Misc. Notes/Open Thread
by R.J. Anderson on Jul 3, 2008 11:45 AM EDT
59 comments
Potpourri of Acquisitions
For all the talk about how this team is built "through the draft" let's examine the breakdown on the 25 (plus a few disabled players) man roster:
Drafted by the Rays - Wheeler, Sonnanstine, Shields, Hammel, Longoria, Gomes, Riggans, Upton, Crawford.
Traded for - Garza, Kazmir, Bartlett, Navarro, Aybar, Gross, Balfour, Howell, Talbot, Wheeler
Free agent - Iwamura, Reyes, Percival, Floyd, Hinske, Pena, Miller, Glover.
Draft Notes
- The Rays are apparently going to "go hard" after Ryan Carpenter.
- 41st round pick Brett Parsons is transferring to Texas A&M and will not be signing with the Rays.
- Same with 49th round pick Kash Kalowski.
Rays All Stars
Dioner Navarro and Evan Longoria are the most deserving, both placing second in AL EqA for their respective positions and only behind Joe Mauer and Alex Rodriguez at that. B.J. Upton is behind Josh Hamilton and Grady Sizemore, and somewhat oddly the man who started over the -- at the time -- injured Upton, Placido Polanco, is actually behind Akinori Iwamura. Scott Kazmir, Dan Wheeler, and J.P. Howell should get consideration, but I'd only expect Kazmir to go, if any of the Rays pitchers.
Some Rumors Aren't Worthy of Posting
Geoff Baker threw the Rays name in as a team that could be interested in one of the Mariners relief arms, he names Arthur Rhodes and Roy Corcoran, but also hints that Mark Lowe and Sean Green could be available. Rhodes brings nothing that Miller doesn't top, Corcoran is not good at all, Lowe throws upper 90's but very well could do so blindfolded (nearly 5 BB/9), and Green is big righty who isn't having a bad season, but the Rays have better arms in their hands in AAA.
Flamethrowers Inc.
For those wondering the hardest thrower on the Rays staff is Grant Balfour who sits at an average of 94.1, tied with Billy Wagner and ironically enough Seth McClung. Edwin Jackson and Matt Garza are the hardest throwing starters for the Rays and rank inside of hte top 20 (as two other pair of teammates do) with Jackson at 93.7 and Garza at 93.3. For those wondering, Sonnanstine's average is just shy of 87.
That's pretty much it from me unless something breaks. In all likelihood there will be something posted tomorrow besides the gameday thread, but don't expect anything ground breaking. Otherwise consider this an open thread like last week.
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Shouldn't Wheeler be an acquisition?
Though he was drafted, he was also re-acquired. Do as you wish.
by tallyray on Jul 3, 2008 11:49 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Wheeler scrapes in on a technicality.
The Rays gave up on him before. Yeah, he was drafted by us, but we had “Evil Wheeler”, the crappy strikeout artist who couldn’t cut it. We traded for and resigned “Good Wheeler”. In my eyes, this doesn’t count as homegrown.
by kericr on Jul 3, 2008 11:50 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
You should put "Evil Wheeler" and "Good Wheeler"
I also think that refrences should be made to the amount of facial-hair each had during their tenures here.
by kericr on Jul 3, 2008 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Then just call him Furry Wheeler
We all know how much you’ve gotten into furries as of late.
by kericr on Jul 3, 2008 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We've never lost a game where a furry was posted.
by R.J. Anderson on Jul 3, 2008 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't you refrain from posting furries until the game is over?
by kericr on Jul 3, 2008 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Which confirms my statement, now doesn't it?
by R.J. Anderson on Jul 3, 2008 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It qualifies your statement.
