The Rays Tank: Astros After Andrew Friedman, Broxton Interested In Florida, And One Urban Meyer Reaction

by Steve Slowinski on Nov 29, 2011 8:17 AM EST in The Rays Tank

Rays Talk

Oh uh, it looks like the Andrew Friedman rumor mill is starting back up again. The Astros fired their current GM yesterday in an effort to shake up their front office, and they are hoping to lure Friedman away from the Rays and back to his hometown. There have already been rumors out that Friedman is unlikely to leave the Rays, so everyone can step back from the ledge and relax. Every time a new GM position opens up, we're going to hear the exact same rumors.

The Rays have such a backwards rumormill. There are more rumors floating out there about their General Manager (okay, technically Executive Vice President) than about any particular player that they're interested in, yet they have already signed a player and made a trade while Friedman isn't going anywhere.

Also, there was a rumor yesterday that Jonathan Broxton is interested in playing for a team near his home state of Georgia. If he does want to play in the Southeast, that would seemingly give the Rays a large advantage in signing him. He could make his decision soon, so fingers crossed.

In other Rays news, there were a number of articles written yesterday about the Jose Molina signing and the John Jaso trade. I thought Jeff Sullivan over at Baseball Nation put together a great piece on the Molina deal -- it's such a classic Friedman move -- and Joe Soriano at Call to the 'Pen had a good take on the Jaso trade.

MLB Chatter

There are four non-Rays-related stories that you really must read today. Three of them are pieces of baseball research that I found useful and informative, and the other is a great column on some recent Florida news.

First, Jeff Zimmerman over at FanGraphs took a look at how star players (like Pujols or Fielder) age. The full study is interesting, and the general trend seems to be that they drop off more heavily in their 30s than normal players (but they also have further to drop). Also at FanGraphs, Matt Swartz analyzed how much compensation draft picks have impacted free agent salaries. It's somewhat surprising how much of a difference those picks have made.

Baseball Prospect Nation just finished releasing an entire series of articles on how to scout players for different skills. If you're looking for something to read to help refine your eye, look no further.

And finally, over at SB Nation Tampa Bay, Ryan Michaels wrote a column about Urban Meyer's time with the Gators and how Gators fans are taking the news of him accepting a position at Ohio State. Even if you're not necessarily a Gators fan, it's a fascinating piece and it gives you the perspective of someone that was a student during Meyer's tenure.

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Comments

Broxton

I would give him a minor league deal with ST invite and out clause by May 15th or something like that. This would probably not be enough to get him but it’s what I’d give.

This guy has not only been bad in 2011 but the second half of 2010 he was putrid.

After a solid first half in 2010 where he held opponents to a .585 OPS and struck out 55 to only 7 walks he flamed in the 2nd half allowing opponents to batter him to the tune of a .909 OPS and struck out 18 while walking 21.

Unfair to hold 2011 against him…12.1 innings of work.

Even though I am down on Broxton Tommy Rancel gives many other reasons why the Rays may be interested in him (here).

by MrNegative1 on Nov 29, 2011 8:51 AM EST reply actions

Judging by the amount of teams interested in him, it's going to take at least a one year deal loaded with incentives to nab him.

I’d be up for it, but it depends on the base salary. He might be willing to take a slightly lower deal to play near home, though…here’s hoping. And the Rays have had lots of success with one year relievers recovering from injury, so that track record might also look attractive to him.

I love Casey Fossum. Now try and take me seriously. -- @steveslow

by Steve Slowinski on Nov 29, 2011 8:58 AM EST up reply actions

I'd let this one slide

just because unlike Benoit there is a bidding process for his services.

Benoit and Cruz were both picked up late in the process. Benoit on February 15th and Cruz on February 3rd.

Broxton in November is a different animal than February.

