Archive for December 9th, 2008

Dec 09

[HOT STOVE] Tampa Bay Rays Rumor Updates

Delmon Young, Jason Giambi, Milton Bradley Cork Gaines No Comments »

Let’s use this post for minor updates on previous rumors we have heard from the winter meetings. Unless something new or substantial comes along, we will continue to update this post the rest of the day.

[Update: 8:18pm] On Jason Giambi and Bobby Abreu
Despite earlier reports that Giambi will sign with the A’s, Marc Topkin is reporting that Giambi met with the Rays Monday night, and has a picture to prove it. Our guess is that Giambi still plans on signing with the A’s, but is keeping all doors open in case the A’s situation falls through. Topkin also reports that the Rays will meet with Bobby Abreu’s agent in the “next 24 hours.”

[Update: 5:03pm] On Rocco Baldelli…
MLB Trade Rumors has a piece that suggests the Red Sox are not sold on signing Baldelli, noting they are worried about needing a fourth outfielder to play long stretches should an injury arise…This certainly makes it more likely that Rocco could return to the Rays in 2009.

On Jason Giambi and Garret Anderson…
John Perrotto of Baseball Prospectus is reporting that Giambi is likely to sign with the A’s and that “an announcement could come at the [winter] meetings.”

We heard this morning that Giambi was low on the A’s list of priorities, even though he was telling friends that he would sign with the A’s.

In the same post, Perrotto also says the Rays “have at least some interest in signing” Anderson.

On Delmon Young…
Marc Lancaster spoke with a Rays official who shot down the Rays interest in Young.

Just spoke briefly with a Rays official who was mystified about ESPN’s report of a potential three-way deal among the Rays, Rockies and Twins that would bring Delmon Young back to Tampa Bay and send Andy Sonnanstine or Edwin Jackson to Colorado. The Rays haven’t had talks with either team along those lines, apparently.

Earlier today Jayson Stark reported that the Rays were indeed talking to the Twins about Young. Stark also speculated that the Rockies might make a good third team to get the deal done.

On Milton Bradley…
We updated “The Hangover” earlier, but in case you missed it, Nick Cafardo is reporting that Bradley is “in intense discussions with the Cubs.” We had previously heard that the Rays were the most likely destination for Bradley.

Dec 09

[SHOWER-SHOE FUNGUS] Playing A Little Pepper: Hot Stove

Pepper Cork Gaines No Comments »

FIRST INNING (A look back)…
The Rays appear to be one of the leading candidates to land free agent Milton Bradley…Knowing how the Rays handled fellow trouble-makers Delmon Young and Elijah Dukes, is it surprising the Rays are interested in Bradley?

There is a stark difference between these three players. Dukes has been arrested several times and suspended numerous times. And several of the suspensions were related to confrontations with teammates and coaches. Young was once suspended 50 games for throwing a bat at an umpire and had several run-ins with Joe Maddon. While Bradley is a hot-head, you never hear teammates and coaches complaining about Bradley (except maybe Jeff Kent, but he complained about everybody). That is because, as Maddon pointed out yesterday, Bradley always plays hard and never takes an at bat off. And of course, neither Dukes nor Young has ever even dreamed of posting an OPS+ of 163…YOUNG AND DUKES ARE NOT IN THE SAME LEAGUE

SECOND INNING (Headlines)…
Speaking of Delmon Young, there are rumors that the Rays are talking to the Twins about bringing Young back to the Rays…Is this even possible?

When we heard the first rumor, we assumed that Andrew Friedman was just exploring all possibilities. But when we heard the second rumor, we now are forced to believe that this is a real possibility. The Twins have already named their starting outfield for ’09 and that does not include Young, so there is a need to make a trade. The Rays just happen to need a right fielder. And despite his lack of domination so far in his career, Young will only be 23 in 2009 and one of these years he is going to discover his power stroke. When the Rays traded Young after the ’07 season, it was because they were trying to fill two needs moreso than any doubt they had in Young’s abilities. Still, in the end, we think the Rays will find a better option elsewhere…YES BUT NOT LIKELY

THIRD INNING (Headlines)…
Joe Strauss says the Rays and Cardinals match up well and wonders if a trade could be worked out with the Cardinals acquiring Andy Sonnanstine or Edwin Jackson for one of their left-handed hitting outfielders…Of the outfielders, are any of them worth one of the starting pitchers straight-up?