It’s like saying that you miss 100% of the pitches you don’t swing at.
by kericr on Jul 3, 2008 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hitting the pitch is not the same thing as the pitch hitting you.
by kericr on Jul 3, 2008 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But you're not missing the pitch.
by R.J. Anderson on Jul 3, 2008 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's 100% of the pitches you don't swing at, not can't swing at.
by kericr on Jul 3, 2008 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
60% of the time it works all the time
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.
by Sandy Kazmir on Jul 3, 2008 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or a check swing foul where you clearly didn't "show intent of swinging"?
by R.J. Anderson on Jul 3, 2008 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I should post a furry for my victory.
by R.J. Anderson on Jul 3, 2008 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can we just oogle Ben Zorbist's wife more?
by kericr on Jul 3, 2008 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
She looks like a fugitive from a Robert Palmer music video
Do not think that what is hard for you to master is humanly impossible; but if a thing is humanly possible, consider it to be within your reach.
by Orlando Rays on Jul 3, 2008 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't say that was a bad thing
Do not think that what is hard for you to master is humanly impossible; but if a thing is humanly possible, consider it to be within your reach.
by Orlando Rays on Jul 3, 2008 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
FAIL
Robert Palmer is awesome.
by Patrick L. Kennedy on Jul 3, 2008 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
All-Stars
In a world where all is good and right, Navi, Howell, Longoria, and possibly Wheeler are deserving. But if anybody but Joe Mauer is elected as the starter, Navi’s gonna get screwed. Longoria is a Rookie and probably hasn’t “earned” his spot yet, so to speak. Wheeler and Howell are both middle-relief. In the all-star game, middle-relief is always starters and closers.
Unfortunately, if Mauer isn’t voted the starter, he’s going to end up as the backup, and I somehow see Kazmir and his gaudy numbers headed to the ASG instead, which would be dissapointing because he just hasn’t pitched well enough to go. But because he’s got the best numbers right now in the rotation, he’d get the trip over quite deserving middle-relievers.
by kericr on Jul 3, 2008 12:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I can't see Wheeler or Howell going
But I think Longoria/Navarro have good shots.
by R.J. Anderson on Jul 3, 2008 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Longoria has been playing like a God amongst Men.
I remember people saying at the beginning of the season that one of his concerns is how he’d deal with himself at times where he struggled. It’s obvious to me now that’s he’s in the big leauges that this guy doesn’t know what “struggle” means. He plays the game with the same effortless skill that Griffey showed in his prime. He’s Nintendo Longoria.
by kericr on Jul 3, 2008 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually
I think he passed that test earlier this season. He did struggle for a while making contact, but his defense remained excellent and he did not start swinging wildly but remained patient at the plate. That was an excellent sign. Along with Upton, he is a star.
And a note about Upton. I think the perception that some have that he loafs may be misreading what they see. Look again at the catch he made. He does not seem to be rushing; he glides to the ball. When he makes the play, we admire the elegance of it. But if he cannot get there, it may appear to be loafing, and I do not think that is the case at all.
by bobr on Jul 3, 2008 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My complaints about Upton's defense are not that I think he looks lazy or non-challant.
It’s that he’s still a bit on the erratic side. As the CF, he’s the field general in the outfield. Anytime a ball drops between him and one of the other fielders when both are in position, it’s on him. There are times where he has tried to save a run by throwing the ball to home when the play is to second. I admire his confidence that he thinks he can throw anybody out at the plate; we all know that he’s got the arm for it. But sometimes, the smart play is to 2nd, not to home.
He’s also been sloppy on the basepaths. Not so much as of late, but a lot of unnecessary outs can be attributed to him having anurysms running between the bags.
by kericr on Jul 3, 2008 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let's also remember this is still a newer position for BJ
he really only took over there last season, and it was not his historical spot at all.
He’s lived his baseball life as likely the most talented athlete on every team he played on – the ability to make the “big play” sometimes leads one to mistakes of aggressiveness that experience tends to smooth out.
by nyyfaninlaaland on Jul 3, 2008 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Very reminiscent of comments about others
I’ve heard this same sentiment about loafing applied to other OF’s – Bernie Williams, Garrett Anderson – that have that easy looking gait to the ball.
I really hate to go here, but I think to some extent this attitude is race based. It’s not a comment I can recall being applied to a white player. I don’t know if its the pure athleticism of some players, or a contrast to the “gritty” approach of “little engine that could” types like Darin Erstad – as overrated as that’s been in his case. But I think the “cruising” approach could have been applied to Jim Edmonds, for example, if it wasn’t for the occassional spectacular diving play he tossed in. Not that guys like Torii Hunter (or Griffey) haven’t given up their bodies in much the same way. Don’t want to overplay this, but I think it’s there – it just always struck me as a possibility watching and hearing comments about G.A. out here in Anaheim over the years in lily white Orange Co.
by nyyfaninlaaland on Jul 3, 2008 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We said the same thing about Ben Greive almost immediately.
and well before we knew he was a wash-up.
by kericr on Jul 3, 2008 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fair enough
but maybe he was truly lazy, hence the inability to get over the hump.
by nyyfaninlaaland on Jul 3, 2008 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He reminded me of Jeff George.
