Midseason Movement in the Minors

by usfraysfan on Jun 13, 2008 11:17 AM EDT

We are approaching the the halfway point in the season and I was wondering who everyone thought might be advanced in the minors by the organization. I mean there is the obvious David Price moving to Montgomery in the coming weeks, but what about everyone else in the system? Do Wade Davis or Jake McGee get moved to Durham? Despite having mediocre years compared to last year, they both are still putting up decent numbers, although I think they both need some work. I also think that some of the other guys on the Vero staff could be ready for a move, Hellickson especially. And Cobb down in Columbus seems to have done enough to earn an advancement this year. Not that making a jump from Columbus to Vero will be much of a change though.

Also, what are your thoughts on possibly having Mitch Talbot be the spot starter or given a chance in the bullpen (really looking for any way to get rid of Glover).

What do you guys think?

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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Forget the spot start idea...

Looking at the probable pitchers list on the rays website, it looks like they may actually be working it out to where they don’t need a spot starter because of the day off. They have Kaz pitching against Dempster (who is on fire btw). This puts them in line to start Sonny against Zambrano (Lord help us) on regular four days rest. This would then allow Shields to come back and pitch the third game of the series (likely against Gallagher).

by usfraysfan on Jun 13, 2008 12:53 PM EDT reply actions

Just Pasasing Thru

The Rays will need to find a spot starter, not for Shields who’s missed start they can work around as you’ve correctly pointed out, but for Jackson’s start on June 21st v. the Stroes. Here’s how I expect the rotation to work out barring any other suspensions, injuries or trades.

Sonnanstine Tonight v. Miami Mullets
Garza Saturday v. Miami Mullets
Jackson Sunday v. Miami Mullets
Kazmir June 17 v. Cubs
Sonnanstine June 18 v. Cubs
Shields June 19 v. Cubs
Garza June 20 v. Houston
??? June 21 v. Houston.

It’s highly unlikely that the Rays will dip down to the minors for the spot start. Look for them to turn to either Hammel or Howell. If they were to promote somebody, then they’d have to make room for him by cutting someone on the current roster. It wouldn’t make sense for just one game.

But if they did, who would be in line (using the current rotation orders and schedules) to pitch the 21st? In Durham Chris Mason (2-7; 5.32) is in rotation to start, but because of an off day Jeff Niemann (3-2; 4.46) could also go with his normal 4 days rest. In Montgomery, Dicky De los Santos (5-5;3.41) would be on rotation. Lo and behold, David Price’s turn in the rotation at Vero happens to have him pitching on the 21st. Maybe he could do it here on his way up to Montgomery. Just passing thru, fellas, just passing thru.

by TampaMet on Jun 13, 2008 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Price and Hellickson should move up. I also do not think Davis and McGee are ready in any way at this ponit. The Rays need to think ahead and make some moves (whether demotions, releases, move to pen, trades) in order to make room for the prospects that are moving up the chain.

by matthan on Jun 13, 2008 1:15 PM EDT reply actions

Hellickson and Price should go up to AA. Probably Rollins too.

Houser probably deserves a shot in AAA.

by P Brady on Jun 13, 2008 1:28 PM EDT reply actions

If Ryan Reid keeps it up he may be closing games by this time next year

by rglass44 on Jun 13, 2008 4:33 PM EDT reply actions

Glad Shields starting last Cubs game

I did the math a few days ago and it looked like Sonny would be the starter. As much as I don’t mind Sonny, but it would have been the 3rd time in a row I would have seen him at the Trop.

Very surprised both Davis and McGee struggling a little this year…McGee especially. I guess you can never have enough young pitchers. Out of all the pitchers mentioned I think Reid might have the best chance to contribute to the team down the stretch. Just a feeling…

Jamie DeLuca

by JDeLuca on Jun 13, 2008 4:54 PM EDT reply actions

McGee's biggest problem

is the fact that he has nothing after the fastball. He really needs to improve his secondary pitches because he can’t blow it past everyone (as he is discovering).

by usfraysfan on Jun 13, 2008 7:28 PM EDT up reply actions

In Vero Beach

After 3 innings, Price has given up 3 hits, 1 run, 2 BBs and has 6 Ks. Baldelli is 1-1 with 2 RBIs and hail to the chief, a walk!

by bobr on Jun 16, 2008 9:11 PM EDT reply actions

In the third inning

Price gave up a triple to the first batter and then struck out the next three. He also struck out the side in the first inning when he gave up the one run. Apparently the opposition was stealing at will on him, although one was picked off first by the catcher.

Price also returned to his habit of getting more ground ball outs than fly balls (5-2) although it seemed the hits were line drives. Both his walks were in the same inning and it seems from the recap that after that inning he got stronger giving up just that triple and a single in the 5th.

by bobr on Jun 17, 2008 12:47 AM EDT reply actions