Winter Meetings: Day 4 and more...

by R.J. Anderson on Dec 6, 2007 7:15 AM EST Comment 49 comments

No long term deal for Pena this winter, at least that's what Boras says:

"Getting a long-term deal for those types of seasons are difficult," said Boras, "because you have a scaling that the club argues it happens only once and our opinion is it'll probably repeat itself."

For those Rule 5 draftniks, doesn't look like the Rays will be making that number one pick today - at least not to keep:

According to several sources, the Padres are planning on moving up to Tampa Bay's No. 1 spot to take Indians outfielder Brian Barton.

Meanwhile the Rays don't want to take the Marlins style, and this from Topkin:

One realistic possibility talked about in the Opryland hotel was OF Luke Scott, who could be acquired from Houston. Others that came up and are unlikely include free agent Luis Gonzalez, a Tampa native; ex-Ray Josh Hamilton, who is being shopped by the Reds; and Laynce Nix, who was designated for assignment by Milwaukee. The Rays like Andre Ethier, but the Dodgers would want too much.

If you haven't done so already, you can add Cliff Floyd's name to the mix, according to MLBTR.

Adam Rubin reports that the Rays are eyeing Cliff Floyd, a name we've seen linked to them before.

So much to all of the rumors, the Rays decide not to select Barton but instead go with RHP Tim Lahey, according to Lancaster.

The Rays selected RHP Tim Lahey with the first pick of the Rule 5 draft. Lahey, a 24-year-old Princeton University product, spent most of last year with the Twins’ Double-A affiliate, going 8-4 with a 3.45 ERA on 50 relief appearances. It’s not clear if the Rays intend to keep Lahey or were picking him in a prearranged deal with another team. Rays right-hander Evan Meek was the second selection in the draft, by the Pirates.

You can take a look at Lahey's stats here.

You can take a look at Meek's stats here.

We are still waiting on word of whether or not either of these players will be dealt. Although we didn't pick up the aerospace engineer in Barton, Lahey did graduate with a ivy school degree from Princeton. Lahey put up solid numbers last year in AA, but would need a very impressive spring training if he plans on sticking with the team.

Update: Lahey has been sold to the Cubbies for $150,000. This seems to make me think there might have been a bidding war, as last year the #1 pick was sold for only $100,000. The Rays chose 3 players in the AAA draft according to Lancaster.

The Rays made three selections in the Triple-A phase of the Rule 5 draft, taking OF Rashad Eldridge from the Twins in the first round, RHP Julio Puentes from the Astros in the second and RHP Jose Angel Mejias from the Mets in the third.

Lancaster also mentions that the new executive vice president and chief operating officer of minor-league baseball will be former Astros GM Tim Purpura.

Rashad Eldridge stats

Julio Puentes stats

Jose Angel Mejias stats

ESPN has confirmed interest in Michael Barrett, according to Peter Gammons.

Tampa Bay is working to get catcher Michael Barrett. He would get sent there to play rather than accept arbitration with Padres.

It looks like we are out of the Ron Mahay sweepstakes, which may not be the worst thing. A 3-year deal for a 36-year old reliever may not be the best idea for a already surprising old bullpen. This also comes from Peter Gammons. Thanks ttnorm for pointing out that one.

Left-handed reliever Ron Mahay has narrowed his choices down to the Royals and Yankees.

In other news, an announcement was just made that former Astros GM Tim Purpura will become the executive vice president and chief operating officer of minor-league baseball, based out of their central offices adjacent to Al Lang Field in St. Petersburg.

MLBTR:

Quick note from MLB.com's Steve Gilbert. He has a source indicating that the Diamondbacks were close to a three-team trade with the Rays and another club, but it fell through. Any guesses? Something involving the Astros and Luke Scott, maybe? Ed Wade spoke of multiteam deals that didn't work out.

0 recs | Comment 49 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Re: Winter Meetings: Day 4 and more...

I notice a different style coming from Boras. He went from saying that signing Pena would be the first test to Rays fans by the Rays front office to saying that it is hard to get a deal after one of those seasons.

http://tampabaysportsfanatic.blogspot.com http://www.thestatpack.blogspot.com/

by tampabaysportsfanatic on Dec 6, 2007 8:17 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Ethier

would be an awesome pickup.... shame it's going to cost too much...

by nittsallgood on Dec 6, 2007 8:25 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Ethier

I would think that with the signing of Andruw that makes Either expendable. Maybe it lowers his cost?

http://tampabaysportsfanatic.blogspot.com http://www.thestatpack.blogspot.com/

by tampabaysportsfanatic on Dec 6, 2007 9:01 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Another name to consider...

