Archive for December, 2008

Dec 23

[THE HANGOVER] Rocco’s Dilemma: NL Clubs May See A Better Fit

Andy Freed, Dave Wills, Joe Nelson, Rocco Baldelli 22 Comments »

Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is reporting (via MLB Trade Rumors) that the Pirates are very interested in signing Rocco Baldelli.

The Pirates have had several conversations with Baldelli’s representatives, according to one high-ranking team executive, and their pursuit is serious. General manager Neal Huntington has acknowledged wanting a right-handed power bat for the outfield — Nate McLouth, Brandon Moss and Nyjer Morgan all are left-handed — and Baldelli could fit that, the Pirates believe, even if he continues to require regular rest.

Despite the recent upgrade in Baldelli’s medical prognosis, there are still questions about how much of a recovery can be expected and how quickly he can recover.

And herein lies Rocco’s Dilemma…Rocco almost certainly would prefer to play in the American League, but a National League club is more likely to pursue him.

In the AL, Rocco could DH on a regular basis. But unless a team has a need for a full-time DH, Rocco could handcuff a team’s roster. With only four bench spots, an AL club may not be able to risk having a player on the bench that can’t play the field regularly should an injury to a position player occur.

On the other hand, a young NL ball club like the Pirates or Reds, that doesn’t expect to compete for a couple of years, can more easily hide Rocco with the extra bench spot.

In the worst-case scenario, a NL club could use Rocco as part of a platoon, giving him 2 starts a week in the outfield against lefties, and utilizing him as a pinch-hitter in the remaining games. The upside for the team is that Rocco could become healthy enough to once again become an everyday outfielder in 2010 or 2011 when those clubs are ready to compete. But for Rocco, that would mean 50 starts in 2008 with a mediocre club instead of 100 with an AL contender.

In the end, Rocco may have to decide between the security of a long-term deal from the Pirates or Reds, or an incentive-laden contract with the Red Sox or Rays.

Pirates pursue recovering Baldelli [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]
Pirates Pursuing Rocco Baldelli [MLB Trade Rumors]

DEVIL DOGS WEBTOPIA…

  • The Rays are one of the five choices for Joe Nelson a free agent relief pitcher that was non-tendered by the Marlins. Originally a fourth round selection in 1996, Nelson has played in six organizations, including a short stint in the Rays’ system, at Durham, in 2005. Last season, Nelson posted a 2.00 ERA with 60 strikeouts and 22 walks in 54 innings…In the same piece Marc Topkin is reporting that Dave Wills and Andy Freed signed new contracts to return to the Rays’ radio booth in 2009. Wills received the highest approval in our Media Approval Ratings. [The Heater]
  • Dayn Perry is the latest to say the Yankees still haven’t done enough to overtake the Rays and Red Sox. [Fox Sports]
  • Baseball Analysts break down the AL East. [The Baseball Analysts]
  • Rays Prospects compares the organizations of the Rays and the Astros. [Rays Prospects]
  • David Chalk of Bugs and Cranks is nearing the end of their all-time Devil Rays Advent calendar. Today is #23. [Bugs and Cranks]
  • Rays Prospects takes a look at the 2008 performances of the Vero Beach hitters. [Rays Prospects]

Dec 22

[THE HANGOVER] Pat Burrell And The Rays Could Be A Marriage Of Convenience

Adam Dunn, Andrew Friedman, Bobby Abreu, Garret Anderson, Jason Giambi, Ken Griffey Jr, Milton Bradley, Pat Burrell 5 Comments »

Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe feels the Rays will add one of Jason Giambi, Milton Bradley, Pat Burrell or Adam Dunn.

Seems as if the prices for these guys are dropping rapidly, and the Rays might be able to add a pretty good hitter to replace Cliff Floyd and/or Rocco Baldelli.

It may seem that way on the surface, but some of these pieces are going to start falling very quickly. To no surprise, we are now hearing that the A’s and Giambi will soon be talking contract. And when push comes to shove, we feel the Cubs won’t let Bradley get away. Bradley may prefer the situation in St. Pete, but at some point the Cubs offer will be too much money to leave on the table.

Of course, that still leaves Burrell and Dunn, both of whom would provide the “impact bat” Andrew Friedman is seeking. But other teams like the Yankees and Angels may become interested if they fail to land either Mark Teixeira or Manny Ramirez. This could force the Rays to become more active in their pursuit of Burrell or Dunn.

And now Jon Heyman is reporting that the Rays and Burrell “are talking” and Heyman calls Burrell a “real possibility” for the Rays.

