Friedman On Signing Kapler over Baldelli

"[Kapler's $1 million contract] was the extent of our financial flexibility," Friedman said. "We talked about how limited it was after the [Pat] Burrell signing. And any time you sign a player to an incentive laden deal, you're expecting them to make those incentives, or a good portion of them or you shouldn't sign the player. ... We were pretty much over extended before this. So this was about the extent of our flexibility."

9 months ago Tommy Rancel 55 comments 0 recs |

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Raysbaseball.com

Friedman

“We feel like Gabe fits us well,” said Rays executive vice president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman. “[His acquisition] further upgrades us against left-handed pitching.”

“We’re still optimistic [Upton will be ready for Opening Day], but you never know,” Friedman said. "And it’s important for us to get off to a good start and we feel like in the event B.J. isn’t ready that we’re in much better position with Gabe.

“It also adds to our depth in the event of injury. … Injuries are a part of the game and we know they will happen. And so instead of getting to that point and throwing our hands up, we’re trying to actively manage in front of it instead of trying to react after something happens.”

Kapler

"The first one being I love the opportunity to win and I happen to think this team has the ability to be better than it was last year. And I also know that with a winning team, the season goes a lot faster, it’s a lot more fun. Coming to the ballpark and coming to a working environment where there’s a lot of winning going on, everybody individually performs better as well. That was one factor.

“Another [factor is] being the Tampa area — it’s enticing to me. The chance to get to know that area is enticing as well. Also, I think there is a great opportunity for me to perform in Tampa and I expect to take advantage of that opportunity.”

“I’ll tell you this,” Kapler said. "Right now, my No. 1 goal at this point is to prove to my teammates that I am a great teammate. That’s one of my expectations right away, to meet my teammates, earn their respect, and then prove to [manager] Joe [Maddon] and to Andrew what I’m capable of doing and I expect everything else to take care of itself from that point on.

“I always accept responsibility for my actions. I want to prove my worth and then capitalize on any opportunity that presents itself. I will have it no other way.”

by Tommy Rancel on Jan 13, 2009 8:25 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I'm still miffed that they took our name

And that Dan gave it to them without asking for anything in return. Everytime I see raysbaseball.com I think it’s the old board.

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Jan 13, 2009 10:42 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

For what the Rays are

looking for, Kapler might be the better choice

If he even approaches his numbers v LHP of last season, Andrew hit a HR

by Raymondo on Jan 13, 2009 8:48 AM EST reply actions 1 recs

For the price they paid, Kapler is a great signing.

by floridaroar on Jan 13, 2009 9:34 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

It's sad to think of Gross leaving

but Kaplar is definitely an upgrade.

Or is there possibility of keeping both? I guess I might be reading to far into the “we were ALREADY over-extended” comment – as in we will trade away some salary…

B Rad the Ray Fan

by B Ray on Jan 13, 2009 9:45 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

It doesn't make a lot of sense (to me at least) to keep Kapler, Gross, Nando, Aybar and Joyce; all of whom can play RF.

I’d like to see Gross dealt for a bullpen arm.

by floridaroar on Jan 13, 2009 9:59 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Aybar isn't being kept around because he can play the OF

by Erik Hahmann on Jan 13, 2009 10:00 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I realize that, but he can play RF in addition to faking several infield positions.

by floridaroar on Jan 13, 2009 12:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

faking several infield positions

Joke right?

by rglass44 on Jan 13, 2009 12:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Not a joke. It was a comment made by Keith Law. It's fitting.

by floridaroar on Jan 13, 2009 12:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I am unsure why he'd say that.

He must not be very familliar with Aybar’s defense because it rates as above-average at 2B/3B, and just below at SS. He’s better than Zobrist defensively.

by rglass44 on Jan 13, 2009 12:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Klaw does not like Aybar at all.

by Tommy Rancel on Jan 13, 2009 1:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yea, KLaw hates Aybar for the domestic issues

by Erik Hahmann on Jan 13, 2009 1:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The fact that he plays so many positions suggests he hasn't mastered them all.

I didn’t take it as an offensive statement, and didn’t intend it to be. Aybar is a very valuable player.

by floridaroar on Jan 13, 2009 1:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Not really,

It indicates that the Rays have regulars at each position. Lots of excellent players have mastered more than one position and moved because of the construction of the roster. Aybar is fine at 2B and 3B.

And getting Kapler probably has little effect on Gross’s role with the team. It is Joyce’s progress that impacts Gross, and in my view Kapler’s since he is the player most likely to develop into a full-timer, although I doubt if it will be in the majors to start the season. If Gross is not here and Joyce is in the minors, there is no real platoon partner for Kapler. Perez does not hit well as a lefty, I don’t think the Rays see Aybar as an outfielder and I am guessing that Zobrist is not considered as a platoon partner there either. (I suppose Zobrist is a possibility if the aim is to save money.)

by bobr on Jan 13, 2009 1:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The fact that he is not a regular indicates he hasn't mastered a position.