RotoWorld today mentions the Rays are interested in Cliff Floyd.

by floridaroar on Dec 6, 2007 8:59 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Rule 5 picks

MLB- Tim Lahey, rp Minnesota
not impressed, high whip, low k rate, throws 90-93, big guy out of Princeton

AAA- Rashad Eldridge-of Minnesota
good BA, low power, n low stolen bases, decent eye...

Not sure why we took a lousy RP, and just left Barton on the board, at least sell the pick...

by nittsallgood on Dec 6, 2007 10:48 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Rule 5 picks

That Lahey pick was for the Cubs, he was just traded but we're not sure for what yet.

by userlock on Dec 6, 2007 11:13 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Rule 5 picks

OK GOOD

by nittsallgood on Dec 6, 2007 11:15 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Winter Meetings: Day 4 and more...

Is there anything to the Brandon Inge rumor I heard on the radio this morning?

by Cmore on Dec 6, 2007 11:15 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Winter Meetings: Day 4 and more...

I have heard that they are looking at Inge. They aren't looking to trade much for him because he has become expendable to the Tigers, but they think it gives them an option at 3rd if Evan isn't ready (he will be). It also adds some INF depth and he has flexibility (he has played 3B, C, OF). He hits lefties decently, but is terrible against righties, so I am not sure how he is an upgrade over Rocco/Gomes as a DH/OF.

http://tampabaysportsfanatic.blogspot.com http://www.thestatpack.blogspot.com/

by tampabaysportsfanatic on Dec 6, 2007 12:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Winter Meetings: Day 4 and more...

Inge is not a great hitter but has an EXCELLENT glove at 3B. I've also heard he hates playing catcher but he is adequate there. He'd be a great guy to have as a super-utility type.

by floridaroar on Dec 6, 2007 12:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

anything new...

Im heading to lunch, if you have any news please e-mail it to me, its my first day covering the news...and its been a busy one so far.

General Manager Manifesto Matt Bishoff

by Matt Bishoff on Dec 6, 2007 12:05 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

So Taguchi Now Available

Outfielder So Taguchi has been released by the St. Louis Cardinals after six seasons with the team, according to MLB.com.

AVG .290 | HR 3 | RBI 30 | OBP .350 | SLG .368

2B: 1, LF: 41, CF: 63, RF: 8, PH: 38, PR: 6

by floridaroar on Dec 6, 2007 12:45 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Re: So Taguchi Now Available

You know that I absolutely hate to say this but...

STEER CLEAR

by SOOOtaguchi on Dec 6, 2007 12:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: So Taguchi Now Available

Plus his numbers would probably not be as good (deteriorating skills aside) if he played for Maddon instead of Tony LaRussa. LaRussa pretty much always played So in positions the most ideal situations/matchups.

by SOOOtaguchi on Dec 6, 2007 1:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Another name to consider....

Greg Dobbs - 1B, 3B, RF

The Phillies also have Wes Helms and use them both in a platoon. Maybe we could pick Dobbs up on the cheap? He's a younger guy who can hit for power and play multiple positions. Something to consider at least.

by floridaroar on Dec 6, 2007 12:54 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Dobbs

His 2007 line screams anomaly with the rest of his career. He has never hit for even the modest power he showed last year, and his BABIP (316) is well out of line with his LD% (15%). He is also a major defensive liability anywhere but 1B. He makes a nice NL pinch hitter against RHP, but really would not help an AL club.

by G_ on Dec 6, 2007 4:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Dobbs

Dobbs is not leaving Phila this year, no way no how. He is the left-handed bat the Phils need to keep Jayson Werth and/or Wes Helms out of the lineup against RHPs, and was waaaaay too clutch last year for Patty G (whom we all think remembered him from their Mariner days) to even think about dealing.

Julio Mateo, on the other hand, can be all yours!

by das411 on Dec 7, 2007 12:53 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Better than Lou Dobbs

by Patrick L. Kennedy on Dec 7, 2007 4:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Winter Meetings: Day 4 and more...

According to ESPN's live blog:

* Left-handed reliever Ron Mahay has narrowed his choices down to the Royals and Yankees.

by ttnorm on Dec 6, 2007 1:12 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Yuck

Please say no to Michael Barrett, for several different reasons. Not only is he a poor clubhouse influence, but he would suck playing time away from Navarro, whom I think deserves a shot to start next season. I just don't want Barrett around this team.

by Patrick L. Kennedy on Dec 6, 2007 2:15 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Yuck

I have been the one that has said we could use a veteran catcher all off-season, and I agree with you Patrick. Just say no to Barrett

http://tampabaysportsfanatic.blogspot.com http://www.thestatpack.blogspot.com/

by tampabaysportsfanatic on Dec 6, 2007 2:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Yuck

I agree. In addition, I think it is important for the backup catcher to be good defensively, and Barrett is reputedly a butcher behind the plate. In fact, there is word that if he re-signs with SD they would move him back to 3B where he played a lot early in his career.