We agree with one commenter that said “Please God, not Chris Duncan.” Of the other three, only Ankiel seems to make sense. The Rays are reported to be looking for power. Ankiel is the only guy in that group that will hit 25 home runs in 2009. Obviously Rasmus is a great talent and full of potential, but we think the Rays would prefer somebody that is more major league-ready. But is Ankiel worth Jackson or Sonnanstine? It seems to us that the Cardinals would have to add a prospect to the pot…ANKIEL, BUT NOT STRAIGHT UP

FOURTH INNING (Headlines)…
The Mayor of Las Vegas is drooling over the Rays…Should Rays fans be concerned?

About moving to Vegas? No. Major League Baseball is way too image conscious to ever put a major league team in Vegas. That being said, the Rays do need to reach some sort of resolution with respect to a stadium either in St. Pete or Tampa or talk with other cities will start to heat up. If we had to guess, we would say San Antonio would be the front-runner, but don’t think Stuart Sternberg won’t explore a move to Brooklyn. The Mets and Yankees each drew more than 4 million fans in 2008. New York could easily support a third team. As for the currnet situation, in a few years, the cost of buying out the Trop’s lease will become less prohibitive and could be offset by the contributions of another city towards a new ballpark…YES, BUT NOT ABOUT VEGAS

FIFTH INNING (Headlines)…
Andrew Friedman recently said the Rays are open to talking with their three remaining free agents, Rocco Baldelli, Eric Hinske and Cliff Floyd…Is it possible that any of these players will be back with the Rays in 2009?

We are not sure it will sink in until we see him wearing a Red Sox uniform, but it seems like Rocco’s career with the Rays is over. Floyd has decided to rehab his shoulder and will play in 2009, but the Rays would prefer a more dependable player. On the other hand, it would not shock us if the Rays bring Hinske back as a left-handed DH. Of course this depends on whether the impact bat they seek is a right fielder or a DH. If it is the former, Hinske becomes more attractive. But we have to wonder if he will still be available…YES

SIXTH INNING (A look outside the box)…
[Rain delay: queue Tommy Boy]

SEVENTH INNING (Oddsmakers)…
Chances Milton Bradley is playing for the Rays in 2009?

With word that the Cubs are in serious talks with Bradley, this is a long shot. The Rays are more likely to wait out the market and hope some scraps come their way on the cheap…16%

Chances Jason Giambi is playing for the Rays in 2009?

Apparently Giambi is telling friends that he will sign with the A’s, however the A’s are said to have other priorities. Giambi has also made it clear he wants to play on the west coast, but if the A’s fall through, there might not be another option. So the Rays best hope may be that Giambi signs a one year deal with the Rays and looks for another west coast team in 2010…8%

Chances Delmon Young is playing for the Rays in 2009?

Despite one report that the Rays would “never” take Young back, there are indications that they are at least exploring the possibility. Still, we doubt Young is near the top of their wish list…4%

Chances Garret Anderson is playing for the Rays in 2009?

Joe Maddon had some nice words for his former player, which some took as an indication that there might be a match between team and free agent. But what was Maddon supposed to say? Anderson seems like a long shot, at best…2%

Chances both Andy Sonnanstine and Edwin Jackson will be on the roster when pitchers and catchers report?

There are just too many rumors running around and it is still December…1%

Chances Rays move to Las Vegas?

There are too many better options (San Antonio, Charlotte, New Orleans, Orlando) to consider before risking a move to Vegas…0.5%

EIGHTH INNING (On deck)…
Andrew Friedman recently made it clear that David Price is not guaranteed a spot in the starting rotation…What is the over/under on his 2009 debut?

