Mailbag: Is Upton on an upswing?

01/09/2006
What are the Rays' plans for B.J. Upton this year?-- David D., Baltimore, Md.
At this point, there are several options. First, there's the prospect of Upton coming to the Major Leagues at another position, possibly third base. Given his offensive potential and the fact the position is less demanding defensively, Upton would probably fit in nicely at the hot corner. However, from all indications, Upton wants to remain at shortstop, and the Rays seem receptive to letting him exhaust all possibilities at the position. If Julio Lugo is not traded, Upton can continue to work on his defense at Triple-A Durham.
The final option would be to make Upton the Rays' starting shortstop. This seems the least likely possibility, considering his defensive lapses in 2005. After all, the Rays have a young staff, which is more sensitive to defensive lapses.
I think the Devil Rays shouldn't trade away any of their players. What do you think of the team's chances are with their current roster?-- Vinny F., Largo, Fla.
I believe the chances of the 2006 team having a similar look to 2005 are quite possible, which isn't the worst scenario. While trading Aubrey Huff, Danys Baez, Julio Lugo and Joey Gathright would likely strengthen the team for the future, the Rays would be stronger with all of them on board this season. Thus, the Rays, in my opinion, find themselves in a win-win situation. If another team wants to deal fairly with them, they can make trades that will benefit them in the long run; if not, they enter the 2006 campaign with a team that finished last season as one of the more exciting teams in baseball. And it would still be a young team, but with beneficial experience gained during 2005.
Assuming no trades are made prior to the season, what are the chances the Rays will spend money to keep players entering the final year of their contract? If management has no desire to sign these guys for big money, then would it not be better to trade them for something than be left empty-handed at the end of the season? Of course, a trade could also be made during the season.-- Donna M., Odessa, Fla.
Many teams in baseball have valuable personnel with one year remaining on their contracts. If the Rays do not trade the players who have been mentioned as trade bait, those players will remain with the Rays this season and have the opportunity to improve their lots with their performances. If the Rays are pleased with the players' performances, they will have the chance to re-sign them. Let's give the Rays' new management the benefit of the doubt by taking a wait-and-see attitude to see how they treat players who produce on the playing field.
With the crowded situation in Tampa Bay's outfield, do you think it is possible Delmon Young could be traded for some pitching? Or is he too good a prospect to trade away? With Jonny Gomes, Rocco Baldelli, Carl Crawford, Gathright, Huff and Damon Hollins already in the outfield mix, there doesn't seem to be any spot for Young.-- No name or hometown provided
Young is special, so the chances of his being traded are remote. But who knows? The Rays do have a full outfield, so there's always a chance some team could knock off the Rays' socks with an offer they can't refuse. But again, such a deal would have to be of an almost unreal magnitude, given the high esteem in which Young is held by the Rays' front office.
While much has been made about the possibility of the Rays trading Huff, Gathright and/or Lugo for Andy Marte or some other position player, don't you think that swapping a combination of these players for a decent No. 1 or No. 2 starting pitcher would benefit the Rays more? Scott Kazmir could then face another team's No. 3 starter on a regular basis instead of facing off against aces start after start.-- Gary L., Seminole, Fla.
I agree with you that trading for a quality No. 1 or No. 2 starter would be the ideal situation. The problem is, nobody in baseball is trading their top starters. Nearly every team in baseball shares the same problem, which is not having enough proven starting pitching. So the prospect of trading Huff or Gathright for a starter of much consequence is remote.
The best chance the Rays have of getting starting pitching through a trade is by acquiring a youngster with the potential to develop into a proven starter. As for Kazmir, it sounds like new Rays manager Joe Maddon is receptive to letting the young left-hander compete for the No. 1 spot in the rotation. Given that scenario, Rays fans will have to hope Kazmir has the mettle to meet the challenge. From the way he finished the second half of the 2005 season, I think he can pull it off.
I realize that Spring Training is a ways off and a lot can happen between now and then, but how do you see the 25-man Opening Day roster shaping up?-- Doug M., Warsaw, Ind.
If the offseason continues like it has, I believe the 25-man roster will have most of the following names on it:
Outfield: Crawford, Hollins, Gomes, Gathright, Huff and Baldelli.Infielders: Jorge Cantu, Lugo, Sean Burroughs, Nick Green, Huff and Travis Lee.Catchers: Toby Hall and Josh Paul.Starting pitchers: Kazmir, Casey Fossum, Mark Hendrickson, Seth McClung and Doug Waechter.Relievers: Jesus Colome, Tim Corcoran, Travis Harper, Baez, Chad Harville, Chad Orvella and Lance Carter.

Source: http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/

Devil Rays, Gonzalez part ways

01/09/2006
ST. PETERSBURG -- On the final day to re-sign Alex Gonzalez, the Devil Rays and their everyday third baseman during the 2005 season parted ways.
Gonzalez, who was one of three Tampa Bay free agents entering the offseason, declined to accept arbitration, which meant the Rays had until Sunday to sign him. But no deal was reached.
Gonzalez was looking for a deal that would have given him more playing time than he would have gotten with the Devil Rays, who recently acquired third baseman Sean Burroughs from the Padres in a trade that sent right-hander Dewon Brazelton to San Diego.
The other Tampa Bay free agents included first baseman Travis Lee, who accepted arbitration and will be back with the team in 2006, and first baseman/designated hitter Eduardo Perez, who turned down arbitration and an offer to stay with the Rays. Perez is likely to sign a deal with the Indians as early as Tuesday.
Gonzalez, 32, made 97 starts for the Devil Rays in 2005, primarily at third base (six at shortstop) and hit .269 with nine home runs and 38 RBIs. His two-run homer at Pittsburgh on June 12 came in the 13th inning and ended a seven-game losing streak.
By not signing Gonzalez, the Rays have whittled down their list of third basemen to include Burroughs, utility man Nick Green and perhaps Aubrey Huff, who has played third base in the past.

Source: http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/

Rays sign Wigginton to one-year deal

01/10/2006
ST. PETERSBURG -- The Devil Rays added to their infield depth Tuesday by signing free agent Ty Wigginton to a one-year deal.
Wigginton, who has played every infield position but shortstop, hit .258 with seven home runs and 25 RBIs in 155 at-bats with the Pirates in 2005.
A right-handed hitter, Wigginton will make a nice complement to the Rays' corner positions, as both third baseman Sean Burroughs and first baseman Travis Lee both hit left-handed. Wigginton's will likely see time at first, third and designated hitter.
Another upside of the deal is that the Rays can control Wigginton for three additional years through the arbitration process.
Wigginton, 28, owns a .262 career Major League average with 41 home runs and 180 RBIs over 403 games with the Mets and Pirates. Originally the Mets' 17th round selection in 1998, he was named to the 2003 Topps All-Rookie Team as he led all National League rookies in RBIs (71), extra-base hits (53) and doubles (36), and set Mets single-season rookie marks for hits (146), doubles, extra-base hits and at-bats (573).
Wigginton was acquired by the Pirates at the trading deadline in 2004 in a deal that sent right-hander Kris Benson to the Mets. He was Pittsburgh's Opening Day third baseman in 2005, but split the campaign between the Pirates and Triple-A Indianapolis. He hit .365 over his final 22 games with the Pirates following his return from Triple-A.

Source: http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/

Rays sign Japanese reliever Mori

01/11/2006
ST. PETERSBURG -- The Devil Rays went to the international market Wednesday to improve their bullpen and signed Shinji Mori to a two-year deal believed to be worth $1.5 million with a club option for another two years for an unspecified amount.
"Shinji Mori is a talented reliever who will add depth to our bullpen," said Rays executive vice president for baseball operations Andrew Friedman.
"He's had a successful career in Japan, and we look forward to his continued success with the Devil Rays. This is the organization's first agreement with a player from the Japanese Leagues, and we hope this will lead to more opportunities in Asia."
Wednesday was the final day the Rays could sign Mori, with whom they had been negotiating since December, when they outbid the Red Sox and Indians for the rights to the 31-year-old right-hander.
After winning the rights to Mori, the Rays had 30 days to work out a deal, based on the terms of the Japanese posting system. If they had not signed him, he would have pitched in Japan in 2006.
Mori was 44-44 with 50 saves and a 3.39 ERA in nine seasons with Seibu and had 755 strikeouts in 653 innings. He was a Pacific League All-Star in 2002, 2003 and 2004 and the league's top setup man in 2002-03.
In 2005, he went 2-2 with a 4.22 ERA in 48 games with five saves and struck out 60 in 49 innings.
Mori, who stands 6-foot-2, 194 pounds, was viewed as a power pitcher in Japan but also possesses a nice variety of pitches, which gives him some flexibility.
New Rays manager Joe Maddon announced the goal earlier in the offseason of having four go-to guys in the bullpen he can count on when the Rays are leading or are tied in the late innings.
Mori will likely be one of those four, or he might become the heir apparent to Joe Borowski as the team's setup man behind closer Danys Baez.
In addition to Baez and Mori, the Rays' bullpen should include Chad Orvella, Jesus Colome, Chad Harville, Travis Harper, Tim Corcoran and Lance Carter.
The Rays also are interested in veteran reliever Dan Miceli, a 35-year-old right-hander who's pitched 13 Major League seasons. In 2005, he went 1-2 with a 5.89 ERA in 19 appearances with Colorado before injuring his foot.