Burrell originally sought a three-year deal, but in a tough outfield/DH market he might have to settle for a one-year deal. Burrell’s outfield defense has slipped in recent years, but the Rays are mostly looking for offense.

Heyman also adds Bobby Abreu, Ken Griffey and Garret Anderson to the list of targets for the Rays, although this group is clearly “plan B.”

So if Burrell could stand to make more money from playoff-caliber teams like the Angels and Yankees, then why talk to the Rays now? Why not wait? Because the worst-case scenario may scare Burrell.

What if the Angels don’t want Burrell and the Yankees get Manny? What if Giambi signs a deal with the A’s for only $8-9 million, thus lowering an already low bar? And what if the Rays instead sign a Dunn or Griffey, taking a potent offense that will make a DH look very good in 2009, out of the bidding? If this scenario plays-out, Burrell could be forced to sign with a second-division team with a weak offense that will hurt his numbers in 2009 and hurt his chances of making a big score in next season’s free agent market. And he will have to sign for less than he could get from the Rays now.

While we liked the idea of Giambi or Bradley in a Rays’ uniform, we never thought it was a real possibility. But with the current state of the market, Pat Burrell and the Rays could be a marriage of convenience for both sides.

It’s the offseason of hope [Boston Globe]
A’s To Talk Contract With Giambi Soon [MLB Trade Rumors]
Burrell could fill Rays’ DH need [SI.com]

DEVIL DOGS WEBTOPIA…

  • It is not in our nature to be mysterious, but we can’t talk about it and we can’t talk about why. [Joe Bucs Fan]
  • Andrew Friedman says the Rays would like to improve their performance against lefties, but will not do it at the expense of hitting righties who account for 70-75% of the games over the course of a season. [Tampa Tribune]
  • Rays Digest takes a look at the middle infielders in the Rays’ system. [Rays Digest]
  • Rays Prospects takes a closer look at the Columbus Catfish hitters from last season. [Rays Prospects]
  • The Examiner takes a look back at the Rays’ game of the year. [The Examiner]
  • Rays Prospects has the winter league stats updated through last Thursday. [Rays Prospects]

Dec 19

[HOT STOVE] Dan Johnson Sold To Japan

Dan Johnson, Gabe Gross, Jonathon Papelbon 6 Comments »

[Update: 11:09pm] Marc Topkin comes through with the details (as usual). Johnson is being sold. The details are still being finalized and the Rays are likely to receive between $100K and $500K. Johnson will then sign a one-year deal with Yokohama with an option for 2010.

[10:20pm] If we are reading this right, and we like to think…ah never mind. Who are we kidding? Our Japanese sucks. We have no idea if we are reading this right, but the Rays may be on the verge of trading the rights to Dan Johnson to the Yokohama BayStars of the Central League in Japan.

Brace yourselves for six degrees of Dan Johnson…

The original report is from Nikkansports.com (here is the poorly translated version). The first English interpretation comes via NPB Tracker, via Rays Report. Got it? Didn’t think so.

Yokohama as the new foreign players Rays infielder Dan Johnson (29) to win 18, 2007, the sources said. Has already agreed to move, the team will be announced soon.

There is no mention of a “trade” in any of the reports or what the Rays would receive in return. However, Johnson is still on the Rays’ 40-man roster, the report says he has agreed to the move and we can assume the Rays will receive cash considerations. Johnson would have been arbitration-eligible following the 2009 season.

It is rare, but not unheard of to sell the rights of an American player to Japan. Last month, the Rangers sold the rights to Kameron Loe to Fukuoka Softbank Hawks.

Johnson was claimed off of waivers in April from the Oakland A’s. He was designated for assignment and assigned to Durham six days later when the Rays acquired Gabe Gross. He was recalled in September and in his first at bat hit maybe the most important home run of the season for the Rays off of Jonathon Papelbon in the 9th inning of a game in Fenway to help the Rays remain in first place.

Tampa Bay Rays ship celebrated pinch-hitter Dan Johnson to Japan [St. Pete Times]
Dan Johnson left the long-awaited cannon Hama [Nikkan Sports]
Dan Johnson is the Latest MLB’er on his Way to Japan [NPB Tracker]
Momentary Rays hero headed for Japan [Rays Report]
Rangers Sell Loe To Japanese Team [MLB Trade Rumors]

Dec 19

[THE ARCHIVES] One Year Ago On Rays Index

The Archives No Comments »

One year ago on Rays Index we were the first website to report on Raymond’s makeover and after closer examination of the “before” and “after” photos, we were suddenly worried that his name would appear in the yet-to-be unveiled “San Diego Chicken Report” on the use of “Mascot Performance Enhancing Drugs.”

