Rays Reads: The Brandon Gomes Edition
by Steve Slowinski on May 3, 2011 8:00 AM EDT
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- Yesterday, the Rays demoted Alex Cobb back to Triple-A and promoted relief pitcher Brandon Gomes to the majors. This is simply the first shoe to drop, as the Rays still need to clear a roster space for Evan Longoria to return from the DL today. The popular opinion seems to be that Felipe Lopez is going to get DFA'd, meaning he'd be assigned to the minors but would have to clear waivers first, but RJ takes a look at the Rays other possibilities (like placing someone on the disabled list).
Personally, I have to agree with him: I'd prefer that the Rays had just demoted Cobb and called up Longoria instead of cutting ties with one of our bench players right now. Then again, Maddon has worked the bullpen hard over this weekend, and Felipe Lopez is very redundant now that Longoria is back. It seems silly to potentially lose a player like Lopez simply because of an overworked bullpen, so I'm going to wait to see what the Rays do to call up Longoria before passing judgement. - As Collette pointed out yesterday on Twitter, with Gomes promoted, three of the four players involved in the Jason Bartlett trade are now in the major and contributing to the Rays. Talk about a quick return.
- Gomes has only pitched a few innings in Triple-A this season, but it's enough to get me excited to see him in the majors. In 13.1 innings, he's struck out 22 batters (14 K/9) and walked only 5 (3.3 BB/9). He's let up 10 hits, but he still has a sparkling 1.35 ERA, 1.02 FIP. We'll see how it translates to the majors, but he's a really intriguing bullpen arm.
- For some reason I hadn't noticed this, but the Rays are straight platooning DanJo and Kotchman - Johnson plays against lefties and Kotchman against righties. It makes somewhat sense, at least when you consider that the Rays probably want to know what they have in Kotchman and DanJo before deciding to give either one the most playing time.
- Ben Zobrist won the AL Player of the Week award for last week. I find this amusing as Shields won it last week and Damon the week before; who's going to win it for the Rays this week?
- Rays Prospects has lots of great reads - as usual - but check out their breakdown of Rays hitting prospects. It's also worth checking out their post on pythagorean records across the Rays' organization. Very cool stuff.
- In case people didn't see our Facebook/Twitter note last night, we changed the prize on the Sam Fuld promo due to popular request. Since the winner may not be able to attend one specific game, we changed it to a $35 gift card (the full monetary value of the original prize package). You can still participate here.
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Addressing a couple issues
1- The 11 pitcher idea isn’t going to work, not when Maddon sometimes uses 4 to get two outs
2- Felipe Lopez was brought here for insurance in case Evan Longoria was injured. He was and he did. Now Evan’s back and Lopez should leave. The idea he’s a bench player is silly. Longoria is an every inning player, and we have Reid Brignac, Sean Rodriguez, Ben Zobrist and Elliot Johnson available to man SS and 2B. How many do you want?
follow me on twitter @sternfan10
I agree for the most part - it's going to be really difficult to find a place to play Lopez going forward.
I have a feeling he’s mostly just going to ride the pine if he stays in the majors, but I’m loathe to just give away a player and some of our depth as well.
The Rays hands might be tied in this, though. If they don’t think Lopez would react well to a limited bench role, or to spending time down in the minors again, they may have no real choice but to let him go at this point. It’s somewhat disappointing, as there’s some of our minor league depth gone (not to mention the guy got a $1M MiL contract from us) but what can you do?
I love Casey Fossum. Now try and take me seriously. -- @steveslow
by Steve Slowinski on May 3, 2011 8:22 AM EDT up reply actions
Waiting on Felipe
Lopez has really been in the tank with the bat for quite some time. Sure, maybe he’ll go back to the Felipe Lopez of old soon enough, but I don’t think that will happen in Tampa and I do believe it will require an org. to invest consistent playing time to him.
Just for perspective, with St.Louis/Boston (249 PA from July 1 to end of year)last year he had a slash line of .212/.287/.306 and with the Rays over his 76 PA he’s hit .222/.263/.347.