Source: http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/

Around the Horn: Bullpen

01/11/2006
ST. PETERSBURG -- With time running out before the opening of Spring Training, the Devil Rays' bullpen appears to be the team's biggest question mark.
New Rays manager Joe Maddon's goal is to have four go-to guys in the bullpen he can give the ball to when the score is tied or when the Rays are leading. He believes having such a setup can create winning streaks. While that's the goal, Maddon said the Rays are short of having those four pitchers.
"Of course, I think the bullpen still needs to be augmented," said Maddon in a recent interview.
What's known about the bullpen is that closer Danys Baez hasn't been traded. If the right-hander begins the season with the Rays, Maddon will at least know he's got a guy who can slam the door on the opposition in the ninth inning.
Baez had a successful second season with the Rays in 2005, recording 41 saves in 49 opportunities to set a career high; his previous high was 30. He had a Major League-high 28 saves after the All-Star break and came two saves shy of the Rays' record set by Roberto Hernandez in 1999.
It's likely Baez would have had an even better season had he not been called on to pitch the eighth inning on many occasions in the first half of the season.
The team's eighth-inning problems went away after the All-Star Game, when Joe Borowski was signed.
The Rays signed the veteran right-hander July 11 after the Cubs released him, and he provided a much-needed spark to the relief corps. In his first 20 appearances, he posted a 1-0 mark in 21 innings pitched and gave up no runs -- including 11 perfect appearances -- while opponents hit just .103 against him. The 21 scoreless innings set a career high for Borowski and established a Rays record; Rolando Arrojo held the previous mark of 18 set in 1998.
In Borowski's final 12 appearances, he went 0-5, allowing 15 earned runs in 14 innings, and opponents hit .328 against him.
Borowski will not be back with the Rays in 2006, leaving questions about who will pitch the eighth inning or pick up the slack for the other three spots Maddon hopes to fill as his four go-to guys.
Chad Orvella is one of the guys the Rays will be counting on. The right-hander made his Major League debut May 31 at Oakland after being recalled from Double-A Montgomery and earned his first Major League save June 12 at Pittsburgh. The Rays won 17 of the 22 games in which he appeared, and he had a streak of nine scoreless outings from Aug. 13-Sept. 12.
On Wednesday, the Rays and Japanese reliever Shinji Mori agreed to a two-year contract with a club option for two more seasons.
The 31-year-old right-hander was 44-44 with 50 saves and a 3.39 ERA in nine seasons with Seibu and had 755 strikeouts in 653 innings. Mori was named a Pacific League All-Star in 2002, 2003 and 2004, and the league's top setup man in 2002-03. In 2005, he went 2-2 with a 4.22 ERA in 48 games with five saves and struck out 60 in 49 innings.
If he's healthy, Jesus Colome could be a contributor. The right-hander had two stints on the disabled list in 2005 with inflammation of his shoulder. The highlight of his season came July 25 against Boston, when he pitched the final 2 1/3 innings and held the Red Sox scoreless while getting the win in a 4-3 Rays victory. The right-hander's velocity picked up at the end of the season and even though he declared he wants to be traded, he will likely be a contender for a spot in the Rays' bullpen in 2006.
Tim Corcoran was a 27-year-old rookie in 2005 and made his first Major League start in the final game of the season, holding the Orioles hitless for four innings before leaving with the score tied at 2. He made 29 relief appearances at Triple-A Durham, posting a 5-1 mark with a 2.89 ERA.
Free agent acquisition Chad Harville, who split time between the Astros and Red Sox in 2005, will be a candidate for a slot, as will Lance Carter, who had 26 saves in 2003.

Source: http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/

Rays bolster bullpen with Miceli

01/12/2006
ST. PETERSBURG -- The Devil Rays added to their bullpen numbers Thursday by signing veteran right-hander Dan Miceli to a two-year deal, with a club option for a third year.
A 35-year-old right-hander, Miceli began the 2005 season pitching for the Yomiuri Giants of the Japanese Central League. He returned to the Major Leagues in June, going 1-2 with a 5.89 ERA in 19 appearances for the Rockies before injuring his foot.
To clear room for Miceli on the 40-man roster, the Rays designated right-hander Franklin Nunez for assignment.
Miceli set a career high with 21 saves in 1995, when he had a 4-4 record with a 4.66 ERA. He has a 42-50 career record with a 4.51 ERA and 35 saves.
Miceli is well traveled, having pitched for the Pirates, Tigers, Padres, Marlins, Rockies, Rangers, Indians, Yankees and Astros during 13 Major League seasons.

Source: http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/

Offseason is no layup for McClung

01/13/2006
ST. PETERSBURG -- Seth McClung isn't spending his offseason the way he has the past two, but the big redhead is far from taking it easy.
McClung, 24, returned to the Devil Rays' Major League roster in 2005 after spending most of 2004 rehabbing from Tommy John surgery in 2003.
With a clean bill of health and his elbow stronger than ever, McClung hasn't had to follow the closely monitored rehab program prescribed by doctors during past offseasons. So McClung had time to coach basketball and to give a little something back to his hometown of Lewisburg, W.Va.
After McClung met University of Tampa women's basketball coach Tom Jessee, one thing led to another, and soon the Rays right-hander was helping out with the team.
"Seth and I are from the same small state of West Virginia," Jessee said. "He was a great basketball player in high school as well as baseball. What's great about having him work with our program is how it shows the young mature players the drive and passion that a pro has even in another sport. He has great knowledge of basketball and brings a lot of drive to make our kids the best they can be.
"It is unbelievable to see a professional willing to work with and give back to the youth so much when you really don't have to. This makes and describes Seth and the type of people where he and I come from. We are excited about having him as part of the team."
Having played basketball since he was 9 years old, McClung loves the game and was a standout at Greenbriar East High School, where he amassed close to 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds during his career.
"I've coached before, but not at this level," McClung said. "This is something I would definitely like to do later in my career. I really enjoy coaching basketball, helping kids. [It] keeps my competitive fire going."
When McClung wasn't helping at the University of Tampa, he was back home in Lewisburg, where he started West Virginia Rush, a program designed to help athletes with exceptional skills improve in their sport.
McClung hopes his efforts will help draw more attention to West Virginia athletics, leading to more athletes feeling like they don't have to leave the state to pursue sports dreams.
McClung's first step for Rush was to start an AAU basketball team that will begin play in February.
"I started getting it together last year," McClung said. "[I] got organized and we waited until this year [to get started] so we could do it right."
McClung pointed out the team has an outstanding coaching staff so that kids in the program will be taught how to play the game correctly and that their team will compete at a higher level than the players on the team are accustomed.
Basketball is the first sport for Rush. But McClung is aiming high and wants to bring in other sports in the future.
In addition to the pluses derived from participating in the program, McClung added: "It will keep kids interested in sports and away from those bad things. [It will] keep them focused on something positive."
While McClung has enjoyed his offseason activities, he can't hide his excitement about the coming baseball season.
McClung ended the season on a high note Sept. 28 against the Indians -- who were still alive in the American League pennant race at the time -- by pitching eight scoreless innings to best Cliff Lee in a 1-0 Rays win.
"I ended with an exclamation point, but I didn't forget the [previous two outings leading up to the Cleveland start] when I wasn't so good," McClung said.
Throughout the 2005 season, McClung usually pitched lights out or got his lights punched out.
There were the dominating performances against Florida, Texas, Toronto and Cleveland when he pitched 30 innings, allowed just 11 hits and two earned runs while striking out 20. Conversely, he had four starts where he couldn't complete three innings.
"When I pitched against the Cleveland Indians [in my final start], that showed me how [good] I can be," said McClung, who recognized his inconsistency in 2005. "I think with the consistency of my elbow, I'll lean to the better side [of my performances]."

Source: http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/

Rays get young LA hurlers for Baez

01/14/2006
ST. PETERSBURG -- The Tampa Bay Devil Rays parted ways with Danys Baez on Saturday in a five-player trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Baez, reliever Lance Carter and a Minor League player to be named were exchanged for 22-year-old right-hander Edwin Jackson and 20-year-old Minor League left-hander Chuck Tiffany.
"It's difficult to lose Danys and Lance," said executive vice president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman. "That being said, we firmly believe that what we've done is in the best interest of the Rays organization."
Baez, 28, recorded 71 saves in 129 appearances the last two seasons as the Rays closer. His 41 saves last season made him only the second Tampa Bay pitcher to reach 40 in a single season, although his eight blown saves in 2005 tied for the most in the American League.
Jackson, who Baseball America ranked the top prospect in the Dodgers system in 2004, made seven appearances (six starts) for the Dodgers in 2005, posting a 2-2 record and a 6.28 ERA. Jackson was 6-4 with a 5.50 ERA in 19 games (14 starts) in parts of three seasons with the Dodgers.
Originally drafted as an outfielder in the sixth round of the 2001 draft, Jackson was converted to a pitcher and has a lifetime Minor League record of 29-25. Jackson became the third-youngest pitcher to start a game for the Los Angeles Dodgers when he debuted in 2003.
"We think this transaction addresses our desire to add starting pitching depth to our organization," Friedman said. "We're going to be patient with the development of [Jackson and Tiffany]. Both of them are quality arms that we've identified and talked about for a while now. As far as assignments, we'll get them into camp and let them compete, and see what's the best place to continue their development. It's a little early for us to comment on that."
While the trade may give Tampa Bay some new arms, it leaves the Rays without a proven closer. Friedman didn't hint at who the team has in mind to fill the role.
"It's hard to say," Friedman said. "I think we've created a competitive environment, and we'll go into camp and see who can help us win the most games."
Tiffany was 11-7 with a 3.93 ERA, 134 strikeouts and 43 walks in 110 innings with Class A Vero Beach last season.
Carter, 31, was 1-2 with a 4.89 ERA in 39 games with the Rays last season.

