Rays Tank! Monday

Welcome to the Rays Tank!

Where the Rays make bad choices and Upton goes yard, three times!

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December 7th in Rays History!

During the 2006 Rule 5 draft, the Chicago Cubs selected former Rays #1 overall pick, Josh Hamilton, then immediatley sold him to the Reds. Hamilton had missed the past three and half years due to 'reasons', but made his return in August of 2006. He was able to stick with the Reds for 2017 and was exceptional, and was eventually used in a deal to net Edinson Volquez.

From 2008 to 2012, Hamilton was an all-star five times, an MVP, and also won the Silver Slugger award three times. The Rays reasoning for leaving Hamilton unprotected for the draft were more than understandable, but the success that Hamilton went on to have makes it sting.

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Trivia Time!

The answer to yesterday's question was Tim Becham, answered first by Thedudeofdudes.

Wrong answers included Desmond Jennings and Reid Brignac

Today's Qeustion!

Can you name this Rays prospect based off his report from Baseball America?

"[Player] has No. 1 starter stuff, with a 95-96 mph fastball, a power curveball and a straight changeup. He's also always been able to throw strikes with all his pitches and his 63 walks in 1998 were outstanding for a then 19-year-old power pitcher"

Hint: he was the team's top prospect following the 1998 season.

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There are 118 days until Opening Day!

That's the same number of home runs that Melvin Upton had during his Ray career!

Three of those homers came during one game in 2012!

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Links!

- The Winter Meetings are in full swing and the Rays are already involved in rumors.

- The Dodgers in talks with Marlins in acquiring Jose Fernandez. Meanwhile, they resigned Chase Utley and also signed Hishashi Iwakuma

- Darren O'Day has reportedly signed a four year deal with the Orioles, but he, himself, denied a deal was done.

- The Reds declared they're open to trading anyone on their roster.

- Jonathan Papelbon was suspended for four games for an altercation with MVP, Bryce Harper. Papelbon is now filing a grievance due to not being paid for those four games.

- Random Ray of the Day!

-  Help bring back the Rays original uniforms for a game in 2016!

- Need a baseball fix?  Enjoy game 7 of the 2008 ALCS