While not a bad hitter for a catcher, he really does not get on base a lot and while from 2004-06 his OPS+ was over 100, those are the only seasons it was. Last year it was 68, and a 31 year old catcher is more likely to get worse than better. So if he is no sure thing offensively and terrible defensively, what is the point?

by bobr on Dec 6, 2007 3:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Yuck

Wow, if the Pad's move him to 3rd they are dumb. Kouz turned it on last season and even if they don't think he is the answer they have Headley waiting in the wings who is ready.

http://tampabaysportsfanatic.blogspot.com http://www.thestatpack.blogspot.com/

by tampabaysportsfanatic on Dec 6, 2007 3:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Rule 5 selections

I still think that the Rays should have taken Barton and kept the No. 1 pick for themselves; the monetary gain isn't that great, and Barton would have added at least another option to our RF competition. There is no risk in taking him, and he might have been worth it.

As for the minor leaguers we did select, I think that the Rays made some good choices. Eldridge sounds like a great selection, while Puentes, although unlikely to stick in AAA with his lack of experience, at least he has potential. Same with Mejias.

by Patrick L. Kennedy on Dec 6, 2007 2:19 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Rule 5 selections

Players taken in the AAA phase don't have to stick at AAA the entire year. Take last years AAA Rule 5 selections, Paul Moviel and Erold Andrus, they both started at A+, and neither even played one game at AAA.

by raysrule07 on Dec 6, 2007 2:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Rule 5 selections

Still, despite the consensus that he was the best available player, he wasn't picked until the 10th opportunity. My guess is the Rays have alternatives in mind which they see as reasonably certain and saw no reason to waste time if they had no intention of keeping him on the roster.

by bobr on Dec 6, 2007 3:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Mahay and the Royals

One thing I do have to say is that the Royals have to pay waaay beyond what people are worth to get them there. Last year it was Meche and Dotel, this year its Guillen and now maybe Mahay.

http://tampabaysportsfanatic.blogspot.com http://www.thestatpack.blogspot.com/

by tampabaysportsfanatic on Dec 6, 2007 3:00 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Trade With D-Backs and Another Fell Through?

"Quick note from MLB.com's Steve Gilbert. He has a source indicating that the Diamondbacks were close to a three-team trade with the Rays and another club, but it fell through. Any guesses? Something involving the Astros and Luke Scott, maybe? Ed Wade spoke of multiteam deals that didn't work out."

I wonder who the 3rd team was?

http://tampabaysportsfanatic.blogspot.com http://www.thestatpack.blogspot.com/

by tampabaysportsfanatic on Dec 6, 2007 3:48 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Beat me by seconds...

by R.J. Anderson on Dec 6, 2007 3:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Beat me by seconds...

haha, I try

http://tampabaysportsfanatic.blogspot.com http://www.thestatpack.blogspot.com/

by tampabaysportsfanatic on Dec 6, 2007 4:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Ray's 4 Areas of Need

The Club has offered us the 4 Areas of need that they would like to address. The Following is not what I would do but what I think they will do.

LH Hitter/OF: Best Guess - Cliff Floyd
Back up Plan - S. Green
Utility: Best Guess - Rob Mackowiak
Back up Plan - ???
LH Reliever: Best Guess - Stand Pat
Back up Plan - Give JP Howell a shot?
Back up Catcher: Best Guess - Stand Pat (Riggans, Gimenez) Back up Plan - Trade a Pitching Prospect to the Angels for Bobby Wilson

SC raysfan

by SC raysfan on Dec 6, 2007 4:35 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Ray's 4 Areas of Need

JP isn't a bad choice in my eyes... but then again I still like Switzer.

Go Largo!

by thebaddancingraysfan on Dec 7, 2007 12:52 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Stand Pat

Who is this guy? They should sign him especially if he can pitch AND catch!

by gavind on Dec 6, 2007 5:07 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Winter Meetings: Day 4 and more...

His cousin is Mr. Do Nothing

SC raysfan

by SC raysfan on Dec 6, 2007 5:13 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Purpura is now our GM?

I'm confused.... Friedman was our executive VP, now Purpura is? Unless we've got a minor league executive VP now?

by Jacob Larsen on Dec 6, 2007 6:18 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Purpura isn't even a Rays employee

He got hired by the minor leagues.

by R.J. Anderson on Dec 6, 2007 6:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Winter Meetings: Day 4 and more...