Source: http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/

Hendrickson, Rays avoid arbitration

01/16/2006
ST. PETERSBURG -- Tampa Bay pitcher Mark Hendrickson agreed to a one-year, $1.95 million contract on Monday, avoiding arbitration.
Hendrickson, who led the club in wins a year ago, got the win in seven of his last eight decisions to finish 11-8 with a 5.90 ERA in 2005.
The 6-foot-9 Hendrickson, a former NBA player, has a 21-23 record in two seasons with the Rays.
Rays pitchers Casey Fossum, Jesus Colome and Travis Harper are still eligible for arbitration.

Source: http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/

Mailbag: Will Lugo linger with Rays?

01/16/2006
Why is there so much talk about the Rays trading Julio Lugo? I know they're trying to get more pitching, but why trade one of their best players? I'm assuming Lugo has at least another seven years in him, so in due time, couldn't they move him to second and have B.J. Upton play shortstop when he's ready?-- Anonymous
You'll get no argument from me. There's no telling how much longer Lugo can be a productive shortstop, particularly given his outstanding 2005 season. And I don't think the Rays will be disappointed if they start the 2006 season with Lugo as their shortstop; I think they are considering trade offers because they want to improve the team any way they can.
Unfortunately for the new management team, they are saddled with some of the baggage from the past, and every Rays fan is sick of hearing about the future. I can see the Rays keeping Lugo at shortstop this season, but I can't see him moving to second base. Jorge Cantu is entrenched at that position, and Lugo does not want to play second.
Now that Trever Miller is in Houston, what are the Rays going to do for a lefty specialist out of the 'pen? I honestly don't think Jon Switzer is the answer there, so is there a chance Jason Hammel will come up and move Casey Fossum into the lefty bullpen role?-- Devin J., Wesley Chapel, Fla.
The Rays do need a left-hander in the bullpen, and it doesn't look like Switzer is going to be the guy. Fossum began the 2005 season in the bullpen and Hammel is said to be close to ready, so anything is possible. But I still believe there is much to be done before the Rays consider their bullpen ready for the season.
Hello, Bill. Thanks for providing great Rays news to Jonny Gomes' hometown fans in Petaluma, Calif. I thought you'd like to know about a big event that Jonny's high school baseball coach, Paul Maytorena, and I are planning in his honor on Feb. 11. I hope you can use some of this info to give Jonny a nice plug -- he's sponsoring a team in all three of Petaluma's Little Leagues this year.
This whole thing started when Jonny almost won Rookie of the Year, and I decided we couldn't let him head off to Spring Training without his hometown fans recognizing him for that awesome accomplishment. Petaluma mayor David Glass was the voice of the San Francisco Giants on radio back in the '80s, and he completely agreed.
It's turning into a great event that will inspire Petaluma's young ballplayers to "stick with it" because good things happen when you do. My son, Willy, takes lessons from Jonny's brother Joey, who is an incredibly gifted instructor. I couldn't believe how getting to know a pro in the sport he loves motivated Willy. I hope that Jonny Gomes Day will do the same for hundreds of other kids in Petaluma. -- Tanya Sullivan, Petaluma, Calif.
Nice to hear Jonny is giving back to his community.
Do you think Jesus Colome is any closer to becoming a consistent, dependable option out of the bullpen?-- Wade C., Lakeland, Fla.
Colome is an enigma. When he's on and his fastball is crossing the plate at 97 mph, he's nasty. But last season, those occasions seemed few and far between. However, Colome was hurt for much of the 2005 season, and when he was healthy at the end of the season, the right-hander again seemed to have his stuff, complete with swagger. Colome did say he wanted to be traded during the 2005 season, but with the arm he has, he's the kind of guy organizations are reluctant to part with, and if they do, it's usually after exhausting all other possibilities.
What are the chances of catcher Shawn Riggans starting for the Rays? It seems that he could be very good. He split time in Montgomery, and I think playing full-time would only help him. I know he would have to be the backup for Toby Hall this year, but is there a chance he could start in 2007?-- Kyle K., Montgomery, Ala.
Since the Rays have Hall and Josh Paul as his backup, I don't think the chances are good that Riggans will start the season in the bigs. I know the organization is extremely high on him, so they want him to continue playing every day, and to do so, he will need to be in the Minor Leagues in 2006. What happens after 2006 is probably up to Hall, who is a popular player on the team. New manager Joe Maddon thinks Hall can be a standout catcher. Riggans and the Devil Rays hope he plays well enough in 2006 to make future decisions regarding the catcher position difficult ones.
While other teams are out talking about trades for Manny Ramirez or Miguel Tejada, the Rays are busy signing guys like Ty Wigginton. It's times like these that I'm frustrated being a Rays fan.-- Ken C., Tampa
I wouldn't get that frustrated. The Rays haven't called the Wigginton signing anything more than what it was, which is addressing several needs by signing a capable utility player. Wigginton is right-handed and plays third and first base. Meanwhile, the two most likely candidates to play first and third -- Travis Lee and Sean Burroughs -- both hit left-handed, so Wigginton can back up both. In addition, he can pinch-hit and DH.

Source: http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/

Maddon eager to get started with Rays

01/18/2006
ST. PETERSBURG -- Joe Maddon has been a busy man since he was named manager of the Devil Rays this offseason. Between finding a place to live, naming a coaching staff and meeting some of the players, things have moved pretty fast.
"The tendency is that you want to do so much so quickly and you just can't," Maddon said. "So you've got to pull the reins back at some point and understand to do it one step at a time."
Maddon met with the staff of coaches he put together Wednesday at the Raymond A. Naimoli Baseball Complex to discuss ideas and focus in on a plan for the upcoming spring season.
"It really is about bringing this together and having a game plan going into Spring Training," Maddon said. "I really wanted to have this kind of a mock Spring Training going on right now. More of a verbal kind of thing so that everybody became familiar with everybody else. -- I thought that was really important. And then to get everybody's ideas and then start constructing the 'Ray Way' of doing things around here. So we began that today. I want the discussions and then I want it on paper, and then the practical applications will occur."
What Maddon called the "Ray Way" of doing things will change the entire structure off the Rays organization, he said, beginning with the Major League club and stretching throughout the organization. On Thursday, Maddon and his staff will meet with some of the Minor League coaches to discuss ideas.
"I really want us to develop a manual, a book -- a way of us to do things here," Maddon said. "Something that will always be a work in progress. It's never going to be finalized, but you've got to get your thoughts down at some point and then move on from there so everybody understands where everybody's coming from. To me, that's the first step."
Maddon said the Angels had a manual like the one he is talking about. His version, he said, will be comprehensive without being tedious. It will even be as detailed as having written descriptions of how the team will run pickoff and rundown plays.
"Chapter 1 is about team policies," explained Maddon. "It's about rules and regulations. It's about fundamentals. It's about fundamentals with regard to team concepts and also individual concepts. We're talking defense, we're talking offense and we're talking baserunning. Chapter 1 is probably just overall a rundown of how we're going to do things -- how we're going to conduct ourselves and the policies of the group."
Also, Wednesday, Maddon got a chance to meet a few of the emerging stars on his new team.
"I got to see Rocco [Baldelli] today, and Joey [Gathright] and Jonny Gomes," Maddon said. "It was really just what I expected, actually. Really young, fun, nice people. I really got a good first impression of all these guys. They're high-caliber people."

Source: http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/

Devil Rays sign Camp, Rivas

01/18/2006
ST. PETERSBURG -- Tampa Bay signed 30-year-old right-handed pitcher Shawn Camp to a one-year deal on Wednesday and agreed to terms with infielder Luis Rivas on a Minor League contract with an invitation to Major League Spring Training.
Camp was 3-6 and had two saves and a 4.98 ERA in parts of two seasons with Kansas City, going 1-4 with a 6.43 ERA in 2005.
Rivas, a second baseman, hit .257 last season in 59 games with the Minnesota Twins. The 26-year-old Venezuela native has a .262 average with 30 home runs with 177 RBIs and 78 stolen bases over six seasons in the big leagues.

Source: http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/

Around the Horn: Catcher

01/18/2006
ST. PETERSBURG -- Toby Hall will be back behind home plate for the Devil Rays in 2006, and veteran Josh Paul has joined the team to serve as a quality backup.
The tandem of catchers leads what is one of the organization's strongest positions in quality and depth.
Hall, 29, started 122 games for the Rays in 2005 and had baseball's third-best percentage for throwing out baserunners (minimum 100 games) at a clip of 37.8 percent, which ranked behind only St. Louis' Yadier Molina (54.8 percent) and Detroit's Ivan Rodriguez (44.1 percent). Highlighting his defensive season was a May 20 game at Florida when he threw out the speedy Juan Pierre attempting to steal twice.
Offensively, Hall hit a career-high .287, raising his average 32 points from the previous season after getting a career-high 124 hits. If there is a criticism of Hall, it comes in the fact that 99 of those hits were singles and only three other regular catchers in the Major Leagues hit fewer home runs. But he did hit .321 with runners on base (61-for-190), tops on the Rays and second best among American League receivers, behind Oakland's Jason Kendall (.322).
The Rays traded Minor League third baseman Travis Schlichting to the Angels for Paul, who achieved notoriety in October during a 2-1 Angels loss to the White Sox in Game 2 of the American League Championship Series. He rolled the ball back to the mound after reliever Kelvim Escobar struck out A.J. Pierzynski for what looked to be the White Sox final out of the ninth inning. Instead, home plate umpire Doug Eddings ruled the ball had hit the ground and Pierzynski hustled safely down to first. Joe Crede followed with a double to drive in pinch-runner Pablo Ozuna from second with the winning run.
Paul, 30, spent the past two seasons with the Angels as the backup catcher to Bengie Molina. Paul appeared in 34 games during the 2005 season and hit .189 with two home runs and four RBIs.
The Rays also claimed Mike Rose off waivers from the Dodgers.
Rose, 29, batted .209 in 15 games over two stints with the Dodgers during the 2005 season. He spent the bulk of the year at Triple-A Las Vegas, where he hit .259 with 20 doubles, five home runs and 36 RBIs in 69 games. His prior Major League experience consisted of a pair of games with Oakland in 2004.
Rose was a fifth-round pick of the Houston Astros in 1995 and is a .266 career hitter in 923 Minor League games in the Astros, Diamondbacks, Red Sox, Royals, Athletics and Dodgers organizations.
Additional depth comes from Kevin Cash, who appeared in 13 games for the Rays in 2005, making 10 starts, hitting .161 with 13 strikeouts in 33 plate appearances.
The Rays recently signed Ryan Christanson to a Minor League deal with an invitation to Spring Training. Christanson is a former No. 1 pick of the Mariners (11th overall selection of the 1999 draft) and the Rays believe he still has an upside.
Meanwhile, Shawn Riggans looks like the future. The Fort Lauderdale native, who was selected in the 24th round of the 2001 draft, spent the 2005 season at Double-A Montgomery, where he hit .310 with eight home runs and 53 RBIs.

