Friedman: "I still think we’re in good position to end up with an impact bat"

by Tommy Rancel on Dec 30, 2008 10:33 AM EST Comment 71 comments

Andrew Friedman speaks about the Rays quest for a bat.

“I still think we’re in good position to end up with an impact bat,” Friedman said. “We’ll continue to monitor the market and figure out the optimal time to make a deal from our standpoint and the player's. ”

Friedman said Monday that talks with several free agents have gotten “more pointed” in the past week, but nothing is “imminent” as they continue to assess their options from a field that includes Jason Giambi, Pat Burrell, Bobby Abreu, Milton Bradley ( rumored to be headed to the Cubs), Adam Dunn and Garret Anderson, and could include Ken Griffey and Moises Alou.

Jason Giambi, Pat Burrell, Bobby Abreu, Milton Bradley , Adam Dunn. ~~Garret Anderson, Ken Griffey and Moises Alou.~~ Some of those names don't belong with the others. I have no idea where Moises Alou's name comes from. He will be 42 next season and has not played more than 100 games in a season since 2005. That's not the "impact bat" that we need.

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Anyone think all this talk of "interest"

in GA is just coming from Maddon saying he liked him? For all we know, we don’t even want the guy…. his agent said he likes the AL West….

Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart

by joeybw on Dec 30, 2008 10:49 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

He doesn't even fit with the A's.

by R.J. Anderson on Dec 30, 2008 10:50 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think he fits with us either

Hell, I would rather have Aybar at DH than Anderson

Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart

by joeybw on Dec 30, 2008 10:52 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

He is an impact bat in the prime of his career

Signed,

B. Sabean

What's on my mind

by Jason Collette on Dec 30, 2008 12:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Sabes likes the Big Unit

I heard he was going to offer Phil Neikro a ST invite to see if he’s got anything left in the tank.

Anyway, as I was lying in the puddle, I think I may have found a way for us to get Bonds and Griffey, and we wouldn't have to give up that much.

~George Costanza~

by Sandy Kazmir on Dec 30, 2008 2:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The San Francisco Chronicle reports that Lance Niekro will sign a minor league contract the Braves and attempt to make a comeback as a knuckleball pitcher.
Just a few years ago Niekro was in position to be the Giants’ starting first baseman, but he hit just .246/.288/.421 in 195 games before retiring last season after being released. Now he’ll try to follow in the footsteps of his father Joe and uncle Phil, who combined to win 539 games with the knuckler.

by Vin on Dec 30, 2008 3:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I'll definitely be following this story.

I hope he makes it.

by Vin on Dec 30, 2008 3:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

That's awesome

by rglass44 on Dec 30, 2008 3:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Didn't that come out last week?

by Erik Hahmann on Dec 30, 2008 3:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, so?

by Vin on Dec 30, 2008 5:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Enough of this foreplay

Just sign a great hitter already and wait for Spring

Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart

by joeybw on Dec 30, 2008 10:43 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Tommy I disagree

I think that if Moises Alou did not have to play the field he could easily hit 30HR and knock in 100 RBI. He is a impact bat and has never been given a chance to be a full time DH. I say we sign him to a cheap contract with incentives He is a right hander who can mash when healthy and he would be the preimier DH in the AL if he could put in 150 games..

Devil Rays World Series 2009

by Japhei on Dec 30, 2008 10:44 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I say we sign Milton Bradley

and have Nando off the bench

Who’s with me?

Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart

by joeybw on Dec 30, 2008 10:46 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I seriously wish that people would stop suggesting that Bradley play the field for this team.

I’m going to have to start going all Oz on you types. “I CAN HAZ BRADLEE IN LEFT FI—*stab*stab*stab*HURGH! BLEGCH!”

by kericr on Dec 30, 2008 11:07 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

alright ill stop

cuz i never started, I want Bradley at DH

Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart

by joeybw on Dec 30, 2008 11:09 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I saw Nando off the bench and assumed you wanted him as a defensive sub

Using Perez as a PH DH seems like a waste of a valuable resource.

by kericr on Dec 30, 2008 11:11 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

again no

platoon with Joyce or pinch run for anyone who isn’t CC, Upton or Barty. His range is great too in case we need a defensive sub.

Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart

by joeybw on Dec 30, 2008 11:13 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Can you just please give me an excuse to stab you?

