Ray Sign Two More to Minor League Deals

by R.J. Anderson on Jan 14, 2009 7:40 PM EST

Jason Bowers is a former middle infielder in the Pirates organization. He's basically a Double-A/Triple-A utility man. Ronnie Merrill seems like an apt comparison, which is to say that you shouldn't expect Bowers name to come up during the season. Oh, and he's also nearly 31.

Jason Cromer is a re-signing. He's spent all but one season in the Rays organization. More filler. Cromer began his Rays career in 1999.

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Completely unrelated

Rich Hill. Out of options with the Cubs, started off his career as a above average starter but control problems have lead to a shuttle ride back and forth between the majors and AAA. Looking at his splits, he has done very well versus left handed hitters, including a career .210 BA. As many of you know, he has a dominant curveball. He also strikes out over a batter per inning, but also walks 4 over batters per 9 IP. As we all all know, control becomes less of an issue in the pen, especially when you are a left handed specialist only facing lefties.

Do you think we could trade Wheeler straight up for Hill. Get some salary relief and a left handed project in the process. Since letting Wood walk, they are relying a lot of Marmol to close games and Gregg to be the primary set up guy. They could use a veteran like Wheeler in the back end and they have the money to take him on since trading DeRosa and Marquis. The one big negative is that Hill is out of options, so if he didnt make the bullpen, he would have to be passed through waivers or traded.

Just an idea.

by BossmanJunior333 on Jan 14, 2009 8:40 PM EST reply actions

i would call them and try it

TB Rays in 09!!!

by RaysOfHope on Jan 14, 2009 10:30 PM EST up reply actions

hmm

I initially wasn’t going to support this idea, but if we can rid ourselves of Wheels contract while getting a guy who has put up above league average numbers as a LH starter…Why the hell not, while Hill is not pitching well in winter ball either, but his history points towards him becoming a dominating player (Regardless of the last 12 months), although he could most likely be had for less than an ‘established set-up man’ he would easily be worth giving a shot to while getting rid of around $10 mil in contract obligations

'talkin 'bout practice?

by CubFanRaysaddict on Jan 15, 2009 12:12 AM EST up reply actions