December 14th in Rays History, Plus Tank

Welcome to the Rays Tank!

Where Three Team Deals Only Swap Four & Joyce Has a Perfect Day!

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In 2003, the Rays make couple of trades involving four teams as they first make a player for player swap with the Astros as they sent Brandon Backe to the Astros. Later they were involved in a three team deal with the Blue Jays and Rockies that sent the Rays 2003 opening day starter, the late Joe Kennedy, to Colorado. Meanwhile, Toronto received Justin Speier and a PTBNL from Colorado, then Toronto sent former NBA player, and now left handed pitcher, Mark Hendrickson to the Rays.

Blum would only spend the 2004 season with Tampa Bay as he was released following the year after slashing .215/.266/.348 with 8 home runs in 112 games. Meanwhile, Hendrickson spent the 2004-2006 seasons being the most consistent starter in the Rays rotation, then was dealt in June of 2006 along with Toby Hall for Dioner Navarro and Jae Seo. Hendrickson had a record of 25-31 during his Tampa Bay career with an ERA of 5.05 and a 4.57 FIP over 76 outings.

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Trivia Time!

The answer to yesterday's question was Jesus Colome, asnwered first by Rays118

Wrong answeres included Jason Standridge and Dewon Brazelton

Today's prospect:

[Prospect] is a steady defender who has a chance to become an offensive shortstop. His tall, lean body, as well as his quick wrists and excellent bat speed, could make him a poor man’s Nomar Garciaparra

Hint: he was ranked as the team's 8th best prospect following the 2001 season.

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There are 111 days until Opening Day!

That's the same number of doubles Matt Joyce had during his Rays career.

Here's one game in which he recorded five hits (two home runs, one double, and a single)

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Links!

- Bruce Rondon of the Tigers was involved in the quite the skirmish in the Venezuelan league

- According to Topkin, newly acquired Brad Miller is not a lock to be the team's starting shortstop

- Random Ray of the Day!

- Please sign our petition to help bring back the team's original uniforms for a game in 2016

- Need a baseball fix? Check out Wil Myers Tropicana Field debut in 2013