Rays offseason moves

[raysnbran]

This thread will be for all Rays fans and visitors to post updates and comments on any signings done to improve this team. Two signings this week were the re-signing of SP Jae Seo to a deal for $900K, and a late re-signing last night of DH-1B Greg Norton. Seo was 1-8 for the Rays after being traded here from LA but was a bit of a hard luck pitcher in terms of run support. He gave the Rays a chance to win in most games, and like a lot of our SPs, the bullpen would give it away. If the bullpen gets some upgrades, half those L's could turn into W's. Norton was a steady vet who put up decent numbers as his playing time increased. He even ended up being the AL Player of the Week for the last week of the regular season. He is a good utility guy who has some nice pop in his bat and a steady veteran presence in a clubhouse of a lot of young guys.

Not earthshattering signings but the kind the Rays have to make and can afford. Next we need to re-sign Wigginton before he hits the open market.

[Eddiey]

This thread will be for all Rays fans and visitors to post updates and comments on any signings done to improve this team. Two signings this week were the re-signing of SP Jae Seo to a deal for $900K, and a late re-signing last night of DH-1B Greg Norton. Seo was 1-8 for the Rays after being traded here from LA but was a bit of a hard luck pitcher in terms of run support. He gave the Rays a chance to win in most games, and like a lot of our SPs, the bullpen would give it away. If the bullpen gets some upgrades, half those L's could turn into W's. Norton was a steady vet who put up decent numbers as his playing time increased. He even ended up being the AL Player of the Week for the last week of the regular season. He is a good utility guy who has some nice pop in his bat and a steady veteran presence in a clubhouse of a lot of young guys.

Not earthshattering signings but the kind the Rays have to make and can afford. Next we need to re-sign Wigginton before he hits the open market.

At 1.2 million Seo is worth taking a shot on. He has good stuff but seems
to lack confidence. He is another guy with potential, but at 29 years old,
his time running out.
I like Greg Norton alot. He is a top notch utility guy for sure. I also see him
as a possible starter at 1b next year if no one better can be found.
Wiggington had a great year. I'm sure other teams noticed so the Rays may need to pony up a few bucks to resign him.

[brooklynboy]

At 1.2 million Seo is worth taking a shot on. He has good stuff but seems
to lack confidence. He is another guy with potential, but at 29 years old,
his time running out.
I like Greg Norton alot. He is a top notch utility guy for sure. I also see him
as a possible starter at 1b next year if no one better can be found.
Wiggington had a great year. I'm sure other teams noticed so the Rays may need to pony up a few bucks to resign him.


Wigginton is gone.. D'Rays will never spend the money..Besides we have all those hot prospects..

:hp

[SDL]

Looks like he impressed people with his work in Havana for USA Baseball at the COPABE Olympic Qualifier.

Four appearances, 2.2 innings, 0-0 0.00, allowing three hits and twow alks but fanning five.

Glad to see he's on the 40 man...kid deserves it.

[raysnbran]

And Kevin Witt gets waived. He was the IL MVP but a bust again when called back up to the majors. If he clears waivers, hopefully he re-signs again with Durham. He was a popular player down there and they would love to see him back. Don't know much about Ridgway, but pitching is the only way this team will improve enough to compete with the teams in our division...

[SDL]

And Kevin Witt gets waived. He was the IL MVP but a bust again when called back up to the majors. If he clears waivers, hopefully he re-signs again with Durham. He was a popular player down there and they would love to see him back. Don't know much about Ridgway, but pitching is the only way this team will improve enough to compete with the teams in our division...

That I can't understand. What did they judge him on??? The .145 September performance??? SOMEBODY will pick him up.

Granted, I'm a Red Sox fan, but I do go down to the Naimoli complex to watch the action in the spring. I've met Ridgway..good level-headed kid. He's paid his dues in the minors.

[Eddiey]

That I can't understand. What did they judge him on??? The .145 September performance??? SOMEBODY will pick him up.

