Archive for January 12th, 2009

Jan 12

[GABE KAPLER] Rays Sign Gabe Kapler To Be Gabe Gross’ Other Half

Fernando Perez, Gabe Gross, Gabe Kapler, Matt Joyce Cork Gaines 14 Comments »

Marc Topkin is reporting that the Rays have signed Gabe Kapler to a one-year, $1 million deal. The same Gabe Kapler who is the only player in major league history to tear his Achilles Heal while running the bases after a teammate’s home run.

Right field is now going to be All Gabe, All the Time. Kapler, who had a 1.001 OPS against lefties in 2008 (87 PA), will likely join Gabe Gross to form the all-Gabe right field platoon. This signing could also be a sign of a new religious diversity initiative by the Rays as Kapler, who is Jewish, will be partnering with Gross, who is a devout Christian.

Last season, Rays right fielders posted a combined .809 OPS, which is not terrible, but as a run-producing position, that only ranked 10th in the American League. The addition of Kapler should help push the Rays up closer to league average.

With the Gabes in right field, both Fernando Perez and Matt Joyce will now likely begin the season in triple-A, with the final three bench spots going to Shawn Riggans, Willy Aybar and Ben Zobrist.

The Rays now project to have 16 players with a salary of at least $1 million in 2009.

No word yet on who is being dropped from the 40-man roster to make room for Kapler. The leading candidate is JK Ryu.

Rays sign Kapler [The Heater]
The 15-Minute Home Run Trot [Deadspin]

Jan 12

[THE HANGOVER] Hudson Valley’s New Manager Is Just A Young Pup

Brady Williams, Brian Cashman, CC Sabathia, Dustin Pedroia, Fernando Perez, Joe Maddon, Peter Gammons, Theo Epstein Cork Gaines 4 Comments »

Just the links today as we loathe the observance of National Clean Off Your Desk Day.

DEVIL DOGS WEBTOPIA…

  • Renegades Rumblings takes a closer look at the 2009 Hudson Valley coaching staff, including new manager Brady Williams who is only 29 years old. [Renegades Rumblings]
  • Fernando Perez recently participated in a round-table discussion called “Hot Stove, Cool Music” that included. Theo Epstein, Peter Gammons, Dustin Pedroia and CC Sabathia. Sox & Dawgs recaps Perez’ thoughts on playing at Fenway during the playoffs. [MLB] [Sox & Dawgs]
  • Joe Maddon has been sending “good luck” text messages to the head coach of his favorite football team, the Arizona Cardinals, who are now one win from the Super Bowl after many years of sucktitude…Sounds familiar. [USA Today]
  • Brian Cashman says the Yankees spent $435 million this off-season to keep up with the Red Sox and Rays. [St. Pete Times]