Tank: Topkin's Ballot

Morning links and news!

By Adam Sanford Dec 30, 2015, 9:00am EST

This date in Rays History!

In 1977, Grant Balfour is born. He would go to provide Rays fans would mostly great memories despite his tendency to give up the three run homer of the occasional blown save during the final days of his career. Balfour spent six years in the majors and six of those were with Tampa Bay (2007-2010 & 2014-2015). During which time he served as either the closer or a dominant reliever for the team.

Overall he pitched for four different organizations (Twins, Brewers, Rays, and the Athletics) from 2001 to 2015 and he appeared in 534 games and accrued a 3.49 ERA and a 3.55 FIP to go along with a 25.5 K% and a 11.2 BB% over the course of 539.2 innings pitched. Perhaps the most memorable moment came during the 2008 ALDS, where Balfour gave fans, STFD!

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Trivia Time!

The answer to yesterday's question was Jason Hammel, correctly answered by Brickhaus

The lone incorrect answer was Jeff Niemann

Today's prospect:

"His quick hands generate plenty of bat speed, allowing him to hit for average and power. He projects as a .300 hitter with 30 or more homers annually. He played some shortstop in college and shows soft hands and a solid arm. His competitiveness and makeup are considered major pluses."

Hint: was once of the top prospects in the game at one point.

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There are 95 days until Opening Day!

That's the same number of doubles that Rocco Baldelli had during his Rays career.

One of those doubles was of the walkoff variety during the 2008 season.

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Links!

- Mark Topkin took a break from his vacation to publicly announce ballot for the Hall of Fame voting.

- Some news on the stadium front as a Rays official and St. Pete mayor, Rick Kriesman will try to have an indivual meeting with each city council member.

- Rays Colored Glasses continued their in-depth ranking of Rays prospects, with Roel Ramirez at number 45.

- Also at RCG, they took a look at a trio of the team's minor league signings who may at some point make an impact in 2016.

- Starting this upcoming season, MLB has plans to start selling MLB.tv subcriptions for a single team.