Tampa Bay Rays 2010 thread (1 Viewer)

[Capella]

I love our front-office. Already acquired Soriano and Shoppach this off-season (major upgrades at both positions), got a draft pick for Zaun, and will get another if/when Shouse signs somewhere. That would make 6 draft picks in the first two rounds next year.

Also rumors of the Bradley for Burrell swap going around for weeks now.

December roster projection:

SS - Bartlett

LF - Crawford

3B - Longoria

2B - Zobrist

1B - Pena

CF - Upton

DH - Bradley or Burrell

RF - Joyce

C - Shoppach

Bench - backup catcher, Aybar, Rodriguez, Kapler

Shields

Garza

Price

Niemann

Davis

BP - Soriano, Howell, Balfour, Wheeler, Choate, Talbot, Cormier

Should be fun.

 

[Tremendous Upside]

Second best team in the division right now IMO with the potential to be a power in about 3 yrs when the pitching matures a bit. Love what their front office does.

 

[gump]

The big question is...What happens to CC? Seems to be an accepted conclusion that he's gone around here.

 

[Knightro]

The big question is...What happens to CC? Seems to be an accepted conclusion that he's gone around here.

Rays will keep him for the entire season, offer him the arbitration he'll reject, and get the two draft picks. If the Rays suck, Soriano is the one they'll move because they don't want to take the risk of him doing what he did to the Braves this week. Don't forget about Desmond Jennings coming up in season and I think Hellickson will work in long relief. Sonnanstine has an option left and I don't see how he makes the team unless he just impresses the hell out of Joe in camp. Talbot is out of options so he will make the team in relief as long as he is not dealt.

 

[Capella]

Agree with Knightro. Only way CC stays is if he takes a deal he shouldn't take...and with the precedent of Longoria and Shields taking ridiculous team-friendly contracts, I guess you can't blow that option off.

Still, he likely will be gone in 2011 and Jennings will be patrolling LF. If CC-Upton-Joyce gets hurt this year, you'll see Jennings up to get some experience.

 

[Capella]

Sonnanstine has an option left and I don't see how he makes the team unless he just impresses the hell out of Joe in camp. Talbot is out of options so he will make the team in relief as long as he is not dealt.

You are 100% correct on this. I forgot Sonny still had options.

 

[Capella]

and I think Hellickson will work in long relief.

Well actually this is one thing I disagree with. I think they'll leave him in Durham to start and get regular innings on a regular rotation. If one of the starters go down, he'll get the call.

 

[Balco]

Rays have positioned themselves very well, and it is a shame they can't throw $$$ around like the Yankees, Sox, Angels, Dodgers. . . etc. They have a ton of young talent and could be making even more moves to solidify their team.

I really think they should be talking to the Padres about Adrian Gonzalez. Guy is ridiculous at the plate in Petco park, and is a great fielder. He has a very affordable salary as well. The Rays have the prospects to give up, too.

Love the Soriano deal. Guy can bring it as a set up guy and as a closer. Great addition.

I think the two big questions now are Crawford and Upton. Especially Upton. Was last year just a fluke? He looked horrible. .313 OBP, struck out a ton, and a .686 OPS. Horrible. But he is still a toolsy, name guy. Personally, I think the Rays should trade him. Jennings is coming up, and they can probably get some nice young talent for Upton.

Overall, I really like that pitching staff. Shields and Garza are above average innings eating starters. They always say it takes lefties take a little while to "get it". Price has the tools and should continue his ascent. Soriano, Howell, Wheeler, and Cormier is a solid top 4 in the pen.

There is just something about the middle of the order, though. Longoria is an all around stud, a monster. But I think they need another bat. Can Zobrist repeat?

 

[tommyGunZ]

Upton and Beckham and we can talk Adrian.

 

[Capella]

Upton and Beckham and we can talk Adrian.

sure

 

[gump]

I think the two big questions now are Crawford and Upton. Especially Upton. Was last year just a fluke? He looked horrible. .313 OBP, struck out a ton, and a .686 OPS. Horrible. But he is still a toolsy, name guy. Personally, I think the Rays should trade him. Jennings is coming up, and they can probably get some nice young talent for Upton.

I agree...and I would trade Upton is a heartbeat IF it opened the door to keep Crawford.I sat in a meeting with BJ in '08...flat out asked him what his future held. He REALLY wants to play with his brother. I think he's gone the first chance he gets anway...trade him at his peak if possible. Question is...when is his peak?

 

[Capella]

Upton is too cheap to make a difference in CC's extension. Think he is getting less than half a mill this year.

And for all of his offensive woes, he is a witch in center field.

