Navigation: Jump to content areas:

Network Bar & Login
Section Navigation
Main Blog Content
Secondary Sidebar: Links to Recent Stories, FanPosts and FanShots
Masthead

Around SBN: Carmelo Anthony, Amar'e Stoudemire Vow To Fit In With Lin

Rays Talking to Geoff Jenkins

by R.J. Anderson on Nov 30, 2007 7:20 AM EST

Hat tip to Gavind for beating me to it. From ESPN via MLBTR it appears the team is pursuing the 32 year old left handed bat of Geoff Jenkins to replace Delmon Young in right field.

Jenkins is coming off his worst season in quite a while, hitting .255/.319/.471 - that's a better OPS than Delmon last year, mind you - and only had a VORP of 8.9. There had been a lot of talk about Jenkins landing in Detroit, but apparently the teams interested don't include the Tigers but rather the Cubs, Padres, Giants, Rangers, and Royals.

Not sure how much he'll be asking for but he had a 9 million dollar club option that the team option to buyout for half a million.

Tweet Comment 49 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Re: Rays Talking to Geoff Jenkins

I would love to get Jenkins for a couple of years perhaps. But I am not optimistic.

Against righties, his numbers look slightly better. He hit .262/.326/.482 with 20 doubles and 18 home runs in 393 ABs. His career mark against righties is excellent at .288/.358/.525.

I wonder if he wore down some last year. His second half was somewhat poorer than the first half. He also hit quite well at home with a line of .289/.359/.532.

As a DH platoon or perhaps a RF platoon he could be very valuable.

by bobr on Nov 30, 2007 8:06 AM EST reply actions

I suppose that Jenkins could be useful

I think that he certainly would be a better stopgap to rely on than Rocco or Gomes, but I wouldn't consider signing a replacement for the outfield to be a priority. If he comes at the right price for two or three years, then I suppose it's okay. But considering his stats are in a sharp three year decline, with most of his .800+ OPSs in the early part of his career to begin with, I don't think that I would invest too much stock in him.

by Patrick L. Kennedy on Nov 30, 2007 8:35 AM EST reply actions

Re: Rays Talking to Geoff Jenkins

I just don't see him as being worth even half of that $9m. He's basically a career league average player. Certainly he would have value on the team, but I think $4+ million (gotta be his asking price, right?) would be better spent elsewhere. Not only that, but he strikes me as the type of guy that someone else is going to bid stupid money for, and put us out of the race anyway.

by Top Gun Numba 1 on Nov 30, 2007 8:35 AM EST reply actions

Agreed

He isn't worth anything close to $9 million since we aren't in a position of desperation, but if somehow he did come at a decent price, it is worth looking into.

by Patrick L. Kennedy on Nov 30, 2007 2:28 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Agreed

Honestly, I'd say no to Geoff Jenkins. He's looking for a high contract, and we need to save a little money, because Kazmir and Pena are finally gonna get their money's worth, and we just signed percival to 4m/year. If the Rays don't think Ruggiano/Dukes/Baldelli/Gomes are the future of RF, why don't they wait a couple years for one of our many OF prospects to mature? Just put Ruggiano/Gomes at RF, Baldelli at DH for 1 to 2 years, and wait for either Desmond Jennings/Fernando Perez to mature by 09'/10'

We don't need this average Outfielder. It may look good to the casual fans in the bay (Also the voters for the ballpark ;D), but in the long run it's a waste of money.

by Cory Alexander on Nov 30, 2007 3:50 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Rays Talking to Geoff Jenkins

We could use a left-handed bat, otherwise I'd pass without a second thought. Anything more than $3 million is too much.

by RATW on Nov 30, 2007 9:33 AM EST reply actions

Re: Rays Talking to Geoff Jenkins

It seems unnecessary to sign Jenkins, I'd rather see Ruggiano start in right. Or Baldelli or Fernando Perez. I'd rather use that money to bring in a veteran catcher and a lefty reliver (Jose Molina, Jeremy Afeldt?).

by Tom Marven on Nov 30, 2007 10:51 AM EST reply actions

Re: Rays Talking to Geoff Jenkins

If his price comes down I'd say it would be worth another look, but I have to agree with previous posters on Ruggiano. The kid will be 26 in April and has certainly paid his dues. The only reason why I would entertain bringing in Jenkins is if the team plans on moving Baldelli, Dukes, and/or Gomes. Even then, with Ruggiano knocking on the door I think Jenkins would become a trade item come July. At $9 million, that money would be FAR better spent on a veteran starter.

