December 17th in Rays history: Goodbye, Bartlett

Welcome to the Rays Tank!

Where the Rays and E-Jax do plenty of dealing

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In 2003, the Rays signer former runner up Rookie of the Year and also a 2003 Gold Glove winner, Jose Cruz Jr. to a two year deal. Cruz would somehow post positive WAR in 2004, despite being slightly below average at the plate as he slashed .242/.333/.433 with 21 home runs in 153 games. He would then be traded for Casey Fossum following the year.

In 2007,  the Rays signed veteran outfielder, Cliff Floyd who'd have a serviceable year and served as a mentor for the young team on their way to the world series in 2008. Over the year he slashed .268/.349/.455 with 11 home runs over 80 games.

In 2010, Jason Bartlett's time with Tampa Bay comes to an end as he is dealt to the San Diego Padres for four players; Cesar Ramos, Adam Russell, Brandon Gomes, and Cole Figueroa. Over three years, Bartlett slashed .288/.349/.403 with 19 home runs over 400 games. This trade srting is still alive, but just barely, as Gomes, Russell, Figueroa, and Ramos have all moved on with the later being traded to the Angels last offseason for Mark Sappington.

Bartlett always had the knack for coming through with runners in scoring position, here's one of his money clutch moments with the team.

Also in 2010, the Rays signed Joel Peralta to a two year deal, Peralta would go on to be one of the team's most used and dependable relievers for the next four years, before being traded following the 2014 season.

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Trivia Time!

The answer to yesterday's question was Kevin Cash, answered first by dacnole

Today's prospect:

"His raw power is the best in the system, and he's an intelligent hitter who has learned how to use it. He projects to hit 30-35 homers a season in the big leagues. Defensively, his receiving and throwing rate with his power potential."

Hint: was once rated the #1 prospect in his organization

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There are 108 days until Opening Day!

That's the same number of strikeouts recorded by Edwin Jackson during the 2008 season.

Five of those strikeouts came during seven shutout innings of the Yankees in May.

Links!

- Very good work on the nature of sliders by Eno Sarris. A must-read.

- The Angels signed Daniel Nava: one year, $1.375 million, plus incentives.

- Relief pitchers in the Hall?

- Paywall, but Russell Carleton on the new relievers market.

- 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 some history from 2009