If the Rays end up with him because he took a low base salary (<750K) and his incentives only brought him to 2 mil max then I’m all for it.

by MrNegative1 on Nov 29, 2011 9:14 AM EST up reply actions

All the Rays coaches are back on a two year deal--great news

follow me on twitter @sternfan10

by sternfan1 on Nov 29, 2011 9:21 AM EST reply actions

It is if you consider Maddon is only on a 1 year deal himself

Pretty much locks in him getting an extension

I'm not a fanboy, I'm a _______

by Jason Collette on Nov 29, 2011 9:29 AM EST up reply actions

Not if Shelton

is one of them.

by Blue or CONKZILLA on Nov 29, 2011 9:43 AM EST up reply actions

Why?

How much influence do you give him on the hitters? People wanted Hickey gone after 2010; do they feel the same way now?

I'm not a fanboy, I'm a _______

by Jason Collette on Nov 29, 2011 9:51 AM EST up reply actions

Orestes Destrade

Had some really interesting things to say about a hitting coach. He said that a hitting coach is fired when players stop seeking out his advice. He said a hitting coach in Tampa is always going to have to work harder than say a guy like Magadan in Boston because hitting is all repetition and plate appearances and the Rays will always have a lineup with several guys without a lot of either.

by MrNegative1 on Nov 29, 2011 9:55 AM EST up reply actions

Good insight

In my time around the team this season, I rarely saw Shelton sitting around reading a paper. I’d see him in conversations with some guys right after the game.

I'm not a fanboy, I'm a _______

by Jason Collette on Nov 29, 2011 9:59 AM EST up reply actions

Greatest argument against a hitting coach being relavent

How much of an effect Jaramillo and the Rangers splitting up changed things.

I put the screw IN THE TUNA!

by Transplanted on Nov 29, 2011 11:06 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

Silly people

WHat I see I see a hitter that is trying too hard not to be so pull-conscious. Look at his spray charts from last year and compare it to this year. He has already hit more balls the other way this year than he did all of last year. The process is not working so either go back to pulling the ball or go to the minors and have his wing reworked by a hitting coach who can get through to him. I don’t see Shelton as the right person for the job because you see these guys are mainly doing the same things over and over again and are not adjusting to what is hurting them.

sternfan10 -" i am one stupid SOB #Rays #DRB"
by Jason Collette on May 17, 2011 5:30 AM PDT up reply actions

Follow Me on Twitter @FreeZorilla

by FreeZorilla on Nov 29, 2011 3:20 PM EST up reply actions

That's why I don't make the hiring decisions :)

Certainly a bit of early season frustration on my part

I'm not a fanboy, I'm a _______

by Jason Collette on Nov 29, 2011 6:17 PM EST up reply actions

explain please?

Which players laid an egg with the bat this year?

Longoria? Zobrist? Upton? Kotchman? Joyce? Damon?

Can you explain a guy like Uptons or several other Rays success on the road vs home?

Is Shelton only a good hitting coach on the road?

Can a hitting coach improve a teams ability to hit with RISP? The Rays carried a .790 OPS with RISP in 2010 while scoring 802 runs and dropped to a .692 OPS with RISP in 2011 while scoring 707 runs. Is Shelton to blame for failing to hit with RISP?

by MrNegative1 on Nov 29, 2011 9:53 AM EST up reply actions

Yes, please

or is it due to the drop-off of talent that he had to deal with. Or, who is open to coaching and who is not.

I'm not a fanboy, I'm a _______

by Jason Collette on Nov 29, 2011 9:58 AM EST up reply actions

scratch Broxton -- he's going to KC per Rosenthal

I'm not a fanboy, I'm a _______

by Jason Collette on Nov 29, 2011 9:28 AM EST reply actions

the old "stay close to home"

rumor falls miserably short again.

Love the constant matching of free agents to location.

It usually comes down to opportunity + dollars with dollars usually weighted a little heavier.

by MrNegative1 on Nov 29, 2011 9:35 AM EST up reply actions

Very true.

And good call on this one. The bit on November vs. January is a good point.

I love Casey Fossum. Now try and take me seriously. -- @steveslow

by Steve Slowinski on Nov 29, 2011 9:39 AM EST up reply actions

February guy who may be available

coming off a down year and not as sexy as Broxton, Benoit, or other high ceiling guys may be Chad Durbin.