Besides, that "o" face in the picture just creeps me out.

Matt Sammon, draysbay columnist and professional bump on a log

by Matt Sammon on Nov 30, 2007 11:20 AM EST reply actions

Re: Rays Talking to Geoff Jenkins

The reason I am not optimistic is that I agree his price will be too high, although I think the issue is more years than dollars. But if he is affordable, he is a vastly superior alternative than anyone currently on the team, and I do think right field/DH are serious problem spots.

I do not understand the infatuation with Ruggiano. He had a good year in Durham and excelled in the world cup games, but his career, including last year, does not forecast a major league regular. Since I have never seen him play, I only have his numbers to go by, and so I will gladly change my mind. But a 25 year old who strikes out 151 times in 482 ABs in AAA with 20 home runs does not scream major league regular.

Since I think Navarro will prove himself an adequate catcher and am increasingly confident that the bullpen can be addressed from within or with some small outlay, I think RF/DH is the single most pressing concern. Every position now has a legitimate major league regular in place (I include Longoria) except RF/DH, and that leaves 2 huge holes in the lineup.

by bobr on Nov 30, 2007 11:50 AM EST reply actions

Re: Rays Talking to Geoff Jenkins

A lefty bat like Jenkins would be a great platoon partner at DH with Gomes. I hope either Dukes, Baldelli, or Ruggiano can be the answer in right. I am pretty sure whoever play right will have a better OPS than Young has in 2007.

by TomT on Nov 30, 2007 12:21 PM EST reply actions

Jenkins is a large defensive upgrade

Jenkins has become one of the better fielding corner outfielders around, and he would be replacing one of the worst in Delmon. A run saved is worth as much as a run scored.

Jenkins is past his peak and needs a right-handed platoon partner, but considering his plus defense and his solid (if unspectacular) bat for corner outfielder, he has a fair amount of value on a short-term contract. For the "win now" crowd, this would be a good pickup.

by G_ on Nov 30, 2007 1:44 PM EST reply actions

Re: Rays Talking to Geoff Jenkins

DO NOT sign this guy, he is a HACK on the downside of his career!!!!!! Spend the money on more bullpen arms or Tony Clark. We'll find a serviceable RF/DH out of the people we already have.

by fogelberg on Nov 30, 2007 1:49 PM EST reply actions

Wait

How do you call Jenkins a hack on the downside but not Clark?

by R.J. Anderson on Nov 30, 2007 3:34 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Wait

You know what, you're right, they're both hacks... I guess I just have a better gut feeling on Clark.

Consider the numbers:

Clark (in 200 less AB's)

R 31; HR 17; RBI 51; .249/.310/.511

Jenkins

R 45; HR 21; RBI 64; .255/.319/.471

by fogelberg on Nov 30, 2007 10:38 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Rays Talking to Geoff Jenkins

Gomes, and Rocco shouldn't be relied on for anything. We are in desperate need of a right fielder. Rocco can't stay healthy for more then a month, and Gomes is just awful. Never count on those two. Dukes is mental case as well.