It seems to me that the lure of Felipe Lopez is being driven by some respectable numbers from 2008/2009, not from anything happening over his last 350 PA or so.
RJ brought up some good points about certainty with DanJo’s wrist and S-Rod thumb in his post. Both injuries would have to be considered minor for the Rays to let Lopez go, if there is a hint of DL time for either, that move would probably be made instead of letting Lopez go.
EJ and Sonny both have options right? Both are worse than Lopez without the demonstrated upside. Why not punt one of them up Durham way?
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Pretty sure Sonny does but not EJ. That was one of the things going for him this spring.
I love Casey Fossum. Now try and take me seriously. -- @steveslow
by Steve Slowinski on May 3, 2011 9:22 AM EDT up reply actions
Well, are we going to really lose him on waivers?
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 9:22 AM EDT up reply actions
OH NO
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 9:27 AM EDT up reply actions
I wouldn't be surprised at all if the Rays put someone on the DL to make room for all these players.
It’d be an easy way to clear up some of this mess for the next couple weeks, and then the Rays could re-evaluate around the time Howell was coming back.
I love Casey Fossum. Now try and take me seriously. -- @steveslow
by Steve Slowinski on May 3, 2011 9:21 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree
Lopez had a brief period where he hit well, not all that different from Kotch or Bartlett. He does play a more demanding position than Kotch but its not a need. He’s not in shape and has been dreadful at the plate. AT 32% O-Swing vs acareer 19%, Lopez is hacking. 5% BB, 28% K rate. 58% GB. He’s a poor mans Kotchman at the plate.
Follow Me on Twitter @FreeZorilla
O-Swing% doesn't tell you how good a batter is.
And he’s still outhit Kotchman since 2008 despite being non-first baseman infielder.
by R.J. Anderson on May 3, 2011 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions
On its own, sure
When you’re hacking way more than you ever have before, its a concern. Its his own baseline
Follow Me on Twitter @FreeZorilla
It's funny how when someone says that first bit about Felipe SF1 shuts his mouth, but say that about Kotch--who Felipe ha outhit since 2008-and he babbles like a schoolgirl.
by R.J. Anderson on May 3, 2011 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions
Agree with #1, but totally disagree on #2
I’m beginning to warm to your idea of SRod as a platoon guy at SS. If that’s the case then send down Elliot Johnson. Lopez has at least had career numbers that show he can out hit either of the blackholes at 1st
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 9:12 AM EDT up reply actions
what the fuck, he doesn't want Sean Rodriguez in a platoon, he wants him starting full time over Brignac.
the rest of us want him in a platoon.
@ptSuttery
I'm trying to be diplomatic
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 9:27 AM EDT up reply actions
Serious Question in a Hypothetical World
What would it take for you to want a SS alternative this season?
Follow Me on Twitter @FreeZorilla
Allow me to ignore your question and reply to you with this. I think Brignac's defense is good enough that they should try to find ways to get him on the field. He should be a liability vs RHP, so why not get him in there?
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 9:29 AM EDT up reply actions
Is this a troll?
My point is his approach at the plate is iffy. The Rays carved out his most opitmal matchups last year. This year he is drowning so far. The glove is probably way overrated on this site. In 750+ innings at SS he is slightly negative in both total zone and UZR. Not a huge sample, but I trust it over fanboys eyes.
Follow Me on Twitter @FreeZorilla
The F.O. loves his defense and he's gotten nothing but positive scouting reports.
I’m willing to give him a little more time to see if the defensive stats reflect that. Certainly he’s made some very excellent plays since starting the season poorly.
Again, I’d love to have a better option, but we can survive if he gives us an old fashion Bartlett 1.5-2.0 win season.
@ptSuttery
Only going by what's on the field, he has incredible range and a great arm. I don't know what to tell you, he seems to get to a ton of ground balls.
I get that you want to be Mr Counter Intuitive and bust up the DRB golden calfs, but you can’t seriously think he’s a below average defender
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 9:34 AM EDT up reply actions
No I don't. I think he's prob avg to slightly above
But thats not enough to play an abysmal bat. He deserves more time to see if he develops, but he seems to get a free pass.
