Rays Acquire Russ Springer From Athletics

Another day, another waiver claim by Andrew Friedman. Today, the Rays added Russ Springer to the bullpen in what A's assistant GM David Frost called a straight waiver claim. The Rays will assume the remainder of his $3.3 million dollar salary and possibly a few incentive bonuses for games pitched. Springer, 40, is posting another solid season with a record of 0-1, 4.10 ERA/3.38 FIP in 48 games. He also boasts a K/9 of 10.15 and an above average K/BB of 3.36.

Springer works manly a fastball/cutter combo with a curveball, change up and slider mixed in, but off speed stuff is rarely thrown. An extreme flyball pitcher at over 50% for his career, Springer is at nearly 60% flyballs in 2009. Despite the high flyball rate, Springer has a pretty normal 1.08 HR/9. He does have some pretty defined splits. He's holding righties to a line of .260/.275/.385, however lefties are batting .357/.439/.543 against him

Andrew Friedman is not a fan of being told of when he can and cannot trade for players. He scoffs at the July 31st deadline. No word on corresponding 40 and 25 man-roster moves.