OF is not a position of strength for this club. We have upton, and CC, after that nothing.

by Jhattenburg on Nov 30, 2007 2:02 PM EST reply actions

Fernando Perez has some promise in the minors

But you're right, we aren't dealing from a position of exceptional strength anymore. Relying on Gomes or Baldelli as a stopgap wouldn't really hurt the team that much, but they wouldn't be exceptional contributors to the ballclub, merely medicore.

by Patrick L. Kennedy on Nov 30, 2007 2:31 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Fernando Perez has some promise in the minors

I don't understand this. The one thing Baldelli is not likely to be is mediocre. His most likely result is to be hurt. His 2nd most likely result is to approach his .870 OPS from 2006. I expect an .825 OPS and solid defense in RF from a healthy Baldelli. That's better than Jenkins.

by ttnorm on Nov 30, 2007 7:36 PM EST up reply actions

Jenkins would likely produce similar results

His career OPS is around that season you predicted for Rocco Baldelli, whose 2003, '04, and '07 seasons were considerably worse than his production in the second half of '06.

by Patrick L. Kennedy on Dec 1, 2007 5:20 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Jenkins would likely produce similar results

I'd rather not bet on the 33 year old who has had back to back sub par years is a HR hitters park. I'd rather back the 26 year old who broke out at 24 from mediocre results at 21 and 22. My sample size may be too small for confidence as Rocco only played 92 games in 2006. But I have no concerns that he will revert to his level at 21 and 22. Why do you believe that?

by ttnorm on Dec 1, 2007 11:33 PM EST up reply actions

I am not particularly enamored with Jenkins either

I think that he will likely not be worth the salary that he will command, but at the right price he is an upgrade in right field. I just wouldn't place too much money in going after that upgrade. The bottom line is, Rocco Baldelli's production in his age 21 and 22 years would be an easy improvement over his statistics last year. He was just terrible in one-quarter of last season, and in the balance of his career prior, he is mediocre. So to recap, most of his career has been made up of mediocre or worse production. That is why I think that there is a heavy chance that his production will take place at mediocre levels next year.

by Patrick L. Kennedy on Dec 2, 2007 1:45 AM EST up reply actions

Agree to disagree

It sounds like there is a good chance that Rocco will get his ABs if he can stay healthy so we'll likely find out one way or another.

by ttnorm on Dec 2, 2007 8:04 AM EST up reply actions

Re: Fernando Perez has some promise in the minors

Strange, because in my view the one thing Baldelli is likely to be is mediocre. Using an admittedly rough shorthand, his OPS+ in the 4 years he played any games is 99, 100, 122, 65. What could be more mediocre? Even leaving out the 65 because of injury, it was only in that 1/2 year that he was better than average.

It's far too early to tell, but right now it appears that Jennings has significantly more plate discipline and probably more power as well. Here are their lines in A ball, Rocco at 19 and Desmond at 20.
Rocco: .249/.303/.394; 406 ABs, 8 HRs, 23 BBs, 89 Ks
Desmond: .315/.401/.465; 387 ABs, 9 HRs, 45 BBs, 53 Ks

After that, Rocco moved very rapidly with terrific numbers at each stop, but he still never walked. In his 96 ABs at A+ ball, he did not walk once! I do think he can become a good ballplayer, and maybe the 364 ABs in 2006 is his real level, but the jury is still out.

by bobr on Dec 1, 2007 6:35 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Rays Talking to Geoff Jenkins

Anyone know when Desmond Jennings and Fernando Perez are expected to be MLB ready?

by Cory Alexander on Nov 30, 2007 3:53 PM EST reply actions

Re: Rays Talking to Geoff Jenkins

Fernie late next year, Jennings probably two-three years.

by R.J. Anderson on Nov 30, 2007 3:55 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Rays Talking to Geoff Jenkins

Well there you go. If Perez is ready by next year, we should put him there. I like Desmond alot more than Fernando, but they both are two great, young, and promising outfielders.

by Cory Alexander on Nov 30, 2007 4:41 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Rays Talking to Geoff Jenkins

They're both prospects but they belong in CF. That's where their value is.

by ttnorm on Nov 30, 2007 7:29 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Rays Talking to Geoff Jenkins

Yeah, but you don't move Upton for either, do you?

by R.J. Anderson on Nov 30, 2007 7:31 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Rays Talking to Geoff Jenkins

Upton anywhere else removes his value. We finally found a position he's atleast average at, so moving him might jinx him. I say move Perez or Jennings to Right. Have Ruggiano/Gomes play right till one of those is ready.

by Cory Alexander on Nov 30, 2007 8:14 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Rays Talking to Geoff Jenkins

Neither DJ nor FP have the arm for RF. BJ's arm would play OK in right if it came to that but RF requires some pop in the bat and I can't see penciling in eithe Perez or Jennings there. Not to mention that RF is a waste of their + range.

