This Date in Team History!
In 2000, the Rays continued to bolster their roster with veterans as they signed longtime Cubs pitcher, Steve Trachsel (who would be the team's opening day starter) to a one year deal worth $1 million, plus incentives that would have made the contract more lucrative. He was probably close to achieving some of those when he was dealt to Toronto at the trade deadline, along with Mark Guthrie for prospect Brent Abernathy.
***
Trivia Time! (Darby)
The answer to yesterday's question was Al Reyes.
Who has the fastest fastball (by average velocity) in Rays history* according to PITCHf/x?
*PITCHf/x records go back to 2007.
***
There are 81 days until Opening Day!
That's the same number of RBI Wade Boggs racked up in his Rays career.
The first two of which were the first runs in franchise history.
***
Links! (Darby)
- Matt Germain over at Rays Colored Glasses makes his argument for why the Rays should keep McGee and Boxberger.
- Brandon McCarthy did a reader Q&A at the Player's Tribune, and much like everything else Brandon McCarthy does on the internet it is hilarious and excellent. Sample question and answer:
If you could go back in time and take back one pitch you threw, which would it be and why? - Sal
Probably the one that was hit back at my head and required lifesaving brain surgery. If you still need to know why, please reread the previous sentence.