Jake McGee Discusses Future in Bullpen

by R.J. Anderson on Dec 30, 2009 2:47 PM EST Comment 10 comments

Nice little piece from a hometown paper here on ol' Clockhands McGee:

That's good, because after being added to the 40-man roster last offseason, McGee has been invited to spring training in Port Charlotte, Fla. He will be given a chance to make the Rays opening-day roster as a bullpen arm -- a role that could be his future.

A starter his entire career since being taken out of Reed in the fifth round of the 2004 amateur draft, McGee doesn't mind the switch, which eventually could lead to a role as a setup man or closer.

"I'd like that role a lot," McGee said. "I'd be able to better focus and put all my energy into one batter or one inning, and not have to pace myself."

McGee pitched quite well out of the pen last year; tossing 22 innings in High-A with a FIP in the 3.2s. Obviously it's a bit premature to state whether he'll make his debut this year in the majors or not, but given indications in the past, it wouldn't be too surprising if he wound up there for the long-haul.

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Closer stuff!

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by Tommy Rancel on Dec 30, 2009 2:55 PM EST via mobile reply actions

would be awesome if he is MLB ready

Would be like signing/trading for another great RP

Fire and Ice: Rafael Soriano and J.P Howell.......with their side kick Grant the aussie Balfour!

by joeybw on Dec 30, 2009 3:20 PM EST reply actions

I know the Rays have to say "he may still be a starter"

but I think they already decided he’s a RP. I could see him as a closer in AAA if he doesn’t make the team

Fire and Ice: Rafael Soriano and J.P Howell.......with their side kick Grant the aussie Balfour!

by joeybw on Dec 30, 2009 3:37 PM EST reply actions

I can see him getting a late call up and helping out in the pen ala David Price.

by PhillyRays on Dec 30, 2009 3:37 PM EST via mobile reply actions

I dunno, I think he is closer

Price started that season in A ball, McGee will be in AAA or the majors and only throwing 1 or 2 innings at a time

Fire and Ice: Rafael Soriano and J.P Howell.......with their side kick Grant the aussie Balfour!

by joeybw on Dec 30, 2009 3:38 PM EST up reply actions

I see a very little chance he makes the club out of spring.

It’s not like we are thin in the pen. He hasn’t even seen AA batters in two years. He might see the Bigs by the end of the year or through an injury or two.

by raysrule44 on Dec 30, 2009 5:05 PM EST reply actions