Archive for the 'Chris Richard' Category

Mar 05

[THE HANGOVER] The One Where We Discuss Manny’s Extra Work, Ekstrom’s Struggles And A Near-Trade With The Red Sox

Alex Torres, Chris Richard, Jason Isringhausen, Manny Ramirez, Mike Ekstrom Cork Gaines 3 Comments »

The GBT – The Good, The Bad and The Telling sandwich, where The Bad is nice and lean and the The Telling is ripe.

click above image for boxscore

THE GOOD: Manny Ramirez. File this one under “things that Dodgers and Red Sox fans will not understand”: Manny requested to be in yesterday’s lineup so that he could get more work in left field just in case he is needed there during the regular season…Alex Torres. Part of the next wave of pitching talent after Jeremy Hellickson, the lefty got the start and pitched 2 scoreless innings, with a pair of strikeouts and 1 walk…Rob Delaney. Delaney got another look early in a game, this time pitching a 1-2-3- 4th inning.

THE BAD: Mike Ekstrom. At one point early in the off-season we had Ekstrom as a near-lock for a bullpen spot. But 832 minor league contracts later and now some shaky spring performances, and we are starting to think it is a long-shot at best. Yesterday Ekstrom allowed 1 run in his 1 inning of work. He has now allowed 6 runs (5 earned) in 1.2 innings.

THE TELLING: Jeff Niemann pitched 2 innings in a “B” game on a side field. He allowed 6 runs (4 earned)…Ben Zobrist was originally in the lineup but was scratched with a sore ankle…Jeremy Hellickson will throw two batting practice sessions prior to making his spring training debut next Friday.

RANDOM THOUGHTS: The Rays are still hacking away. Six regulars played yesterday and they drew no walks…We really wish Joe Maddon wouldn’t have placed BJ Upton at the top of the lineup on the same day that we ripped ESPN for projecting Upton as the leadoff hitter (among other things). Way to have our backs Joe. Sheesh.

THE JUNKYARD DOGS WEBTOPIA…

  • Chris Richard, the Durham Bulls all-time home run leader (84) has retired. [IndyWeek.com]
  • Jason Isringhausen announced that he will retire if he doesn’t make the Mets opening day roster. [StlToday.com]
  • Prior to last season, the Rays had tentatively accepted an offer from the Red Sox Read the rest of this entry »
May 04

[THE HANGOVER] The One Where We Discuss Jonah Keri’s Upcoming Book, Aki’s Rough Start And Why The Rays Will Never Move To Connecticut

Aki Iwamura, Chris Richard, Jonah Keri Cork Gaines 16 Comments »

The GBT – The Good, The Bad and The Telling sandwich, where The Bad is nice and lean and the The Telling is ripe.

click above image for boxscore

DEVIL DOGS WEBTOPIA…

  • Jonah Keri’s upcoming book on the Rays will tentatively be called “The Extra 2%: How Wall Street Thinking Took a Major League Baseball Team from Worst to First” and will be co-marketed as a business book. [Twitter]
  • Bob Nightengale of USA Today describes the Rays rotation as the best in baseball. [USA Today]
  • Joel Sherman is the latest to suggest the Rays should move to Connecticut. While Sherman acknowledges territorial issues, he apparently doesn’t realize that this would NEVER happen. Greenwich, Connecticut is 25 miles from Yankee Stadium and many of the Yankees wealthiest fans live in Connecticut. The Yankees would allow a team to move to Brooklyn before they let a team take Connecticut. [NY Post]
  • Marc Topkin writes about what Sunday’s game did for Sean Rodriguez’ confidence…Also, the Rays will likely face 6 lefties during this 9-game road trip. [St. Pete Times]
  • Joe Smith writes about Reid Brignac’s transition to most-days big league second baseman. [St. Pete Times]
  • Tony Fabrizio writes about Ben Zobrist’s surprising lack of power. [Tampa Tribune]
  • Aki Iwamura is off to a rough start in Pittsburgh. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]
  • The Rays sit atop What If Sports power rankings which uses a simulation engine to play out the remainder of the season. [What If Sports]
  • The Rays are also on top of Phil Rogers’ latest power ranking. [Chicago Tribune]
  • Chris Richard set up his own fan page on Facebook. [Facebook]

