Perhaps a positive spin on the tough run the Rays have been on lately

by nyyfaninlaaland on Sep 16, 2009 2:08 AM EDT

As of Sept. 15 standings Tampa is tied with Minnesota for the 15th and 16th best records in MLB, with the Chisox 1 GB in 17th.

Nothing to brag about, and the Rays aren't usually big FA market players, but should TB finish 16th or 17th, signing a Type A FA offered arbitration by their prior club would mean the loss of their round 2 pick rather than their round 1. Plus the Round 1 and Round 2 picks coming from not signing them this year could perhaps make that a more realistic and cost effective move then anticipated.

Meager possible compensation for a disappointing season for sure - but nothing wrong with looking for a small silver lining in the cloud. Can't say I can ID a possible or likely target at this point, but let your minds wander.

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

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And allow me to get speculative things started

and avoid the ignominy of 0 comments.

Bengie Molina.

by nyyfaninlaaland on Sep 16, 2009 2:21 AM EDT reply actions

I'd rather not go Molina's way.

by R.J. Anderson on Sep 16, 2009 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions

Perhaps a guy like Rich Harden (though his injury risk is probably high for this teams payroll)

Maybe a FA type A Of’er, we could turn around and trade at the deadline or whenever we’re ready to call up Deezy, assuming we trade CC that is.

the ghost of stokes, camp, lugo strikes TB-sept 2009

by CubFanRaysaddict on Sep 16, 2009 8:13 AM EDT reply actions

If we're chasing Harden, I would rather see that dough go to Sheets.

Embrace Eternity

by Sandy Kazmir on Sep 16, 2009 8:33 AM EDT up reply actions

Either one is a top 10 pitcher when healthy.

Though Sheets might not be ready until midway through next season, i’d love to have either, but would hate to see who they would replace in our rotation (whoever it is, we would be upgrading).

the ghost of stokes, camp, lugo strikes TB-sept 2009

by CubFanRaysaddict on Sep 16, 2009 9:00 AM EDT up reply actions

Any reason why?

Look at Harden’s contact rates. He’s a monster and has done it in the A.L.

by R.J. Anderson on Sep 16, 2009 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions

I know I know

I’m just more of a fan of Sheets. I’m thinking the time off will help him have a very good season next year. It’s hard for me to root for Harden, but one thing is sure, some teams are going to be burnt by these hurt arms and someone is going to find a steal. Any number crunching isn’t going to help measure the risk one way or another.

Embrace Eternity

by Sandy Kazmir on Sep 16, 2009 5:18 PM EDT up reply actions

Thing about Sheets is

he’s not a Type A due to missing the whole season, being unsigned in ‘09, so the premise isn’t relevant. Not criticizing your taste, but he doesn’t fit this specific parameter. No comp to sign him at all – making him even more attractive. Harden is a Type A.

I threw out Bengie Mo because of the C need, and that he might not be overly expensive, though I expect the Giants will try to resign him.

And remember these are merely projections at this point as of early Sept., but proved pretty accurate last year. The list is Eddie Bajek’s Elias projection linked on Cot’s. No doubting that Elias ranks are stupid, but makes for an interesting read.

by nyyfaninlaaland on Sep 17, 2009 12:44 AM EDT reply actions