4/20: News & Notes
- Joe Smith of the St. Petersburg Times reports that newly acquired 1B Dan Johnson will report to the Rays today. At that time, the team will have to make a roster move to make room for him on the active roster. RHP Calvin Medlock was already designated for assignment on Friday to make room for Johnson on the 40 man roster, but the rumor is that OF Justin Ruggiano will be demoted to AAA Durham make room for Johnson at the major league level.
- Struggling SS Jason Bartlett will get a day off today as Manager Joe Maddon tries to help him break out of a slump that saw him make four errors in eight games. The shortstop said he experienced soreness in his arm that could possibly be the reason for his recent spate of throwing errors, though he'll still need to do far better offensively. He was hitting .230/.230/.237 going into last night's game, a line that rose marginally after a 1 for 3 campaign. IF Elliot Johnson will start in Bartlett's place this afternoon. With an off day coming on Monday, Bartlett will get two days to rest up before the Rays' series with the Toronto Blue Jays starting on Tuesday in Orlando.
- 1B Carlos Peña will likely be the Designated Hitter in this afternoon's game against Chicago, per Maddon's wishes. He too will get Monday to rest and could be back at first base for the Orlando series.
- LHP David Price threw a successful bullpen session on Saturday afternoon at the Naimoli complex as his recovery from a left elbow injury continues.
- The focal point of Marc Topkin's Sunday column this week is, not surprisingly, the long-term deal that the Rays reached on Friday with 3B Evan Longoria. Explains Rays VP Andrew Friedman of the underlying strategy:
We're always going to have to manage our roster years and years in advance to be able to compete in this division. It's the way the economics of the game are right now, and it's something that instead of feeling sorry for ourselves we've got to be proactive and do anything and everything we can to succeed.
- The reaction from fellow players and their agents was, not surprisingly, rather negative. Quoth Alan Nero:
I give the Rays a lot of credit because they did what's hard to do anymore, which is make a heck of a business deal; they controlled their costs and extended their control. I'm happy for Longoria if it's what he wants, but I'm a little disappointed that a player with seven days (in the majors) would give away his future like that.
- Other interesting morsels from Topkin's Sunday column:
How does Evan Longoria's contract affect B.J. Upton's view of a potential long-term deal? "It doesn't," Upton said. … Former longtime Ray Toby Hall on the new uniforms and Trop paint job: "It's awesome. It all looks great." … Friday morning's advisory of a 1 p.m. "major announcement" drew calls asking if the Rays were signing Barry Bonds, including one from a curious MLB official. … Ex-Ray Shawn Camp, having added a changeup, got called up by Toronto and should be in the Jays bullpen at Disney.
0 recs |
20
comments
Read Related
Comments
I haven’t even heard that they have tried to.
maybe he’d want too much money because he’s already somewhat proven?
by websterjtc on
Apr 20, 2008 9:26 AM EDT
up
0 recs
"Ex-Ray Shawn Camp, having added a changeup, got called up by Toronto and should be in the Jays bullpen at Disney."
Oh god yes.
by SaberToothedPie on Apr 20, 2008 10:57 AM EDT 0 recs
He has McDonald/Hill, we're screwed if he comes in.
"I've seen many, many blue skies turn gray, but the sun will eventually return, and so will I. So will I." - Carlos Pena
by R.J. Anderson on
Apr 20, 2008 11:09 AM EDT
up
0 recs
4/20, Kazmir's favorite day.
"I've seen many, many blue skies turn gray, but the sun will eventually return, and so will I. So will I." - Carlos Pena
by R.J. Anderson on Apr 20, 2008 11:09 AM EDT 0 recs
NSFW or anyplace where people can listen to your music....
http://youtube.com/watch?v=gxXZLlvL8ZY
Over/Under times Kaz plays this today – 3
Top Josh Paul Pornos- Big Navy Stroking, 2pitchers1cup
by SRQman on
Apr 20, 2008 11:17 AM EDT
up
0 recs
This one is
Over/Under -5
http://youtube.com/watch?v=305vRNoofr8
Top Josh Paul Pornos- Big Navy Stroking, 2pitchers1cup
by SRQman on
Apr 20, 2008 11:17 AM EDT
up
0 recs
I was just waiting for some Afroman today
"I've seen many, many blue skies turn gray, but the sun will eventually return, and so will I. So will I." - Carlos Pena
by R.J. Anderson on
Apr 20, 2008 11:20 AM EDT
up
0 recs
Why can't today be Kazmir Day at the game...?? :(
Top Josh Paul Pornos- Big Navy Stroking, 2pitchers1cup
by SRQman on
Apr 20, 2008 11:21 AM EDT
up
0 recs
Ok I am leaving for game so here is my MVP
MVP- Edwin Jackson
reason… my dad is going to the game
Top Josh Paul Pornos- Big Navy Stroking, 2pitchers1cup
by SRQman on Apr 20, 2008 11:28 AM EDT 0 recs
I just saw the Jays released Frank Thomas…any chance we pick him up and DFA Dan Johnson?
We’d only have to pay him the league minimum, right?
by websterjtc on Apr 20, 2008 12:10 PM EDT 0 recs
I wouldn't DFA Johnson, but
http://www.draysbay.com/2008/4/20/427827/frank-thomas-released
"I've seen many, many blue skies turn gray, but the sun will eventually return, and so will I. So will I." - Carlos Pena
by R.J. Anderson on
Apr 20, 2008 12:17 PM EDT
up
0 recs
Isn't he like 0-21...
In the Name of Shinji Mori, we shall win!
by thebaddancingraysfan on
Apr 20, 2008 4:31 PM EDT
up
0 recs
The Kalas says:
That Niemann was demoted to Durham…
In the Name of Shinji Mori, we shall win!
by thebaddancingraysfan on Apr 20, 2008 4:32 PM EDT 0 recs
I didn't hear it, but that's curious since he's supposed to start Thursday.
"I've seen many, many blue skies turn gray, but the sun will eventually return, and so will I. So will I." - Carlos Pena
by R.J. Anderson on
Apr 20, 2008 4:42 PM EDT
up
0 recs
He'll still start, just in Durham...
In the Name of Shinji Mori, we shall win!
by thebaddancingraysfan on
Apr 20, 2008 4:52 PM EDT
up
0 recs
A Curious MLB Official?
I find it weird that baseball called the Rays to see whether they were signing Bonds. It adds credibility to claims that he’s being blackballed.
by GomesSweetGomes on Apr 21, 2008 12:34 PM EDT 0 recs
Well, of course he's being blackballed
But I’m pretty sure that the call from the MLB official was just an inquiry with no further motive.
by Patrick L. Kennedy on
Apr 21, 2008 2:50 PM EDT
up
0 recs



















