Tank: Tommy Hunter Signs

This Date in Team History!

In 2014, the Rays traded ALDS hero Jose Lobaton, along with two prospects (Drew Vettleson and Felipe Rivero), to the Washington Nationals for Nathan Karns. Lobaton has struggled in a part time role these past two seasons, while Rivera has given the Nats some value, making his major league debut this past year and appearing in 46 games. RIvera finished with an ERA of 2.75 and a 2.64 FIP. Vettleson meanwhile has struggled to remain healthy and has not been particularly productive.

Karns made his Rays debut in late September of 2014, and then became a full-time member of the team's rotation in 2015 as a spate of injuries beset the starting five. He filled in well and following the season he was the centerpiece of a deal that landed the Rays Logan Morrison, Brad Miller, and Danny Farquhar.

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Trivia Time!

The answer to yesterday's trivia was John Jaso, answered by save_the_trop

Wrong answers included Stephen Vogt, Dioner Navarro, and Hank Conger.

He has the full package, the potential to be a marquee player, and is as close to being an untouchable as the {Team} have in their minor league system. He uses the entire field and controls the strike zone well, projecting as a .300 hitter in the majors. His power is coming quicker than expected. His speed and center-field range are well-above-average. He's quick out of the batter's box and has tremendous baserunning instincts. He's still learning the art of basestealing but should become at least a 20-20 player as he matures.

Hint: a four-time top ten prospect with two different organizations and he was once one of MLB's top ten.

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There are 50 days until Opening Day!

That's the same number of games that Troy Percival appeared in during the 2008 season.

One of those games was ended in thrilling fashion...as were most of Percival's outings

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Links!

- One of the few solid relief options left on the market, Tommy Hunter, signed with the Cleveland Indians on a one year deal for $2 million.

- The Rays were the first team to have a player suspended due to PEDs -- looking at you Alex Sanchez, circa 2005 --, however they were not the first to have a player banned for life due to them as Jenrry Mejia failed his third test in an 11 month period and has been permanently banned by MLB.

- The Athletics and Brewers completed a trade last night that sent Khris Davis to Oakland in exchange for Jacob Nottingham and Bubba Derby.

- After having to deal with his Tommy John Surgery rehab last spring training, Matt Moore is excited to be able participate this year.

- Just for fun, a Canadian newspaper proposes the Rays split half their home games between Tampa/St Pete and Montreal.