OF suggestions

by Mound Visit on Apr 4, 2008 3:27 PM EDT

I am aware that the STL cardinals have about 4 extra outfielders all better than Nathan Hayes. Currently they have Brian Barton, Ryan Ludwig, Chris Duncan, Rick Ankiel, Skip Shumaker all fighting for playing time currently. It is so crowded in thier outfield that they sent down Colby Rasmus and a beast in Joe Mather. I saw Joe Mather in Jupiter this spring, WOW...this guy can hit. They are looking for some added depth in the minors that is a little depleted....sounds like a perfect fit for the Rays, we have depth all the way to class A. Just some food for thought. Being a long time Cardinal fan, I have seen these guys play for a while and why all these men have some things that can be improved on; all are better than the options we are currently holding on too. Barton was a rule 5 pick and is currently knocking down Ludwig, Duncan, and Shumaker's playing time. Rasmus will be brought up around the same time as Longoria to add more time to his MLB contract, but what will they do then? Rasmus has the CF position solidified when he gets brought up, moving Ankiel to RF. That leaves 5 people fighting for 1 spot. It's a route I think the organization should consider...I like all of these options better than Hayes! My vote.....Skip Shumaker.

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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It's obviously worth looking into their players

And considering a deal. You're absolutely right, the glut of players they have could potentially yield a very good deal to be had for the Rays. It ultimately depends on the individual players involved and blah, blah, blah the usual caveats, but St. Louis appears to have one of the more intriguing positions in the league as far as potential trading partners go.

by Patrick L. Kennedy on Apr 4, 2008 4:11 PM EDT reply actions

If we wanted Barton, we had him

by Sully on Apr 4, 2008 4:35 PM EDT reply actions

The same could be said about Josh Hammilton....we all know how that worked out

Mound Visit

by Mound Visit on Apr 4, 2008 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions

You can't really compare the situations

Cincy even got rid of Hamilton, and he himself doesn't trust himself and needs a handler both of his total and daily money.

by R.J. Anderson on Apr 4, 2008 6:58 PM EDT up reply actions

Cincy got rid of him because they were in desparate need of pitching and Bruce will take his place later this year. Yes he had a handler for his money,but that's entirely his decision and you have to respect a guy who's willing to admit weakness and actually take proactive steps to fix the problem.

Tools Whore

by Tyler on Apr 5, 2008 2:38 AM EDT up reply actions

Cincy dumped him

They probably could've done better than Volquez.

by R.J. Anderson on Apr 5, 2008 9:59 AM EDT up reply actions

Could they have?? Volquez has a mid-90's fastball that has crazy movement. He's also got a Nintendo change-up. And he looks like perhaps he's turned a corner. You obviously haven't been paying attention to his spring either. He was dominant. And I know it's spring, but he had a 26/4 K/BB during the spring in 22 IP. He's going to have a very nice season, even in Cincy.

Tools Whore

by Tyler on Apr 5, 2008 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions