that...it's embarrassing.

 

[gump]

While Zaun is not exactly Mauer, he's a pretty massive upgrade over what the Rays presently have. And considering they've stuck around the race all year with the dregs they have at catcher, this is a really good move for them.

The Sunday jinx is broken.

 

[DropKick]

Shtick aside, Burrell has been unbelievably bad. Didn't see that coming, thought he would still be good for 20-25 homers. Between the DH, catcher, Kaz and Price, it's hard to believe they're 8 games over .500.

Everyone was pumping the "Pat the bat" signing. I didn't see it. To me, he just didn't seem to "fit" the persona of that team.

 

[BoulderBob]

How much longer do we have to watch this out-of-shape clown attempt to play DH?

Well, not today at least. Thank God. And his salary is like a noose around the franchise's neck. Hopefully they can move him in the off-season for some non-prospect and get the money off the books.I'm starting to settle into the reality that the Sox and Yanks are just better this year, and the Rays are going to be pretty good, but not good enough. I figure they'll finish with 87-90 wins and be 4-5 games out of it when it winds down. They should be a terrific club for the next 4-5 years, but we're going to have to settle on the fact the two money spenders will be as well, and one will have to miss out every season.

It's going to be like this for at least the next three-five years, although I think the Rays get in more often than not, at the expense of the RedSox...

 

[Capella]

Thought I've been talking about with some guy at work recently -- I wonder how tempted the Rays are to giving BJ the Delmon treatment this off-season. He could still pull in a very nice haul of players (given the talent, age, salary and defensive prowess) which would help re-load the upper minors, they can plug Jennings into center, and would lessen the hoard of OF'ers they have for next year (CC, BJ, Jennings, Joyce, Zobrist, Gross).

If they can find a taker for Burrell's contract (which they can then put into extending CC), would anybody be shocked to see this?

 

[Finless]

Maybe we should take the discussion the "Back in the Basement" thread?

 

[Knightro]

Thought I've been talking about with some guy at work recently -- I wonder how tempted the Rays are to giving BJ the Delmon treatment this off-season. He could still pull in a very nice haul of players (given the talent, age, salary and defensive prowess) which would help re-load the upper minors, they can plug Jennings into center, and would lessen the hoard of OF'ers they have for next year (CC, BJ, Jennings, Joyce, Zobrist, Gross). If they can find a taker for Burrell's contract (which they can then put into extending CC), would anybody be shocked to see this?

I'd be more shocked if they found a sucker to take on Burrell's contract. Given the organization's track record and the epic failure of inking the top 2 draft picks this year, I think they trade CC for a load of guys and hang onto Upton because he's under control for 3 more seasons.

 

[Balco]

Thought I've been talking about with some guy at work recently -- I wonder how tempted the Rays are to giving BJ the Delmon treatment this off-season. He could still pull in a very nice haul of players (given the talent, age, salary and defensive prowess) which would help re-load the upper minors, they can plug Jennings into center, and would lessen the hoard of OF'ers they have for next year (CC, BJ, Jennings, Joyce, Zobrist, Gross). If they can find a taker for Burrell's contract (which they can then put into extending CC), would anybody be shocked to see this?

What would the Rays be looking for? They seem to be very deep in pitching.

 

[Knightro]

Thought I've been talking about with some guy at work recently -- I wonder how tempted the Rays are to giving BJ the Delmon treatment this off-season. He could still pull in a very nice haul of players (given the talent, age, salary and defensive prowess) which would help re-load the upper minors, they can plug Jennings into center, and would lessen the hoard of OF'ers they have for next year (CC, BJ, Jennings, Joyce, Zobrist, Gross). If they can find a taker for Burrell's contract (which they can then put into extending CC), would anybody be shocked to see this?

What would the Rays be looking for? They seem to be very deep in pitching.

