The Turning Point -- Kazmir for Zambrano

by pontormo on Apr 27, 2008 9:38 PM EDT

Watching the Rays the last few days look like they have turned the corner on being a competitive major league team got me thinking about their history. I went back and looked at the team rosters and stats since the beginning--all those horrible free agent signings, disappointing draft picks, and pitchers who couldn't make anyone else's roster, etc--and it seemed like the one thing that stood out was the trade of Victor Zambrano for Scott Kazmir. Zambrano is now a "free agent" without a team, and Kazmir is well on his way to a mega contract. Even if it's not with the Rays, he will win a lot of games for them. The two opening day pitchers before Kazmir were Dewon Brazelton and Seth McClung. I bet the Mets never do another deal with the Rays.

The second thing that stands out is the change of ownership--they have made several good trades and free agent signings and only one big mistake I can think of--letting Josh Hamilton go unprotected last year. I only saw him play once, in a spring training game last year when he was with Cincinnati, and it was obvious he was going to be very very good.

Anyway, right now it seems to me like this team can compete for the playoffs this year. They may not make it, but their chances are as good as anyone else's. It will be fun to watch.

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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I bet the Mets never do another deal with the Rays.

Too late, they did cash for Stokes.

"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 27, 2008 9:47 PM EDT reply actions

Yet another epic steal for the Rays.

by Patrick L. Kennedy on Apr 27, 2008 10:19 PM EDT up reply actions

That's an understatement

I would have paid the Mets to take Stokes

by KazforPresident on Apr 30, 2008 7:38 PM EDT up reply actions

The Hamilton thing wasn't a mistake...on our part

If anyone is to be blamed, it should be the Cubs…they traded him.

Hamilton is a jackass, seeing as we helped him get back to baseball and supported him in his many, many FAILED rehab stints. However, he was mocking us watching the MLB draft.

Y’know what, there’s something still not right about Hammy…or else he wouldn’t have been traded as quickly as he was.

by Jacob Larsen on Apr 27, 2008 9:49 PM EDT reply actions

I don't know

I’m done doubting the Volquez deal, he looks like a really nice find.

"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 27, 2008 10:05 PM EDT up reply actions

Thanks...told you!

Dude can pitch

Tools Whore

Sign Bonds!

by Tyler on Apr 27, 2008 10:06 PM EDT up reply actions

It's looking that way.

"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 27, 2008 10:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Volquez is a beast

I wished we traded hamilton for Volquez

Hello Kitty, #1 in your fantasy league. =p

by Boricua on Apr 27, 2008 10:07 PM EDT up reply actions

Speaking of which

are they broadcasting that again this year?

by Vin on Apr 27, 2008 10:38 PM EDT up reply actions

The MLB draft I mean

by Vin on Apr 27, 2008 10:38 PM EDT up reply actions

I haven't heard, but i imagine so.

"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 27, 2008 10:41 PM EDT up reply actions

before i was a Rays fan

I was a Mets fan first and I remember the Zambrano-Kazmir trade. Then I saw games where Zambrano was completely out of control, hitting guys with the bases loaded, throwing wild pitches everywhere, etc. What a steal that was for the Rays.

by BrendanHarrisLives on Apr 27, 2008 10:03 PM EDT reply actions

Hamilton is just a washed up crackhead. I wouldn’t even call that a mistake.

by putupyourDUKES on Apr 29, 2008 5:17 PM EDT reply actions

Based on the information

we had at the time, no it wasn’t a mistake. However washed up, he is not.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=4652

Tools Whore

Sign Bonds!

by Tyler on Apr 30, 2008 8:25 AM EDT up reply actions

Some memory required here

I still think your org erred on Hamilton. They left him unprotected only to non-tender or DFA Harper (or some no account reliever) right around the Rule 5 draft. That’s a mistake no matter how you slice it. Could at least have traded him to Cincy for something – like the Cubs did in what was likely a prearranged deal.

And who should have had the best info available about Hamilton if not your org? I can understand being frustrated with him, but that doesn’t absolve them. Hey, it’s understandable to a degree and not a huge deal, but still an error regardless.

I think the big turnaround was last season with the emergence of Upton, Pena, Shields. Takes a few good guys to make a team – that’s when it started to come together for you in my mind.

by nyyfaninlaaland on May 1, 2008 1:10 AM EDT reply actions