Source: http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/

Butcher excited about challenge

01/20/2006
ST. PETERSBURG -- Devil Rays pitching coach Mike Butcher has yet to meet many of the guys who will pitch for Tampa Bay this season. But that doesn't bother Butcher, who has the important task of turning a group of talented young hurlers into big-league pitchers who can get outs and help the Rays win ballgames.
"I think it will work as a positive," said the 40-year-old Butcher about coming over from the Angels farm system having only seen video of most of Tampa Bay's pitchers. "My former position was the [pitching] coordinator, and you'd get 15 to 20 new pitchers every year and you try to make an impact on those guys when you first meet them. So not knowing these guys personally, as of right now, I don't think it's going to be a problem at all."
The upcoming season will be Butcher's first as a coach in the Major Leagues. A longtime Minor League pitching coach, Butcher was a relief pitcher with the Angels when Rays manager Joe Maddon was an assistant coach, and the two hooked up again when Butcher began coaching in the Angels organization.
"My first year coaching was 2000, and I went to Major League camp and [Maddon] was in Major League camp, and the relationship grew year in and year out," Butcher said.
Butcher takes over a generally youthful pitching staff -- three of the Rays' five starters are under 25 years old -- led by 21-year-old left-handed fireballer Scott Kazmir. Besides figuring out the starting rotation for this season, Butcher will have to decide how the Rays are going to fill the closer role after Tampa Bay dealt Danys Baez to the Dodgers for a pair of pitching prospects.
"I think I have some ideas," Butcher said. "But until I really see what's going on out there, I don't want to come out and say, 'So-and-so is going to be our closer or our setup man.' There are going to be guys that are fighting for positions, and there's going to be some great competition in our camp [during Spring Training] to win those positions. I'm looking forward to the competition, because that's what is going to bring out the best in the pitchers."
Butcher said he liked the trade that sent Baez and former All-Star reliever Lance Carter to Los Angeles for right-hander Edwin Jackson and left-hander Chuck Tiffany. Butcher thinks Tiffany has a lot of upside and Jackson has a chance to make the starting rotation as soon as this season.
"I think [Jackson] had some setbacks last year just because he was trying to manipulate the ball a little bit too much," Butcher said of the 22-year-old who played part of last season in the Minors. "In Double-A, he regained his form. He's really trying to be a power pitcher again. This guy has a plus-plus fastball, 92 to 98 mph. He can bring it. If we can harness him and get those pitches in the strike zone, he's going to be just fine."
Butcher's plan is simple for the starting rotation: get six innings from starters with three or fewer runs. He said he will preach to pitchers about getting hitters out with three pitches or less so the starters can pitch deep into games, something the Rays' staff has had problems with in the past.
"Really we're just going to have an aggressive mind-set out on the mound," Butcher said. "Our biggest thing is, we want to get ahead and throw quality strikes.
"I'm looking forward to having a good season with these guys and developing some quality Major League pitchers," Butcher said. "I know we have some really good arms here. I am excited to work with them. They seem very excited."

Source: http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/

Rays, Fossum work out two-year deal

01/23/2006
ST. PETERSBURG -- The Devil Rays signed left-handed pitcher Casey Fossum to a two-year, $4.2 million deal plus incentives and a club option for 2008 on Monday, avoiding arbitration.
Fossum, 28, will earn $2 million next season and $2.2 million in 2007, with a chance to earn $800,000 in incentives. The deal also includes a $3 million club option for the 2008 season with a $300,000 buyout, again with a chance to earn an additional $800,000.
Fossum, who said he and his wife, Kim, are very happy in the Tampa/St. Petersburg community, welcomed the multi-year deal.
"I'm just really excited and I just really appreciate the fact that they committed to me for the next two and maybe three more years," Fossum said. "I think it's going to be fun."
Along with the deal, Fossum and his wife have committed a minimum of $125,000 over the life of the contract to the Rays Charitable Foundation.
"My wife and I really liked it in Tampa last season," Fossum said. " We wanted to be able to help the community, and hopefully it'll catch on."
"I also really like what has been going on with this team," Fossum said. "I have been paying attention to things like the free parking and everything else, and I am just really excited. It's going to be a completely different organization."
Tampa Bay offered Fossum $1.7 million last week when the team exchanged figures with its remaining arbitration eligible players. Fossum, who started in the bullpen last season but found his way into the rotation by May, asked for $2.375 million.
The new contract is a significant pay increase for Fossum, who made $950,000 in 2005. Last season -- his first with the Rays -- Fossum went 8-12 with a 4.92 ERA and recorded career highs in victories, innings (162 2/3) and strikeouts (128). Fossum was a sandwich pick by the Red Sox in 1999 and came to the Devil Rays from the Diamondbacks before the 2005 season.
"I'm glad it's over with," Fossum said. "Now I can just concentrate on my workouts. It just gives me some stability to know that I'm going to be in Tampa Bay for the next few years."
Four Rays -- relievers Jesus Colome and Travis Harper, catcher Josh Paul and first baseman Travis Lee -- remain eligible for arbitration. Hearings are scheduled for Feb. 1-20, and settlements can be reached at any point before then.

Source: http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/

Around the Horn: Corner infielders

01/25/2006
ST. PETERSBURG -- Entering the offseason, the status of the Devil Rays' corner infielders was one of the team's great unknowns.
But after a few tweaks, the candidates for the corners in 2006 are clear.
Travis Lee will return as the team's first baseman, bringing with him a magician's glove and a bat that showed great improvement by the end of the 2005 season.
Lee, who had served a stint with the Rays during the 2003 season, spent the 2004 season with the Yankees, but was limited to just seven games and had left shoulder surgery before returning to the Rays as a free agent in 2005.
Lee's 2005 season was a tale of two halves. He started slowly, finishing the first half with a .240 batting average, just two home runs and 19 RBIs, but he rebounded by hitting .306 in the second half with 10 home runs and 31 RBIs.
While Lee's bat was inconsistent, his glove remained a constant. Lee committed just four errors during the season and tied the White Sox's Paul Konerko (.996) for the third-best fielding percentage among American League first basemen behind Mark Teixeira of the Rangers (.998) and Darin Erstad (.997) of the Angels.
Lee made his first error in 170 games on June 19, when he came up eight games shy of the American League record for consecutive errorless games by a first baseman. Lee ranks as Major League Baseball's all-time career fielding percentage leader (.997) among first basemen with 750 or more games played.
Waiting in the wings at first base is Wes Bankston, who hit .292 with 12 home runs and 47 RBIs at Triple-A Durham after hitting .387 with three home runs and 23 RBIs at Class A Visalia.
Incumbent third baseman Alex Gonzalez will not be back with the team, leaving the starting duties to Sean Burroughs, who was acquired during the Winter Meetings in a trade that saw the Rays ship right-hander Dewon Brazelton to the Padres.
Andrew Friedman, the Rays' executive vice president of baseball operations, called the deal a "a classic change-of-scenery trade," adding: "We are excited to have Sean. He fills a need."
Burroughs, 25, was the Padres' everyday third baseman for most of the past four seasons since making his Major League debut in 2002. A career .282 hitter with 62 doubles, 12 triples, 11 home runs and 133 RBIs in 432 Major League games, Burroughs split last season between San Diego (.250, one homer, 17 RBIs) and Triple-A Portland (.290, three homers, 14 RBIs). The ninth overall selection by the Padres in the 1998 First-Year Player Draft, Burroughs led all National League third basemen in 2003 with a .286 average and set career highs in nearly every major offensive category. He batted a career-high .298 the following season.
Burroughs is the son of 1974 American League MVP Jeff Burroughs, who was taken by the Washington Senators with the first pick of the 1969 draft. Jeff and Sean Burroughs are the second father-son tandem to be selected in the first round, behind Tom and Ben Grieve.
"I've seen [Burroughs] in Spring Training with the Padres," said Rays manager Joe Maddon. "I always liked the defensive part of his game. Offensively, his power numbers haven't shown up yet. He's got a great bloodline. I look forward to seeing him on a more consistent basis."
Maddon also likes that Burroughs is a left-handed hitter.
The Rays added to their infield depth by signing free agent Ty Wigginton to a one-year deal on Jan. 10.
Wigginton, who has played every infield position but shortstop, hit .258 with seven home runs and 25 RBIs in 155 at-bats with the Pirates in 2005.
A right-handed hitter, Wigginton will act as a nice complement to the Rays' corner positions since Burroughs and Lee hit left-handed. Wigginton will primarily appear at first, third, as a designated hitter and as a pinch-hitter.
Wigginton, 28, owns a .262 career average with 41 home runs and 180 RBIs over 403 games with the Mets and Pirates.
Utility men Nick Green and Luis Rivas will provide further depth at third. Green started more games (83) at second base than any other position in 2005, but added 11 starts at third base.
Speculation about highly touted Minor League shortstop B.J. Upton moving to third base no longer exists, as the Rays are committed to having Upton start the season at shortstop. Whether that's at the Major League or Minor League level remains to be seen.