Follow Me on Twitter @FreeZorilla
I wish someone had brought this up before.
If we could get somebody who has bat that actually plays and a glove that can carry short, I would shit myself.
Maybe it happens in a Beej trade. As of now, though,I want Brignac against RHP and S-Rod against LHP at short.
@ptSuttery
@ptSuttery
Anybody can make up quotes
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions
What was the date on that
2/9/11 on mine: http://dockoftherays.com/2011/02/09/player-preview-sean-rodriguez/
@SandyKazmir Die or Ride, You Decide
by Sandy Kazmir on May 3, 2011 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions
So who might even be around? SF1's bellcow is Hardy, who might be nice but I'm not totally sold on. Wilson? That's a defensive upgrade at best.
Maybe we can pry Juan Uribe out of LA!!!
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions
This is the problem.
It’s like our 1B situation. There just aren’t a lot of assets going around.
Speaking of Hardy, he’s not having a particularly stellar season after his hot start against us. 307 wOBA, all of which is in his slugging percentage (.400 clip) and a slightly above average year so far with the glove. If it’s an upgrade, it’s not much.
@ptSuttery
He's a pretty brutal defender too as far as I know
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions
Seems like everyone on both sides of the aisle agrees that UZR is an ineffective way to measure SS defense
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions
when talking small sample sizes, yes.
Like Tango or whoever said, it takes about three years of data to really determine a player’s true talent level via UZR.
@ptSuttery
Hasn't he been hurt for the last month, which has always been the knock on him?
@SandyKazmir Die or Ride, You Decide
by Sandy Kazmir on May 3, 2011 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions
It's SS, if the biggest beef is that he can't hit then I'm fine
And let the record show I have no faith in UZR when it’s grading a guy on essentially half a season’s worth of games. He’s got 767 innings at SS and a -1.1 UZR. Meanwhile, DRS has him at 6 in that same sample. He’s a good defender when you watch him, don’t let what amounts to 1/6th of a useful sample size color your judgement, FZ.
@SandyKazmir Die or Ride, You Decide
by Sandy Kazmir on May 3, 2011 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions
There are certainly blind adherents (much like you and Ashley, or SF1 and Bartolo Colon) but you know its not a free pass. He keeps making outstanding defensive plays.
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions
My point being that I think the defense is good enough to carry him against RHP. It would be really great if he would stop sucking shit at the plate, but he should be able to turn it around.
He’s not a star, but one month of awful production doesn’t make it outside the realm of possibility that he can be good
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 9:39 AM EDT up reply actions
I don't think using UZR to judge his defense at this point is particularly fair.
I don’t think FreeZo with An Agenda™ is giving him enough credit for some of the defensive plays he’s made. Maybe he’s one of those cats that’s gifted but inconsistent, but I think he can very easily replicate an old fashion Bartlett season.
@ptSuttery
And to add to that, with the exception of 2009, this team has never had an above average offensive season from a SS #probably #notlookingitup
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 9:42 AM EDT up reply actions
I think Lugo had a couple years, but like I've said before: Bartlett was below average with the bat and only slightly above average with the glove in 2008
There is a very low standard at shortstop.
@ptSuttery
I meant to say never had an above average offensive season from a shortstop that didn't put his wife through a windshield. Sorry
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
for Brignac to play SS for us, he'd have to be Omar-like
with his glove, and he ain’t
follow me on twitter @sternfan10
That's not true
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions
For someone that helped Abner Doubleday lay out the groundrules, you sure don't know shit about this game
@SandyKazmir Die or Ride, You Decide
by Sandy Kazmir on May 3, 2011 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions
I can tell you this Reid Brignac's ceiling is Ian Desmond
That was easy. You honestly think he couldn’t even have a Yuni Betancourt type of career. I’ll take low OBP/high SLG out of the 9 hole with very good defense.