Raymond’s Make-Over Draws Comparisons To Barry Bonds And Roger Clemens [Rays Index]

Dec 19

[THE HANGOVER] Red Sox Say They Are Out Of Teixeira Sweepstakes

Grant Balfour, Mark Teixeira, Ozzie Timmons, Rocco Baldelli 9 Comments »

Just the links today.

DEVIL DOGS WEBTOPIA…

  • I appeared with Tyler Hissey yesterday on the “Rays Digest Podcast.” If you missed it, you can catch all the action here. [Rays Digest]
  • In a surprising turn of events, the Red Sox say they are out of the Mark Teixeira sweepstakes. [MLB Trade Rumors]
  • The Charlotte Stone Crabs unveiled their new logos and uniforms. We likey. Especially the batting practice cap with the Stone Crab logo and the alternate cap that is powder blue with a navy blue brim and “C” being clawed by a Stone Crab’s claw. [Stone Crabs] [Here are the alternate caps]
  • Joe Henderson says the Rays can’t be sentimental when it comes to resigning Rocco Baldelli. [Tampa Tribune]
  • The Rays Party projects the Rays’ 25-man roster. [The Rays Party]
  • Major League Baseball has been giving away the “This Year In Baseball” awards. The awards are based on fan voting which is why we didn’t even mention when Joe Maddon and Evan Longoria took home the TYIBs for Manager and Rookie of the Year. But it is worth mentioning that Grant Balfour placed second for the 2008 Setup Man of the Year. Middle relievers rarely get recognized, and it is nice to see some people noticed how dominating Balfour was this season. One of the most dominating in history. [MLB]
  • Former major leaguer Ozzie Timmons is the new hitting coach for the Montgomery Biscuits. [Biscuit Crumbs]
Dec 18

[RI CONFIDENCE GRAPH] The Rays Index Confidence Graph

Confidence graph 3 Comments »

The Rays Confidence Graph will appear every Wednesday and is a look at how much confidence Rays fans have in the Tampa Bay Rays. The graph is designed to give us a look at how our emotional bias as Rays fans fluctuates through time. The “confidence” in the team is an inexact measure of how fans feel about the team’s current strength as well as how much confidence fans have in the franchise for the next 3-4 years. Notes on this weeks agida-level can be found after the graph..

Notes on the RI Confidence Graph…

  • The most common response for “Confidence in 2009 Rays” was 9 with 30.1%.
  • The most common response for “Confidence in future of franchise” was 10 with 41.5%.
Dec 18

[THE HANGOVER] Mark Teixeira Holding Up Free Agent Market

Joe Maddon, Mark Teixeira, Michael Kalt, Milton Bradley, Rocco Baldelli, Ty Cobb, Ty Wigginton 7 Comments »

Just the links today as we celebrate the 122nd birthday of Ty Cobb, spikes high. Which reminds us…If you are looking for a right-handed DH-type, with some positional flexibility and a 2008 OPS+ of 128, there is a certain familiar name available on the market.

DEVIL DOGS WEBTOPIA…

  • This afternoon, I will appear with Tyler Hissey on the “Rays Digest Podcast” at 2:00. There may be an opportunity to take calls and if you are unable to listen live, the show will be available afterwards. [Rays Digest]
  • John Romano caught up with Joe Maddon at another night of “Thanksmas”…And for those that have been curious, the article includes a photo of Maddon’s new wife. [St. Pete Times]
  • In yesterday’s report on the updated diagnosis of Rocco Baldelli, WPRI said they had been told by Baldelli’s family that Red Sox officials had not contacted Baldelli about playing for Boston. Marc Lancaster reports that Baldelli has indeed met with Red Sox officials. [Tampa Tribune]
  • Ken Rosenthal explains that Mark Teixeira is holding up the free agent market including all of the Rays potential targets. For example, Milton Bradley will not sign with the Cubs or Rays until he knows the Yankees and Angels are not interested. And they could become interested if they don’t land Teixeira. [Fox Sports]
  • David Chalk of Bugs and Cranks is up to Day 18 of the all-time greatest Devil Rays Advent calendar. [Bugs and Cranks]
  • The Yankees are in a legal battle over funding for their new stadium and it somehow involves Rays VP Michael Kalt. To be clear, it appears Kalt is one of the good guys in the mess. [St. Pete Times]
Dec 17

[THE ARCHIVES] One Year Ago On Rays Index

The Archives No Comments »

One year ago on Rays Index we learned that BJ Upton doesn’t dance.