Source: http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/

Devil Rays' Winter Caravan draws near

01/27/2006
ST. PETERSBURG -- For nine years, the Devil Rays have used the offseason to try to connect with fans all around the Tampa Bay area with their annual Winter Caravan. And just like with the team on the field, the Rays hope this years event, which kicks off at the Tampa Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the Hyatt Regency Downtown in Tampa on Feb. 1, will be even better.
"It's an outreach effort," said Veronica Costello, vice president of community outreach. "It's a good opportunity for us to meet folks and they can meet us. It's also for them to hear the new message of the Rays and what we are doing and why we want to be a part of the community."
There has never been a better time to catch a glimpse of the caravan because this year fans have a chance to meet many of the new faces that are guiding the Devil Rays organization. Manager Joe Maddon, team president Matt Silverman, executive vice president Andrew Friedman, senior vice president Gerry Hunsicker and a host of players will be along for the ride. Also, radio broadcasters Dave Wills and Andy Freed, mascot Raymond and television play-by-play man Dewayne Staats will take part.
Players Rocco Baldelli, Jorge Cantu, Joey Gathright, Seth McClung, Chad Orvella and Doug Waechter are scheduled to appear at various stops.
After the luncheon on the caravan's opening day, it will make stops at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital and the Interbay-Glover YMCA (4411 S. Himes Ave.). In addition to stops in Tampa, the caravan will also stop in Bradenton and St. Petersburg, giving Rays fans from across the Tampa area a chance to see the Rays.
"We will continue to reach out to our fans in many communities throughout the large region we serve during Spring Training, the regular season and into the offseason," said Silverman.
On Feb. 2, the caravan is off to Manatee County for a luncheon with the Manatee-Sarasota Chamber of Commerce at Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club in Bradenton. It will also visit Manatee Memorial Hospital (206 Second St. East in Bradenton) and the 13th Avenue Community Center (201 13th Ave. West in Bradenton).
On Feb. 14, the caravan begins at noon for lunch in the dining hall at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa followed by an autograph session for the soldiers at 1 p.m. At 1:30 p.m., the Rays will conduct an assembly for elementary school children on the base and at 2:30 p.m., the caravan will tour the base.
The caravan will conclude Feb. 15 with three stops in St. Petersburg, beginning with a luncheon with the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Chambers of Commerce at Tropicana Field. At 1:30 p.m., the caravan will head to All Children's Hospital (801 6th St. South) and then at 3:30 p.m. to Northeast Little League (First Street and 45th Avenue North).

Source: http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/

Rays, Colome agree on one-year deal

01/27/2006
ST. PETERSBURG -- Right-handed reliever Jesus Colome and the Devil Rays agreed to a one-year, $815,000 contract plus incentives on Friday, avoiding arbitration.
Colome was 2-3 in 2005 with a 4.57 ERA in 38 games last season. He also spent time on the disabled list twice in 2005. On April 14, he was placed on the 15-day DL with right shoulder tedninitis and on July 10, he went on the 15-day DL with right shoulder inflamation.
When teams and arbitration-eligible players exchanged figures last week Colome asked for $850,000 and the Rays offered him $700,000. The 28-year-old made $600,000 last season.
The Rays acquired Colome and cash July 28, 2000, in a deal with Oakland that sent right-hander Jim Mecir and left-hander Todd Belitz to the A's.

Source: http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/

Rays announce 2006 promotions

01/30/2006
ST. PETERSBURG -- A promotional schedule that will double the number of promotional dates in 2006 and starting times of all home games for this season were announced by the Devil Rays on Monday.
The Rays' 2006 promotional schedule -- which includes all kinds of giveaways from fielder's gloves to Joe Magrane-Dewayne Staats dual talking bobblehead dolls -- currently has 20 dates, which is twice the number of giveaway dates from the 2005 season. And the Rays say that number could increase.
The team will also be giving away triple the number of items from last year on most dates. This year there will be 15,000 items distributed to all fans and 10,000 items available on giveaway dates specifically for children 14 and under. In 2005, the Ray distributed 5,000 items on nine of their promotional dates.
"We continue to seek the input and suggestions of our fans about how we can improve our operations," said Rays president Matt Silverman. "Fan feedback has certainly influenced our promotional calendar, from more frequent promotional nights to the increased quality and number of items, even to the timely release of the promotional calendar."
Like seasons past, starting times for 2006 home games on Monday through Friday will be at 7:15 p.m. ET, but weekend games will now see Saturday games begin at 7:15 p.m. and Sunday games at 1:15 p.m.
There are six exceptions on the schedule, which are: June 7 vs. the Angels at 4:15 p.m.; June 22 vs. the Diamondbacks at 12:15 p.m. to accommodate the team's annual Parks and Rec Day; July 4 vs. the Red Sox at 4:15 p.m.; July 26 vs. the Angels at 12:15 p.m.; Sept. 4 (Labor Day) vs. the Twins at 1:15 p.m.; and Sept. 20 vs. the Orioles at 4:15 p.m. Game times are subject to change.
Monday's news about the upcoming promotions was in line with the organization's busy offseason of coming up with fan-friendly changes to the status quo at Tropicana Field.
The Rays have already announced that parking will be free at all home games this season, and for the first time in team history, fans will be permitted to bring food and certain drinks into the ballpark. The team has also lowered its average ticket price from a year ago and is currently spending $10 million on renovations to Tropicana Field.
Rays full-season ticket holders are guaranteed to receive all of the promotional items. To find out more information, fans can call 727-825-3250.
The following is a list of the team's 2006 promotional schedule:
April 10 vs. Orioles: Checkers Mug and Tropicana 2006 Schedule Magnet to all fans.
April 11 vs. Orioles: Joe Maddon retro glasses to the first 15,000 fans.
April 15 vs. Royals: Jonny Gomes figurine to the first 15,000 fans.
April 16 vs. Royals: Toby Hall batting helmet to the first 10,000 kids 14 and under.
May 13 vs. Blue Jays: Carl Crawford figurine to the first 15,000 fans.
May 14 vs. Blue Jays: Mother's Day -- Pink Rays visor to the first 7,500 women.
May 20 vs. Marlins: Rays fishing lure to the first 15,000 fans.
May 21 vs. Marlins: Rays youth baseball cap sponsored by New Era to the first 10,000 kids 14 and under.
June 3 vs. Blue Jays: Rays golf club head covers to the first 10,000 fans.
June 4 vs. Blue Jays: Jorge Cantu replica jersey T-shirt to the first 10,000 kids 14 and under.
June 6 vs. Angels: Rays beach towel to the first 15,000 fans.
June 22 vs. D-Backs: Rays Thunderstix to the first 15,000 fans.
June 23 vs. Braves: Fred McGriff figurine to first 15,000 fans.
July 21 vs. Orioles: Scott Kazmir figurine to first 15,000 fans.
July 23 vs. Orioles: Rocco Baldelli youth baseball bat to the first 10,000 kids 14 and under.
Aug. 6 vs. Red Sox: Back to School Day -- Rays lunch box to the first 10,000 kids 14 and under.
Aug. 20 vs. Indians: Rays baseball glove to the first 10,000 kids 14 and under.
Sept. 2 vs. Mariners: Dewayne Staats and Joe Magrane dual talking bobblehead to the first 15,000 fans.
Sept. 9 vs. Athletics: Surprise figurine (determined by fan vote) to the first 15,000 fans.
Sept. 10 vs. Athletics: Rays bat bag to the first 10,000 kids 14 and under.
Sept. 24 vs. Yankees: Fan Appreciation Day.
Sept. 25 vs. Yankees: Shirts off our backs giveaway.
All giveaways and the promotional nights are subject to change.

Source: http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/

Mailbag: Can Rays utilize Huff?