Durbin isn’t the sexy guy to talk about but may be a very usable piece in many roles for Maddon. If 2011 was his “damn, my arm is a little tired” season maybe the Rays can squeeze the rebound year out of him.

Not my first choice, but hell, looking toward February ain’t easy.

by MrNegative1 on Nov 29, 2011 9:58 AM EST up reply actions

Durbin is an ideal minor league invite type

Also would like to see where Wuertz & Zumaya are along with Qualls

I'm not a fanboy, I'm a _______

by Jason Collette on Nov 29, 2011 10:01 AM EST up reply actions

All good names

to keep an eye on.

by MrNegative1 on Nov 29, 2011 10:03 AM EST up reply actions

Boo!

MLBdirt
DraysBay
Figure Filbert

by jcmitchell on Nov 29, 2011 9:38 AM EST up reply actions

1 yr, 4M for Broxton

I guess he really wanted to be in KC

I'm not a fanboy, I'm a _______

by Jason Collette on Nov 29, 2011 10:13 AM EST reply actions

well

it’s better than the Brewers signing Gagne for 10 million a few years ago.

It’s contracts like this that make me really appreciate Andrew Friedman and the Raysian way.

4 mil…..don’t get it.

by MrNegative1 on Nov 29, 2011 10:17 AM EST up reply actions

small sample size stuff from Jay Jaffe

7.02 ERA, 35/32 K/BB ratio over his last 42.1 innings with the Dodgers since the late June meltdown after that one outing vs Yankees where he threw a ton of pitches

I'm not a fanboy, I'm a _______

by Jason Collette on Nov 29, 2011 10:19 AM EST up reply actions

White Sox looking to trade Thorton

Now that would be awesome.

Under construction

by joeybw on Nov 29, 2011 12:41 PM EST reply actions

not at $12M over 2 years it wouldn't

I'm not a fanboy, I'm a _______

by Jason Collette on Nov 29, 2011 1:14 PM EST up reply actions

They want a decent prospect and aren't expecting to give one

We can trade them a mid level prospect if they eat some of that salary, maybe.

Under construction

by joeybw on Nov 29, 2011 1:19 PM EST up reply actions

I'd be on that boat...

A Rays mid-level prospect is a Top 5 prospect in the White Sox system

by Jacob Larsen on Nov 29, 2011 1:24 PM EST up reply actions

maybe we can convince them Nevin can be AJ's replacement

by Dbullsfan on Nov 29, 2011 2:34 PM EST up reply actions

The White Sox are basically asking to be convinced to do things against their will.

@RealNolenBailey

by Hatfield on Nov 29, 2011 4:12 PM EST up reply actions

fortunately, they're not that bright

by AndrewTorrez on Nov 29, 2011 6:02 PM EST up reply actions

So the Mariners want Fielder and then they will trade Smoak

I say we go get another part of that Cliff Lee trade on our team.

Under construction

by joeybw on Nov 29, 2011 4:18 PM EST reply actions

Why am I getting warned for using cuss words.

It’s a word that is recognized in the dictionary. In the next century or so, it won’t even be recognized as a word that’s “bad”. It’s ridiculous to delete a comment for cuss words. I didn’t say anything offensive to anyone or anybody. I use cuss words as a tool for emphasis.

You moderators are mini-Hitlers. There, finally something worthy of being “warned” for, since it is offensive. But, mind you, I’m using Hitler here as a metaphor for how stringent (and terribly) you hand out warnings.

by Cory Alexander on Nov 29, 2011 4:20 PM EST reply actions 6 recs

eats popcorn

www.ottotd.com
Contact me! putupyourDUKES@dhazebay.com
END THE FED! Google Ron Paul!
†††If you love Jesus Christ and are 100% proud of it, copy this and make it your signature!†††

by putupyourDUKES on Nov 29, 2011 4:29 PM EST up reply actions

Respectfully

We are trying to be consistent with a no swearing front page policy. It has nothing to do with censorship or wishing to silence you. If we allow you to use a word that is objectionable to many for emphasis and don’t allow someone else it can get messy.

