DRBC Wishlist

by R.J. Anderson on Nov 12, 2007 7:14 AM EST

Here's what we've learned from our community wishlist: We need a shortstop and some arms in the pen. The most popular of players were catcher Damian Miller, shortstop Ronny Cedeno, and reliever Troy Percival at the same time as a whole we seem to be intrigued by Japanese relievers Kazuo Fukumori and Masahide Kobayashi as well as a plethora of shortstop options.

Perhaps the most intriguing option that popped up to me was Eric Gagne. The former Cy Young winner has been hit with steroid allegations and could be named in the soon to be released Mitchell Report, but despite that posted a good first half with the Texas Rangers before being traded to Boston. His agent is the notorious Scott Boras, and strategically the Rays could get into his favor by signing Gagne as a closer to a short term deal and re-sign Carlos Pena to a contract not seen by this organization since the Hit Show. Gagne's ERA jumped from 2.16 to 6.75 and his WHIP went from 1.05 to 1.87, clearly something went wrong there; the question becomes was this Gagne simply choking away on the largest stage he's played on -- even more so than Los Angeles -- or was he hiding another injury in hopes of not ruining a potential payday? Either way, adding Gagne gives the Rays quite a 7-8-9 inning combination with Dan Wheeler and Al Reyes providing the bridge.

The day before pitchers and catchers were set to report the Rays traded for Jae Kuk Ryu of the Chicago Cubs, we might see the same two teams hook up for similar deal this off-season. With that in mind the two top targets for the Rays and their six hole seem to be either a current or former Cubs' shortstop; Ronny Cedeno or Cesar Izturis. Neither present much of a hitting obstacle, but defensively and in terms of cost they're likely the most attractive on the market. Other options discussed include the Braves' Brent Lillibridge, the Dodgers' Rafael Furcal and Chin Lung Hu, the Yankees Alberto Gonzalez, the Angels' Orlando Cabrera, and possible import Tomohiro Nioka.

The one name that I'm shocked didn't pop up more? New homerun king Barry Bonds, talk about making a splash I could see the ESPN headlines now: "The Rays bring Devil back!" However like A-Rod he could make us money fast and get us exposure, not to mention what adding a potential .500 OBP to the lineup would do.

Ah the off-season, what a wonderful time.

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Comments

Re: DRBC Wishlist

I would love to get Barry Bonds. Gagne would be interesting but could turn out to be a good deal for us. The SS I would want the most is prob Orlando Cabrera or Cesar Izturis.

Should be an interesting off-season and I hope the Rays make the right moves.

by Flabull on Nov 12, 2007 8:55 AM EST reply actions

Re: DRBC Wishlist

Gagne is still filthy. His arm is fine and i think his issues are 100% in his head. He has lost confidence in his change which was the pitch that made him one of the most dominate closers for a 2-3 year stretch. I always thought he was a poster child for Roids but if im wrong and its just a guess, i think he would be a steal. I saw him pitch live a few games late last year in the trop and when he was on he was making some of our bats look real bad.

I say roll the dice with him and give him the closers job.

by bpoe13 on Nov 12, 2007 10:09 AM EST reply actions

Re: DRBC Wishlist

I want Furcal and Gagne... I kno alot of Braves fans that would come to see Furcal play here...they were sad to see him leave Atlanta

by Elgrandeplatano on Nov 12, 2007 10:09 AM EST reply actions

Re: DRBC Wishlist

Gagne only safe to play with a 12 run lead. I'd rather take the track record of Scott Linebrink.

by David Bloom on Nov 12, 2007 11:09 AM EST reply actions

Re: DRBC Wishlist

We had no problems this year putting Stokes in with no lead at all. I think Gagne would do fine here...shoot get both, we need them

by Elgrandeplatano on Nov 12, 2007 11:42 AM EST up reply actions

Re: DRBC Wishlist

Wow..

Im sure this is like all the crazy Crawford trade ideas but we sure have the depth of talent if Oakland is serious,

"The A's, concerned about a depleted farm system, reportedly are willing to consider trading right-hander Dan Haren. It would take the right combination of top-end minor leaguers, and it's not clear the Mariners would match up. But Haren, 15-9 last year with a 3.07 ERA and just 27 years old."

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/baseball/339256_mari12.html

by bpoe13 on Nov 12, 2007 11:52 AM EST reply actions

Re: DRBC Wishlist

I would love for the Rays to sign Bonds, perhaps one year with some sort of option if required to swing it. He was on my wish list, but I put him last not so much because I doubt the Rays would pursue him (although given the perception that he is not a good character they might be discouraged since they already have some baggage in that department) but because I think it unlikely he would come here. My guess is he wants a sure contender, and whatever we may think, that is not the Rays' reputation right now.

As for Gagne, I read somewhere (sorry, I cannot recall where so no link or reference) that despite his struggles in Boston he will command 3 years at least at big money, maybe even $10 million per year. He is on my list, but at that cost, I would hesitate. What I do like is that his K rate actually improved dramatically in Boston from 7.83/9 to 10.61/9, an indication his arm was ok. On the other hand, it was just 18.2 innings and was accompanied by a huge jump in walks and hits allowed, and the walks could result from physical problems.

by bobr on Nov 12, 2007 12:45 PM EST reply actions

Who knows

Maybe the DRO decides they want to make a splash.

by R.J. Anderson on Nov 12, 2007 2:54 PM EST up reply actions

Maybe Bonds would come here

For an incentive-laden contract with an option that kicks in if he meets certain performance standards.

by Patrick L. Kennedy on Nov 13, 2007 3:37 PM EST up reply actions

Gagne's cost

It's possible that Gagne signs a 3-year deal, but I could also see Boras try to get him a one year deal to rebuild his value since he finished so poorly after the trade. Then he would go for the kill with a 4/40 type contract.

by raysrule07 on Nov 12, 2007 2:59 PM EST reply actions

Re: DRBC Wishlist

This is an issue we have discussed at length on this forum. Here is a link to an article posted at the Baseball Think Factory about building a bullpen, using the Padres as a model. It overlooks the presence of Hoffman in that bullpen, but otherwise it reiterates a point that I have emphasized often. I still think it is valid and an important warning to the Rays as they dip into this year's free agent market.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/tom_verducci/11/13/padres.relief/index.html

by bobr on Nov 13, 2007 10:50 PM EST reply actions

Re: DRBC Wishlist

whether or not Bonds would help the team offensively or put more arses in the seats, Bonds will NEVER be a devil ray.

IF there is one thing this new ownership group is...it is image conscious.

for gosh sakes, they actually changed the name of the team because a few people "reacted negatively" to the term "devil". you think these same people would give millions of dollars to a guy that A) cheated the sport B) is under a federal indictment and C) is universally hated by baseball fans.

i would put that at "not very likely" as in about as likely as the Rays swooping in at the last minute and giving ARod 15 years and $450 million.

by RaysIndex on Nov 16, 2007 7:51 PM EST reply actions