Right Field

by bobr on Jul 3, 2008 5:05 PM EDT

I am not posting this because I am entirely convinced, but I have been less concerned about a supposed problem in RF than some people. In my view a rotation of Hinske, Gross and Gomes is just fine. This is from Christina Kahrl at BP today:

_____________________________________________________

"In-Game Tactical Fun: Having an open outfield slot where you don't have an established regular doesn't have to be the end of the world, and the Rays are enjoying the benefits to the hilt as they rotate Hinske, Jonny Gomes, and Gabe Gross through their right-field starts. That kind of depth spills over into other lineup slots as well: Hinske's a four-corners reserve, ready to spot start for Pena, Evan Longoria, or Carl Crawford, while the always-fragile Cliff Floyd would probably break down even if limited to a role as the everyday DH. So instead, the Rays have depth, talent, and power where some people are still wondering if Rocco Baldelli will “fix” the problem. It isn't a problem, and however much sympathy people can and should have for Baldelli as he works his way back from his latest injury, it's up to him to prove he's useful enough to be mixed into this crew, and not feel a need to replace it outright."

________________________________________________________

She apparently sees the RF situation more as a benefit than a problem.

0 recs | Comment 12 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Agreed...

The platoon, if used right, can be more than adequate. Ruggiano over Gomes may be a better play at this point.

I also wish the Rays find a way to part with Cliff Floyd. He’s redundant at this point and doesn’t bring the right handed bat that Gomes does or the overall play of Hinske. With Floyd gone the Rays would have Hinske at DH and Gross in RF against righties and Gomes at DH and Ruggiano in RF against lefties.

by tallyray on Jul 3, 2008 6:09 PM EDT 0 recs

I loved the Floyd signing

and still think he is a useful part of the team. It is true that the configuration you suggest would be more flexible and provide better defense, but I am loath to part with Floyd.

by bobr on Jul 3, 2008 6:15 PM EDT 0 recs

The point: Don't fix what ain't broke.

In the long run Ruggiano looks like the better righty play, but both he and Gomes are under control, so no need to make a snap decision. Carrying all 3 lefties is probably redundant, so should you sell high? The classic conundrum of how proactive to be.

I agree with Bob that Floyd might be the most reliable LH bat. Hinske offers the most position flexibility, but isn’t under team control beyond this year. Gross is the best OF def.option for a platoon there. With a switcher in Aybar available for the IF corners in Aybar, I’d sell high on Hinske as the first option. And cash the chip you’ll lose first. But no need to rush into it, or even do it, unless there’s a hole that needs filling. Where would that be right now?

by nyyfaninlaaland on Jul 3, 2008 6:55 PM EDT 0 recs

Ruggiano is still our best RF

He gives it Ken Griffey like effort everyday, and his bat will translate from the minors to the pros….
I want ruggiano to come up for good…..

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

by Boricua on Jul 4, 2008 1:35 PM EDT 0 recs

agreed i still dont understand sending him down after he was starting to hit

by RaysOfHope on Jul 4, 2008 11:01 PM EDT 0 recs

Barring necessity or a clear upgrade

the Rays will not waste talent. To keep Ruggiano in the majors, they would have to DFA someone, probably Gomes. They will not, nor should they, do that. It may seem clear to some fans that Justin is a clear upgrade over Gomes, but there is nothing in their histories to make that a given.

It seems obvious to me, looking at the pattern of moves, that the Rays’ caution extends to preserving as many bullets in their gun as they can. They will not simply lose Gomes if they can help it, or for that matter anyone else.

by bobr on Jul 5, 2008 12:27 AM EDT 0 recs

They will not simply lose Gomes if they can help it, or for that matter anyone else.

Which is exactly why we won’t deal for a RF’er, IMO.

by Vin on Jul 5, 2008 12:29 PM EDT up 0 recs

I agree.

I’ve been saying it for months now. We have more of a need for another RP than a RF.

by floridaroar on Jul 5, 2008 5:55 PM EDT 0 recs

Not a hole, but there's room for an upgrade

Hinske’s hitting above his track record and can’t play defense. I have faith in Gomes, but I don’t think management does and he also can’t play defense. Floyd isn’t an OF option. Baldelli’s got a 20% of helping this year. Ruggiano might be passable, but he’d barely be an upgrade over Gomes/Hinske.

While right field will probably turn out to be league-average, the Rays could still improve. It would totally be worth trading for Jason Bay (unless Huntington asks for Price, Niemann, and Longoria), who’s 2-3 wins better than average. Nady would also be an upgrade. And Randy Winn probably deserves more attention. He doesn’t have the power fans are craving, but he’s got more than he can show hitting in San Fran’s park, and there’s nothing wrong with another .360 OBP bat in the lineup. Plus, he’s a very good fielder, which would make the pitchers look even stronger. BPro’s Special Sauce shows fielding to be one of a few things critical to playoff success. And if you’re into that sort of thing, he can provide veteran clubhouse leadership.

by Sky Kalkman on Jul 5, 2008 8:08 PM EDT 0 recs

If AF is willing to give up what it take this would look really good

CF Upton
LF CC
DH Holliday
1B Pena
3B Longo
RF Hinske/ (Gross late)
C Navarro
SS Bartlett/Brignac/Zobrist
2B Aki

Seems worth it to me because I think this move makes a playoff team this year if we werent already. Package Niemann, Hellickson, Ruggiano for Holliday and than cut Floyd or Gomes to free up the roster spot. I am a big fan of those 3 prospects but of the three due to the depth in the rotation only Ruggiano would have a chance to have a huge impact on the field and Holliday is a huge upgrade over Ruggs.

by Dbullsfan on Jul 6, 2008 4:54 AM EDT 0 recs