DOWN ON THE FARM…

  • Check out “The Rundown” from Rays Prospects for boxscores and more detailed recaps. [Rays Prospects]
  • DURHAM: Jeremy Hellickson improved to 5-0 with 2 runs allowed in 7 innings. he allowed 4 hits and no walks while striking out 8. After giving up a lead-off home run, he retired 19 of the next 20 batters he faced…Joe Dillong hit his 3rd home run and Fernando Perez hit his first, a 3-run shot…Hank Blalock was 2-5 and is hitting .347 early on.
  • MONTGOMERY: In the second game of a double-header, Darin Downs allowed just 1 hit, 2 walks and a hit batter in 6 shutout innings. He struck out 5. It was just his second start, but he now has 23 strikeouts and just 5 walks in 23.0 innings this season…Cody Cipriano hit his first home run of the season in game 1.
  • CHARLOTTE: Frank De Los Santos gave up 2 runs in 7 innings, striking out 9 and walking 2…Jake Jefferies had a triple and 2 RBI.
  • BOWLING GREEN: Wilking Rodriguez gave up 3 runs in 5 innings on 8 hits and a walk. He struck out 2…Brett Nommensen hit a 3-run home run, his first of the season.
Nov 12

[THE HANGOVER] The One Where We Discuss Hernandez To The O’s, Richard Not To AAA And More Burrell To The Cubs

Chris Richard, Michel Hernandez, Pat Burrell Cork Gaines 3 Comments »

Just a few quick links on Sammy Sosa’s birthday. He is 41. His face is not.

DEVIL DOGS WEBTOPIA…

  • We did a Q&A about the Rays off-season for Simon on Sports. [Simon on Sports]
  • Michel Hernandez has signed a minor league deal with the Orioles. With 4 catchers on the 40-man roster and the chance the Rays will add another veteran, there was little or no hope of Hernandez seeing any big league time with the Rays in 2010. [Baltimore Sun]
  • Chris Richard has declined his triple-A assignment and has chosen to become a free agent.
  • The Rays and Cubs continue to discuss trading Pat Burrell for Milton Bradley, but nothing sounds hopeful as both sides are still far apart on the most important issue, money. [MLB Trade Rumors]
  • John Romano addresses Carl Crawford’s future with the Rays and says a long-term extension “will probably never happen.” [St. Pete Times]
Nov 02

[THE HANGOVER] The One Where We Discuss Aki’s Option, The Prettiest Pug And Joyce’s D

Akinori Iwamura, Carl Crawford, Chris Richard, Dave Martinez, Gabe Kapler, Matt Joyce Cork Gaines 6 Comments »

The Rays face an interesting dilemma the day after the World Series ends: What to do with Aki Iwamura’s $4.25 million option. While the amount is cheap for what Aki brings to the table, the Rays can find cheaper options in-house. And the Rays are a club where every million counts.

The Rays appear to have two options with Aki’s option (see what we did there!)

  1. Decline the option and move forward with some combination of Ben Zobrist, Sean Rodriguez and Reid Brignac at second base.
  2. Pick up the option and try to trade Aki for a bullpen arm and/or prospects.

The downside to the second option is: a) Another team will know the Rays would be desperate to trade Aki, and if there isn’t a big market, they can hold out for next-to-nothing; b) What happens if the Rays cannot trade Aki? All of the sudden they are on the hook for $4.25 million with a player that might not have a position in 2010.