 

[Kovax]

Upton is too cheap to make a difference in CC's extension. Think he is getting less than half a mill this year.

And for all of his offensive woes, he is a witch in center field.

When he is putting effort into it, definitely. I watched a few of the nationally televised games last year and in more than game I thought he looked like he wasn't hustling at all. One game, later in the year, it was obvious that he didn't give a flying flip when getting a horrible break on and barely jogging to a flyball. In that game, Madden took him out after the inning was done and the announcers said that the official word was something was bothering him (ankle, maybe?). I really don't believe it though, I don't think the announcers did either.Upton isn't too far removed from being one of the trinity of Rays troublesome youngsters (Dukes, Young, Upton). Has he matured at all?

 

[gump]

Upton is too cheap to make a difference in CC's extension. Think he is getting less than half a mill this year.

And for all of his offensive woes, he is a witch in center field.

When he is putting effort into it, definitely. I watched a few of the nationally televised games last year and in more than game I thought he looked like he wasn't hustling at all. One game, later in the year, it was obvious that he didn't give a flying flip when getting a horrible break on and barely jogging to a flyball. In that game, Madden took him out after the inning was done and the announcers said that the official word was something was bothering him (ankle, maybe?). I really don't believe it though, I don't think the announcers did either.Upton isn't too far removed from being one of the trinity of Rays troublesome youngsters (Dukes, Young, Upton). Has he matured at all?

I think he's completely misunderstood. He's one of the smarter players on the team...and his gait is so long and smooth it gives the appearance sometimes of lack of hustle. Looks the same running bases.That said...he could definitely mature. He's just not a 'troubled' kid at all.

 

[gump]

Anybody see/hear the quote from BJ about wanting to sign longterm with the Rays?

Heard 620 mention it yesterday...almost ran off the road. Can't find it now on the internet though.

 

[Balco]

Anybody see/hear the quote from BJ about wanting to sign longterm with the Rays?Heard 620 mention it yesterday...almost ran off the road. Can't find it now on the internet though.

Just too big of a risk at this point.Everything I read about Jennings is that he is a great fielder, and is going to be a solid leadoff man. Upton has potential, but potential only gets you so far. He looked horrible last year. If Upton starts the year hot, the Rays should see what they could get for him. Should bring a nice package of prospects.

 

[gump]

Anybody see/hear the quote from BJ about wanting to sign longterm with the Rays?Heard 620 mention it yesterday...almost ran off the road. Can't find it now on the internet though.

Just too big of a risk at this point.Everything I read about Jennings is that he is a great fielder, and is going to be a solid leadoff man. Upton has potential, but potential only gets you so far. He looked horrible last year. If Upton starts the year hot, the Rays should see what they could get for him. Should bring a nice package of prospects.

We need Jennings to replace Crawford.

 

[Mr. Pickles]

You playing Cake this year, sporto?

 

[Capella]

You playing Cake this year, sporto?

First I've heard about it. Details? Is there a cake board?

 

[Capella]

I think they will eventually get Upton on a decent 3-year deal. Buy out his 2011-2012 arb years then get him rather cheap for 2013 as a payback.

Will give them a future OF of (L-R) Jennings-Upton-Joyce or replacement if he doesn't work out.

A lot of people down here are making a big deal about how 2010 is do or die, but Longoria-Upton-Zobrist-Jennings-Bartlett (or Brignac) are all signed up for multi-year deals, as is the entire starting staff. Losses after 2010 look to be CC and Pena, but Jennings should at least sufficiently replace CC.

 

[Billy Bats]

Tampa guys, talk to me about Mr. Price. It seems the luster has faded on this one-hyped phenom. After an up and down full season in the majors, it doesn't seem like too many national prints are looking for anything big out of him this season. While pitching well at home, he was brutal on the road and wildly inconsistant, throwing way too many pitches per start. I see him listed as the 4th starter, some suggesting 5th or even BP duty with Davis sliding into his starting spot. What is the local talk and expectations for him this year?

Obviously I have him in an AL only keeper league, and I'm trying to figure out if he's worth a roster spot. Any insight would be appreciated.

 

[gump]

Tampa guys, talk to me about Mr. Price. It seems the luster has faded on this one-hyped phenom. After an up and down full season in the majors, it doesn't seem like too many national prints are looking for anything big out of him this season. While pitching well at home, he was brutal on the road and wildly inconsistant, throwing way too many pitches per start. I see him listed as the 4th starter, some suggesting 5th or even BP duty with Davis sliding into his starting spot. What is the local talk and expectations for him this year?