BJ Upton Doesn’t Dance [Rays Index]

Dec 17

[ROCCO BALDELLI] Rocco Baldelli Confirms New Diagnosis

Rocco Baldelli 9 Comments »

Earlier this morning we reported that two stations in Rhode Island had been told by Rocco Baldelli’s family that his condition had been misdiagnosed and that his new diagnosis is treatable.

ABC6 now has a video report (which does not use all-caps).

Marc Topkin spoke with Baldelli who says the new diagnosis is “an encouraging development.”

OF Rocco Baldelli clarified the Rhode Island TV report this morning, saying there has been an updated diagnosis and it is “an encouraging development” and with adjustments to his current medication he hopes “to be on the field on a much more regular basis.”

Baldelli said he was not orginally “misdiagnosed” as reported by WLNE-TV, but that the original diagnosis of a mitochondrial disorder was “the best diagnosis at the time.”

His doctor at the Cleveland Clinic has since reviewed further and more sophisticated testing that indicates his condition is a less-severe and treatable channelopathy. With a modification of medicine Baldelli is currently taking and having good results from, he is optimistic about his health and his baseball career.

“Misdiagnosis” or “Updated diagnosis” may be semantics as it sounds like the original doctors did not have the necessary tests available to them.

This is certainly great news for Baldelli and could open the door for a return to the Rays in 2009. However, it is still unclear how much “more” Baldelli would be able to play and whether this opens the door to regular work as an outfielder.

Baldelli became a free agent after the Rays bought out his 2009 option for $4 million.

Rhode Island TV Station: Baldelli Misdiagnosed [Rays Index]
After 2nd Opinion, Baldelli May Become an MLB Force [ABC6]
Baldelli: “An encouraging development” [The Heater]

Dec 17

[THE HANGOVER] Rhode Island TV Station: Baldelli Misdiagnosed

Andrew Friedman, Joe Maddon, Joe Nelson, Matt Joyce, Rocco Baldelli, Scott Kazmir 32 Comments »

[Update: 10:12am] The misdiagnois is also being reported by WPRI in Rhode Island (via MLB Trade Rumors).

Eyewitness News spoke with Baldelli’s father Tuesday, and he says iIt turns out Baldelli actually has a condition known as channelopothy.

This is certainly great news for Rocco and his family. If Baldelli can make a full recovery as suggested in the story, it will be fun to watch a healthy Rocco play baseball again, even if it is with another organization.

[9:42am] Ken Bell of ABC6 out of Providence, Rhode Island is reporting that Rocco Baldelli’s condition had been misdiagnosed. Doctors at the Cleveland Clinic, one of the top research hospitals in the country, are now saying the condition is channel-opathy.

The Baldelli family told me tonight that the Cleveland Clinic diagnosed his condition as channel-opathy, a non-progressive, highly treatable disease…channel-opathy is a disease involving dysfuntion of an ion channel. Channel-opathies are known to involve the ion channels for potassium, sodium, chlorida and calcium.

Bell also reports that the Baldelli family is saying the Red Sox have yet to contact Rocco who is a free agent.

Certainly the timing of the report is questionable with Baldelli as a free agent. But ABC6 is saying the report is coming from the Baldelli family, and ultimately we are not sure what Rocco stands to gain from fabricating a more favorable diagnosis. Any team that considers signing Baldelli will have their own doctors verify the report.

Drays Bay is calling the report “bunk” because they have never heard of the Cleveland Clinic, they don’t realize that misdiagnoses are actually common in rare conditions and because the original report is in all-caps, something news organizations used to use for short blurbs that were considered important or dramatic.

Family says doctors misdiagnosed Rocco Baldelli’s condition [ABC6]
Concerning The Misdiagnosed Rocco Rumors [Drays Bay]
Baldelli was misdiagnosed [WPRI]

DEVIL DOGS WEBTOPIA…

  • Last night marked the beginning of Joe Maddon’s third annual “Thanks-mas” event. [MLB]
  • Matt Joyce was introduced to the media yesterday saying he wants to “raise some eyebrows” and show that he is ready to be an everyday starter at the big league level. [St. Pete Times]
  • Andrew Friedman is still hopeful to add an “impact bat” and feels a deal will get done before the end of January. [The Heater]
  • Scott Kazmir will be on the “Costas Now” on HBO tonight at 9:00 pm. He will join two members of the Phillies to discuss the World Series. So if you are into reliving painful experiences, let us know how he does. [Rays Report]
  • The Rays have spoken by phone with relief pitcher Joe Nelson, who was non-tendered by the Marlins. [The Heater]
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