@SandyKazmir Die or Ride, You Decide
by Sandy Kazmir on May 3, 2011 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions
Brignac's wOBA last year is roughly equal to Hardy's this year.
by R.J. Anderson on May 3, 2011 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh, so you mean Brignac would be playing shortstop anyways.
by R.J. Anderson on May 3, 2011 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions
Yuni Betancourt is still a starting SS
You dumb
@SandyKazmir Die or Ride, You Decide
by Sandy Kazmir on May 3, 2011 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions
Again, the Rays carefully crafted which pitchers Reid faced for the most part last year
Follow Me on Twitter @FreeZorilla
I get that he's hacky, but holy hell, it's not like Rodriguez or Shoppach are much better.
by R.J. Anderson on May 3, 2011 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions
Brigbac will never hit, and unlike SeanRod he hasn't developed a BB% worth a damn
follow me on twitter @sternfan10
Is that on purpose or on accident. I need to know before I make it a meme
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions
Rodriguez has a 6.7 percent career walk rate, Brignac 5.4.
Huge difference, obviously. Oh wait, Brignac strikes out 4 percent less.
by R.J. Anderson on May 3, 2011 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions
i'm really tiring of your selective stats
both being young players, even you consented Sean Rod had improved much in that area, and his minors career suggested he would. Not true with Brignac
follow me on twitter @sternfan10
You brought up walks, I just said he also strikes out less.
Stop whining so much.
by R.J. Anderson on May 3, 2011 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions
And if someone disagrees with you it's selective analysis.
I get that you want attention and therefore have to appeal to the simpletons with Kotchman love and “Dopez” but really, it’s tiresome.
by R.J. Anderson on May 3, 2011 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions
The funny thing is, I don't even really care about Felipe Lopez.
I’m just tired of you people acting like he’s the devil because he doesn’t run hard. “Cancer” whatever.
by R.J. Anderson on May 3, 2011 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions
says the guy who would welcome
Dukes and Bradley on this team with open arms
follow me on twitter @sternfan10
if you're attempting to lump
Manny in with those 2 based on off the field issues you failed
follow me on twitter @sternfan10
I know this is hard for you to remember, because you clearly forgot when you called Joyce a Quad-A player
But Bradley didn’t have many off the field issues when I wanted him.
by R.J. Anderson on May 3, 2011 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions
now we're limiting Joyce's potential because we're quasi-platooning him.
Which doesn’t matter, because we’re in the business of winning games, not filling out All-Star ballots.
@ptSuttery
And what off the field issues does Felipe have, sunshine?
Maybe a DUI? I don’t recall him being arrested recently.
by R.J. Anderson on May 3, 2011 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions
Has anyone but you brought up Felipe's character in this thread?
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions
He compared him to Bradley/Dukes and reference off the field.
by R.J. Anderson on May 3, 2011 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions
After you brought up the "cancer"
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions
Because nobody knows whether he's all that bad in the clubhouse
And acting like he somehow hurts his teammates is just silly.
by R.J. Anderson on May 3, 2011 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions
You brought that up though, everyone else here was (rightly or wrongly) sticking to performance
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions
I think you're sick of being proven wrong by your own stats
Read more, post less
@SandyKazmir Die or Ride, You Decide
by Sandy Kazmir on May 3, 2011 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions
fyi SK--after this i will no longer espond to a post from you so proceed as you wish
follow me on twitter @sternfan10
Lol
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions
"I don't post on DRB anymore"
“Okay, if an hour ago is anymore”
by R.J. Anderson on May 3, 2011 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions
Yes, you posted in the GDT an hour before that tweet.
by R.J. Anderson on May 3, 2011 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions
really tiresome RJ--don't have to defend myself
to you—i’ll let Maddon and Friedman do the rosterbating of this team, and tweet accordingly
ps 1 hour or so b4 game time
follow me on twitter @sternfan10
This isn't a competition, I just want the team to be as good as possible.
And I think it needs Lopez to fit that bill. I’m not going to cry if he goes.
by R.J. Anderson on May 3, 2011 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions
You've said that about 15 times and I've tried to do the same to you, but it's just impossible to not refute the utter
baby feces that dribbles between your lips every time you try to talk
@SandyKazmir Die or Ride, You Decide
by Sandy Kazmir on May 3, 2011 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, Roddy walks
Your stupidity makes me wonder how you’ve lived this long. You’re basically the Casey Kotchman of life. Keep taking a bad approach and somehow you haven’t been found in a gutter yet. Keep it up!