Anyway, my original point was that Aybar could play RF in a pinch and that it seemed smart to try and deal one of the less versatile guys for a bullpen arm or a prospect.

by floridaroar on Jan 13, 2009 4:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

This just isn't true, though.

Often times players that play more than one position are very good at a number of them: see Inge, Figgins, Freel, and even Blake DeWitt.

by rglass44 on Jan 13, 2009 7:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

We have 16 bullpen arms for 7 spots. No need for another one.

by Tommy Rancel on Jan 13, 2009 10:27 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

There's always room for improvement.

by floridaroar on Jan 13, 2009 12:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

When has Aybar EVER played RF

To the best of my knowledge, not only can’t he play RF, but he’s never played RF.

If Gross gets dealt, it would likely be for a prospect. Almost any deal at this point would be for prospects, unless we can pull off a big deal where we get a long-term corner OF or a long-term 2B in return.

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Jan 13, 2009 10:45 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

When had Zobrist ever played RF?

I don’t think he had very much experience in the OF, but he ended up playing a number of games their during the second half and he looked solid defensively.

I think the transition from IF to OF is not difficult at all. Aybar is a reasonable defended in the infield and I suspect he could be the at least average in RF or LF. The Rays need to find ways to get Aybar at bats. Maybe sitting Aki more often or Pena more often? My preference would be to have not signed Kapler and let Aybar platoon with Gross in RF. I can’t see Kapler being any better offensively than Aybar

by RaysTheRoof on Jan 13, 2009 11:10 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

"To the best of my knowledge, not only can’t he play RF, but he’s never played RF.'

Those things aren’t mutually exclusive.

Elliot Johnson and Shawn Riggans had never played the outfield, both did last year. Moving from third/second to the outfield should be a pretty easy transition. Yes, there’s some adjustment in tracking balls and getting reads, but I think Aybar would be fine.

Also, yes I know RIggans didn’t get a chance in LF, but that’s one of the odd memories from 08.

by R.J. Anderson on Jan 13, 2009 11:20 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

That was the game that he got drilled in the chest, wasn't it?

I was at that game and it was such a gross sound when he was plunked, like a hollow thud.

Anyway, as I was lying in the puddle, I think I may have found a way for us to get Bonds and Griffey, and we wouldn't have to give up that much.

~George Costanza~

by Sandy Kazmir on Jan 13, 2009 11:33 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I understand that

But doesn’t the fact that guys like Zobrist, Johnson and Riggans got time in the OF over Aybar indicate to you that Maddon is pretty damn confident that Aybar would be a horrible outfielder?

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Jan 13, 2009 12:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Not necessarily.

I think it had more to do with Aybar’s hamstring/groin.

by R.J. Anderson on Jan 13, 2009 12:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

If they were sold that he could even play average RF

They never would have signed Kapler. Aybar hits lefties better than Kapler.

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Jan 13, 2009 12:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I think that has more to do with the whole "No suitable reserve infielders" thing than him playing the OF.

by R.J. Anderson on Jan 13, 2009 12:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

We'll give you Josh Butler back for him.

Please?

---
Juuuust a bit outside!!
http://www.rightfieldbleachers.com

by Jack Moore on Jan 13, 2009 1:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Kapler is not here to replace Gross

He is here to platoon with Gross. One Gabe hits vs. rhp, the other vs. lhp.

by Tommy Rancel on Jan 13, 2009 10:26 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

My hope he platoons with Joyce

I’m not a big Gross fan

by Raymondo on Jan 13, 2009 11:12 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

In time I think Joyce can be an everyday RF, but

There’s just no need to rush him in 2009, when you have replacements on 1 year deals who are capable of putting up similar production.

The Rays get to delay a year of his clock and give him more development time, while fielding 2 servicable outfielders. It’s a win-win.

by Tommy Rancel on Jan 13, 2009 11:50 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

he'll be 25 yo this spring

so we’re not talking about a kid

he’s older thanBJ, Navi and Longo

and why would they trade for that position if they were so high on Gross?

by Raymondo on Jan 13, 2009 12:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Why would they trade for Aybar if they're so high on Longoria?

They’re higher on Joyce than Gross. Trust me.

by R.J. Anderson on Jan 13, 2009 12:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

BJ and Longo are both stars and top 3 picks.

