Jason Isringhausen To Remain With Rays

by Tommy Rancel on Apr 1, 2009 11:08 AM EDT

Next on the decision desk is Jason Isringhausen. Marc Topkin reports that Isringhausen will be added to the 40 man roster and most likey be placed on the DL.

Friedman said there is no time limit or deadline on how long Isringhausen will rehab. He will spend most of his time In St. Petersburg but may also workout in Port Charlotte at extended spring training. --Heater

This was the only realistic way to keep Isringhausen in the organization without sending him to the minor leagues. He will receive his major league salary and is technically part of the major league team.

"You see guys coming off surgeries, arm surgeries, you've got to be able to go back to back days numerous times. I just didn't think my arm strength was ready for that. I think this is the right decision for everybody.''
"I love the team, love the guys, love the managment and the GM and everything. Kind of a no-brainer for me. I could have went somewhere else and pitched. I could have, but it's not the same situation. I want to pitch with these guys, and I want to help these guys win as much as I can.''--Heater

With the question marks still surrounding Troy Percival, this is a win-win situation. Troy Percival started to break down in mid-May last year which would be around the same time Isringhausen is ready. Hopefully Percy can stay healthy, but that is a big hope. If Isringhausen does log significant innings, I think we can expect an FIP of around 4 based on his track record and age which is still pretty valuable. Worst case scenario... he has nothing left at which point you just cut him loose.

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Comments

April Folls?

Swav or Die.

by SRQman on Apr 1, 2009 11:09 AM EDT reply actions

Wow, hell of a post there buddy

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Apr 1, 2009 11:09 AM EDT reply actions

A man of little to no words.

Swav or Die.

by SRQman on Apr 1, 2009 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions

This from a man who gets little to no action.

www.draysbay.com

by Tommy Rancel on Apr 1, 2009 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions

Touche

Swav or Die.

by SRQman on Apr 1, 2009 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions

Fine by me

His velocity isn’t there yet anyway. Let him rest up a while longer, send him on a 20-day rehab stint, then hope things shake out in the next couple months. Low-risk, high-upside move.

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Apr 1, 2009 11:13 AM EDT reply actions

Just like the Adam Kennedy deal

Keeps Major League ready depth one phone call away.

www.draysbay.com

by Tommy Rancel on Apr 1, 2009 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions

26 guys left on the roster

And time for the hard decision to happen, waiving Cormier if they cant find a trade for Niemann/Hammel

come on Friedman

Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart

by joeybw on Apr 1, 2009 11:13 AM EDT reply actions

I feel it's better to trade on the low side (value) than

to lose Cormier

With Bradford on the DL, and Nelson and Balfour having awful springs, losing Cormier makes little sense

by Raymondo on Apr 1, 2009 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions

Yup

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Apr 1, 2009 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions

are there no standards for placing a player on the DL?

he may not have the same velocity he once did, but he’s obviously 100% healthy…

by davidsmarch on Apr 1, 2009 11:18 AM EDT reply actions

He's still rehabbing. If he was 100% he'd have more velocity

www.draysbay.com

by Tommy Rancel on Apr 1, 2009 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

rec'd.

by walkoffwalk on Apr 1, 2009 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions

not recomended

there’s absolutely no reason to believe that at 100% healthy he would have more velocity, after a major shoulder surgery and rehab. he may, and probably will not, ever regain the same velocity he had, there is no reason to believe this is not his ceiling.

by davidsmarch on Apr 1, 2009 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions

The Rays apparently believe it, otherwise I don't think they'd be too hard pressed to release him.

by R.J. Anderson on Apr 1, 2009 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions

who's to say at 88-89 he's not a good pitcher?

by davidsmarch on Apr 1, 2009 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions

There are

But it’s obvious that he’s still building back up his strength, and if he’s agreeing to do it, then great. MLBPA won’t file a grievance if the player agrees to the arrangement, because each extra guy on the DL means that there’s another player drawing a major league salary instead of a minor league one.

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Apr 1, 2009 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions

He was hitting 91 last year and the years prior, if he's topping out at 88 a few months later I don't think he's 100% healthy.

That or his arm is toast.

by R.J. Anderson on Apr 1, 2009 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions

i thought his velocity was better in the early outings

by Raymondo on Apr 1, 2009 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions

I believe it was.

Which would imply his arm strength needs work. Like Brick alluded to.

by R.J. Anderson on Apr 1, 2009 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions

sure it does, he just had major shoulder surgery, he may never his 91 again...

by davidsmarch on Apr 1, 2009 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions

So this just came down to money?

All he wanted was the Major League Salary? I can’t say I like that mindset, but in the end it could prove to be a real win-win

Do what you love to do and give it your very best. Whether it's business or baseball, or the theater, or any field. If you don't love what you're doing and you can't give it your best, get out of it. Life is too short. You'll be an old man before you know it.

-Al Lopez

by Sandy Kazmir on Apr 1, 2009 11:25 AM EDT reply actions