Most of the time he looked absolutely soulless and vacant in the field and at the plate. I truely felt that he completely lacked the passion for the game of baseball. I know you’re not accusing anyone of being racist. I do think that in this particular instance, you’re a bit off the mark with that assessment. It’s easy to say that Upton looks lazy in the outfield because his play is effortless, but my point is that this area has seen it and called it before out of players we percieved as stars.
We criticize Crawford in the same way because there are things that he has the ability to do (like play center, or bunt) that he simply doesn’t because he doesn’t want to. And we pound Jonny Gomes for being a mess in the outfield. We’re equal-opportunity criticizers here.
by kericr on Jul 3, 2008 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gomes vs CC is kind of what I'm saying
Gomes just can’t do what CC does. But we all appreciate the less talented guy who tries – the talented player who can gets accused of “not trying” because they can easily do what the “gritty” guys can only dream of. They don’t look like they’re trying so hard.
Though I’ve always thought CC needed to suck it up and become the selective kind of leadoff hitter to which his athletic skill set seems best suited. And it seems he won’t accept that. Perhaps Jennings will push him to that seemingly to me inevitable role, or out the door. Or move BJ to RF.
by nyyfaninlaaland on Jul 3, 2008 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
“Gomes just can’t do what CC does. But we all appreciate the less talented guy who tries” – I don’t. I don’t see his effort as will, I see it as recklessness. But in this case, I might be in the minority. I think I see what you’re getting at now though.
by kericr on Jul 3, 2008 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And to be clear, I'm not accusing anyone
Cue the racism kid!
by nyyfaninlaaland on Jul 3, 2008 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tampa fans....
have long been more appreciative of the average Caucasian player than the super talented African American player. eg. Bubba Trammell, Mike Alstott, Jonny Gomes
Boom. Outta Here.
by WillisDaddy on Jul 3, 2008 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
When Crawford and Baldelli both came up - both with similar position/skill sets and hyped to the extreme by the old regime - I was curious which future perennial All-Star would be the bigger fan favorite. Too bad we never really found out.
Longlorious.
by RATW on Jul 3, 2008 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm pretty sure...
that it would have been much of the previous attitude. It’s sad to say, but there are very many uninformed fans in the bay area with pretty prejudiced opinions.
Boom. Outta Here.
by WillisDaddy on Jul 3, 2008 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I completely forgot about Baldelli
Remember Rocco DL’i?
by kericr on Jul 3, 2008 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sad but true
that starters are still measured by their won lost record as a key component of All Star selection. I’d like to see Navi in NY, and they’re likely to carry 3 catchers, so he’s got a shot. Always an uphill climb for non-closer relievers, and there are a number of closers with outstanding numbers this year, so a setup guy getting in could be a stretch, but Wheeler has as good a case as any.
RJ, funny you hit this topic. I was commenting on a Yanks blog just yesterday about the passion forprospects and develop from within strategy about the somewhat surprising level of draftees on the Rays roster. Many blog fans in NY are all up on a go to the prospects strategy for NY, strange since at the 2 key coming roster openings (1B, RF) they have no ready prospects. It’s predominantly pitching where there is good depth. Compared the Rays and development via transaction to the Indians with their in-house focus (probably could have used the Rockies too) and suggested one look at this year’s results to see if prospect development is THE way to go. I believe all strategies should be employed, but internal developemnt provides the keys for either staffing or trade chips.
Because of the Rays past position, their transactions have largely been of the acquire prospects for castoffs based, with FA’s to augemnt the roster and trades for key pieces. A very good mix of strategies, one that may change over the years when the goal is maintaining, not building. But not so much – the transaction mix has been very good there. NY fans are going through the “dump vets, replace with prospects” mode in many cases, particularly the pitching staff, but trying to remain competitve while rebuilding – and has the financial resources to engage in selective key acquisitions to boot. And fans of all clubs seem to overvalue their own prospects. Hard to hand the keys to setup relief to a guy fresh out of AA while you’re trying to get in playoff contention. But we’re working on it.