Navi was a very highly touted foreing player. You can’t expect every player’s career path to follow theirs’. Joyce is right in line to spend some time in AAA and have been promoted about a level a year, which is right where you expect him to be. He played college ball at a smaller school, so a slower development curve is fine if you can afford it, which we can.

by rglass44 on Jan 13, 2009 12:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Small School doesn't define how fast you develop

Florida Southern is a Division II powerhouse and his team won the National Title. When he was there, that team would have defeated MANY division I schools. Besides the fact that FSC plays in arguably the best DII conference. Tino Martinez also went to a small school (Tampa). No offense, but as knowledgeable as everyone is here, that’s a fairly ignorant comment.

by thegame23 on Jan 13, 2009 11:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Nobody is saying keep him in Durham all year, but if you wait until June

you delay his clocks and give Gross a chance to showcase himself for a trade.

by Tommy Rancel on Jan 13, 2009 1:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

He speaks very highly of you.

by rglass44 on Jan 13, 2009 11:51 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

If they can get a return for Gross

Then they’re certainly looking to trade him. I don’t think it’s a given though. I doubt they give him away for nothing when Joyce, Nando, etc. all have options left.

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Jan 13, 2009 10:44 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

It seems more and more likely everyday

that both Nando and Joyce are starting in AAA. Nando makes sense because they don’t believe he’s ready offensively and if he really wants to hit left handed, he’s got a lot of work to do. Joyce is essentially a Gross clone offensively at this point (although certainly that’s not his ceiling) and as you’ve said many times could use some at bats against lefties as well. Plus it makes financial sense perhaps delaying Joyce’s arb. clock and certainly delaying his service clock.

Tools Whore

Sign Bonds!

by Tyler on Jan 13, 2009 10:49 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I get some of the comparison to Gross

Both seem to take walks and struggle against lefties, but It seems like Joyce has much more power than The Gabe. I still feel he should start in AAA because of the multitude of advantages, but to say he is a Gross clone seems to mis-represent his abilities.

Anyway, as I was lying in the puddle, I think I may have found a way for us to get Bonds and Griffey, and we wouldn't have to give up that much.

~George Costanza~

by Sandy Kazmir on Jan 13, 2009 10:54 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

This

by Tommy Rancel on Jan 13, 2009 11:06 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed, Gross is in his prime and he's a ~2 win player.

Joyce should be closer to 3.

by R.J. Anderson on Jan 13, 2009 11:09 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Does he really have that much more power?

Before last year, his career minor league IsoP was around .150. He’s trended in the right direction, but I’m not convinced that 25 HRs last season wasn’t somewhat of a fluke.

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Jan 13, 2009 12:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Don't you buy into Zobrist's power surge?

That seems less predicated on reality than Joyce’s to me.

by rglass44 on Jan 13, 2009 12:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Zobrist did add like 15 to 20lbs to his 6'3 frame.

Tools Whore

Sign Bonds!

by Tyler on Jan 13, 2009 9:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Have you seen Matt Joyce without a shirt on?

by R.J. Anderson on Jan 13, 2009 9:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Gabe Kapler is unimpressed

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Jan 13, 2009 11:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't buy into it

I do buy into him being a better hitter than people give him credit for.

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Jan 13, 2009 11:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Please, call him Gabraham

by Erik Hahmann on Jan 13, 2009 1:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I guess I will have to since he is now A Gabe and not The Gabe.

Anyway, as I was lying in the puddle, I think I may have found a way for us to get Bonds and Griffey, and we wouldn't have to give up that much.

~George Costanza~

by Sandy Kazmir on Jan 13, 2009 2:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

This makes sense

That is a good explanation for not signing Rocco, Im happy to hear we werent just “not interested” in him and that it was actually financial problems. I guess I assumed that since we signed Burrell so cheap that we could also sign Rocco. I wonder what wouldve happened if we didnt get such an unexpected bargain on Burrell.

by Rays4242 on Jan 13, 2009 4:37 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

then we probably wouldve signed giambi then

TB Rays in 09!!!

by RaysOfHope on Jan 13, 2009 10:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

It's disapointing that the Rays weren't willing to give an insentive-laden contract to baldelli. Performance is something i figured they

by walkoffwalk on Jan 14, 2009 8:13 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

.'d be willing to pay for.

by walkoffwalk on Jan 14, 2009 8:13 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

They are,

and they have. And having invested in expected performance from players like Burrell and Nelson, they determined they had reached a limit and had to seek similar expected performance for a lesser cost.

The Rays have clearly been willing to pay for performance expectations. They have gone over slot in paying draft choices; they have extended young players. They have signed free agents. The issue was not whether they were willing to pay for performance but whether the expected returns, risks and alternatives made signing Baldelli the best choice, and they decided he wasn’t. They may be wrong, but they are probably right.

by bobr on Jan 14, 2009 9:15 AM EST reply actions 0 recs