I read your comments and did enjoy them and personally have no problem with the language used. Keep the good thoughts coming but try and be mindful of the policy.

by MrNegative1 on Nov 29, 2011 4:45 PM EST up reply actions

yeah, don't really understand what's with this push to clean up language. used to be we could curse as we wanted to as long as it wasn't being directed at a person.

other SBN sites allow cursing, so who gives a shit? literally, i’m wondering who on the masthead is the impetus for this.

I could care less about your graduate degree-I was a full professor at Harvard at 34 and am a full professor at Columbia now in a theoretical field whose main tool is statistical mechanics. So can can come down from your high place.

by Buzzy on Sep 24, 2011 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions

by pudieron89 on Nov 29, 2011 5:16 PM EST up reply actions

I am

Take it up with me off-line if you have an issue with it. Gameday threads open season but profanity isn’t needed to make points in these discussions.

I'm not a fanboy, I'm a _______

by Jason Collette on Nov 29, 2011 6:14 PM EST up reply actions

Rays tank subjects

Are the Rays tank comments intended for all baseball related subjects or just the few topics they cover in the talk/chatter sections?

by MakeitRayn on Nov 29, 2011 6:24 PM EST up reply actions

What's covered in the story & other baseball-related events that come up throughout the day

If you miss the OTT threads, visit the boys over at ottotd.com

I'm not a fanboy, I'm a _______

by Jason Collette on Nov 29, 2011 6:29 PM EST up reply actions

If, for example,

I asked (commented in this tread) about Bobby V being signed before a post of its own would go up on this site. Would that be out of sync with what the Rays Tank is meant for? I Just prefer going to this site to discuss what like minded Rays fans think, instead of other bigger sites (i.e. BBA, ESPN, MLBTR). OR is that what OTTOTD is for?

by MakeitRayn on Nov 29, 2011 8:07 PM EST up reply actions

I don't think you'll be banned for talking about Bobby Valentine here, so I'm sure it's fine.

But your other suggestion is also an option for Bobby V conversation.

@RealNolenBailey

by Hatfield on Nov 29, 2011 8:09 PM EST up reply actions

Only banning if you talk about Joe Girardi

I'm not a fanboy, I'm a _______

by Jason Collette on Nov 29, 2011 8:23 PM EST up reply actions

That's fine -- baseball discussion

OTTOTD is for those that want a libertarian utopia for their postings

I'm not a fanboy, I'm a _______

by Jason Collette on Nov 29, 2011 8:22 PM EST up reply actions

The topic I was discussing in the comment deleted was.

I used profanity to add emphasis to the anguish and frustration I’m feeling about the whole Urban Meyer to tOSU discussion. I think it’s warranted to discuss that as a fan. We aren’t emotionless robots discussing topics. The point I made was that we, as Gator fans, should be allowed to feel disdain against him, when his reasons for leaving (Health and Family) are obviously BS.

But the policy will be followed in the future, but not happily.

by Cory Alexander on Nov 29, 2011 6:29 PM EST up reply actions

Other sites have it as well

such as bluebirdbanter. We are not alone.

I’m all about passion and emotion, but profanity isn’t necessary to make those types of points in non-game chatter. I’d love to drop that language in many of my conference calls and meetings on a daily basis, but I also value my employment.

I'm not a fanboy, I'm a _______

by Jason Collette on Nov 29, 2011 6:31 PM EST up reply actions

But see, that's a different issue.

Of course you aren’t going to drop F-bombs in a conference call or a business meeting. That’s the point. I go to sports to relieve stress and tension, to get away from the stress of shielding the actual emotions throughout the work-day.

Being a fan of something cannot happen unless you have the emotion and passion to drive you. You cannot expect everyone to express his or her passion with eloquent verbs and adjectives. Not everyone is an English major.

by Cory Alexander on Nov 29, 2011 6:36 PM EST up reply actions

Nor was I

I’m very active on 2 other fan sites and profanity isn’t permitted there either.

