The Legend of Helliot Takes Coincidental Turn, Hinske Makes Team

by R.J. Anderson on Mar 29, 2008 9:31 AM EDT

Elliot Johnson won the 2008 Al Lopez Award as the Rays' top rookie in spring training. He'll accept the award from Al Lopez III before the April 14 Rays-Yankees game.

I'm sure all of you recall that Elliot made national headlines after colliding with Yankee catcher Francisco Cervelli, but his strong spring and versatility in the field - taking reps at third, short, second, and center - have essentially guaranteed roster spot. For our own sake can we please have more Rays fans at the 4/14 contest than Yank fans, having the majority of the "home" crowd boo Elliot might give him the wrong impression.

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Also Eric Hinske has won the final roster spot, beating out Joel Guzman. As you'll remember Hinske was a non-roster invitee with a Rookie of the Year award in his trophy case and a poor 2007 season.

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25 Man Roster

Who confirmed that Hinske has the last spot?

by bobbyray1 on Mar 29, 2008 10:26 AM EDT reply actions

Topkin

by R.J. Anderson on Mar 29, 2008 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions

25 man roster

It is reported by the SP Times on their blog.
I'm glad that Hinske got the corner infield and outfield spot and think he will add alot to the team.

SC raysfan

by SC raysfan on Mar 29, 2008 10:29 AM EDT reply actions

Like consistent on-air cursing!

by R.J. Anderson on Mar 29, 2008 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions

25 man Roster

Thanks, I agree, Hinske is deserving over Guzman. With 3rd base filled at Durham for now, it looks like Guzman will need to play first and the corner outfield spots.

by bobbyray1 on Mar 29, 2008 10:41 AM EDT reply actions

Will he be the one?

Will Hinkse be the guy who steps up and exceeds expectations. I mean, I don't think anyone really thinks we could have another Carlos Pena, but I would be happy with him being Ty Wiggington.

Thoughts?

by usfraysfan on Mar 29, 2008 11:01 AM EDT reply actions

Hinske/Haynes/Aybar, take your pick.

by R.J. Anderson on Mar 29, 2008 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions

I do think he can be similar to Wigginton, and if his role is as expected rather than requiring he be a regular, that would be very useful.

by bobr on Mar 29, 2008 11:17 AM EDT reply actions

Glad to see him make the team

He had a dreadful 2007 season, but prior to that he had the look of a major league ball player and had performed well in the minors. He's clearly earned his roster spot with his performance this spring, and I hope he's able to stay up with the team.

by killa3312 on Mar 29, 2008 11:59 AM EDT reply actions

Bad Timing

Though Johnson completely deserved the award, I'd prefer they award it to him against the Mariners or Orioles. This is just going to make it harder for both teams to get over all the controversy this spring.

I guess from a PR standpoint, this will sell more tickets and keep the Rays in the news.

by GomesSweetGomes on Mar 29, 2008 1:01 PM EDT reply actions

So Does This Mean

That Hinske is our Opening Day 3b? In many ways he seems like a better gamble than Aybar to produce league average or better production. Plus, it might be better PR for the Rays to give 3b over to a placeholder without as much off-field baggage.

by GomesSweetGomes on Mar 29, 2008 1:23 PM EDT reply actions

No

Aybar is the 3rd baseman. Hinske cannot play 3rd anymore, or at least not at an acceptable level.

by Tyler on Mar 29, 2008 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions

So Then

This is a sign that Aybar is healthy, and good to go.

by GomesSweetGomes on Mar 29, 2008 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah

it seems that way. He's playing in the minor league game today. But that doesn't really matter, just that he's playing. I'd expect him to be the starting 3B on opening day. If he was hurt, Guzman wouldn't have been sent down. And if he does get hurt within the first few weeks, don't expect Evan to get the call, expect Joel 'The Destroyer' to be the first up.

by Tyler on Mar 29, 2008 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Topkin Mentioned on Friday

That Elliot Johnson could start some games at third base if injuries popped up with Aybar. He started there Thursday against Cleveland, and while I'm assuming that he isn't the team's first choice, he could fill in there.

by Patrick L. Kennedy on Mar 29, 2008 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions

Johnson will be back down soon

Tyler pointed this out elsewhere. I too expect a relatively short visit for Johnson - just not nearly enough experience at other positions to rely on as a utility guy. His only advantage to Zobrist is perhaps a bit more pop. Got hot at the right time though - I thought he was doomed to be DFA'd. A de-mo is probably good for him - gives him the opportunity to gain utility experience.

Funny that Duncan got the same award from the Yanks. It would be sad for Elliot if he got booed in his own park - they should have handled that differently. You know there'll be lots of NYY fans there, and they will boo.

by nyyfaninlaaland on Mar 29, 2008 6:01 PM EDT reply actions