Long-term catching solution and replacement for Pena (deal ending next year) for starters. Catching and 1B are two positions the farm system cannot help them with any time soon. Smoak and Teagarden sure would look nice here but Texas doesn't have the cash

 

[Balco]

Thought I've been talking about with some guy at work recently -- I wonder how tempted the Rays are to giving BJ the Delmon treatment this off-season. He could still pull in a very nice haul of players (given the talent, age, salary and defensive prowess) which would help re-load the upper minors, they can plug Jennings into center, and would lessen the hoard of OF'ers they have for next year (CC, BJ, Jennings, Joyce, Zobrist, Gross). If they can find a taker for Burrell's contract (which they can then put into extending CC), would anybody be shocked to see this?

What would the Rays be looking for? They seem to be very deep in pitching.

Long-term catching solution and replacement for Pena (deal ending next year) for starters. Catching and 1B are two positions the farm system cannot help them with any time soon. Smoak and Teagarden sure would look nice here but Texas doesn't have the cash

Texas does have nice catching depth, but I can't see them parting with Smoak. Especially since they will have to pony up $$$$ for Upton. What about Cleveland? They have great catching depth plus Matt Laporta.The Rays have a great collection of talent at the major and minor league level. They just need some minor tweaking. Trading Upton would not be a bad move at all. It would save them money and bring in a couple of more high quality prospects.

 

[gump]

Thought I've been talking about with some guy at work recently -- I wonder how tempted the Rays are to giving BJ the Delmon treatment this off-season. He could still pull in a very nice haul of players (given the talent, age, salary and defensive prowess) which would help re-load the upper minors, they can plug Jennings into center, and would lessen the hoard of OF'ers they have for next year (CC, BJ, Jennings, Joyce, Zobrist, Gross). If they can find a taker for Burrell's contract (which they can then put into extending CC), would anybody be shocked to see this?

I'd be more shocked if they found a sucker to take on Burrell's contract. Given the organization's track record and the epic failure of inking the top 2 draft picks this year, I think they trade CC for a load of guys and hang onto Upton because he's under control for 3 more seasons.

Nightmare to think about...the top of the lineup would be a joke.

 

[Capella]

Sounds like they offered LeVon slot and he turned it down.

 

[Capella]

Thought I've been talking about with some guy at work recently -- I wonder how tempted the Rays are to giving BJ the Delmon treatment this off-season. He could still pull in a very nice haul of players (given the talent, age, salary and defensive prowess) which would help re-load the upper minors, they can plug Jennings into center, and would lessen the hoard of OF'ers they have for next year (CC, BJ, Jennings, Joyce, Zobrist, Gross). If they can find a taker for Burrell's contract (which they can then put into extending CC), would anybody be shocked to see this?

I'd be more shocked if they found a sucker to take on Burrell's contract. Given the organization's track record and the epic failure of inking the top 2 draft picks this year, I think they trade CC for a load of guys and hang onto Upton because he's under control for 3 more seasons.

Nightmare to think about...the top of the lineup would be a joke.

We better get used to the idea. CC is a free agent after 2010 and will likely be getting an 14-15M a year deal. And that won't be from the Rays.

 

[Norseman]

Another good job by Niemann. Is there any other rookie in the American League having a better year?

 

[gump]

Thought I've been talking about with some guy at work recently -- I wonder how tempted the Rays are to giving BJ the Delmon treatment this off-season. He could still pull in a very nice haul of players (given the talent, age, salary and defensive prowess) which would help re-load the upper minors, they can plug Jennings into center, and would lessen the hoard of OF'ers they have for next year (CC, BJ, Jennings, Joyce, Zobrist, Gross). If they can find a taker for Burrell's contract (which they can then put into extending CC), would anybody be shocked to see this?

I'd be more shocked if they found a sucker to take on Burrell's contract. Given the organization's track record and the epic failure of inking the top 2 draft picks this year, I think they trade CC for a load of guys and hang onto Upton because he's under control for 3 more seasons.

Nightmare to think about...the top of the lineup would be a joke.

We better get used to the idea. CC is a free agent after 2010 and will likely be getting an 14-15M a year deal. And that won't be from the Rays.

Then our pitching better be good.

 

[Knightro]

Another good job by Niemann. Is there any other rookie in the American League having a better year?

Elvis Andrus and Gordon Beckham are the only other names that belong in the conversation

 

[Capella]

Really need better than a 6-3 homestand when you're facing two weak teams.

Exciting that they get Halladay tomorrow for the 27th time this season.