You know I am shocked that we didn't even give this Burton guy a shot. I mean what do we have to lose... unless we know someone who is better... this is driving me nuts... it's watching a chess game... you know the right move. You want to blurt out the right move to the player... The chess player does something completely opposite of what you were thinking... I hate the hot stove league...

Go Largo!

by thebaddancingraysfan on Dec 7, 2007 12:43 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Winter Meetings: Day 4 and more...

Again, this is just speculation, but in today's paper the report is that Friedman has some very clear ideas on which players he wants to pursue, including such as Ethier & Luke Scott, as well as a second tier of possibilities and also a pretty good idea of what they will cost. If he is confident the Rays will get what they want from that selection, he may have considered Barton superfluous and the small financial gain by selling Lahey more useful.

by bobr on Dec 7, 2007 6:54 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Here's someone who hasn't been mentioned...

...what do you guys think of Milton Bradley? He might come fairly cheaply considering his injury issues last year. I know he probably wants to stay on the West Coast and I know he is sort of looked at as a clubhouse cancer, but the dude can rake from both sides of the plate and hit over .300 last year w/ 18 big flies in only 61 games. Too much of a risk (injuries, temper, etc.)? What do you say? No?

by fogelberg on Dec 7, 2007 2:09 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Here's someone who hasn't been mentioned...

His torn ACL - thanks Mr. Black - is gonna keep him out for a chunk of the season. But he could fill the role abdicated by departees Dukes & Young as club OF hothead.

by nyyfaninlaaland on Dec 7, 2007 3:03 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Here's someone who hasn't been mentioned...

No thank you. Too much drama, and frankly not a good message to send when you are trying to build rapport with the community for a huge stadium project.

by RayFanNY on Dec 7, 2007 5:46 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Here's someone who hasn't been mentioned...

I say no. Also, I think the Padres are about to sign him anyway

http://tampabaysportsfanatic.blogspot.com http://www.thestatpack.blogspot.com/

by tampabaysportsfanatic on Dec 7, 2007 8:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Here's someone who hasn't been mentioned...

A Houston fan here ...

Luke Scott would be a big upgrade over damaged or over-the-hill goods like Milton Bradley, Shawn Green or Cliff Floyd. Houston's actively shopping him, and I believe it was Hunsicker in his Houston days who acquired Scott & Willy Taveras in a smart deal (probably the last smart deal Houston made prior to this offseason).

Scott's an above-average hitter and average on defense. He's a real attribute character-wise, too. He's a fan favorite in Houston & his offensive stats ranked him the #3 hitter on the team last year (behind Lee and Berkman) for full-season players. Despite a great 2nd half of 2006 with regular playing time, he never got a shot as a full-time starter in 2007, inexplicably being platooned with the inept Jason Lane. (Now THERE'S an outfielder who's available.) Astros' management (now fired) didn't hold him in near as high regard as the fans, who started a "Free Luke Scott" movement.

What would it take to get him? I'm not sure. After offering Talbot and Zobrist back as a joke,
a serious offer would probably have to involve a left-handed reliever or a starting pitching prospect. Or you could send Dan Wheeler back.

by raystros on Dec 7, 2007 1:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

No to Wheeler for Scott

I've seen that elsewhere and I really don't like it, he's the youngest of our ending relievers and he's going to be really good next year - assuming his numbers were truly anomalys last year like I've covered.

by R.J. Anderson on Dec 7, 2007 2:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I disagree vehemently

I would trade Scott for Wheeler and not think twice. It is true that Wheeler is the youngest of our late inning guys, but he is still older than Scott and he will be 30 on Monday. The off-season is still young enough that you can plug a late inning hole if you are willing to pay the right price, and considering the fact that this trade would fill another hole of ours, I have no qualms about pulling the trigger.

I think Wheeler is a good relief pitcher. His peripherals would certainly seem to indicate a rebound next year, and I think that he'll be a good seventh or eighth inning guy. But what does that mean to the Rays and can it be replaced. I say it can, and in a potential deal for Scott, we are getting the better end. Scott hasn't gotten a lot of ABs yet in his career, but last year he hit .255/.351/.504 in 425 PA. The previous year he only had 249 PA, but he hit .336/.426/.622. I just think that he represents a great solution to our problems in right field, and he will be a very productive player. Wheeler will be productive as well, but Scott is the more valuable player.

Unfortunately I don't think Houston does this deal, but hopefully we can manage a trade for Scott that works out for us.

by Patrick L. Kennedy on Dec 7, 2007 4:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs