DRaysBay: FanShots

I figured there was some level of interest here from a comparison standpoint. Sanchez hits for more power, and his defense at 2B appears to be pretty above average in comparison to Aki's plain'ol average, while Aki gets on base more.

The 2010 Rays ZiPS Projections

2009-10-31T19:24:02Z

The 2010 Rays ZiPS Projections

You'll be reading about these projections a lot in the coming months.

Minor League Releases

2009-10-29T16:16:15Z

Minor League Releases

The end of the line for JESSE DARCY.

Magic Tip-Off Tonight

2009-10-28T19:52:40Z

Magic Tip-Off Tonight

If you're a fan of the Magic but not a regular reader of 3QC then frankly I just don't know what you're doing with your life.

Blogger Nine Innings

2009-10-27T02:06:23Z

Blogger Nine Innings

My mini-interview with Jesse Spector of the NY Daily News. Follow him on twitter as @jessespector .

FanShots - Raw Charge - the static cling that brings Tampa Bay Lightning fans together

2009-10-26T20:17:13Z

FanShots - Raw Charge - the static cling that brings Tampa Bay Lightning fans together

Paul Ranger takes an undisclosed "leave of absence", for an undetermined length of time.

2009-2010 Orlando Magic Preview

2009-10-24T18:13:25Z

2009-2010 Orlando Magic Preview

The season tips off Wednesday. Check out 3QC throughout the season.

BEST POWER HITTER: C Luke Bailey (4) had a tough spring, including Tommy John surgery, but that...

2009-10-22T16:29:57Z

BEST POWER HITTER: C Luke Bailey (4) had a tough spring, including Tommy John surgery, but that shouldn't keep him from tapping into his plus raw power. He's got a bit more pop than OF Todd Glaesman (3). >>

BEST DEFENSIVE PLAYER: Bailey will be an asset defensively if his arm returns strong from elbow surgery. Glaesman may stick in center field and would be a premium defender in right. OF Cody Rogers (7) has athletic ability and plus speed that could make him a plus center fielder.

The legend of Luke Bailey grows. (Sub)

OT: Hedo v. Vinsanity

2009-10-21T17:06:17Z

OT: Hedo v. Vinsanity

This is why I read 3QC daily.

One year ago Today

2009-10-19T20:33:17Z

One year ago Today

Ah, the memories...

Want AFL Scouting Reports?

2009-10-19T17:51:43Z

Want AFL Scouting Reports?

Follow Frankie Piliere on Twitter. He's offering 50-100 full-blown reports via PDF if he gets 1k followers.

I'm not sure how many Rays will be included, but it's a pretty sweet package.

Nevin Ashley Calls Great Game in Strasburg Debut

2009-10-17T12:43:07Z

Nevin Ashley Calls Great Game in Strasburg Debut

Source: USA Today

"Strasburg's fastball was clocked between 94 and 98 mph by the Chicago Cubs' radar device. But in utilizing his sinker, Strasburg showed signs that he is more than the pure strikeout pitcher who once fanned 23 University of Utah hitters in a nine-inning game.

"That's something I kind of carried over from State," said Strasburg, who induced ground balls after each batter reached first. "Nevin Ashley (catcher Rays) did a great job calling the game. We were always on the same page. We knew to go to a sinker in those situations to get a ground ball.""

Rays performances:
Shawn O'Malley 0-3 1BB 2 K
Ashley 1-4 1K
Matt Gorgen 1 IP, 2H, 1 K

Arizona Fall League Kicks Off with 7 Rays

2009-10-15T00:34:54Z

Arizona Fall League Kicks Off with 7 Rays

Mitch Lukevics on Matt Gorgen:

"He needs to quiet down his delivery -- [have] a little more consistent delivery -- which will equal throwing quality strikes," Lukevics said. "And there's a difference between a strike and a quality strike, and I think Matt will have that opportunity to improve that in the Arizona Fall League."

"The first thing is he has a plus fastball and a plus slider," Lukevics said. "But the location of those two pitches is everything. With him, improving that and working on a changeup to help his repertoire, that's going to really help him in the long run."

"That's to be seen," Lukevics added. "And I say that because he has good enough stuff, but will the lessons be learned with his delivery and with throwing quality strikes? That's going to determine really what type of pitcher he will be in the future."

Source: mlb.com

Dewey Robinson To Be Co-Minor League Pitching Coordinator

2009-10-14T21:42:46Z

Dewey Robinson To Be Co-Minor League Pitching Coordinator

Per @brianmctaggart

Robinson is another former Astros pitching coach which probably puts Hunsicker's fingerprints on the move. I assume Robinson will work with Dick Bosman, who is the current coordinator.

The Rangers have announced that hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo has declined a contract offer and will...

2009-10-14T17:48:22Z

The Rangers have announced that hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo has declined a contract offer and will not return to the coaching staff next year. The remainder of the big league coaching staff has been invited to return for the 2010 season.

Newberg Report

Just got back talking to former manager John McLaren, who is in the stands scouting for the Tampa...

2009-10-14T17:37:05Z

Just got back talking to former manager John McLaren, who is in the stands scouting for the Tampa Bay Rays. McLaren just got back from a month-long stay in Italy, where he was managing MLB's academy in that country. He got a good look at Seattle's Class A team in High Desert this season and came away awfully impressed.

Geoff Baker (H/T LL)