This depends greatly on whether the Rays trade Andy Sonnanstine or Edwin Jackson prior to opening day. If one is moved, is there another legitimate option for the 5th spot in the rotation? Jeff Niemann? Jason Hammel? Not likely…GAME 4

NINTH INNING (Putting out the fire)…
Has Chad Orvella played his last game in a Rays uniform?

We are more curious as to whether or not Orvella received a playoff share despite spending the entire season on the DL. If so, that might have been one of the most lucrative injuries in the history of baseball. No way Orvella makes the major league roster this season, which means he would have made less than $100K in the minors. But with the injury occurring in the spring, the Rays kept him on the major league DL, and we assume he was paid the major league minimum ($400K). Add to that a possible dip into the playoff bonus pot and the shoulder injury might have made Orvella an extra $400K or so. What was the question?…YES

Has Rocco Baldelli played his last game in a Rays uniform?

Buster Olney said he would be “shocked” if Rocco did not sign with the Red Sox. This is the problem with the Rays “wait and see” approach. Fewer options…YES

The Bucs got spanked last night…Thoughts?

What? Oh sorry, we were distracted by the site of another Panthers running back dancing in the end zone. And on the other side of the ball, Bea Arthur scores more often than the Bucs offense in the Red Zone. …WE DON’T NEED THIS STRESS

Dec 09

[HOT STOVE] Jayson Stark: Rays Still Interested In Bringing Delmon Young Back

Andy Sonnanstine, Brendan Harris, Delmon Young, Eddie Morlan, Edwin Jackson, Garrett Atkins, Jason Bartlett, Jason Pridie, Matt Garza Cork Gaines 5 Comments »

Yesterday, Jayson Stark wrote that a source was saying the Rays would “never” take Delmon Young back.

Not so fast. Today Stark is saying the talks are very much alive and might involve a third team.

Stuff can change fast at the winter meetings. Contrary to what I reported Monday morning on this very blog, there were indications Monday night that Tampa Bay was still talking to the Twins about a deal that would bring outfielder Delmon Young back to the Rays.

Tampa Bay likely would deal away either Andy Sonnanstine or Edwin Jackson. But the trade could also involve a third team, because the Twins aren’t looking to add starting pitching.

Stark speculates that the Rockies could get involved considering their interest in acquiring starting pitching and the Twins interest in Garrett Atkins.

The Rays just traded Young away (along with Jason Pridie and Brendan Harris) last season for Matt Garza and Jason Bartlett (and Eddie Morlan). If we are reading this right, and we would like to think we are, this latest move would essentially make the original trade Sonnanstine or Jackson for Garza and Bartlett. Seems fair.

That sound you hear? That is Twins fans throwing up.

Jayson Stark: Rays Will Only Trade Bartlett In ‘Major Deal’ [Rays Index]
Rays might re-acquire Young [ESPN]

Dec 09

[RI CONFIDENCE GRAPH] The Tampa Bay Rays Confidence Survey

Confidence graph Cork Gaines No Comments »

Last week’s Rays Confidence Graph results.

Below you will see two polls that ask about your confidence in the Tampa Bay Rays. We will present these same polls every Tuesday. The results will be presented in graphical form on Thursday, and will be displayed permanently in the sidebar. The goal of the Confidence Graph is to get a feeling of how Rays fans feel about the team and the franchise and track how that level of confidence changes through time.

Raysiverse events of the past week that could impact confidence levels…


Dec 09

[THE HANGOVER] Rays May Be Leading Candidate To Land Milton Bradley’s .436 OBP

Andy Sonnanstine, Edwin Jackson, Garret Anderson, George Bush, Jason Bartlett, Jeff Niemann, Jeremy Hermida, Joe Maddon, Milton Bradley, Stephon Marbury Cork Gaines 8 Comments »

[Update: 10:05am] Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe says Bradley is “in intense discussions with the Cubs.” That makes a little more sense.

[9:29am] As we reported yesterday, Milton Bradley had lunch with Andrew Friedman and Joe Maddon. Maddon said Bradley was “very honest, open and intense. I liked all three.” Madon added that the Rays have plans to meet with other outfielder/DH types.