I have to stab. It’s in my blood.

by kericr on Dec 30, 2008 11:26 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I almost bought a Crisp jersey?

I was going to if the Sox won ALCS Game 7 was the bet I made with….myself

There is a reason to stab me.

Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart

by joeybw on Dec 30, 2008 11:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I've seen people killed for less

Crisp? Wow why not just send your balls over to Theo.

Anyway, as I was lying in the puddle, I think I may have found a way for us to get Bonds and Griffey, and we wouldn't have to give up that much.

~George Costanza~

by Sandy Kazmir on Dec 30, 2008 12:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Hey, that's how sure I was the Rays would win that game

Never expected to buy a Crisp jersey.

Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart

by joeybw on Dec 30, 2008 12:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Jose Guillen had ~100 RBIs last year. We should trade for him.

by R.J. Anderson on Dec 30, 2008 10:47 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Can you trade for him in June 2007?

by acblue on Dec 31, 2008 2:42 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I was for Alou at the beginning.

This was before I thought any of the top tier DHs were in the mix. Alou is like a RH Floyd. If he plays DH he could be good for 120 games and 20-25 HRs. Now that we’re in on the others, though, he would seem to be a bit of a letdown. I do think he’s a good buy low candidate for an AL team.

by rglass44 on Dec 30, 2008 10:48 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

This...

Alou is still a good hitter by all accounts, but he’s just that a good hitter. He’s not an “impact bat.” We’ve all been talking about Giambi, Dunn, Burrell and Bradley. Alou, Anderson or Griffey would be a letdown.

by Tommy Rancel on Dec 30, 2008 10:51 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

he would be the preimier DH in the AL if he could put in 150 games..

Alou? That’s a joke right?

by Erik Hahmann on Dec 30, 2008 10:50 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Alou is probably 50 years old

at least he looks like it, and is playing like it too

MLB-Rays,Marlins,Twins, and Reds
NFL-Vikings,Lions(i know Shut up),texans, and Bills
NBA-Timberwolves(also shut up),Cavilers(bye bye LeBron in '10)
NHL- Wild and Penguins
College-Gophers,Gators,Longhorns and Irish.
all of the above mentioned teams are in order by my favorites

by RaysOfHope on Dec 30, 2008 11:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Wait, he's better than Ortiz, Cust, Huff and Thome?

Really? At 42, without having played more than 100 games since 2005? Interesting.

by acblue on Dec 31, 2008 2:41 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Bring Back Bobby Bonilla!

by raysfaninminnesota on Dec 30, 2008 10:49 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Maybe Edgar Martinez is still available

Chile Davis anyone?

by raysfaninminnesota on Dec 30, 2008 10:52 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

EDGAR MARTINEZ!

yes! what a good hitter to add to our lineup…….wait this is 1995….isn’t it?

Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart

by joeybw on Dec 30, 2008 10:54 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

boy I wish!

that would even make Moises Alou a young whipper-snapper too! Shoot, give me Ken Griffey Jr!

by raysfaninminnesota on Dec 30, 2008 10:59 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Mock Me

But check his stats when he does play

He hit 22 HR in 98 games in san fran the other year.

That is better production then we have had out of any outfielders I can think of. BJ Upton 24 HR season does not count he was playing 2b!

Devil Rays World Series 2009

by Japhei on Dec 30, 2008 10:58 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

It is intriguing, to an extent, I admit that

Hell, we did sign Floyd with two bad knees last year. But after seeing the names we should be able to get, an Alou or Anderson, etc, would be a major let down. We are in position to get a big bat in the middle of his prime, not a guy whose prime was in the last generation. Or not a guy who grew up when Atari was in its prime.

by raysfaninminnesota on Dec 30, 2008 11:01 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

HR's alone do not equal production.

Griffey Jr. has 611 home runs and he’s going to be a slam dunk 1st ballot HOF. That doesn’t mean he’s the answer to our DH in 2009.

Moises has had a really good career, but that doesn’t mean he’s still going to produce at age 42, especially when he’s played 102 games in the last 2 years.