Granted, I'm a Red Sox fan, but I do go down to the Naimoli complex to watch the action in the spring. I've met Ridgway..good level-headed kid. He's paid his dues in the minors.

What sealed Witts fate could have been his on base percentage. His batting
average was .148 and his obp was the same .148. Zero walks and 21 strikeouts
in 61 at bats is something worse then just a poor performance. His other shot at the majors was in 2003 with the Tigers. He had 270 at bats and hit .263 with an obp of .301. The fact that he is 30 years old and probably has no more upside in him didn't help.

[raysnbran]

Exactly Eddie. Some guys are just AAA players and can't get any higher. Nothing wrong with that, they can make a decent living doing something they love. But they've reached their level.

[tonypug]

I was happy to see Norton re-sign. He had said he wanted to come back. Seo was another good signing. I thought the Rays signed Wigginton to a two year deal last year. I might be wrong.

[raysnbran]

The Rays declined to pick up the 2007 option on Brian Meadows yesterday. He stepped in as the closer for a while after Tyler Walker went down, and saved 7 in a row, but then had a really bad stretch over 3 games, and never got the closer job back again. He was due $1.07M, and has said he would be willing to come back again for less money, so he might still be a part of the mix.

[tonypug]

The Rays declined to pick up the 2007 option on Brian Meadows yesterday. He stepped in as the closer for a while after Tyler Walker went down, and saved 7 in a row, but then had a really bad stretch over 3 games, and never got the closer job back again. He was due $1.07M, and has said he would be willing to come back again for less money, so he might still be a part of the mix.
The closer issue remins one of the biggest question marks for the Rays. It was clearly shown last year that they really need one. Anyone know the status of Tyler Walker?

[raysnbran]

Didn't he get an operation for Tommy John surgery in June? He might be out all of 2007. McClung might get another shot, but don't forget about Shinji Mori. I think he might be ready for ST. A closer is important, but not as important for us as for, say the Red Sox. We can get our 65 wins without overpaying for a closer. With Papelbon moving to the rotation, unless they are counting on Foulke or Timlin, they don't have one, do they? Unless maybe they make Hansen a closer and hope lightning strikes twice for them with young fireballing closers.

[tonypug]

Didn't he get an operation for Tommy John surgery in June? He might be out all of 2007. McClung might get another shot, but don't forget about Shinji Mori. I think he might be ready for ST. A closer is important, but not as important for us as for, say the Red Sox. We can get our 65 wins without overpaying for a closer. With Papelbon moving to the rotation, unless they are counting on Foulke or Timlin, they don't have one, do they? Unless maybe they make Hansen a closer and hope lightning strikes twice for them with young fireballing closers.
I'm not saying spend a lot of money on a closer. But I can remember at least 10 times a decent closer would have allowed the Rays to win a few more games. Even bringing in someone like former Ray Roberto Hernandez would be an improvment. Mori is coming back from Tommy John surgery, there is nothing for certain with him.

[raysnbran]

http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/team/transactions.jsp?c_id=tb

Rays release former closer Tyler Walker on Friday. No great loss, as he had TJ surgery and was probably out for 2007 anyways. And tonypug, today's SP Times had quotes from Mori saying he would be ready for ST. He had a torn labrum, not TJ surgery.

[tonypug]

http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/team/transactions.jsp?c_id=tb

Rays release former closer Tyler Walker on Friday. No great loss, as he had TJ surgery and was probably out for 2007 anyways. And tonypug, today's SP Times had quotes from Mori saying he would be ready for ST. He had a torn labrum, not TJ surgery.
Thanksfor the update. In my mind Mori is still a question mark, until he proves he can get batters out in the major leagues.