@SandyKazmir Die or Ride, You Decide
by Sandy Kazmir on May 3, 2011 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions
The same amount as Will Rhymes who was just sent down
Rhymes was the 2nd to last player with 50 PA to achieve an XBH. The island is Reid’s alone. I’m not arguing Reid needs to be replaced. I’m wondering what the time frame assuming Reid is struggling sub-.300 wOBA where people would grow impatient.
Follow Me on Twitter @FreeZorilla
Umm, 750 innings over the last four seasons?
Hasn’t he supposedly improved a lot more recently?
I love Casey Fossum. Now try and take me seriously. -- @steveslow
by Steve Slowinski on May 3, 2011 9:35 AM EDT up reply actions
25% of the sample is this year. 44% last year. Only 21 innings in 2008.
Follow Me on Twitter @FreeZorilla
More innings from 2009 than from 2011.
I dunno – considering how unreliable defensive stats are in small samples, this feels to me like citing a player’s matchup stats against a particular pitcher over the last four years and trying to draw conclusions from it.
UZR does temper my thoughts about him, but the org seems to love his defense too.
I love Casey Fossum. Now try and take me seriously. -- @steveslow
by Steve Slowinski on May 3, 2011 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions
By definition there are 15 SSs with a better than average UZR/TZ and 15 that are below. Average is is floor and I'm very happy with that
@SandyKazmir Die or Ride, You Decide
by Sandy Kazmir on May 3, 2011 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions
*shouldn't be a liability*
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 9:32 AM EDT up reply actions
If we could get somebody who has bat that actually plays and a glove that can carry short, I would shit myself.
Maybe it happens in a Beej trade. As of now, though,I want Brignac against RHP and S-Rod against LHP at short.
@ptSuttery
Wow, so you defend Bartlett for his slow start last year, but want to throw Brignac under the bus after 70 plate appearances?
by R.J. Anderson on May 3, 2011 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions
Just askin questions
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions
Bartett's slow May where I defended him agaisnt seemingly the online world
featured a wOBA of .304. His worst month June was still about .100 OPS points higher than Reid’s currently is
Follow Me on Twitter @FreeZorilla
I forgot what this stands for
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions
That was my idea
nobody chirped a peep about them platooning until I mentioned it.
@SandyKazmir Die or Ride, You Decide
by Sandy Kazmir on May 3, 2011 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions
LET THE RECORD SHOW THAT WAS SANDY'S IDEA
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions
He can face righties so that we don't have to see Sean Rodriguez continue to suck ass against them
@SandyKazmir Die or Ride, You Decide
I'm not entirely sold on the Kotchman/Johnson strict platoon
I’m sure Johnson may get a start here and there v a tough LHP probably tonight, but he needs to hit his way back, before i’ll call it a strict platoon
follow me on twitter @sternfan10
except for the fact that they've clealy been platooning the last ten games, you're absolutely right
@ptSuttery
Wondering if the Rays might try to get Sonny or Russell down to Durham
and seeing if Gomes can be a capable reliever
Vroom vroom party starter
www.raysprospects.com
Hence "try"
Vroom vroom party starter
www.raysprospects.com
by Imperialism32 on May 3, 2011 8:45 AM EDT up reply actions
Why?
There is such a difference between AAA and MLB. Give Russell some time. There is little reason to suspect the other two off an improvement
Follow Me on Twitter @FreeZorilla
6 walks, 4 strikes
Vroom vroom party starter
www.raysprospects.com
by Imperialism32 on May 3, 2011 9:11 AM EDT up reply actions
Stuff wise of course.
His pitch sequence is a disaster. One AB he will throw all sliders while he throws all fastballs the next one.