According to Ken Rosenthal (via MLB Trade Rumors), Rangers officials believe the Rays and Royals are the leading candidates to land Bradley.

Dayton Moore of the Kansas City Star says the Royals are not involved. That might leave the Rays as the leading candidates for Bradley. In fact, we are yet to hear any other teams with serious interest. Surprising for a guy that hit .321/.436/.536 last year with an OPS+ of 163.

However, Bradley does have a history of knee problems and last year’s 126 games marked only the second time in 9 seasons in which Bradley played more than 110 games. Significant playing time at DH could go a long ways to keeping Bradley on the field.

Milton Bradley Has Lunch With Andrew Friedman And Co. [Rays Index]
Rays smitten by Bradley’s ‘honesty’ [Yahoo! Sports]
9:56 p.m. — Bradley seeking new home? [Fox Sports]
Bradley To Rays Or Royals? [MLB Trade Rumors]
Royals still searching for ways to add impact free agent [Kansas City Star]

DEVIL DOGS WEBTOPIA…

  • Tyler Hissey of Rays Digest will debut “The Rays Rundown”, a live call-in show this morning at 11:00. [Rays Digest]
  • Does anybody else find it strange that Marc Topkin will report on some rumors from the winter meetings and he “will ignore” others? How does he decide which rumors are worth reporting? Does Topkin have some special power of deduction that can tell which rumors are true and which rumors are not? Aren’t all rumors from the winter meetings at least somewhat newsworthy, in that each rumor has at least some people are talking about it (usually other people like Topkin), even if some are ridiculous? Or does Topkin pass on some rumors because they come to him while he is busy watching “The Bachelor”? [The Heater]
  • Yesterday we learned that the Rays might be involved in the Padres efforts to move Jake Peavy to the Cubs. Later we heard that the Padres and Cubs had figured out a way to make the deal happen without a third team. Now, Corey Brock is reporting that the particulars of the deal have been agreed upon and that there is a third team involved and possibly a fourth. Might the Rays be one of the other teams? [Hot Stove Blog]
  • MLB Trade Rumors says a third team is the Orioles, but there is no word if a fourth team is confirmed to be involved, noting that attempts to get a third team involved included talks with “four to five clubs.” The Padres are said to want major league-ready pitching. If the Rays were involved, it almost certainly means the Rays would send the Padres Andy Sonnanstine, Edwin Jackson or Jeff Niemann. [MLB Trade Rumors]
  • Buster Olney says he would “be shocked” if Rocco Baldelli does not sign with the Red Sox. [ESPN]
  • Joe Maddon spoke highly of free agent Garret Anderson and Kevin Baxter of the LA Times wonders if Anderson might be a good fit for the Rays. [LA Times]
  • We are surprised there are not more rumors involving the Cardinals and the Rays. The Cardinals would like to move a left-handed hitting outfielder (Rick Ankiel, Skip Schumaker, Chris Duncan, Colby Rasmus) and are looking for pitching. Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the two teams would be a good match. [St. Louis Post-Dispatch]
  • Mike Berardino of the Miami Sun-Sentinel shoots down the possibility of the Marlins targeting Jason Bartlett in a Jeremy Hermida deal. Berardino says that the Marlins would prefer to keep Hanley Ramirez at shortstop rather than move him to the outfield. [Miami Sun-Sentinel]
  • Joe Maddon let it be known that he has been invited to a small dinner with President George Bush and his wife at the White House. [Rays Report]
  • Joe Maddon spoke with reporters from the Winter Meetings. [MSN Video]
  • Joe Maddon said he hoped to see Rays fans on his honeymoon in Europe. He succeeded. [Big League Stew]
  • The Hudson Valley Renegades will pay tribute to Stephon Marbury next season. [Rays Prospects]
  • And yes, this is the first time in the history of Rays Index in which a post referenced President George Bush and Stephon Marbury. Yes. We Love Lamp.