[W_Marone]

Hey, here's a thought, trade Gomes to the Phils for Pat Burrell...I want my favorite player on my favorite team. ;) ;) Ok ok, the phils can throw in Liberthal too...hahaha

[wigglestrue]

Got some Rays questions:

- Do either Brignac or Longoria have a chance to win a job in ST?
- How many players have been tried out/considered at different positions? Baldelli (CF/1B), Guzman (SS/OF/3B/1B), Bankston (1B/3B/1B), Dukes (OF/1B), Pedroza (OF/C)...?
- Which pitchers most likely will have a rotation spot? Kazmir is guaranteed, but beyond that...Shields, Hammel, Niemann, Howell...?
- Who are the likeliest closer candidates? McClung, Jackson, Salas, Mori...?
- What ever happened to the Argentinian kid who threw underhand knuckleballs?

[SDL]

Hey, here's a thought, trade Gomes to the Phils for Pat Burrell...I want my favorite player on my favorite team. ;) ;) Ok ok, the phils can throw in Liberthal too...hahaha

Let me guess...

You were also a Wayne Gomes fan as well...

[W_Marone]

No way, I hated that guy. Just Jonny.

[AznInvasion]

I would try Edwin Jackson at closer spot. I've always liked the way he pitches.

[raysnbran]

The Rays pitching coach, Mike Butcher, was given permission to speak to the Angels about their pitching coach vacancy (with Bud Black leaving) and has accepted the position. It will be a lateral move, but one closer to his home and family in Chandler Arizona. He has been replaced with recently fired Astros' pitching coach Jim Hickey. Hickey's staffs in recent years had led the NL in ERA, but he was let go, reportedly, for not having developed the young pitchers on their staff. Sentimental favorite from the Rays system, Xavier Hernandez, was apparently not considered, but he might be moved up in the minor league system to be Durham's pitching coach.

[tonypug]

The Rays pitching coach, Mike Butcher, was given permission to speak to the Angels about their pitching coach vacancy (with Bud Black leaving) and has accepted the position. It will be a lateral move, but one closer to his home and family in Chandler Arizona. He has been replaced with recently fired Astros' pitching coach Jim Hickey. Hickey's staffs in recent years had led the NL in ERA, but he was let go, reportedly, for not having developed the young pitchers on their staff. Sentimental favorite from the Rays system, Xavier Hernandez, was apparently not considered, but he might be moved up in the minor league system to be Durham's pitching coach.
Pitching coaches seem to get re-cycled more then manager these days. Butcher was also criticized for not developing young pitchers enough. The bottom line is the pitching coach is only as good as the talent he has to work with. Look at former Rays pitching coach, Chuck Hernandez. He went to Detroit last season, and now he is called a pitching Guru, but look at the talent he had to work with.

[raysnbran]

Rays dropped former SP Doug Waechter from the 40 man roster, and added P Mitch Talbot, OF Elijah Dukes and IF Elliot Johnson. Waechter sustained a torn labrum and wouldn't be able to pitch anyways until next summer, plus he had a disasterous 2005 both in TB and in Durham. The Rays might offer him a minor league deal, and considering he's a hometown guy and should not expect to get any other offers, he will probably re-sign and eventually play with Durham.

Talbot was aquired last July in the Huff deal to the Astros and performed very well down the stretch for Montgomery in the playoffs. Johnson also had an excellent year and is considered a solid prospect. Dukes' talent and troubles have been well chronicled, and his name has been linked to a deal with Florida for Ricky Nolasco, so maybe that's why he's been added to the 40man.

[wigglestrue]

I like Elliot Johnson a lot. I wonder with TB's multiple infield options if he'll get a chance at the bigs when he's ready in a year or two. Cantu would have to be traded, and now Iwamura is an option there, too. Also, what's the deal with his brother Leon? The Rays keep drafting him and he keeps refusing to play.

[raysnbran]

You have to wonder if 2005 was a flash in the pan for Cantu. His defense is a liability and it is hard to find a position he might be good at. He got hurt early in the season in 2006 and never got hot the whole season. He has a lot to prove that he can play at this level.

[Eddiey]

You have to wonder if 2005 was a flash in the pan for Cantu. His defense is a liability and it is hard to find a position he might be good at. He got hurt early in the season in 2006 and never got hot the whole season. He has a lot to prove that he can play at this level.
I think Cantu played in the World Baseball Classic. I have to wonder if that tournament didn't have some effect on his play for the Rays. It appeared that playing in the WBC was a detriment to more then just a few guys.