The skill sets for CF RF and LF are all very different.

by ttnorm on Dec 1, 2007 2:44 PM EST up reply actions

Yes but BJ's bat in CF and arm

Would equal it out, no?

I don't think you move B.J. for anyone.

by R.J. Anderson on Dec 1, 2007 3:00 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Yes but BJ's bat in CF and arm

Agreed, at least when talking about Perez and Jennings. I can imagine wanting to move BJ to RF in 4-5 years to save his legs but for now he owns CF.

That is not to say Perez couldn't make the team in a year or 2 as a 4th/5th OF as the Rays really don't have a viable backup CF that can be counted on. But I tend to think of him as a trading chip, no disrespect intended to him. He might get a better look at CF on other teams.

Jennings is a bit farther away so the Rays have more time to evaluate what they have with him.

by ttnorm on Dec 1, 2007 3:40 PM EST up reply actions

ESPN Chat

Tommy(TheStatPack): You reported the Rays were interested in Geoff Jenkins to play RF. Don't they have enough internal candidates like Elijah Dukes, Jonny Gomes, Justin Ruggiano and Rocco Baldelli(if healthy)?

Jerry Crasnick: Tommy,

I'm pretty sure the Rays were calling on Jenkins just to do their due diligence. If they could get him on a one-year deal, they might jump at it. But that's not going to happen. The Padres and several other clubs look like better fits for Jenkins.

by R.J. Anderson on Nov 30, 2007 4:11 PM EST reply actions

Re: ESPN Chat

Tommy,

by Top Gun Numba 1 on Nov 30, 2007 4:27 PM EST up reply actions

What's the deal?

Crasnick's answer was the bottom two lines after "Tommy,".

Also I assume you've reserved your copy of The Cool?

by R.J. Anderson on Nov 30, 2007 4:30 PM EST up reply actions

Re: What's the deal?

I was just pointing out that he answered the question in the same manner one would write a letter, not really understanding the concept of "chat"

I actually didn't like Lupe Fiasco, his stuff was a little soft and Kanyasian for me. I did pick up the new Lil Wayne (Drought 4) and the new Wu and am thoroughly enjoying both of them.

Recomendation about the new Wu Albumn: Forget that it's a Wu album. The Rhymes are predictably great, but the beats are on a different planet. Everything is much more European, very different from old grimy Rza beats.

THE MORE YOU KNOW

by Top Gun Numba 1 on Nov 30, 2007 5:00 PM EST up reply actions

Re: What's the deal?

Also,
American Gangster (the album, not the movie) was very very good. A comeback of sorts.

by Top Gun Numba 1 on Nov 30, 2007 5:01 PM EST up reply actions

Re: What's the deal?

American Gangster was pretty good actually; I'm a big Lupe guy, and I strongly dislike Wayne.

Doesn't Nas new CD come out in a few weeks as well?

by R.J. Anderson on Nov 30, 2007 5:04 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Rays Talking to Geoff Jenkins

Whoops. Just looked it up, Nas is aiming for a Febuary 08' realease.

by Cory Alexander on Nov 30, 2007 5:31 PM EST reply actions

Re: Rays Talking to Geoff Jenkins

I deleted the comment - just to avoid possibly offending anyone (I know, but I'd rather not hear about it)

Wayne doesn't do much for me, maybe I'm weird.

by R.J. Anderson on Nov 30, 2007 6:44 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Rays Talking to Geoff Jenkins