01/30/2006
I'd like to see the Devil Rays give Aubrey Huff a steady job at third base. He has performed well there in the past and it would allow them to get Delmon Young in the lineup, if he's ready. If they feel he's not ready, then they can use Joey Gathright and Jonny Gomes at third and as their designated hitter. I'd try and trade Upton for a Bronson Arroyo-type pitcher who can give you quality innings. Also, do you think Jeff Niemann and Wade Townsend will be on the 2006 club?-- Jeff W., Largo, Fla.
Aside from the fact Huff doesn't seem to like third base, I have also wondered why the Rays haven't put him at third and left him there. I like to have power at the corners and would consider taking less in the field to do so. So I agree with you on that one, but it doesn't appear the Rays agree with us. If Young is ready, they will find a place for him in the lineup. But given the quality of the Rays' outfield, there really is no reason to rush Young.
As for trading Upton for Arroyo, I don't agree with you on that one. Upton is an incredible athlete, and if he doesn't make it as a Major League shortstop, I fully expect him to make it at another position. Finally, Niemann and Townsend both had surgeries in 2005 and both are expected to make full recoveries. Niemann is expected to be pitching again by May, which doesn't mean at the Major League level. It is unlikely we'll see Townsend until 2007 since his surgery was more extensive.
Why are the Rays holding on to Huff? Let's trade him and get a young player to play right field. I don't think Huff is going to give us the RBIs and home run power we need. I think they could get some good talent for him.-- Joy De Angelis
I don't know why Huff has not been traded, but I don't think you trade a left-handed power hitter just for the sake of trading him. If they get a player or players of equal or greater value, they would make the deal. Otherwise, they should keep him and hope he reverts to his level of performance prior to 2005.
Why did the Rays trade Danys Baez for two Minor League pitchers? Baez was outstanding last year.-- Fred B., Marysville, Calf.
Trading Baez and Lance Carter to the Dodgers for Edwin Jackson and Chuck Tiffany surprised me as well, since the Rays felt like there would be a lot of suitors for Baez come July's trade deadline. The fact they went ahead and traded Baez tells me they are extremely high on the pair of starters they acquired and they feel like one or both can compete for a Major League job. While there seems to be some risk in this trade since Baez is a known commodity, this is how teams acquire quality pitching -- taking a chance and hoping the guys they acquire mature well.
I agree with a previous mailbag, where it was suggested Gomes should move to third base. This move would avoid making him become a DH so early in his career and place a big-time bat at third base. This would also allow the Rays to keep the left-handed-hitting Huff as their designated hitter. Is the club still exploring this concept? My projected lineup for the outfield would be Carl Crawford in left, Rocco Baldelli in center and I would move Gathright to right until Young is ready to move up. Also, keeping Gathright gives us a security net just in case Baldelli is not ready.-- Eugene F., Fort Bragg, N.C.
I like the idea of Gomes trying third base, too. However, if that ever happens, I wouldn't look for that to occur in 2006. Learning a new position at the Major League level is something that just doesn't happen overnight. But like I answered one of the other letters, I personally like having sluggers at the corner positions -- even if it means taking away from the defense. Who knows, maybe the Rays will explore moving Gomes to third base in the future.
With all the trade talk about certain players -- Huff, Gathright, Julio Lugo and Toby Hall -- do you think those players will play at their best if they aren't traded? It seems like all that negative talk would make them feel unwanted and might affect their performance.-- Tim R., Jacksonville, Fla.
Trade talks are a part of baseball. I'm sure each of those players you mentioned has a level of frustration at being mentioned in trade rumors. But I've talked to players about this situation, and for the most part, they believe it's good to be wanted even if it is a disruption to their families, etc. As far as these players not playing hard because of the rumors, I find that far-fetched. They are professionals and I believe they play accordingly.

Source: http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/

Rays, Harper avoid arbitration

01/30/2006
ST. PETERSBURG -- The Devil Rays and Travis Harper agreed to a one-year, $850,000 Major League contract Monday, thereby avoiding the possibility of going to an arbitration hearing.
Harper, 29, led the Rays' bullpen with 73 1/3 innings pitched in 2005 while going 4-6 with a 6.75 ERA in 52 games. His 210 career appearances with the Rays are the second most in club history, trailing only Esteban Yan's 266. Harper's 245 innings pitched over the last three seasons rank fourth in the Majors.
After signing Harper, the Rays have just two remaining arbitration-eligible players: catcher Josh Paul and first baseman Travis Lee.

Source: http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/

Fan Guide: Tampa Bay Devil Rays

01/30/2006
The Devil Rays have conducted Spring Training in St. Petersburg since their inception, but this will be their first Spring Training under the new ownership group and its new leadership in baseball operations.
Exciting youngsters such as Carl Crawford, Jorge Cantu, Scott Kazmir and Rocco Baldelli, coupled with established veterans like Julio Lugo, Aubrey Huff, and Travis Lee, will give Rays fans plenty to watch during the spring.
New manager Joe Maddon enters his first season as a Major League manager with the Rays are coming off a stellar second half of the 2005 season that saw the team post a 39-34 mark, which reflected an improvement of 219 percentage points over their record before the All-Star break.
As Rays fans prepare for their journey to the Florida sunshine, here are some questions and answers that should help:
When do the Rays arrive at camp?The Rays' pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training on Feb. 16, with the position players following on Feb. 21. The first full-squad workout is Feb. 22.
When do games start?The Rays open their 30-game Grapefruit League schedule on March 2 with a trip to Dunedin to face the Blue Jays, marking the first time since 2001 the Rays will open their Major League spring schedule on the road.
Highlights of the home schedule include a March 9 game against the Braves, a date with the defending American League East champion New York Yankees on March 25 and two contests with the Red Sox (March 6 and 16). The Rays will also play two night games: March 23 (Toronto) and March 24 (Cincinnati).
The Rays play their spring finale at Tropicana Field for the second straight year when they host the Tigers on April 1.
How do I get tickets?Individual tickets for games at Progress Energy Park, home of Al Lang Field, are on sale at the Tropicana Field Box Office, via the Rays' official Web site at devilrays.com, the Devil Rays Dugout at WestShore Plaza, all Ticketmaster locations, and via Ticketmaster Phonecharge. The numbers to call are (727) 898-RAYS in Pinellas and (813) 282-RAYS in Hillsborough. Advanced tickets will not be sold at Progress Energy Park, home of Al Lang Field.
Progress Energy Park holds 6,500 fans, including about 300 on the berm along the right-field line and 150 along the left-field line, always popular spots for families. The stadium also has some seating in the shade, as well as a fully stocked concession stand on the outer concourse.
How do I get to St. Petersburg?If you're coming from the north or the south of St. Petersburg, I-275 is the best route to take to the Rays' complex or Progress Energy Park. There are many non-stop flights from all over the country into Tampa International Airport, which has easy access to I-275.
The Raymond A. Naimoli Baseball Complex is located at 7901 30th Ave. North. From I-275 take the 22nd Ave. North exit (No. 12) and proceed 5.4 miles to 80th St. North. Make a right on 80th St. North and proceed a half-mile to the complex, which is located on the right where 80th St. North intersects with 30th Ave. North.
To get to Progress Energy Park from Tampa, take I-275 to Exit 9 and follow that east to the ballpark.
How can I watch the team work out?There is no admission to see the Rays work out on their fields at the Raymond A. Naimoli Baseball Complex. Detailed rosters of the Major Leaguers will be available for no charge; the Minor Leaguers will report to the complex in early March.
Before the start of the Grapefruit League schedule -- while the Major League team is still working out at the complex -- the players hit the field at 9:30 a.m. Workouts last until early afternoon. Once the games begin, the Rays will take batting practice until 11:20 a.m. prior to home day games and up until 5:20 p.m. prior to home night games.
Where can I get some autographs?If they're finished with their work for the day, you might catch players heading back to the clubhouse. Once games start, the seats down the right-field line and around the home dugout and on the first-base side are prime autograph spots. Or players can sometimes be caught heading to the parking lot.
What else is there to do in St. Petersburg?There is plenty to do in St. Petersburg, from visiting the Salvador Dali Museum to the many beaches and restaurants. Visitors can also travel north to Clearwater or east to Tampa to find hundreds of shops, restaurants and hotels.
For more information on St. Petersburg, visit the city's Web site, www.stpete.org
When do the Devil Rays open the regular season?On April 3, the Devil Rays will open their season against the Orioles at Camden Yards in Baltimore at 3:05 p.m. The home opener at Tropicana Field takes place on April 10 against the Orioles; the time is TBA.

Source: http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/

Rays, Bulls extend contract

01/31/2006
ST. PETERSBURG -- The Rays and the Durham Bulls have agreed to a two-year extension to their current player development contract.
By extending the deal, the Rays guaranteed that the storied Minor League franchise will continue to be the Rays Triple-A affiliate through the 2008 season.
"The Durham Bulls franchise has been an important member of the Devil Rays family from our very beginning and has become an American baseball icon," said Rays executive vice president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman. "We are pleased that this association will continue."
The Bulls and Rays have been affiliated since 1998. In the eight seasons since then, Durham has won five International League Southern Division titles and two International League championships.
Durham gained a high profile in 1988 when the movie "Bull Durham" was released. Kevin Costner, Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon starred in the Ron Shelton film in which Costner and Robbins played for the Bulls. Much of the movie was shot at the Bulls' old park, which has since given way to Durham Bulls Athletic Park, the $16 million brick ballpark that opened in 1995. DBAP was expanded to a 10,000 seat capacity in 1998, the year the Bulls entered the International League.

Source: http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/

Branyan signs Minor League deal

01/31/2006
ST. PETERSBURG -- Third baseman Russell Branyan agreed to terms with the Devil Rays on Tuesday on a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training.
Branyan, 30, has hit 93 career Major League home runs in parts of seven seasons with the Indians, Reds and Brewers. In addition, he has hit 198 Minor League home runs. The flip side of the equation comes in the 597 strikeouts he has accrued in 1,464 Major-League at-bats.
The promise of power and Branyan's versatility -- in addition to third base, he can play left field, right field, first base, DH and serve as a left-handed-hitting pinch-hitter -- made him attractive to the Rays, who lack power at the corner infield positions that are occupied by Sean Burroughs and Travis Lee (who combined for 13 home runs in 2005).
Branyan's best season was in 2002, when he set career highs in games played (134), home runs (24) and RBIs (56) for the Indians and Reds. He was originally the Indians' seventh-round selection in the 1994 First-Year Player Draft.
Branyan hit .257 with 12 home runs and 31 RBIs for the Brewers in 2005. The Brewers released him after acquiring Corey Koskie from the Blue Jays.