[Eddiey]

Danys Baez was signed by the Orioles. Scratch one reliever the Rays may have had an interest in.

[SDL]

Danys Baez was signed by the Orioles. Scratch one reliever the Rays may have had an interest in.

Well, you're welcome to go after Keith Foulke ;)

[Eddiey]

Well, you're welcome to go after Keith Foulke ;)
Nah, we kinda like our pitchers to have working knees. LOL

[tonypug]

You have to wonder if 2005 was a flash in the pan for Cantu. His defense is a liability and it is hard to find a position he might be good at. He got hurt early in the season in 2006 and never got hot the whole season. He has a lot to prove that he can play at this level.
A couple of things about Cantu. Don't forget he played for Mexico in the world Classic, so he got started early. Then he was injured a couple of times during the year.You really can't judge him on last year .First base may be a good fit for Cantu. It would be nice to see the Rays give him a shot there.

[Eddiey]

A couple of things about Cantu. Don't forget he played for Mexico in the world Classic, so he got started early. Then he was injured a couple of times during the year.You really can't judge him on last year .First base may be a good fit for Cantu. It would be nice to see the Rays give him a shot there.
I agree with Tony. Its too soon to give up on Cantu. Lets see how he does after some time off over the winter.

[JaxTeaMen]

Cantu should stay. He isn't a Gold Glove fielder, but he has the best swing of anyone in the Devil Rays lineup. He is good hitter and to give him away to another team would mean that the new management of the Devil Rays Sternberg would be as shortsighted as Vince and Chuck were.

[tonypug]

Cantu should stay. He isn't a Gold Glove fielder, but he has the best swing of anyone in the Devil Rays lineup. He is good hitter and to give him away to another team would mean that the new management of the Devil Rays Sternberg would be as shortsighted as Vince and Chuck were.
JaxTeaMen,welcome. We are waiting to see just what the new ownership group has in mind. They have had a full season to get a plan together, now is the time to show us what that plan is. On troubling problem is the manager Joe Maddon. He was given a two rear contract with a team option the third year. That means this could be his last year. Thats not good with a young team. Either extend his contract, or fire him now. Otherwise this season gets played with uncertainty. Will he manage the team to help it get better or to save his job.

[TheKingofKings]

On Friday, the Rays signed 1B Hee-Seop Choi and OF Dustan Mohr to minor league contracts, who knows, Choi could be the Rays' starting First Baseman in 2007 ...

[wilkerson_rulz-06]

I wonder how BJ Upton will fit in next year, he was horrible with the glove, I hope they move him to CF (I made a thread on that a while back).

[wilkerson_rulz-06]

On Friday, the Rays signed 1B Hee-Seop Choi and OF Dustan Mohr to minor league contracts, who knows, Choi could be the Rays' starting First Baseman in 2007 ...
Let's no dream anymore, Choi will get a shot in ST and he'll probably make it since the Rays aren't exactly a depth team, Mohr can probably filll a hole in the OF as the 4th man and he might actually play because...I see...injuries...once again.

[raysnbran]

OF is the one position we HAVE depth at. Crawford, Baldelli and Young are your starters, Dukes and Gomes will both probably make the team. Choi might be the 1B, unless they decide to move Wigginton or maybe Cantu or Upton even there during ST. Still no pitching, and with prices being thrown around out there, we still won't have any. So to be competitive, we at least have to have a solid corps of middle relievers and a defense that won't give up 4 outs an inning.

[tonypug]

Choi and Mohr are good signings. There is nothing to lose. Wigginton and Norton are perfctly capeable of handling firstbase. If Choi wins the firstbase job, that allows Norton and Wigginton to be utility players which is what they were signed for origonally. Mohr is insurance against injuries. Pitching will be a problem. The hope is the young pitchers get over their injuries and can contribute this year.

