News and Notes

by R.J. Anderson on Feb 11, 2007 1:17 AM EST

It's Sunday, and that means another Mark Topkin piece this week focuses on B.J. Upton becoming (as we've said for weeks upon weeks) the Rays' version of Chone Figgins, basically he'll play 3B, SS, 2B, and OF for the Rays, much like Chone.

As I've stated before the notes section is much more interesting to myself on a week to week basis, and as Jake has noted recently Seth McClung's new look consists of a more 'ripped' look, Topkin notes this as well:

Incumbent closer Seth McClung, sporting long red hair, bulked up with weights, figuring the additional upper-body strength will "be key in developing a more consistent arm slot."

Need another reason to hate the drunken party animal known as Bronson Arroyo, here you go:

In explaining that he signed an extension in Cincinnati because he liked the direction the team is headed, Hernando High's Bronson Arroyo said: "The first three-year deal I signed with Boston, I probably wouldn't have signed with Tampa Bay. You're not going to sign with a place you don't enjoy being in."

That's great Bronson, at least you show some love to your hometown team.

The new videoboard at the Trop is more than 50 percent larger than the old one

That answers one of my questions to Marc Lancaster earlier this week.

Other notes include that the Rays will have thrice daily yoga classes and that center fielder Rocco Baldelli was treated for altitude poisioning during his trip to Switzerland.

Oh and this:

While Iwamura said Uwajima is known for tangerines and yellowtails, its "principal claim of fame" - and this is straight from the Rays media guide - is the Taga-jinja Shrine, a "giant phallus carved out of log." The 12-foot carving is part of an ancient fertility shrine and adjacent to a sex museum.

I just want to thank the blog Gods for giving us Aki, he's a goldmine, I mean I'm not even blinking anymore when I heard that he originally asked for his glove to be made of a ray before changing it to an aligator, and yes I'll refrain from making a Steve Irwin joke, the soul still hurts my friends.

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Re: News and Notes

The Phillie Phanatic used to start games off by sliding down a cable from the top of Veterans Stadium onto the field, could Iwamura doing something like this from the Ray tank be that far behind?

by das411 on Feb 11, 2007 3:01 AM EST reply actions

Re: News and Notes

I was thinking more like he walks down to the cafe while on defense, grabs a Checkers' burger then comes back and finishes it while making a David Wright barehand grab (which is the greatest grab ever since he plays in New York.)

by R.J. Anderson on Feb 11, 2007 10:12 AM EST up reply actions

Re: News and Notes

Aren't you guys concerned about Upton playing God-knows-every-where? Is he parking cars too? Defense hasn't seemed to be his strong suit up to now as it is. Out here in the OC there's some concern about whether all the moving has hurt Figgins' game.

Why hasn't there been any talk of moving Upton for a pitcher - or maybe there has been, I haven't been paying so much attention until recently. Seems like he might bring something good, and you don't seem to have a place to put him. Is he out of options already this year or next if sent out this?

by nyyfaninlaaland on Feb 12, 2007 2:57 AM EST reply actions

Eh.

I like this idea, for the moment, only because he's proven to be a waste of time as a full-time SS and 3B. As a Super Utility guy, it's somewhat understandable that he's not perfect at any of those position. Jack of all trades, master of none.
With the NDRO saying "We're not trading major leaguers for prospects", it'll be impossible for the Rays to get anything of real value out of Upton. We've only been offered Ricky Nolasco for him, who isn't really great and doesn't really appear that he's eventually going to ever be great.

by Jacob Larsen on Feb 12, 2007 5:20 AM EST up reply actions

Re: News and Notes

Jacob - I don't think Nolasco would be so bad. His numbers are rather similar to Shields' (albeit in the NL) with a bit lower K rate. But he's also a year younger. There was lots of offseason speculation the Marlins would convert him to closer. While his '06 numbers don't scream that role to me, he is only 24 - a year younger than Shields, and a young guy with some success as a starter - he won 11 last season - or touted as a closer can't be all bad.

Your colleague RJ posted his lust for Raffy Betancourt today. Of course it sounded like he thought Greg Norton and a box of Wheaties would get that done. I'm inclined to think more highly of Betancourt - he had the lowest WHIP and OBA of all Cleveland pitchers (plus a solid K rate) and they've got a few decent ones. Upton could get that done, although I don't know that Cleveland has anymore of a spot for him than you guys. Might be time to make a move for a pitcher before he hits .246 again and loses more value.

by nyyfaninlaaland on Feb 12, 2007 5:16 PM EST reply actions