Didn't think it was right, but you can found out about the new album by searching 'Nas' in google. Don't search the name of the album, you may not get what you want.

by Cory Alexander on Nov 30, 2007 8:15 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Rays Talking to Geoff Jenkins

Oops, missed this whole string of comments. If you do Google the name of the new Nas CD you get what you deserve... hilarity.

by Top Gun Numba 1 on Dec 1, 2007 4:13 AM EST up reply actions

Re: Rays Talking to Geoff Jenkins

Yeah, already said the name of the album, and R.J. deleted it so it wouldn't offend anyone. So it will probably happen to you as well.

My Blog. Check it out if you wish.

by Cory Alexander on Dec 1, 2007 11:10 AM EST up reply actions

Re: Rays Talking to Geoff Jenkins

First they deleted the blog comments and I said nothing, for I was not a commenter...

by Top Gun Numba 1 on Dec 1, 2007 2:07 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Rays Talking to Geoff Jenkins

Rocco will not stay healthy.

by Jhattenburg on Nov 30, 2007 11:51 PM EST reply actions

Re: Rays Talking to Geoff Jenkins

H8r

by Top Gun Numba 1 on Dec 1, 2007 4:13 AM EST up reply actions

Re: Rays Talking to Geoff Jenkins

This guy reminds me of Russell Branyon...

Let's Go Rays!

by thebaddancingraysfan on Dec 1, 2007 1:46 AM EST reply actions

Very good comparison

Jenkins might be a bit better, but they are both power bats with low OBPs and poor track records against LHPs.

by Patrick L. Kennedy on Dec 1, 2007 5:24 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Rays Talking to Geoff Jenkins

Gee, I don't see the comparison at all. Branyan certainly walks more, but because of his low average his OBP is 20 points lower than Jenkins (.327-.347). Jenkins BA is almost 50 points higher. Both have power, with Branyan hitting HRs at a better pace, but since he is unable to stay in the lineup as often, with fewer overall. But while Jenkins strikes out every 2.47 ABs, Jenkins does every 3.94 ABs, a big difference. And Jenkins is a far better fielder.

I suppose there are some similarities, but Jenkins is the clearly superior player.

by bobr on Dec 1, 2007 6:45 PM EST reply actions

Jenkins is better than Branyan, I agree with that

But I was basing my opinion on Jenkins' season last year, in which he had a .319 OBP and a .471 SLG.

by Patrick L. Kennedy on Dec 1, 2007 8:53 PM EST up reply actions

Comments For This Post Are Closed

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recommended FanPosts

Zobrist vs Pedroia vs Cano

by Bososx13 3 days ago

48 comments | 5 recs

Scaled_php_small

Rays Community Prospect #31 Runoff

by mr. maniac 6 days ago

27 comments | 6 recs

Recent FanPosts

Joe Maddon Town Hall meeting on the Ron and Ian show. Any ideas for questions I should ask?

by Pmoconnor89 about 5 hours ago

9 comments

Scaled_php_small

Rays Community Prospect #37

by mr. maniac about 16 hours ago

33 comments

Scaled_php_small

Rays Community Prospect #35

by mr. maniac 1 day ago

42 comments

Scaled_php_small

Rays Community Prospect #34

by mr. maniac 3 days ago

45 comments

Scaled_php_small

Rays Community Prospect #33

by mr. maniac 4 days ago

38 comments

Scaled_php_small

Rays Community Prospect #32

by mr. maniac 5 days ago

44 comments

Scaled_php_small

Rays Community Prospect #31

by mr. maniac 7 days ago

39 comments | 1 recs

Scaled_php_small

Rays Community Prospect #30 (Again)

by mr. maniac 9 days ago

48 comments

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

Recent Posts

Copyright © 2012 Vox Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

Newsletter Signup About Us Frequently Asked Questions Terms of Use Privacy Policy Guiding Principles Advertise With Us Contact Us

Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.

OpenCalais - Powered by Thomson Reuters • Odds Shark