Just print out the twitter of our argument yesterday. I'm sure that I'm going to make the points the Anti-Russel side (correct side) would make, and you'll rebut the same way (wrongly)
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions
Minor league K/BB numbers aren't great
(Yes I know much of that was as a starter)
Vroom vroom party starter
www.raysprospects.com
by Imperialism32 on May 3, 2011 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions
Isn't a bit of that in the PCL too?
If anything, you should be jumping on Ramos’ back. He’s the one who didn’t impress in the minors and doesn’t have great stuff.
by R.J. Anderson on May 3, 2011 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree with that too
But he should be okay in a specific loogy role, no? I don’t have his splits in front of me.
Vroom vroom party starter
www.raysprospects.com
by Imperialism32 on May 3, 2011 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions
Probably, just like Russell should be fine in a ROOGY role at absolute worst.
by R.J. Anderson on May 3, 2011 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah
I guess my point was that instead of just saying “yeah, we’re okay” it’s worth trying guys like Gomes out. Not at the expense of losing players, of course, but would Russell really be a waiver candidate? I honestly don’t know.
Vroom vroom party starter
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by Imperialism32 on May 3, 2011 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions
There is no doubt in my mind someone would snatch him up.
by R.J. Anderson on May 3, 2011 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions
If Howell comes back, and Gomes is pitching well, and they want to keep Ramos
Wouldn’t Russell probably be the guy to go? In this scenario (which, yes, involves a lot of ifs) I’m not sure losing him is a huge deal.
Vroom vroom party starter
www.raysprospects.com
by Imperialism32 on May 3, 2011 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions
Yes, that clearly wasn't said in this very thread an hour ago
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions
You've got a little RJ seed on your chin
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions
I figure they want a long man
In case (or for when) Niemann blows up
Vroom vroom party starter
www.raysprospects.com
by Imperialism32 on May 3, 2011 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions
He threw 39 pitches Friday
Sonny has thrown 59 as a season high. I think he could handle that.
by R.J. Anderson on May 3, 2011 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions
Sweet, that should give him the opportunity to give up way more than just 2 runs per appearance
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions
I like how people wanted him gone a month ago but now he's supposedly more valuable than Felipe Lopez.
by R.J. Anderson on May 3, 2011 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions
Sonny gets to hang out in the bullpen and smoke cigarettes.
Lopez goes to the plate and looks like a dick.
The uselessness is more noticeable.
@ptSuttery
I disagree. Felipe can only make an out (or possibly two). Sonny can give up runs.
Why would Sonny be able to not play, and Felipe be forced to?
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions
Also, Felipe has a 9.2 percent walk rate for his career.
So, let’s hate on him for not walking yet, but ignore Damon’s troubles. Okay.
by R.J. Anderson on May 3, 2011 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions
Apparently Damon is actually above league average. Wow.
Offense really is down.
by R.J. Anderson on May 3, 2011 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions
Also Damon seems to make a ton of contact, and unlike his first week, it's good contact
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions
And he's had some awesome multi-hit games.
Lopez really hasn’t done much of anything. he’s been worse than Brignac with the bat, that’s how fucking bad he’s been.
@ptSuttery
You forget his bat flip in Chicago so easily?
by R.J. Anderson on May 3, 2011 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions
Sam Fuld hit one for god sakes
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions
Speaking of which
Lopez was hitting .316 .350 .553 through his first 40 plate appearances. Massive slump since, but he was fine for a little while there.
by R.J. Anderson on May 3, 2011 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions
More extra base hits.
Even with an inflated BABIP Kotchman’s ISO is below career norms.
by R.J. Anderson on May 3, 2011 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions
He's hit .118 .167 .118 in 36 since.
That’s … not good.
by R.J. Anderson on May 3, 2011 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions
He makes a lot of contact, but he's still below his norms in walks.
Ideally he gets that back up to pace.
by R.J. Anderson on May 3, 2011 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions
LA is around .312, you can say that again
@SandyKazmir Die or Ride, You Decide
by Sandy Kazmir on May 3, 2011 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, I thought LA would be at least .320, but man, that's spooky.
by R.J. Anderson on May 3, 2011 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions
It's early, temps will go up and pitchers will get worn out
@SandyKazmir Die or Ride, You Decide
by Sandy Kazmir on May 3, 2011 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions
Or Teh Garfoose
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions
Is Russell much better than Hayhurst?