? I'll defer to the other experts here...but I've never heard anything locally other than Price being #3 in the rotation this season....behind Shields and Garza, and ahead of Neimann and Davis.

 

[Capella]

Price is easily the #3. If he throws one pitch out of the pen this year, something went horribly, horribly wrong.

 

[T-shirt Ninja]

you two clowns will be pleased to know the Rays are winning the AL this year.

 

[gump]

Ninja - good to know.

Quote from Stu on Monday:

The Rays are clearly making a serious effort this season to get back to the playoffs, pushing their payroll past $70-million with the addition of Rafael Soriano and hanging on (for now anyway) to potential free agents such as Carl Crawford and Carlos Pena. And principal owner Stuart Sternberg made it even more clear during a 620-AM radio interview Monday night that it will be different in coming years, with a significant reduction in payroll.

“We did out-spend ourselves last year (at $63-million) and completely have out-spent ourselves this year,’’ Sternberg told Andy Freed and Dave Wills. “And unfortunately we’re going to feel the effect of that the next couple years for certain. … There’s no $60-million payroll next year either, let alone a $70-million payroll. It’s going to be a tough transition, but it’s something that given the economics of the game and specifically the economics of what we are in Tampa Bay and in St. Petersburg, it makes it impossible to do it for more than a couple of years.’’

http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/rays/node/25005

 

[gump]

New Coastal alt jersey rolling out this morning.

Scheduled appearances around town:

Champs Int'l Mall = Davis and Shields

Champs Tyone = Shoppach and tbd

Rays Downtown store = Dave, Andy, Ray Team and Raymond.

 

[Billy Bats]

? I'll defer to the other experts here...but I've never heard anything locally other than Price being #3 in the rotation this season....behind Shields and Garza, and ahead of Neimann and Davis.

Price is easily the #3. If he throws one pitch out of the pen this year, something went horribly, horribly wrong.

Thanks fellas. I assumed he would be the 3rd starter but I was suprised to read some of this stuff so far, with ESPN depth charts having him listed 4th behind Neimann and Lindys publication even having him as the 5th starter behind Davis.

 

[gump]

I mentioned last year how out of shape Burrell looked in late Feb '09, when I saw him at a golf tournament.

Well...

And so Burrell reported to camp Monday, leaner than ever after an offseason of workouts at the Athletes' Performance Institute in Arizona.

 

[Capella]

I mentioned last year how out of shape Burrell looked in late Feb '09, when I saw him at a golf tournament.

Well...

And so Burrell reported to camp Monday, leaner than ever after an offseason of workouts at the Athletes' Performance Institute in Arizona.

Contract year. #### him.

 

[Pnishthm]

I mentioned last year how out of shape Burrell looked in late Feb '09, when I saw him at a golf tournament.

Well...

And so Burrell reported to camp Monday, leaner than ever after an offseason of workouts at the Athletes' Performance Institute in Arizona.

Contract year. #### him.

This

 

[gump]

Played in the Rays tourney today...with Tom Foley. Great guy...we didn't quiz him too much, but got a few tidbits:

- Longoria called him two weeks before he was supposed to report, because he was in Tampa and ready to work. Foley loves him...and says he's the best fielder he's ever seen at 3rd, and Foley played with Schmidt. Talked about his footwork being the foundation for everything...Longo can tell before a game whether his feet are under him that day or not. If he doesn't feel it, asks the coaches to work him extra before gametime. Also has natural fielding skills that can't be learned...specifically his backhand.

- Speaking of footwork, said Bartlett lost his legs at the end of last season...which hurt his fielding and hitting.

- Did not seem very impressed with Soriano's work ethic..."he was hurt Day 1, sick Day 2...."

- Said we were going to love a young catcher coming up...Jose Lobaton. Hits well from both sides.

FYI...Burrell looked ripped.

 

[Capella]

Sean Rodriguez

Good lord this team is deep. Brignac going to head back to Durham (likely) and he's looking ready as well. I just hope they find a way to finish ahead of Boston or NY this year, because they sure look like they are one of the best teams in baseball.

Should be a fun summer.

 

[Capella]

Was talking to a buddy last night who is big on the team as well. We both expect CC and Pena to be gone next year (although Pena could reasonably come back)...with Rodriguez in the mix I wonder if they won't move Zobrist to first next year, put Rodriguez at 2B with Joyce-Upton-Jennings in the OF.

Way way way too early to wonder about this stuff, but it seems like they already have those spots covered with no major drop-off in production.

 

[gump]

Rays sign Blalock. Does he stick with the big-league club, considering our depth?

 

[Capella]

Rays sign Blalock. Does he stick with the big-league club, considering our depth?