[TheKingofKings]

OF is the one position we HAVE depth at. Crawford, Baldelli and Young are your starters, Dukes and Gomes will both probably make the team. Choi might be the 1B, unless they decide to move Wigginton or maybe Cantu or Upton even there during ST. Still no pitching, and with prices being thrown around out there, we still won't have any. So to be competitive, we at least have to have a solid corps of middle relievers and a defense that won't give up 4 outs an inning.
Wiggington is not with the Club anymore ...

[tonypug]

Wiggington is not with the Club anymore ...
Ty Wigginton is still with the Devil Rays, unless he was traded today.

[Eddiey]

[QUOTE=tonypug]Ty Wigginton is still with the Devil Rays, unless he was traded today.[/QUOTE
The ESPN list of free agents makes no mention of Ty Wigginton.

[tonypug]

[QUOTE=tonypug]Ty Wigginton is still with the Devil Rays, unless he was traded today.[/QUOTE
The ESPN list of free agents makes no mention of Ty Wigginton.
When Wigginton signed last year it was for two years. That was one of the reasons he signed with them.

[raysnbran]

The Rays have released OF Damon Hollins. This brings 40 man roster down to 38, opening up a slot for Iwamura, and either a utility IF or possibly Elijah Dukes, if one of the OF'ers like Baldelli get traded. Hollins will probably clear waivers and re-sign with Durham, but I thought that would happen to Nick Green too, and he ended up caddying for A-Rod :cool:

[tonypug]

The Rays have released OF Damon Hollins. This brings 40 man roster down to 38, opening up a slot for Iwamura, and either a utility IF or possibly Elijah Dukes, if one of the OF'ers like Baldelli get traded. Hollins will probably clear waivers and re-sign with Durham, but I thought that would happen to Nick Green too, and he ended up caddying for A-Rod :cool:
I believe Dukes is already on the 40 man roster. They added Dukes and Left Josh Hamilton unprotected.

[raysnbran]

Minor moves were made this week, signing Al Reyes, Gary Glover, and Jason Grabowski to minor league deals, and also re-signing Doug Waechter to a minor league deal. Waechter will continue to rehab his pitching arm from offseason torn labrum surgery. He said he had offers from other teams, but decided to re-sign here where he grew up and is surrounded by friends and family. Hopefully the surgery will cure him from his horrendous 2006 season. Reyes is also coming off of arm surgery and has a good chance to become a contributor to the Rays bullpen. Also Damon Hollins, who was released earlier in the month, has signed a deal to play in Japan for 2007.

[tonypug]

Minor moves were made this week, signing Al Reyes, Gary Glover, and Jason Grabowski to minor league deals, and also re-signing Doug Waechter to a minor league deal. Waechter will continue to rehab his pitching arm from offseason torn labrum surgery. He said he had offers from other teams, but decided to re-sign here where he grew up and is surrounded by friends and family. Hopefully the surgery will cure him from his horrendous 2006 season. Reyes is also coming off of arm surgery and has a good chance to become a contributor to the Rays bullpen. Also Damon Hollins, who was released earlier in the month, has signed a deal to play in Japan for 2007.
While certainly not earth shaking moves, especially compared to what other teams are doing, these are the sort of signings the Rays have to make.Reyes , if healthy can help the bullpen a lot. He might even be able to get the last outs of a game.Waechter certainly had talent,perhaps after re-hab he will be a better pitcher, it has happened before. Best wishes to Damon Hollins, who always gave his best.

[brooklynboy]

:ughh

At the prices the FA's are going for, it'll be awhile before this ownership makes any moves..

[East Coast Bat Co]

On Friday, the Rays signed 1B Hee-Seop Choi and OF Dustan Mohr to minor league contracts, who knows, Choi could be the Rays' starting First Baseman in 2007 ...


I would like to see Joel Guzman at 1st this year. This is a guy with a ton of pop in his bat. Like the rest of the team, he is young and just needs some AB's.