Source: http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/

Around the Horn: Middle infielders

02/01/2006
ST. PETERSBURG -- A popular chant at Tropicana Field during the 2005 season would see one Devil Rays fan stand and shout: "Jorge Can't Do!"
Following the delivery, another fan would stand and offer the rebuttal: "Jorge Can-tu!"
If there's one thing the Devil Rays could count on during the 2005 season, it was Jorge Cantu's offense.
The second baseman did it all with the bat, producing one of the best offensive seasons in Rays history.
Cantu, who turned 24 on Monday, finished with a club-record 117 RBIs, which tied him with St. Louis' Albert Pujols and Philadelphia's Pat Burrell for eighth in the Major Leagues. Only 10 players since 1961 have driven in more runs in a season before the age of 24.
In addition, Cantu led the team in home runs with 28 and doubles with 40. Only five players have reached Cantu's numbers in doubles, home runs and RBIs in one season before the age of 24: Hal Trosky, Ted Williams, Pujols, Joe DiMaggio and Alex Rodriguez.
And Cantu accomplished all of those marvelous offensive feats during a season that didn't see him settle in as the team's full-time second baseman until the second half.
Cantu started 76 games at second base and 58 at third base. But entering the 2006 season, the native of Reynosa, Mexico, will be firmly entrenched at second.
The big question regarding the Rays' middle infield heading into Spring Training will be whether they'll start the season with the "Two J's" as their keystone combination.
Speculation that shortstop Julio Lugo would be traded has been rampant throughout the offseason. Lugo has one year remaining on his contract with the team, and he is coveted by several teams that need a solid everyday shortstop.
During the 2005 season, Lugo set career bests in games (158), average (.295), hits (182), triples (6), walks (61), and stolen bases while starting a team-high 155 games. In fact, no other shortstop in the Major Leagues matched his numbers in average, doubles, triples, RBIs and stolen bases.
Nevertheless, the Rays organization is in building mode, which means if the right deal comes along, Lugo could be traded.
If Lugo goes, highly-touted prospect B.J. Upton would likely be the team's shortstop.
Upton had a rough season in the field at Triple-A Durham during the 2005 season when he made 53 errors in 139 games, which helped fuel speculation that he would switch positions. But for now, the Rays are committed to letting him remain at shortstop whether it's at the Major League or Minor League level in 2006. This commitment is fueled by Upton's athleticism, offensive skills and desire to become a Major League shortstop.
There are few doubts Upton will hit at the big-league level. Last season, he hit .303 with 18 home runs and 74 RBIs at Durham and stole 44 bases.
To help Upton's progress, he has been working with Hall of Fame shortstop Ozzie Smith during the offseason.
Nick Green, who was acquired in a trade with the Braves before the 2005 season, will compete to remain the backup at both middle infield positions.
Green showed promise as the team's everyday second baseman early on during the 2005 season. During May, June and July, Green started 65 of 82 games at second and was batting .312 through May 29. But he hit just .205 the rest of the way, which explained his starting just 20 of the team's final 58 games.
Green will likely get some competition this spring from non-roster invitee Luis Rivas, who hit .257 in 2005 with one home run and 12 RBIs while playing second and shortstop for the Twins.

Source: http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/

Rays in search of relief in 2006

02/01/2006
ST. PETERSBURG -- A bullpen in transition is the most pressing area of concern the Devil Rays must address during Spring Training.
Danys Baez's departure, taking with him the 41 saves he converted in 49 opportunities in 2005, leaves a glaring hole in the Rays' 'pen.
Finding a closer will be a significant challenge, as will figuring out the composition of the bullpen. New Rays manager Joe Maddon hopes to find four go-to guys he can give the ball to when the score is tied or when the Rays are leading. He believes having such a setup enables winning streaks to take place. While that's the goal, Maddon said the Rays are short of having those four pitchers.
"Of course the bullpen, I think, still needs to be augmented," Maddon said in a recent interview.
Chad Orvella is one of the guys the Rays will be counting on, and he could be a candidate to fill the closer role. After being called up from Double-A Montgomery, the right-hander made his Major League debut on May 31 at Oakland, and earned his first big-league save on June 12 at Pittsburgh. The Rays won 17 of the 22 games in which Orvella appeared, and he had a streak of nine scoreless outings from Aug. 13-Sept. 12.
A major boost to the bullpen could also come from Japanese reliever Shinji Mori, who the Rays signed to a two-year deal worth approximately $1.5 million with a club option for another two years for an unspecified amount.
Mori, 31, was 44-44 with 50 saves and a 3.39 ERA in nine seasons with Seibu, and he recorded 755 strikeouts in 653 innings. He was a Pacific League All-Star in 2002, '03 and '04, and he was the league's top setup man in 2002-03. In 2005, Mori went 2-2 with five saves and a 4.22 ERA in 48 games, and he struck out 60 in 49 innings.
Mori, who stands 6-foot-2, 194 pounds, was viewed as a power pitcher in Japan, but he also possesses a nice variety of pitches, which gives him some flexibility.
In addition, the Rays added right-hander Dan Miceli, signing the veteran to a two-year deal with a club option for a third year.
A 35-year-old right-hander, Miceli began the 2005 season pitching for the Yomiuri Giants of the Japanese Central League. But after a series of disappointing outings, he was put on waivers. He returned to the Major Leagues to pitch for the Rockies, where he went 1-2 with a 5.89 ERA in 19 appearances before injuring his foot.
Miceli set a career high with 21 saves in 1995, when he had a 4-4 record with a 4.66 ERA. He has a 42-50 career record with a 4.51 ERA and 35 saves.
Miceli is well-traveled having, pitched for the Pirates, Tigers, Padres, Marlins, Rockies, Rangers, Indians, Yankees and Astros during 13 Major League seasons.
Another glaring void in the bullpen is the team's lack of left-handed relief pitching. Trever Miller has moved on to the Astros, leaving Jon Switzer as the only left-handed reliever on the 40-man roster heading into Spring Training. Non-roster invitees Mark Malaska and Wayne Franklin, both lefties, should get a look.
If he's healthy, Jesus Colome could be a contributor. The right-hander had two stints on the disabled list in 2005 with inflammation in his shoulder. The highlight of Colome's season came July 25 vs. Boston, when he held the Red Sox scoreless over the final 2 1/3 innings to pick up the win in a 4-3 Rays victory.
The right-hander's velocity increased at the end of the season, and even though he declared he wants to be traded, he will likely be a contender for a spot in the Rays' bullpen in 2006.
Right-hander Travis Harper, who will begin his seventh season with the Rays, will once again serve in middle relief.
Other contenders for spots include free agent acquisition Chad Harville, who split time between the Astros and Red Sox in 2005, Tim Corcoran, who was a 27-year-old rookie in 2005 after making 29 relief appearances at Triple-A Durham, where he posted a 5-1 mark with a 2.89 ERA, and former Royals reliever Shawn Camp.

Source: http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/

Luncheon kicks off Winter Caravan

02/01/2006
TAMPA, Fla. -- In case anybody was wondering about the excitement level in the Tampa Bay area about the Devil Rays, the Tampa Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the Hyatt Regency could be used as an early litmus test.
Approximately 170 people attended the opening event for the Rays Winter Caravan in 2005. At the same luncheon Wednesday, approximately 350 were in attendance, and the mood was upbeat.
"There's anticipation and excitement about the season," said team president Matt Silverman while watching the crowd file in. "We are sensing open minds. People are open to the possibilities of what this franchise can become. That helps to bolster our efforts."
Wednesday's luncheon kicked off the Rays' 2006 Winter Caravan schedule. Taking part were Rays players Joey Gathright, Chad Orvella, Rocco Baldelli and Jason Hammel. Also in attendance were Silverman, executive vice president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, senior vice president of baseball operations Gerry Hunsicker, Rays TV commentators Joe Magrane and Dewayne Staats, and Rays radio commentators Andy Freed and Dave Wills.
Following the luncheon, the Rays remained in Tampa and visited youngsters at St. Joseph's Childrens Hospital and the Interbay-Glover YMCA.
Silverman took the podium first and spoke to the audience about the dramatic changes the new ownership is making to Tropicana Field to improve the fan experience, beginning with improvements to the cleanliness of the facility, renovating the bathrooms, installing a new sound system and new club seating. He followed by noting the organization is committed to putting a winner on the field by building with young players.
"Our commitment is to keep these players here for many years to come," said Silverman, drawing an ovation.
He then mentioned how Baldelli had been signed to a six-year deal, which drew further applause.
Silverman closed by saying that the organization's operative word is "pride."
"We are proud to be this community's home team," he said, noting the Devil Rays would continue to be that way "whatever we will be in 2007," alluding to the possible name change.
Maddon spoke next, expressing his eagerness to build the relationships with his players that are necessary to building chemistry and a winning team. Discussing his managerial style, he said he has a fondness for fundamentals and drill work and that it would be important for the Devil Rays to pay attention to detail.
"Winning baseball creates pride in a community," Maddon said.
Later when questions were being answered from the audience, Maddon addressed one asking when the team could be expected to play .500 baseball by saying the goal is not to win 70 or 80 games, but "our goal is to get to the playoffs."
"I don't like to go home in October and watch other people play," Maddon said.
Other questions of interest included one put to Gathright, perhaps the fastest player in baseball, regarding who would win a foot race between he and Carl Crawford.
After telling the audience they had never raced, Gathright smiled about the oft-asked question. "That question never gets old," he said.
The audience caught Gathright's sarcasm. He added: "If I had to bet [on who would win the race], I'd bet on myself."
Friedman answered how the Rays plan to balance a deep outfield by playfully responding that the organization has petitioned the American League for a rover.
Maddon called the outfield situation a "good problem" and said, "most of the time these problems work themselves out."
Silverman fielded one of the last questions that asked about a possible move from St. Petersburg to Tampa if attendance lagged. Silverman looked unfazed by the question, expressing how the organization considered itself a "regional" baseball club and that it was the Rays' job to make fans want to attend games at Tropicana Field.
"It's not about geography," Silverman said. "It's about putting a product on the field."
The Rays Winter Caravan continues Thursday in Manatee County, beginning with the Sarasota & Manatee Chambers of Commerce Luncheon at the Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club in Bradenton, followed by a visit to the Manatee Memorial Hospital, and finishing up at the 13th Avenue Community Center.

