Assuming we keep 12 pitchers, here's my guess to start the season....

by TheUltimateBucFan on Mar 3, 2009 11:47 PM EST

Curious to see who we come out of training with in the rotation (Hammel/Niemann loser going to 'pen if not traded) and bullpen assuming we have 12 of 25 roster spots to fill pitching. If Shields, Kaz, Garza, Sonny, Balfour, Howell, Wheeler, Shouse, Nelson are in, that leaves 3 open spots for Niemann, Hammel and Percy, Izzy, or Cormier to fill out the bullpen (Barring injuries to anyone).

I actually got these 14 names from another site, but couldn't agree more with the choices. Well, all except one. Troy Percival. I hope they dump him and his 4 million dollar salary. I'm not sure how much the Rays would get stuck with as far as paying him, but after watching him stay home in California and drink Natty Light instead of being the leader he's suppossed to be in the clubouse during the playoffs and World Series last year, I wouldn't mind being on the hook for the whole 4 million. I was floored how a guy with so much "knowledge and playoff experience" turned his back on his team like that. I'm going to assume that he was in some serious pain and wasn't able walk or something.

Just to clarify, I would go with Niemann as my #5 starter and I would probably take Hammel and Isringhausen for the last bullpen spots if both have a decent spring and shows each is healthy. But watch Joe Maddon make me look like a fool and pencil in David Price as the #5 and put Niemann in the pen.

This post was written by a member of the DRaysBay community and does not necessarily express the views or opinions of DRaysBay staff.

Tweet Comment 12 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

You're probably right.

Why would I watch Transformers when I can play with them at my house?

by .Taylor on Mar 4, 2009 2:14 AM EST reply actions

Unless Percival physically could not move he should have been here

That move was just as bad as Ronde Barber allowing Howard to catch that ball. I’ll never root for Ronde again.

by matthan on Mar 4, 2009 8:30 AM EST reply actions

I am assuming Percival starts the year on the DL.

I think the definite ins are right (the 4 rotation guys with Balfour, Howell, Wheeler, Nelson, and Shouse). I believe you rule out Percy who might start on the DL. So you have Niemann and Hammel because they both HAVE to be on the big team unless traded. If Cormier can be effective as a GB-inducer he could be the guy who replaces Bradford untill he’s healthy.

by rglass44 on Mar 4, 2009 10:20 AM EST reply actions

One name you forgot that might fill out the pitching staff

David Price

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Mar 4, 2009 11:21 AM EST reply actions

You're very generous with other people's money.

Cormier to me is a definite in, just by virtue of them signing him to a real deal. They are not just going to cut this guy since they need him to fill in for Bradford and can’t afford to go around eating $650K contracts. Maybe they trade him down the line, since Bradford will be difficult to unload on another team, especially now.

I think that the Rays are likely to make a deal in the next few weeks to send Hamel or Niemann out for somebody maybe a bit farther away but with options. I also believe that Hamel will be easier to deal, but will not yield us much upside return.

by Thejeffg on Mar 4, 2009 12:34 PM EST reply actions

See that's the thing, it's not my money. I know DRO won't take that much of a loss. However, I have seen more money flushed down the toilet in professional sports so to me, giving Percy the 4 million to be rid of him would be worth it....

Does anyone know if Percival is entitled to the loot if he is cut? Most of you are right, he will probably go to the DL. Maddon’s “loyalty” to himis too great to just get rid of him.

by TheUltimateBucFan on Mar 4, 2009 9:44 PM EST up reply actions

Yes, he's entitled to it if he's cut

But he’s also entitled to it if he takes the spot of a more deserving pitcher. Considering all the good things the front office has done, I don’t think people will jump on them too badly for cutting a $4M contract. It’s still less than the team owed Greg Vaughn for years in deferred comp after he was gone.

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Mar 5, 2009 10:11 AM EST up reply actions

This is how it should be

Although price should stay in the minors for a week or two i dont think its going to happen. He’ll be in the 5 spot. Neimann would be awsome out of the pen with his power pitches. Izzy should be the other spot until bradfords return. But the one getting traded should be Hammel. I think alot of teams are interested in him and we could get decent value. Also Niemann is a first rounder and we have invested alot in him…make him into the closer down the road and someone shoot Percival because he is horrible.

by LKMoreland on Mar 4, 2009 4:24 PM EST reply actions