4 Horseman

by gavind on Nov 29, 2007 10:37 PM EST

I remember hearing Maddon speak about the "four horseman" when he started as coach here. Basically, he was referring to the four guys in the bullpen that he would feel comfortable handing the ball to when the Rays had the LEAD. What a difference a year makes!

Last year: Camp, Stokes, Salas, Reyes
This year: ?, Wheeler, Reyes, Percy

That is three veteran pitchers with closing experience anchoring our pen. Any thoughts on who #4 will be this year? Dohmann? Salas? Oh man, I am so stoked I bought season tickets!

This post was written by a member of the DRaysBay community and does not necessarily express the views or opinions of DRaysBay staff.

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Bought season tickets, eh?

Man, you've played right into their plan ;)

by Patrick L. Kennedy on Nov 29, 2007 10:44 PM EST reply actions

Maybe it's Salas again?

Or the lefty they might add.

Marte from the Pirates in a trade anyone?

by R.J. Anderson on Nov 29, 2007 10:46 PM EST reply actions

Re: Maybe it's Salas again?

Maybe we can snag Pearce from them too and he can play RF. :)

http://tampabaysportsfanatic.blogspot.com/ http://www.thestatpack.blogspot.com/

by tampabaysportsfanatic on Nov 29, 2007 11:17 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Maybe it's Salas again?

I still like Mike Gonzalez and Jonathan Sanchez. I think we could base a Gonzalez deal around Rocco. They tried to get him last offseason, plus they both have injury troubles. Sanchez I think could be had for a Guzman/Gomes type, maybe a little more, but it would be worth it, I think he's going to bust out next year.

by raysrule07 on Nov 29, 2007 11:47 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Maybe it's Salas again?

For whom?

I can't harp on this enough - Rocco ain't bringing much straight up when the org is announcing he's undergoing tests to determine what could be wrong with him.

Sanchez is a 24 year old lefty with some nastiness - he isn't going for either Guzman or Gomes, both righties with power potential but sub .250 BA's in a park that kills RH power. Gonzalez, though hurt last season, is still worth more than Rocco (hurt 1 year trumps hurt 2). And Atlanta says they're looking for a lefty reliever, so why would they trade one they have? Last, getting Pearce would take Davis or McGee.

I know you guys are excited being in the limelight, and I'm genuinely happy for you all because it's great seeing people excited about their team. And you all deserve a taste of that more than most. But don't go gettin stupid on us. You sound like Yanks fans who think Minny should take DeSalvo, Clippard, and Shelly Duncan for Johan and be happy about it.

Now since Pearce is looking for a position off 1st, and RF is the next best option in Pitt, X-Man Nady appears available, been rumored going back to SD. Made $2.15 mil last season (ooh, pricey. God forbid you spend money) but is an arb2 and RH. He hit 20 HR in 431 AB's, and Pitt isn't at all a RH power park - 13 were on the road - and didn't hit righties badly. Pitt needs a CF, even just righty who could 50/50 with one of their so-so young lefties out there, and maybe an RHSP since they're trying to give Matt Morris to the Cards, so maybe Rocco plus E-Jax makes this deal happen if Rocco can be shown to be something near healthy. Maybe they could throw in one of the lefty CF's (Duffy or Morgan) to replace Pridie as a possible bench lefty OF def. replacement. Not like you need Rocco or Jax - seems to me Hammell or Niemann could bring what E-Jax did, and he's still out of options so if one of them beat him out for the #5 he has to take those BB to the pen or be exposed to waivers, or if he makes it he'll be arb eligible after next season and out of a job if either Davis, McGee or Price show they're ready or Niemann, Hammell succeed. Dump him now while someone might still be fooled by his finish last season. Rocco's salary covers Nady's, so you just have to pay the net increase.

Of course you might still want a lefty reliever. No confidence in Birkins?

by nyyfaninlaaland on Nov 30, 2007 2:25 AM EST up reply actions

Re: Maybe it's Salas again?

The comment about Pearce was because he is a friend of mine. It was a joke. (although I would love to see him here)

http://tampabaysportsfanatic.blogspot.com/ http://www.thestatpack.blogspot.com/

by tampabaysportsfanatic on Nov 30, 2007 8:10 AM EST up reply actions

Re: Maybe it's Salas again?

Who wouldn't want that guy! Leave it to Pittsburgh to screw him up too.

How does he feel about playing RF. Of course he could be back at 1B soon - LaRoche is moving through his arb years fast.

Could never figure why the Pirates had no LH power prospects when playing in that park. Will they ever get it together. I hope so for their sake.

by nyyfaninlaaland on Nov 30, 2007 8:25 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Maybe it's Salas again?

Pearce feels comfortable playing any position they need him to. He played SS all through college at South Carolina and is one of the best athletes I have know. He wants to be on the field and will play where ever they want him to. He also played SS a game for Team USA a couple weeks ago. He really can play anywhere.

A side note- we will have an interview with him up on The Stat Pack soon, he is getting through my questions, but he is a bit busy right now. : )

http://tampabaysportsfanatic.blogspot.com/ http://www.thestatpack.blogspot.com/

by tampabaysportsfanatic on Dec 1, 2007 10:02 AM EST up reply actions

Re: 4 Horseman

It could also be Salas or a converted starter. They could also sign someone like Fukumori.

by raysrule07 on Nov 30, 2007 12:06 AM EST reply actions

Re: 4 Horseman

Its got to be Flair, Ole, Arn and Tully. Those were the best 4 to me, the original 4:)

Joe

by joedobr on Nov 30, 2007 12:13 AM EST reply actions

Re: 4 Horseman

Very rarely does anything make me laugh out loud on the internet, joedobr. Nicely done.

Scott - www.futurerays.com

by New Hit Show on Nov 30, 2007 9:12 AM EST reply actions

Damaso Marte

I would looooooove to get Marte from Pittsburgh... I wonder what the price for just Marte would be???

by nittsallgood on Nov 30, 2007 10:59 AM EST reply actions

Don't Sell Salas Short

Salas was hardly perfect last year, but he is really developing nicely. I need him to walk fewer, but anyone who watched him on the mound last year saw that mound presence that late inning relievers need. He had stretches last year where he was just solid...His batting average against righties was at .235. His era stayed in the low threes most of August...he had a couple of bad appearences in September, but overall I think he showed himself as a reliable arm to go with Wheeler and Reyes....

by JWallace on Nov 30, 2007 12:59 PM EST reply actions

Re: 4 Horseman

Maddon believes that you have to earn your way onto his version of the 4 horsemen. That ideally leaves guys like Salas pitching long relief until they show some MLB results and forces his hand. Who the 4th guy is I haven't a clue.

by ttnorm on Nov 30, 2007 7:26 PM EST reply actions