Of course, knowing the Rays, they will only pick up Aki’s option if they already have some assurance from another club that a trade is doable. The benefit to the other club is that the $4.25 million option is probably less than they would have to pay for Iwamura on the open market.

DEVIL DOGS WEBTOPIA…

  • Chris Richard was removed from the 40-man roster. He has the option of choosing free agency over a demotion to Durham.
  • Carl Crawford won the Fielding Bible Award for being the top defensive left fielder. Of course, being named the best defensive left fielder is kinda like being named the best-looking Pug. There is a reason Gold Glove awards don’t differentiate among outfield positions. [The Heater]
  • Among several other items from Marc Topkin, we learn that Gabe Kapler “fits several needs” for the Rays even if he is just a 5th outfielder and Dave Martinez talked to the Indians about their managerial position. [St. Pete Times]
  • Dock of the Rays discusses Aki Iwamura’s option. [Dock of the Rays]
  • According to one metric, Matt Joyce was the 4th best defensive right fielder in the minors this past season. [The Hardball Times]
Sep 08

[THE HANGOVER] The One Where We Discuss The Bullpen, A Gold Glove For Carl Crawford And Wade Davis’ Stuff

Carlos Pena, Chris Richard, JP Howell, Scott Kazmir, Wade Davis Cork Gaines 30 Comments »

Rays Yankees BaseballThe GBT – The Good, The Bad and The Telling sandwich, where The Bad is nice and lean and the The Telling is ripe.

click above image for boxscore

click above image for boxscore

THE TELLING: The Rays are now 7.5 games back in the Wild Card, tied with the Mariners for 3rd place…The Rays now how 3 rookies in their starting rotation.

DEVIL DOGS WEBTOPIA…

  • Carlos Pena was hit by a pitch, breaking two fingers and is out for the year. Marc Topkin provides some quotes. [St. Pete Times]
  • Chris Richard has been promoted to replace Carlos Pena, making his first appearance in the big leagues since April, 2003 when he played 19 games with the Rockies. Marc Lancaster has some quotes from Richard. [Rays Report]
  • Tony Fabrizio wonders if JP Howell is being overused. [Tampa Tribune]
  • Marc Lancaster writes that the Rays will not make any significant changes to the bullpen in the final weeks. [Tampa Tribune]
  • Marc Topkin argues that the Scott Kazmir trade may help the Rays keep the rest of the roster intact for the 2010 season. [St. Pete Times]
  • Joe Posnanski argues that baseball should offer gold gloves for each of the outfield positions and that Carl Crawford would be the runaway choice in left field for the AL. [SI.com]
  • Driveline Mechanics breaks down Wade Davis’ mechanics. [Driveline Mechanics]
  • And here is a breakdown of Wade Davis’ “stuff.” [The Hardball Times]
  • Check the end of this post for a list of Joe Maddon’s “blunders” this season. [Joe Maddon Sucks]
May 24

Down On The Farm: Saturday’s Action

Chris Richard Cork Gaines 1 Comment »

Durham 5, Lehigh Valley 4. Chris Richard hit a 1 out, 2-run home run in the top of the 9th to rally the Bulls. It was his 11th of the season…

Montgomery 4, Jacksonville 1. Heath Rollins improved to 5-2 after allowing 1 run in 6 innings.

Ft. Myers 2, Charlotte 1. Cody Cipriano was 3-4 to raise his average to .337.

Savannah 2, Bowling Green 1 (game 2).

Bowling Green 9, Savannah 4 (game 2).

Notes from Down on the Farm…

  • No links today
Mar 17

Tampa Bay Rays Spring Training: Who Is Playing Where And More Importantly, When

Chris Richard, John Jaso, Justin Ruggiano, Lance Cormier, Morgan Ensberg, Pat Burrell, Reid Brignac, Tim Beckham Cork Gaines 6 Comments »

In the spring, with so many players in the lineup everyday, it is difficult to learn anything about playing time from the boxscores and statlines. What we really need to know is how much playing time each player gets at each position, and more importantly, when are they in the game at various positions. There is a big difference between playing the first five innings against the Yankees, and playing the final 2 innings against the Reds. In the former scenario, the opposing team is more likely to feature a lineup with everyday major leaguers.