Fastball velo aside
Vroom vroom party starter
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by Imperialism32 on May 3, 2011 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions
Russell AAA: 7.8 K/8 4.3 BB/9
Hayhurst AAA: 8.6 K/9 2.6 BB/9
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by Imperialism32 on May 3, 2011 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions
Hayhurst's stuff isn't going to work in the bigs.
Guys like he and Edgar Gonzalez can look good in Triple-A because the batters aren’t as smart or talented. It’s the same reason DanJo can hit 30 homers there but probably not top 20 here. He can use his eye and discipline to get into hitters counts and sit on fastballs.
by R.J. Anderson on May 3, 2011 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions
Fair enough
I don’t totally agree, it’s not like Hayhurst is a total junkballer.
Vroom vroom party starter
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by Imperialism32 on May 3, 2011 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions
He has 39 innings in the majors
And 6.18 K/9 and 4.35 BB/9. Russell in 60-something major league innings is at 8.07 and 4.45.
by R.J. Anderson on May 3, 2011 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions
So Russell's K/9 jumped 2.0 from the minors to majors?
Not buying that as real even in a relief role.
Vroom vroom party starter
www.raysprospects.com
by Imperialism32 on May 3, 2011 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions
I don't really get your thing against Russell to be honest.
If he’s being used more optimally against mostly righties (and I don’t know that he is, just spitballing here) there is a chance that rate can jump up.
by R.J. Anderson on May 3, 2011 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions
I just hate his lack of control
I hate relievers that can’t throw strikes almost as much as guys with no command that get rocked.
@SandyKazmir Die or Ride, You Decide
by Sandy Kazmir on May 3, 2011 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions
That would obviously be ideal then
Vroom vroom party starter
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by Imperialism32 on May 3, 2011 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Sonny going down would probably be the way to go.
Although then I’m left wondering when we’d change things to call him back up. Howell won’t be back for a couple weeks still, I think, and some bench player will have to go eventually. If we don’t cut Lopez now, it’s just a matter of time.
They could probably sneak EJ through waivers if they wanted to try that.
I love Casey Fossum. Now try and take me seriously. -- @steveslow
by Steve Slowinski on May 3, 2011 8:59 AM EDT up reply actions
It depends if they send Ramos down for Howell
I don’t think they will but it’s possible.
Vroom vroom party starter
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by Imperialism32 on May 3, 2011 9:12 AM EDT up reply actions
True - I also don't think they'll do that, but you never know.
I think it’s really tough to predict right now because I’m not sure the Rays know exactly what they’re going to do either. It’ll depend on how Gomes pitches during his time up, as well as how everyone else plays. And if Sonny were to get sent down, then the next one to go would definitely come down to Lopez or EJ.
I love Casey Fossum. Now try and take me seriously. -- @steveslow
by Steve Slowinski on May 3, 2011 9:19 AM EDT up reply actions
I really like EJ's flexibility...I liked him more than Lopez before the year, and I haven't seen much to change my mind.
The more we’re talking, the more fine I am with Lopez getting DFA’d. I’d still like to keep him as depth in the org, but just not sure if that’s possible.
I love Casey Fossum. Now try and take me seriously. -- @steveslow
by Steve Slowinski on May 3, 2011 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions
This
Elliot beat him out in Spring. Yes he had roster flexibility on his side, but his skill set is better suited for a guy who gets few starts and is used situationally.
Follow Me on Twitter @FreeZorilla
Yeah, i tend to think E.J. is useless, but at this point, he is more valuable than Lopez.
@ptSuttery
We're comparing him to Elliot Johnson, chief.
At one point, Elliot was nearing 50 percent of his PA ending in strikeouts or bunts.
by R.J. Anderson on May 3, 2011 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Is his glove even that good?