Congratulations on a great series – you guys are the talk of the sport now. And nice to see the crowds! Looking forward to 2 in NY next week. We should be tossing Pettitte and the 4th starter of the day (Sir Sidney, Rasner, who knows?). Kaz and E-Jax for you, or will they tweak the rotation after the off day? Hopefully we can help continue the demise of the Sox.
by nyyfaninlaaland on Jul 3, 2008 12:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I really wish you guys would do something with Ponson. Like get rid of him.
I know Hughes and Kennedy haven’t lived up to billing, and Ponson has done OK, but he’s also an enormous ass. He’s everything one can hate about a baseball player and shouldn’t be allowed on anybody’s roster.
by kericr on Jul 3, 2008 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I completely agree
and no one in NY is counting on him for anything. He’s viewed as a stop gap until a better alternative can step in – and after last night, despite getting his rather abundant butt covered by the woefully inconsistant NY offense, he may have appeared for the last time.
Kennedy has just started into rehab assignments, and they want him to get straightened out this time – the perception is he was brought back too quickly after his first demotion. And Hughes isn’t expected back until sometime in August, Wang perhaps September. The next option, Karstens, is finally rounding into form in AAA after multiple bouts of groin issues. And of course there’s always Igawa???!!! We’re even laughing / crying at ourselves while contemplating whether to acquire Chacon! There’s a bit of positive history there, but its one of those things you do while holding your nose, although I can imagine he’s not the only guy to ever contemplate tossing down on Ed Wade. The fact is there’s only one more turn for a #5 starter for NY until 7/22, and wouldn’t have been one at all were it not for a rain out make up in Pittsburgh rescheduled for the day after the Rays series. But with Giese’s poor performance against the Mets, and a short pen that’s been screaming for a long reliever (a role more suited to Giese and/or Rasner supposedly), we’re likely to see Sir Sidney this once more, at least. Hey, be happy – BP for your guys.
by nyyfaninlaaland on Jul 3, 2008 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Funny thing about Chacon
Somehow, what he did just didn’t rub me wrong. The GM more or less admitted that he cursed him out in front of the team. Telling a guy he needed to get his f*cking act together because he’s having a bad stretch does not seem like positive progress to me, it sounded more like a GM unhappy with the way a situation was going finding someone to scapegoat it out on.
I just get the feeling that Chacon isn’t a bad guy at all and Wade might have had it coming. Then again, I’m not in that locker room and it doesn’t seem like anybody wants to deal with him right now.
by kericr on Jul 3, 2008 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Update here!
When asked today about starters vs Rays next week (Pettitte, Rasner, Moose, Joba scheduled vs. Bosox, then off day, then Rays) Girardi said “we’ll move some things around”.
Likely Pettitte will take Game 1, but who gets Game 2 is now a mystery? Or is bumping up Pettitte – a foregone conclusion anyway, his idea of a move.
by nyyfaninlaaland on Jul 3, 2008 5:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
2 alternate possibilites, and one alternate universe.
1) Karstens called up for Tuesday game, but he’d be on extra long rest. Possible, especially if Yanks have to make some other move in the meantime and decide to DFA Ponson.
2) Kennedy, pitching today in AAA, replaces Ponson. Highly unlikely – they want IPK to get his act together before returning.
AU) Igawa!
by nyyfaninlaaland on Jul 3, 2008 5:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's good news
You guys don’t need that scumbag.
by kericr on Jul 3, 2008 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
According to the Heater, Francona is actually considering Kaz, Wheeler and Howell for pitcher selections
He and Maddon talked about All-Star selections this week, and Maddon reportedly was very satisfied after the conversation. We may see multiple Rays selections.
Do not think that what is hard for you to master is humanly impossible; but if a thing is humanly possible, consider it to be within your reach.
by Orlando Rays on Jul 3, 2008 1:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Price
There is an interview with David Price at the Hardball Times. I particularly liked this part of it:
__________
“Out of the players you grew up watching who are still playing, who do you most want to face?
Just whoever’s the best at the time.”
___________
Here is the link:
http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/interview-david-price/
by bobr on Jul 3, 2008 1:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Does anyone know
why Jennings was pulled early in the game last night?
by bobr on Jul 3, 2008 4:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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