So we broke down the playing time by position. We then split the playing time up in to the first 5 innings of each game and playing time in the last 4 innings. Admittedly, this is a somewhat arbitrary grouping. But glancing at boxscores, it seems that the sixth inning is the most common time for managers to take out their starters.

After the table of position players, we also took a look at the pitchers. We asked the same question: Who is pitching in the most challenging innings of spring games? Again, pitching the ninth inning of a spring game may mean little compared to pitching the third inning, even for a reliever who is more likely to face better hitters early in the game.

This does not necessarily tell us how each player is performing under the different scenarios, but it does give us a sense of what Maddon and pitching coach Jim Hickey think of each player, who they think can contribute at the major league level this season and which players they want to get a good long look at.

Table for the pitchers is found after the jump and notes on each table are found after each table…

Read the rest of this entry »

Jul 03

[DOWN ON THE FARM] 10 Rays’ Prospects Named To AAA And AA All-Star Squads

Chris Richard, Dale Thayer, Gabriel Martinez, Jake McGee, James Houser, Jeremy Cummings, John Jaso, Rashad Eldridge, Reid Brignac, Wade Davis Cork Gaines No Comments »

Durham 7, Charlotte 1. Jeff Niemann may have used the motivation of Mitch Talbot’s promotion to fuel his best start of the year, a complete game effort in which he allowed 1 run while striking out 12 and walking only 1 batter. Niemann threw 107 pitches, 74 for strikes…Justin Ruggiano was 3-4 with 2 solo home runs, his 6th and 7th…Dan Johnson added his 12th home run…Reid Brignac was 2-4 and struck out twice.

Mississippi 6, Montgomery 4. Jeremy Hellickson’s second double-A start went much better than his first, giving up 2 runs in 4 innings. He struck out 3 without walking a batter and gave up 5 hits including a home run…Chris Nowak drove in 2 with 2 doubles in 4 at bats.

Palm Beach 11, Vero Beach 2 (gm 1). Ryan Morse gave up 9 runs (5 earned) in 3 innings. He gave up 7 hits and 4 walks…Wade Townsend came off the DL and pitched 1 perfect inning in relief…The D-Rays made 5 errors in the 7 inning contest and managed only 3 hits including a solo home run from Ryan Royster his 5th.

Vero Beach 4, Palm Beach 3 (gm 2). Chuck Tiffany made his second straight start working 4 innings and allowing 3 unearned runs. He struck out 4 and walked 2.

Hickory 3, Columbus 2. Jason Ragan pitched 5 scoreless innings for Columbus…Chase Fontaine finished 2-5 with his 1st home run, a solo shot…Maiko Loyola was 2-4 with a triple and 2 stolen bases. He now has 33 steals on the season, which is 3rd most in the SALy.

Batavia 12, Hudson Valley 0.

Princeton 9, Bluefield 5.

NOTES FROM DOWN ON THE FARM…

  • The Durham Bulls had 4 players named to the IL Al-Star team including Reid Brignac, Chris Richard, Jeremy Cummings and Dale Thayer. [Durham Bulls]
  • 6 members of the Montgomery Biscuits were named to the SL South All-Star squad. The players include Wade Davis, Jakes McGee, James Houser, Gaby Martinez, Rashad Eldridge and John Jaso. Jaso will be making his second straight appearance on the team, something we assume doesn’t happen very often. McGee will obviously not be able to participate due to his injury. Also, Gaby Martinez will not make the game due to a personal matter. [Biscuits' Batter]
Jun 13

[DOWN ON THE FARM] Richard And Reid Named Players Of The Month

Charlie Montoyo, Chris Richard, Ryan Reid Cork Gaines No Comments »

Rochester 9, Durham 4. Mitch Talbot picked up his first loss since April, dropping to 6-4. He was 5-0 in his previous 8 starts. He gave up 7 runs (6 earned) in 5.1 innings…5 different Bulls had 2 hits apiece including Fernando Perez, who also stole his 18th base…Joel Guzman and Reid Brignac were each 1-4. Brignac had 2 errors, only his 6th and 7th on the year.