[tonypug]

I would like to see Joel Guzman at 1st this year. This is a guy with a ton of pop in his bat. Like the rest of the team, he is young and just needs some AB's.
I would hope and think that Guzman would get the chance to win the job in spring training.

[raysnbran]

Unless you count the signing of utility IF Brendan Harris from the Reds, the Rays continue their quiet offseason, while every team in their division has made major moves or free agent signings to improve. 70 wins seem to get farther away every year :waving

[Eddiey]

Unless you count the signing of utility IF Brendan Harris from the Reds, the Rays continue their quiet offseason, while every team in their division has made major moves or free agent signings to improve. 70 wins seem to get farther away every year :waving

Its true they have done nothing of any consequence. But in defense of the organization, what the Rays need is pitching, and the contracts that were tossed around to free agents were insane. I predict that most of the teams making those signings will be trying to dump the contracts in 2 years. The Rays and most other teams can't afford to make those kind of mistakes. That said, the perception of the average fan will be that the Rays aren't trying to build a winner. I think management wants to win, but is forced to take the long hard road to success. There will be no easy way.

[tonypug]

Its true they have done nothing of any consequence. But in defense of the organization, what the Rays need is pitching, and the contracts that were tossed around to free agents were insane. I predict that most of the teams making those signings will be trying to dump the contracts in 2 years. The Rays and most other teams can't afford to make those kind of mistakes. That said, the perception of the average fan will be that the Rays aren't trying to build a winner. I think management wants to win, but is forced to take the long hard road to success. There will be no easy way.
Good points Eddiey. Those of us here who watch this team and keep up every day, know what they are trying to do. Other teams fans, some of whom drop by occasionaly, just point and laugh. The everyday players who have been available, for the most part wouldn't improve the Rays. Some of the pitchers available would have helped but not for the prices they are getting. There could very well be improvement this rear without it being reflected in the win column.

[raysnbran]

I agree with the both of you that what we need is pitching, the prices for pitching are out of sight, and progress will be slow. However the new ownership bought this team with the intention of competing by 2008. They didn't anticipate the prices of free agents going thru the roof, and I don't think they have the financial resources to do anything about it now. It's a catch 22.

Yes, they have improved the depth at the minor league level. They have opened academies in Latin America to gain a presence they never had before. They have made the experience of going to a game at the Trop more fan friendly. But bottom line, we have no hope of competing, much less winning anything, as salaries spiral out of control.

We can talk about our young players, but eventually these young players will need/want to get paid like major leaguers too. If they don't get it here, they will be traded for more prospects. I believe Kazmir is arbitration eligible after this season. Will the Rays be able to afford him if he has a breakout year? He's already pitched in an All Star game, and if he comes into the season healthy, he will be our ace. Aces and #1 pitchers want to get paid like the rest of the #1 SPs in baseball.

It just seems the closer we get to the carrot dangling on the stick in front of us, something like this offseason dampers my hopes and makes it seem like it's been pulled further away with the rest of the teams laughing at us. We all know we need to develop pitching, but I can count on one hand how many have been developed and contribute on our team. For once I'd like to talk hot stove league and feel confident that my team is a player. I just can't see it the rest of this decade at least...

[tonypug]

You name a lot of pluses. While Management may have been surprised by this years crazy free agent spending, They are still within sight of better things in 2008.I am happy the team didn't get caught up in the frenzy of crazy spending, that would have sent the team even further back.It can be painful waiting for things to improve, but I am confident that they will.In the past, any pitcher who showed any promise was promptly traded, I would like to see the current team and young pitchers be given a full year to judge them on. While I like Lou Pinella, I think his tenure as manager actually hurt the team. He didn't trust young players and was always playing veterans.

[brooklynboy]

I agree we can't keep up with the AL East in terms of signings :( Also agree the cost of FA this year is unbelievable..However, I don't think the Marlins Mode of Operation is applicable to this franchise..

Even the Royals decided to spend this year (Only time will tell if it works out for the Royals). My point is they decided to go with a mix..What are we going with?

Management has a long way to go if their goal is to compete in '08..