I'm not a fanboy, I'm a _______

by Jason Collette on Nov 29, 2011 6:44 PM EST up reply actions

I wholeheartedly disagree and am on the same page as JC.

Profanity isn’t needed. There are plenty of other ways to show passion. I have never used any profanity online yet I still have passion for the Rays. Speak it, don’t post it.

Besides, you never know who is reading this stuff.

by mr. maniac on Nov 29, 2011 6:54 PM EST up reply actions

you agree with a moderator, what else is new

by Buzzy on Sep 24, 2011 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions

by pudieron89 on Nov 29, 2011 7:02 PM EST up reply actions

Of course you are.

@RealNolenBailey

by Hatfield on Nov 29, 2011 7:46 PM EST up reply actions

The comment was removed because of the nonsense below it

I'm not a fanboy, I'm a _______

by Jason Collette on Nov 29, 2011 6:33 PM EST up reply actions

Well that's completely fine, but if comments are going to be deleted in the future...

Then notify the person of why it happened, not because “You’ve been warned again for using profanity on a front page post.”

by Cory Alexander on Nov 29, 2011 6:37 PM EST up reply actions

2 separate actions

I didn’t issue that warning, I just cleaned up the mess after it

I'm not a fanboy, I'm a _______

by Jason Collette on Nov 29, 2011 6:46 PM EST up reply actions

Fair enough.

by Cory Alexander on Nov 29, 2011 7:01 PM EST up reply actions

profanity is never needed, it's flavor. don't make this site blander than it's already become over the past month+

by Buzzy on Sep 24, 2011 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions

by pudieron89 on Nov 29, 2011 6:59 PM EST up reply actions

Site traffic is up 15% over this time last year so if the site is "bland", people apparently enjoy it.

The no front page profanity policy has been in place for a few months now and it is not going to change any time soon.

I'm not a fanboy, I'm a _______

by Jason Collette on Nov 29, 2011 7:15 PM EST up reply actions

I remember a time not too long ago where this room was the Charlie Sheen of SB Nation

We would do drugs together, cuss like sailors, screw hookers, gang rape other users. Now a days this site is more like Tim Tebow.

by Dome Biscuit on Nov 29, 2011 9:45 PM EST up reply actions

In other news....

Attention: sternfan1

I saw your tweet about deals being in place to bring back Damon and Kotchman. I assume its some kind of joke but I wouldn’t mind it being true in Damon’s case.

Under construction

by joeybw on Nov 29, 2011 5:36 PM EST reply actions

so when will tongue-in-cheek humor be officially banned instead of just surreptitiously being hidden?

by Buzzy on Sep 24, 2011 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions

by pudieron89 on Nov 29, 2011 7:01 PM EST reply actions

on topic discussion is always welcome

trolling is not. It is painfully obvious what is going on here this afternoon

I'm not a fanboy, I'm a _______

by Jason Collette on Nov 29, 2011 7:11 PM EST up reply actions

I'm just as disinterested in trolling as you are.

I don’t think that contributes to anything whatsoever.

But more rules usually mean less commenters. IJS.

by Cory Alexander on Nov 29, 2011 7:34 PM EST up reply actions

Point taken

There are 5 rules on the site. That’s it

The big five rules:

1. No personal attacks.
2. No slurs.
3. Keep an open mind, and use logic in arguments.
4. Stay on topic.
5. Limit the use of profanity to the gameday threads.

I'm not a fanboy, I'm a _______

by Jason Collette on Nov 29, 2011 7:45 PM EST up reply actions

Where did rule rule #6 go?

Am I the only one flagging this guy?
Seriously, do we have to wait for the money shot or a "F*** THE SOXXXXXX!" before we ban him? Doubleteapot… BAN HIM!!

by AlohaSox on Sep 28, 2011 10:20 PM CDT

by SandalsNoPants on Nov 29, 2011 8:14 PM EST up reply actions

Rule #6 applies to GDT's since that's the only place anyone has ever used it

I'm not a fanboy, I'm a _______

by Jason Collette on Nov 29, 2011 8:32 PM EST up reply actions

But why is the post no longer there?

