Community Off-Season Wishlists

While I have no clue to how well Fukumori & the hot dog eating champ are as pitchers, isn't Shiji Mori healthy and still available? It's the inexpensive way to solidify the pen going Far East.

As for SS, we've seen the best of Harris. I like the kid, his ceiling just isn't too high. Wilson has a higher upside than Harris IMO, they're jsut not championship caliber guys as of now.

The SS I feel that are available that would benefit the 'Rays more than anyone else would be Omar Vizquel who's a wizard with the glove and shores up the glaring whole between second & third. Omar comes at cost even the Rays can't shake a stick at and he's good for at least two more seasons. I believe Omar's still available?

The other SS who can be had but costs a wee bit more however, is totally affordable is Miguel Tejada. He's signed thru 2009 at $13M per. His salary is most likely tapped around that cost if the Rays woould want to keep him around passed 2009. There is no possible way the Yanks can offer what Tampa Bay can and he wouldn't be moved to 3B as he would be in New York.

This is the type of signing that would ignite fans into knowing Stu & Co. are serious about winning.

This team needs high profile players, a Vizquel or Tejada would be a step in the right direction.

1. One of the following at shortstop: Nioka (Japan), Ronnie Cedeno, Lillibridge, Hu, Abreu or Alberto Gonzalez
2. Gagne or Wood
3. Riske
4. Damian Miller
5. Barry Bonds

1. Frankie Cordero
   
2. Defensive SS - Nioka, Gonzalez, Eckstein
   
3. Posada
   
4. Livan Hernandez
   
5. Percival

I want to give Harris a couple more months to see if his defense improves at SS.  You know the kid realizes this is his window and possibly last shot to be a full time regular so i bet he's putting in the work this winter to get better.  

Players i want that wouldnt demand starters in return or break the bank

Rocco for:

Jeff Clement
Pat Neshek
Tankersley
Radhames Liz

Sign:

Kerry Wood
Everyday Eddie

I believe they can upgrade without losing too much through trades.  So here is what I think.

1. D. Marte or Grabow from the Pirates, LHP should not cost too much (Guzman or Hammel)
2. Troy Percival
3. Mike Lamb
4. Trever Miller or Doug Brocail
5. Damian Miller

Wait on the SS until midseason if necessary.  I don't think they need all 5 of those moves but 3 will help.

They may be able to sign Weaver to a minor league deal.  I do not think he is better than what we already have.

At SS, you need + range.  That leaves out Harris and Wilson.  Eckstein's range was way down in 07.  Yes, Vizquel has signed for $5+ (one year) but you could still make the call.  The Giants were considering looking elsewhere and it shouldn't take much to get him.  Amazing that he was #1 in zone rating (by a lot) at his age. Just don't expect him to touch .650 OPS.

My top priorities would be to sign Kaz and Pena through 2012 and or longer if the price was right.

Stay away from Posada and all other "A" FAs.  

Some interesting "B" RPs but they would need to be vetted.  No matter who they bring in, Andrew and Co. should know that their 0607 efforts here were directly responsible for the teams 07 failure.

C is still a hole to fill but I make it a distant 3rd in priorities.  Unlike most everyone else, I like Dionner behind the plate.  He is at least solid average as a receiver, a thrower, and a defender at an important defensive position.  I don't expect that he will ever hit but he is still young enough to possibly improve a level.  I'd be happy to upgrade here but there are more pressing issues.

I'd also seriously consider moving Delmon for a pitcher like Lincecum.  That kid has unbelievable stuff.  Better than Papelbon's.

Isn't there some rule that if a team with one of the top 10 or 15 picks can sign an A free agent and not lose their pick? (That is not a suggestion that the Rays do it; I agree with you on that ttnorm. It is just a question.)

I also think that Navarro may demonstrate he is a solid receiver. I am more optimistic about his hitting. Prior to coming to the Rays, at a very young age, he held his own in the majors, and displayed quite good plate discipline. I don't think he is an all-star, but I think he has a chance to contribute in a good offensive lineup.

Barry Bonds.

and maybe Mariano Rivera while we're at it!

How about Rafael Furcal? He only has 1 yr left on his contract so if Brignac plays well next year at Triple A we can let Furcal walk (and get a draft pick) and if not we cn resign him. He provides solid defense, good OBP, and speed.  I think the Dodgers have a young shortstop in the minors who is ready to take over so Furcal may be expendable.