Source: http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/

Orvella excited about opportunity

02/03/2006
ST. PETERSBURG -- Opportunities at the Major League level are fleeting, so the prudent move if such an opportunity heads in one's direction is to take advantage of it. You never know if a better opportunity will ever come along.
In the wake of the trade that sent closer Danys Baez and former closer Lance Carter to the Dodgers, several Devil Rays relievers will have the opportunity to seize the closer's role. Currently, the Rays' closing spot looks like it's a race between Shinji Mori, who came over from Japan, veteran Dan Miceli and Chad Orvella.
Entering his second season in the Major Leagues, Orvella understands the situation.
"With the trade of Baez and Carter, there's a lot of opportunity there," Orvella said. "There's a lot of opportunity for a few of us. So it will be good to have some competition going into Spring Training. I've done a lot this offseason to get ready for this."
In just his second professional season since joining the Rays as a 13th-round selection in the 2003 First-Year Player Draft from North Carolina State, the 24-year-old right-hander got his call to the Major Leagues on May 30 from Double-A Montgomery. At the time, Orvella had a microscopic 0.36 ERA, having allowed just one earned run in 25 innings while recording nine saves.
Orvella's first two Major League outings were scoreless against the A's and Mariners. On June 12, he earned his first Major League save in a 7-5, 13-inning affair at Pittsburgh that snapped a seven-game losing streak.
Though he had just one save for the Rays in 2005, he had 29 in 71 Minor League games. So he knows a little bit about finishing games.
Orvella's best stretch of the season came from Aug. 13 to Sept. 8, when he had a string of nine scoreless outings in 13 innings pitched. Particularly impressive was his work against the Yankees and Red Sox. In 13 innings against the two American League East clubs, Orvella allowed just four earned runs and held them to a collective .136 batting average. He finished at 3-3 with a 3.60 ERA.
"Probably the biggest thing I learned [in 2005] was to trust my own stuff," Orvella said.
In other words, he pitched the same way that prompted him to get called up to the Major Leagues.
"I think the adjustment period when you first get called up [is when you eventually realize to trust your own stuff]," Orvella said. "I suppose going into this year I'll be a lot more confident."
Orvella's repertoire includes a mid-90s fastball and a slider, but his changeup is his best pitch.
"I do throw it a lot," Orvella said. "But I love that pitch. It's just changing speeds."
Initially, one of the concerns about Orvella was his ability to pitch in back-to-back games. But Orvella isn't among those concerned.
"I started getting used to it toward the end of the year," Orvella said. "I know the last month or so I was being used a lot. And whenever I went out there, I was throwing more than one inning. ... So I'm not too concerned. I just have to get used to it."
Orvella managed to kick back some during the offseason, splitting time between his home in Renton, Wash., and St. Petersburg with an extended visit back to his college alma mater.
Preparing for a Major League season hasn't been any different than preparing to play in the Minor Leagues.
"I can't say there's any guarantee going into Spring Training," Orvella said. "Anything can happen. So I'm preparing this year just like I prepared for every other year. I've been pretty successful the past two years during the offseason. So I pretty much did the same things. I did a little more swimming this year. ... So I'm ready for this year to get started. I'm really excited about Spring Training."

Source: http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/

Mailbag: Cantu and Lugo, a 1-2 punch?

02/06/2006
I was thinking about the middle infield and it hit me that the Rays may very well have the best in the game. Honestly, who will put up better collective numbers than Julio Lugo and Jorge Cantu? Maybe Robinson Cano and Derek Jeter of the Yankees, but, in all honesty, I think I'd take Cantu and Lugo over the New York infielders. A lot of teams have one excellent middle infielder and the other is mediocre, or maybe an excellent defender that can't hit. The Rays certainly seem to have it all up the middle.-- Russell B., Chicago
I'd have to agree with you. The numbers put up by Cantu and Lugo last season were right up there with any tandem in baseball. And by having a power-hitting second baseman, the Rays can afford to have a little bit less power at the corner positions, which is relevant because Travis Lee might not give the Rays the home runs most teams want from their first baseman, but he is an impact player with his defense.
How would you rank the Rays' outfield (Carl Crawford, Rocco Baldelli, Joey Gathright) among the rest of the league's outfields?-- Anthony M., Tampa
I would rank the Rays' outfield way up there based on its depth. You list Gathright among the starting numbers, but he probably won't be a starter on a team that also has Jonny Gomes and Aubrey Huff. In addition, Delmon Young is waiting in the wings and Damon Hollins is a quality fourth or fifth outfielder. So there's a logjam, but it's a pleasant problem to have.
I think it would be foolish to trade Huff unless the Rays could get a solid No. 2 or 3 starter. Huff is a powerful left-handed bat. Your thoughts?-- Terry E., Dunedin, Fla.
The Rays would love to get a solid No. 2 or 3 starter for Huff, but the right deal just hasn't come along. Like you say, he has a powerful left-handed bat -- which should be a desired commodity. Unfortunately for the Rays, Huff had a down year in 2005, which has hurt his value. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Rays keep him through the start of the season and trade him once his numbers approach his past production. That might be the only way the Rays can get equal or better value for him.
I've seen Huff play enough to understand the reason he's not playing third base is because he's a poor fielder. Is this possibly why he's been difficult to trade? I've seen Upton enough times to understand that he'll probably never be a Major League shortstop. Why have the Rays waited so long to determine whether he can be useful somewhere else?
As for Gomes, I don't see why they would want to make him a third baseman now. Has he played there before? Why can't he play right field? How's his arm? It seems Young is still a ways off, despite what he thinks about his own abilities.-- Steve A.
First, I think Huff is adequate at third base. I know he doesn't like to play the position, which likely has more to do with his not playing there than anything else. I don't believe his fielding abilities have anything to do with his not being traded to this point.
Upton wants to play shortstop and is working hard to do everything he can to be a better shortstop. According to Ozzie Smith, the Hall of Fame shortstop who has been working with Upton, fundamentals are a big part of the problem -- poor footwork, rushing throws, etc. The Rays want to give Upton every possible chance to succeed at the position.
As for Gomes, the Rays have never mentioned moving him to third base. That subject was brought up by a reader in last week's mailbag when the reader expressed his opinion that Gomes might make a good third baseman. Right now there are no plans for Gomes to try third base.
Finally, Young. He thinks he's ready, but the Rays have a crowded outfield. What's the harm in letting him season a little longer while the outfield situation settles into place?
I see where ownership has reiterated the "Devil Rays" name will be dropped for 2007. I just hope they don't go to just "Rays," because ESPN will continue to call them the "Devil Rays," or worse, the "Double A's."-- Tom N., Tampa
The more I hear the new ownership talk about the subject, the more I'm convinced the team will indeed have a new name by 2007. One of the possibilities I've heard is dropping "Devil" while the other speculation I've recently heard was "Tampa Bay Tarpons." Tampa once had a Single-A farm team of the Reds known as the Tarpons. However, I don't think either of those names is anywhere near being a lock.
Do you think that the Rays are overestimating the value Huff should command on the open market? If he is, in fact, one of the top left-handed bats in all of MLB, as his stats suggest, why isn't every other team falling over Andrew Friedman's desk to get him, and why are we content to keep him if he's in the last year of his contract?-- Jay W., Tampa
I think it's a tough situation. The Rays don't want to get into a mode where they give players away for less than they are worth. Yes, Huff had a down year -- a fact I'm sure many teams are harping on when negotiating with the Rays -- but like you say, his numbers indicate he's one of the top left-handed bats in the game. I totally agree with getting what they want or holding on to Huff. And remember, players normally tend to play with a little more enthusiasm in the final year of their contract. If you're not going to get what Huff's worth, use his bat to win some ball games.

Source: http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/

Crawford to skip WBC next month

02/08/2006
ST. PETERSBURG -- Carl Crawford has elected not to play the World Baseball Classic next month.
The Devil Rays' left fielder told the Tampa Tribune he was disappointed, because he wanted to represent the United States, but his left wrist has been nagging him slightly since he began hitting and he thought it would be better for him to prepare for the season.
Crawford missed the final five games of the 2005 season -- save for an appearance as a defensive replacement -- with a sore wrist. However, he said he doesn't anticipate his wrist preventing him from being ready to start the season with the Rays.
Crawford's departure leaves at least three Rays players in the World Baseball Classic, to be played March 3-20. Reliever Dan Miceli will pitch for Italy, second baseman Jorge Cantu will play for Mexico, and Minor League catcher Chairon Isenia will play for the Netherlands. Shortstop Julio Lugo is on the Dominican Republic's provisional roster.

Source: http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/

Crawford to skip WBC next month

02/08/2006
ST. PETERSBURG -- Carl Crawford has elected not to play the World Baseball Classic next month.
The Devil Rays' left fielder told the Tampa Tribune he was disappointed, because he wanted to represent the United States, but his left wrist has been nagging him slightly since he began hitting and he thought it would be better for him to prepare for the season.
Crawford missed the final five games of the 2005 season -- save for an appearance as a defensive replacement -- with a sore wrist. However, he said he doesn't anticipate his wrist preventing him from being ready to start the season with the Rays.
Crawford's departure leaves at least three Rays players in the World Baseball Classic, to be played March 3-20. Reliever Dan Miceli will pitch for Italy, second baseman Jorge Cantu will play for Mexico, and Minor League catcher Chairon Isenia will play for the Nether