Montgomery 4, Mobile 2 (gm 1). Jake McGee struggled with his control, walking 5, throwing a wild pitch and giving up 5 hits in just 4.1 innings. He struck out 3 and allowed 2 runs…Ryan Reid, struck out 3 and walked 1 in 2 scoreless innings for his first AA save…Ronnie Merrill was 2-4 with his 10th double and 2 RBI and Matt Spring added 2 hits in 3 at bats.

Mobile 3, Montgomery 1 (gm 2). Mike Prochaska started, going 5 innings and giving up 3 runs (2 earned)…Rashad Eldridge went 2-4, accounting for half of the Biscuits hits.

Vero Beach @ Fort Myers (ppd.)

Savannah 2, Columbus 1. Austin Hinkle gave up a walk and 2 straight singles with 1 out in the bottom of the 9th, the last of which drove in the winning run…Alex Cobb started, striking out 6 and walking just 1 in 6 innings. He gave up 1 run on 4 hits…The Catfish managed only 3 hits, all singles.

NOTES FROM DOWN ON THE FARM…

  • ESPN has a feature article on Durham Bulls’ manager Charlie Montoyo and his families struggles with the health of their 8-month old son Alex. [ESPN]
  • Chris Richard of the Bulls and Ryan Reid, recently promoted to the Biscuits, were named player and pitcher of the month for the Rays minor league system. [St. Pete Times]
Apr 14

[DOWN ON THE FARM] Jeremy Hellickson Is Better Prepared In 2008

Chris Richard, Jeremy Hellickson Cork Gaines No Comments »

Durham 2, Scranton WB 0. With Jeff Niemann getting the call to Tampa Bay, Kevin Lynn made his first start for the Bulls and posted a strange line. In 4.2 innings, he only allowed 1 hit and no runs, but he did walk 4…Grant Balfour pitched the final 3 innings for the save. He did not give up a hit, only walking 1…Fernando Perez drove in both runs with a double in the 5th…Reid Brignac did not play.

Carolina 9, Montgomery 2. Mike Wlodarczyk got knocked around for 5 runs in 4.1 innings…Wade Townsend pitched a perfect 8th with a strikeout…The Biscuits had 11 hits and 3 walks but managed only 2 runs, with 1 coming from Erold Andrus with a solo home run as the first batter of the game.

Savannah 11, Columbus 7. Jeremy Hall struck out 5 in 5 innings, allowing 2 runs but the bullpen would allow 9 runs in the final 2 innings…4 Catfish had 2 hits apiece including Stephen Vogt who had a double and a triple and drove in 3.

NOTES FROM DOWN ON THE FARM…

  • Baseball America talks to Rays pitching coordinator Dick Bosman about Jeremy Hellickson. Hellickson is the Rays 8th best prospect on our Meta-Analysis of top prospects. Bosman says that Hellickson came to camp bettered prepared than he did in years past, noting that Hellian is at a point this year that he did not reach until June or July a year ago. [Baseball America]


“He’s starting to figure out what spring training is about,” Rays pitching coordinator Dick Bosman said. “He’s finally figuring out that winter time is when you get stronger and you prepare for spring training, so that when you go to spring training, you prepare for the season. And the last couple years before this one, he kind of used spring training and extended spring to get ready for the year. This year he has responded very well.”

  • The Herald-Sun interviews the Bulls’ Chris Richard who is in his 14th pro season. [Herald-Sun]
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