I really don’t know, but the incident where he made no effort at the ball versus Minnesota still sticks out in my mind, same with the bobble versus Boston.
by R.J. Anderson on May 3, 2011 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions
No, it fucking isn't
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions
Probably not.
Johnson, Kotchman and Lopez are all pretty bad players. Atleast Kotchman is producing at the moment, regardless of its sustainability.
I don’t really care which goes.
@ptSuttery
Lopez has still outhit Kotchman since 2008, even with 2011 included.
That says a lot about both, but then again, rather have both given current team than Sonny.
by R.J. Anderson on May 3, 2011 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions
I don't think you can argue Lopez defensively over Kotchman due to position but not make the case for Elliot
Follow Me on Twitter @FreeZorilla
Elliot had one BABIP-inflated AAA season with the bat
His entire value is glove/speed and I’m not sure how good the glove is.
Vroom vroom party starter
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by Imperialism32 on May 3, 2011 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions
Please rename this article to "The Rays R/A Roundup"
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
Hmm, I actually really like that.
I love Casey Fossum. Now try and take me seriously. -- @steveslow
by Steve Slowinski on May 3, 2011 9:15 AM EDT up reply actions
It will be interesting to see just how quickly FZ appears after this post
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 9:16 AM EDT up reply actions
He didn't start here, but he materialized in the thread immediately
Why?
There is such a difference between AAA and MLB. Give Russell some time. There is little reason to suspect the other two off an improvement
Follow Me on Twitter @FreeZorilla
by FreeZorilla on May 3, 2011 9:16 AM EDT up reply actions
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 9:17 AM EDT up reply actions
His google alert for "Canzler" bypasses his computer and phone and is blared to him over pa system
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 9:23 AM EDT up reply actions
This is a snowballing pile of nonsense
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 9:28 AM EDT up reply actions
Yes? That's how it's spelled.
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 9:30 AM EDT up reply actions
I'm missing your joke
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 9:32 AM EDT up reply actions
That's me, I'm that humorless piece of shit who laughs at jokes about sciencefiction characters farting on each other
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 9:34 AM EDT up reply actions
That's me, I'm that guy who is excited by profanity
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 9:39 AM EDT up reply actions
RUH ROH
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 9:30 AM EDT up reply actions
NOOOOOOOOOO
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 9:49 AM EDT up reply actions
We don't want Damon going on the DL, do we?
After seeing him out there, I don’t think Damon can make it in the OF anymore.
*rolls around on the field like a child, pops ball up to BJ*
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 9:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Samesies, we looked at each other like did that just happen
@SandyKazmir Die or Ride, You Decide
by Sandy Kazmir on May 3, 2011 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions
Obviously if his cleats touch the field he will be getting hurt.
It’s not like he’s played 140+ games every year for the last half century or anything.
Maybe we can play him out there in away games, but he's already bitched about the Astro Turf *tm*
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Better ask him
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions
.881 OPS?
Very good, not raking
Vroom vroom party starter
www.raysprospects.com
by Imperialism32 on May 3, 2011 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions
It strikes me that he's worth a try, given what our 1b/dh sitchiation looks like
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 9:52 AM EDT up reply actions
I wish our situation were such that we could have DanJo on the roster specifically for PH duties. I think that's his destiny
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions
He's still got a good eye and ice in his veins. You telling me you wouldn't want him as a PH in the 9th in Fenway?
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "how bout Fergs at nest home stand..SuperCyberMan?"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 3, 2011 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions
It's too bad DanJo got that PA on 4/29
They could have retro-DL’d him back to 4/28 and only had to sit him for 10 games
@SandyKazmir Die or Ride, You Decide
It appears there are two issues to be resolved here
1- What will the roster move be that allows Longoria to return? 80% Lopez 20% EJohnson go
2- Will Dan Jo/Kotchman be a STRICT platoon? I say no
follow me on twitter @sternfan10
And Nobody
Touched on who will be the best bet for Rays Player of the Week candidate. I’m going to go on a limb and suggest that Evan Longoria pulls a Grady Sizemore and has a monster week. Why the hell not.
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