Unlikely. They already have enough of a logjam with the Joyce-Rodriguez-Brignac trio.But a Blalock-Burrell DH platoon would be interesting. I get the impression Pat would sulk his way through it though.

 

[Oh Yes!]

Sean Rodriguez Good lord this team is deep. Brignac going to head back to Durham (likely) and he's looking ready as well. I just hope they find a way to finish ahead of Boston or NY this year, because they sure look like they are one of the best teams in baseball.Should be a fun summer.

floating realignment

 

[pollardsvision]

Rays sign Blalock. Does he stick with the big-league club, considering our depth?

Unlikely. They already have enough of a logjam with the Joyce-Rodriguez-Brignac trio.But a Blalock-Burrell DH platoon would be interesting. I get the impression Pat would sulk his way through it though.

I'm excited about Hammerin' Hank. I've always liked and rooted for him.A Blalock resurgence wouldn't be any more unlikely than, well, Pena's was. Late 20's corner IF that has displayed great power potential in the past, but is way past the prospect stage and the rest of MLB is completely uninterested. No risk at all. Good chance he just can't stay healthy enough to contribute, but the reward is quite high if he can.Blalock adds another option for when Pena's gone.I really hope Blalock will stick around if he doesn't make the 25-man out of camp. Pena himself would've started off in AAA in '07 if it weren't for an injury to Greg freakin' Norton.

 

[Patoons]

Sean Rodriguez Good lord this team is deep. Brignac going to head back to Durham (likely) and he's looking ready as well. I just hope they find a way to finish ahead of Boston or NY this year, because they sure look like they are one of the best teams in baseball.Should be a fun summer.

What is it looking like his role is going to be? Is it going to be a platoon role, or is it sounding like he'll get a shot somewhere with his hot spring?

 

[gump]

Did Navarro break his ankle today?

 

[Capella]

Did Navarro break his ankle today?

No. He'll be back in a week or so.

 

[Consigliere]

What's the latest on 2b, Rodriguez and any platoon situations?

 

[Knightro]

What's the latest on 2b, Rodriguez and any platoon situations?

Joyce may not be ready to start the season as he still cannot throw the ball pain free so Rodriguez could open the season as a starter in RF or 2B.

 

[Capella]

What's the latest on 2b, Rodriguez and any platoon situations?

Joyce may not be ready to start the season as he still cannot throw the ball pain free so Rodriguez could open the season as a starter in RF or 2B.

Yea, definitely going to be a starter now. I think they'll leave one at 2b and the other RF and not mess with them. Be interested to see if they keep Brignac or Blalock now.

 

[gump]

BJ looks great at the plate today.

:X

 

[Finless]

What's the deal with Sean Rodriguez? Starter material or what? I need info.

 

[ScottNorwood]

What's the deal with Sean Rodriguez? Starter material or what? I need info.

stud

 

[Finless]

What's the deal with Sean Rodriguez? Starter material or what? I need info.

stud

Will he be a starter?

 

[Capella]

What's the deal with Sean Rodriguez? Starter material or what? I need info.

stud

Will he be a starter?

Yes, at least initially. I think they'll go with the platoon once Joyce is healthy.edit: At least, of course, unless Rodriguez comes out of the gate mashing.

 

[Billy Bats]

Sean Rodriguez, 2B TB

News: Rays 2B Sean Rodriguez will not relent until he's told he has made the opening day roster. Rodriguez led off and started at second base on Wednesday against the Twins and went 3 for 3 with a double and an RBI. He scored twice and even looked good in the field, turning a double play. Rodriguez is batting .467 on the spring.

Analysis: You think Rodriguez wants to start the year in the majors, or what? He has hit in eight straight spring games and has 28 hits in 60 at bats overall with five doubles, a triple, six homers and 17 RBI. In fact, he's been even better of late, going 7 for 10 in his last three games. At this point, it seems a long shot that he won't make the roster. In fact, there is a great chance he is even the team's starting second baseman on opening day and he's earned it. Rodriguez has always had a big power bat in the minors and he's shown that in spurts in his short time in the majors with the Angels last season. Rodriguez is a major big-time Fantasy sleeper in mixed leagues and a must-have Fantasy option in AL-only formats.

My man crush is starting.

I drafted him high in my AL only draft on Sunday, someone yelled out "WHO?", I replied oh you'll know soon enough.

 

[Capella]

Right now we're looking at 6 years of Scott Kazmir, 6 years of Sean Rodriguez and if he pans out (and most reports say he will be really good), 6 years of Alex Torres for Victor Zambrano.

winning