Am I the only one flagging this guy?
Seriously, do we have to wait for the money shot or a "F*** THE SOXXXXXX!" before we ban him? Doubleteapot… BAN HIM!!

by AlohaSox on Sep 28, 2011 10:20 PM CDT

by SandalsNoPants on Nov 29, 2011 8:34 PM EST up reply actions

Not applicable right now?

Frankly, it was something the old crew had as a policy and something that was never official as long as it wasn’t crude in nature. It’s not on topic to this thread which is why it was hidden.

I'm not a fanboy, I'm a _______

by Jason Collette on Nov 29, 2011 8:36 PM EST up reply actions

I'm going to be straight up with you here.

I haven’t been around as long as “the old crew,” but I think you’re ruining this site with how uptight you’re making it. I’ll leave this thread now. I hope you can at least appreciate the honesty.

Am I the only one flagging this guy?
Seriously, do we have to wait for the money shot or a "F*** THE SOXXXXXX!" before we ban him? Doubleteapot… BAN HIM!!

by AlohaSox on Sep 28, 2011 10:20 PM CDT

by SandalsNoPants on Nov 29, 2011 8:42 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs

Thank you for your feedback

I'm not a fanboy, I'm a _______

by Jason Collette on Nov 29, 2011 8:50 PM EST up reply actions

Maybe you should take a peek at the website in my profile, Sandals.

@RealNolenBailey

by Hatfield on Nov 29, 2011 8:57 PM EST up reply actions

It's back

Let’s call it the Alfonseca Plan

The big six rules:

1. No personal attacks.
2. No slurs.
3. Keep an open mind, and use logic in arguments.
4. Stay on topic.
5. Limit the use of profanity to the gameday threads.
6. No anime (h/t to the legends that helped this place grow)

No more, no less. Six guidelines to live by. If this is too much for anyone, please visit our red headed stepsister site OTTOTD.com :)

I'm not a fanboy, I'm a _______

by Jason Collette on Nov 29, 2011 9:05 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs

I am glad you got rid of BJ Upton attacks

by Dome Biscuit on Nov 29, 2011 9:46 PM EST up reply actions

that would fall under numero dos

I'm not a fanboy, I'm a _______

by Jason Collette on Nov 29, 2011 9:59 PM EST up reply actions

i'm of the opinion that a certain amount of trolling is good to keep peoples' minds open. of course, that also depends on your definition of trolling.

plus, once you start on a crusade to eliminate trolling you a) chase people off and b) oppress opinions which may not actually be trolling.

by Buzzy on Sep 24, 2011 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions

by pudieron89 on Nov 29, 2011 7:54 PM EST up reply actions

FreeZo does it the right way

He gets you on your own words and shows you when you spoke him. All about that — holds everyone accountable.

I'm not a fanboy, I'm a _______

by Jason Collette on Nov 29, 2011 7:56 PM EST up reply actions

and I don't consider what he does trolling

But his role has a purpose, no matter how annoying it can be when you’re caught by it :)

I'm not a fanboy, I'm a _______

by Jason Collette on Nov 29, 2011 7:57 PM EST up reply actions

FreeZo was at his best yesterday.

@RealNolenBailey

by Hatfield on Nov 29, 2011 7:58 PM EST up reply actions

He never has a bad day

I'm not a fanboy, I'm a _______

by Jason Collette on Nov 29, 2011 8:32 PM EST up reply actions

does taking the 'no trolling' rule seriously

mean we can look forward to fewer front-page posts devoted entirely to SF1 and his stupid SF1isms? Because that’s change I can believe in.

by AndrewTorrez on Nov 29, 2011 8:58 PM EST up reply actions

That's the challenge model I was referring to earlier

If you don’t like what someone has to say because it’s too subjective, challenge them for the facts without making it personal. It’s about discussions and about trying to be the smartest person in the room. Everyone in this place can contribute in some way, shape, or form.

I'm not a fanboy, I'm a _______

by Jason Collette on Nov 29, 2011 9:03 PM EST up reply actions