Hank Blalock Reportedly Choosing Between Rays and Marlins

by Tommy Rancel on Mar 4, 2010 6:42 PM EST

As the unofficial search for an additional left-handed bat continues, Hank Blalock remains on the Rays radar, at least according to Jon Heyman. According to the lastest report, Blalock is choosing between offers from the Rays and Marlins. Foxsports' Ken Rosenthal reports the Marlins offered him a minor league deal a few weeks ago, but it was not a "front-burner item."

Recently, Freezo did a more comprehensive analysis on Blalock's career including his injury concerns due to Thoracic outlet syndrome. Instead of a career overview, I wanted to make a quick comparison for Blalock; one that could be come very popular should he actually sign with the Rays.

Once upon a time, Texas had high hopes for Blalock, but due to injury, Blalock never really reached his potential. Now, at age 29, he is looking for a job; any job and the Rays may be able to provide it.

In 2007, Carlos Pena was pretty much Hank Blalock. Pena, then 29, was a former Texas Ranger just looking for work. Also a formed hyped prospect, Pena had never reached his potential although he showed glimpses.

Since 2002, the year of Blalock's debut, you'll note a very similar weighted on-base average (wOBA) trend.

via www.fangraphs.com

Now by age...

via www.fangraphs.com

Looking at wOBA by age, you'll see that Pena finally reached that potential and peaked at age 29. Since then, he leveled off, but has maintained his status as an above average hitter.

In addition to the production similarities, the two share the same agent in Scott Boras. Boras has stated that he has not spoken to the Rays about an extension for Pena. However, if Blalock signs, Boras may give the Rays their short-term replacement should talks with Pena never get off the ground.

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do it

by daveh33 on Mar 4, 2010 8:13 PM EST reply actions

Ken Rosenthal reports the Rays have also offered a minor league deal

But have no interest in “bidding contest.”

www.draysbay.com, www.beyondtheboxscore.com, Twitter @trancel

by Tommy Rancel on Mar 4, 2010 8:20 PM EST via mobile reply actions

please sign with the rays

then we would have quite a dangerous combination of players at almost every position

--Gerald Wallace is the best player the Bobcats will have..... EVER
--Someone should slap Larry Brown and bring him back to reality..

by raysfan81 on Mar 4, 2010 8:30 PM EST reply actions

too bad there are only so many spots on the bench

I don’t really like the idea of having Blalock, Burrell, Aybar, and Pena all on the team b/c I don’t like any of them at a position besides 1B/DH

by Dbullsfan on Mar 5, 2010 12:32 AM EST up reply actions

Roster space question

Suppose we assume the roster contains 12 pitchers and 2 catchers, and further that, barring a trade, the following 7 are guaranteed roster spots: Pena, Zobrist, Longoria, Bartlett, Crawford, Upton and Burrell. That leaves 4 openings. I think we can assume the Rays still need a right fielder and that Joyce and Kapler are front runners to fill that role. Now there are 2 openings. Among the following candidates, which 2 would you choose come opening day?

Aybar, Sean Rodriguez, Brignac, Dan Johnson, Elliot Johnson, Shealy, Fernando Perez, Dillon, Ruggiano, Richard, Jennings, Blalock

If Blalock is chosen, is his role to be Burrell’s platoon partner, garnering him about 2/3 of the plate appearances, or will it more likely be as a reserve?

I love the idea of acquiring depth and talent, and despite his recent struggles, Blalock has talent. I hope the Rays sign him. But where does he fit besides as insurance at Durham? Whom does he displace?

by bobr on Mar 5, 2010 8:46 AM EST reply actions