So I, along with the rest of the fans, are left with free parking for the season :noidea

[Eddiey]

I agree with the both of you that what we need is pitching, the prices for pitching are out of sight, and progress will be slow. However the new ownership bought this team with the intention of competing by 2008. They didn't anticipate the prices of free agents going thru the roof, and I don't think they have the financial resources to do anything about it now. It's a catch 22.

Yes, they have improved the depth at the minor league level. They have opened academies in Latin America to gain a presence they never had before. They have made the experience of going to a game at the Trop more fan friendly. But bottom line, we have no hope of competing, much less winning anything, as salaries spiral out of control.

We can talk about our young players, but eventually these young players will need/want to get paid like major leaguers too. If they don't get it here, they will be traded for more prospects. I believe Kazmir is arbitration eligible after this season. Will the Rays be able to afford him if he has a breakout year? He's already pitched in an All Star game, and if he comes into the season healthy, he will be our ace. Aces and #1 pitchers want to get paid like the rest of the #1 SPs in baseball.

It just seems the closer we get to the carrot dangling on the stick in front of us, something like this offseason dampers my hopes and makes it seem like it's been pulled further away with the rest of the teams laughing at us. We all know we need to develop pitching, but I can count on one hand how many have been developed and contribute on our team. For once I'd like to talk hot stove league and feel confident that my team is a player. I just can't see it the rest of this decade at least...
The real Catch 22 as I see it is that the Rays need to increase its revenues dramatically to sign their own players down the road and compete for some free agents. To increase revenue they need to put a winner on the field but can't afford to do that without first increasing revenues. Thats the real dilemma. The only way out as I see it is for management at some point to bite the bullet and accept some major financial loses to improve the team. Build a winner and the people will come.

[brooklynboy]

Interesting point..The Royals were accused of taking the revenue sharing money(In some cases, it was signifacant) and placing it into the owners pockets.. Where has our revenue sharing money gone to??

[Eddiey]

Interesting point..The Royals were accused of taking the revenue sharing money(In some cases, it was signifacant) and placing it into the owners pockets.. Where has our revenue sharing money gone to??

Good question for which I have no answer. I don't even know if those numbers are available to the public. What I do know is that the Rays over the last two years have signed Crawford and Baldelli to long term deals. Also, as mentioned earlier in another post the Rays have expanded there coverage in Latin America. Without knowing how much revenue sharing money they have received or how much various improvements of the franchise operations have cost, there is no way of knowing if the Rays are pocketing their revenue sharing money.

[raysnbran]

Interesting point..The Royals were accused of taking the revenue sharing money(In some cases, it was signifacant) and placing it into the owners pockets.. Where has our revenue sharing money gone to??

A Rays tank in RF? :cool:

I heard also that the reason the Royals are now spending money is that Walmart has become a part of their ownership group. If that's the case, that explains the Gil Meche signing, Walmart has more money than God...

Sternberg will have to align himself with a corporation that has deep pockets as well. An individual can't afford to own a baseball team in today's world (except maybe Steinbrenner). Only mega corporations can sustain the runaway salaries. I just don't see any hope long term for this franchise to get better. Like eddie and I have said, our own young players will become eligible for raises, and without a huge revenue stream when you're a bottom feeding team, we won't be able to afford to keep them.

[chudddds]

One more point I havnt heard mentioned.

not only are the young rays gonna wanna get paid, but they also dont want to play for losers.

make more money and win, not a hard decision.

i wouldnt play here.

i wouldnt want to coach here.

ask lou

[raysnbran]

The Rays settled with 2 of their 3 arbitration cases, reaching agreements with Ty Wigginton on a $2.7 mil deal and Seth McClung on a $750K deal. Josh Paul, backup catcher, is the only arb eligible player that thinks he's worth more than what the Rays are offering. He got $475K in 2006, the Rays offered $650K, he wants $975K. He wants to virtually double his salary, and his contribution in 2006 was 1 HR and 14 RBI. Old time players must be rolling over in their graves :eek:

[tonypug]

The Rays settled with 2 of their 3 arbitration cases, reaching agreements with Ty Wigginton on a $2.7 mil deal and Seth McClung on a $750K deal. Josh Paul, backup catcher, is the only arb eligible player that thinks he's worth more than what the Rays are offering. He got $475K in 2006, the Rays offered $650K, he wants $975K. He wants to virtually double his salary, and his contribution in 2006 was 1 HR and 14 RBI. Old time players must be rolling over in their graves :eek:
Paul, also went to arbitration last year, after the Rays acquired him. He lost his case last year, and will probably lose again. I am happy to see thar the Rays and Wigginton came to an agreement, without going to arbitration.

[brooklynboy]

And so I go into spring training with youth, no pitching and free parking...

:ughh

[tonypug]

And so I go into spring training with youth, no pitching and free parking...

:ughh
Shinji Mori has also been released, which puts a little more focus on the young pitchers.

[raysnbran]

Shinji Mori has also been released, which puts a little more focus on the young pitchers.

$2 million spent by the new ownership group for ZERO innings pitched. This is why this team struggles to compete. This is almost as bad as the Juan Guzman signing. :grouchy

[chudddds]

From CNN/SIs John Heyman:

" Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Give them this: They did win the cheapest posting game, nabbing the rights to infielder Akinori Iwamura from Japan for $4.5 million. Beyond that, they tried hard to trade Rocco Baldelli for a star young pitcher. Since they didn't, their rotation remains a nightmare. Young GM Andrew Friedman already has impressed competitors with his smarts, but it's not easy digging out of this hole (or more appropriately, gulf).
Grade: D+."

[raysnbran]

The Rays re-signed Mori to a minor league deal, and apparently have filled his space on the 40 man roster by signing RP Scott Dohmann. They hope that the new pitching coach will be able to harness his control to cut down on his walks and baserunners. He has the arm to throw strikes, have struck out more batters than innings pitched.

[tonypug]

Unless you count the signing of utility IF Brendan Harris from the Reds, the Rays continue their quiet offseason, while every team in their division has made major moves or free agent signings to improve. 70 wins seem to get farther away every year :waving
They appear ready to sign Carlos Pena. I haven't seen any players that other teams have over spent for, that would have made the Rays into a contender. Many people want to see the team spend money so it looks like they are trying to get better, which would just be a case of wasting money, in my mind.

[HDH]

I think Carlos Pena may be a good signing for the Rays. He has potential to be a good hitter as well as a good fielder except for numerous mental lapses. Its likely his last chance.

I think the Rays are a pitcher away from being a decent club. One extra dependable starter will go a long way to help stabilize the rotation. If they could pickup a Zack Grienke, maybe it would be a better rotation.

[raysnbran]

Time to wrap up this offseason thread, as pitchers and catchers report on Saturday 2/17. The Rays FanFast at Tropicana Field is on 2/24, as the position players report next week too. Soon there will be heard the crack of the bats and the smell of fresh cut grass at Florida Power Park at Al Lang Field, as another Rays season is upon us!

[winningtheweapon]

Unless you count the signing of utility IF Brendan Harris from the Reds, the Rays continue their quiet offseason, while every team in their division has made major moves or free agent signings to improve. 70 wins seem to get farther away every year :waving

Well the Orioles look terrible so maybe Tampa Bay for once can slide into 4th place. Your team is really only a pitcher or two away from being decent. Let's not forget the mess in the bullpen.

[raysnbran]

There was one year we actually did finish in 4th place ahead of the O's. I think it was the only year we won 70 games. :o

[winningtheweapon]

There was one year we actually did finish in 4th place ahead of the O's. I think it was the only year we won 70 games. :o

That's rough. I hope your franchise gets better soon. But they really do need a new ballpark. Tropicana Field is ugly.

[brooklynboy]

What we need is an owner that actually cares about the team

:hp

That's rough. I hope your franchise gets better soon. But they really do need a new ballpark. Tropicana Field is ugly.