Burrell is 32 and has played at least 144 games in each of the last 4 seasons. He has slugged over .500 in each of them. That is what we need

by Tommy Rancel on Dec 30, 2008 11:09 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Homeruns are worth a damn, but they aren't the end all.

by R.J. Anderson on Dec 30, 2008 11:17 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Sammy Sosa has a lot of home runs and he wants to play.

by Tommy Rancel on Dec 30, 2008 11:18 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Shoulda dealt for Mike Jacobs.

by R.J. Anderson on Dec 30, 2008 11:20 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

And then sign Farnsworth

by Erik Hahmann on Dec 30, 2008 11:21 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

You think

by kericr on Dec 30, 2008 11:28 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah...

So, You think Brady Anderson is worth a look?

by kericr on Dec 30, 2008 11:28 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

He's my cousin!

by R.J. Anderson on Dec 30, 2008 11:36 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I thought Garret was...

weird.

by rglass44 on Dec 30, 2008 11:39 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Both?

Big family.

RJ, next time you see Garret, tell him to back away from our team.

Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart

by joeybw on Dec 30, 2008 11:40 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I second the Sosa pick!

Devil Rays World Series 2009

by Japhei on Dec 30, 2008 12:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Sardonic Slamming Sammy.

by R.J. Anderson on Dec 30, 2008 12:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't know I'd call Sammy sardonic.

Sophomoric maybe…

by rglass44 on Dec 30, 2008 12:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

big bat

Bring this guy out of retirement

What's on my mind

by Jason Collette on Dec 30, 2008 12:20 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Man, poor guy never made the majors

nice pop though

Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart

by joeybw on Dec 30, 2008 12:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

201 k's in 2001

and still put up a .332 OBP, makes Craw look like a chump

Anyway, as I was lying in the puddle, I think I may have found a way for us to get Bonds and Griffey, and we wouldn't have to give up that much.

~George Costanza~

by Sandy Kazmir on Dec 30, 2008 2:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I think everyone agrees Burrell, Bradley, Giambi, Abreu > Alou

Alou would obviously be one of our worst case scenario situations, so I think you have to conside rit under those terms. If everyone else is gone, Id probably rather have Alou than Grif or GA.

Actually, if we could predict Alou to be healthy I would take him at 42 over Raul Ibanez

RBIs in Alous case were only a byproduct of being great, so I dont think it’s fair to discredit his RBI skills over the years just because it doesnt consistently give you a good idea of what a guy is capable of. Alou has been a great hitter when healthy and things like OBP and SLG support that. Oh and HRs are important when your lineup lacks that threat

by Rays4242 on Dec 30, 2008 12:47 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

HRs aren't the only thing that matters.

by R.J. Anderson on Dec 30, 2008 12:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

HRs aren't important at all if you can score in other ways.

Also, any lineup with Pena, Longoria and Upton isn’t lacking HR threats.

by acblue on Dec 31, 2008 2:43 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

So when you are down 4-0 in the 8th inning

Having HR hitters isnt important? Of course you dont want a team like the WHite Sox who only has HR hitters and no versatility, but its nice to have balance. If Upton hits more than 10 HR next year I dont think we have an issue

Also, why do either of you think HRs are Alou’s only strength? His OBP hasnt been under .350 in 5 years and his SLG has been over .500 for the paast several years

by Rays4242 on Dec 31, 2008 12:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

When you're down 4-0 in the 8th inning

Odds are you aren’t coming back no matter what your offense consists of.

by R.J. Anderson on Dec 31, 2008 1:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

that's not the point

Having a team without a HR threat is almostas bad as having a team that can only score runs with HRs. I think balance is good. Is that wrong?

I think to say HRs arent important at all, under any circumstance, is kind of ridiculous

by Rays4242 on Dec 31, 2008 7:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I think this is BAD news

Before, weren’t we getting a message that the Rays were in a great position to get whoever we we needed or wanted?

I’m a little concerned that the message has changed, and now, we’re just confident that we will get some random impact bat.

It could still work in our favor, (as Pena did), but I feel as if we may be in for a let down if we set our sights on a marquee name.

by plasticman on Dec 30, 2008 12:49 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

“We feel like Joe can really help our bullpen," Rays executive vice president Andrew Friedman said in a statement. "He had a tremendous season in 2008 and has been very effective against both lefthanded and right-handed hitters. Our bullpen was a large part of our success in 2008 and our quest is to have one of the top bullpens in the American League on an annual basis. Adding Joe certainly helps on that front.”

by Tommy Rancel on Dec 30, 2008 2:15 PM EST reply actions 0 recs