Tampa Bay Rays Thread

[bobbymagee]

Let me make this abundantly crystal clear:
First, the Devil Rays will not will the American League Eastern Division, or be the wild card team, or move out from the cellar.

From my experience living in Florida and watching the Florida Marlins accumulate talent from 1998 to 2007, I can notice when a team is heading in the right direction.

The Devil Eggs, oops Devil Rays have begun the process of making good choices:
trading for Kazmir
holding onto Carl Crawford and Rocco Baldelli
trading for Jae Sao, Dioner Navarro, Casey Fossum, Ben Zobrist and Edwin Jackson.
signing Akinori Iwamura
drafting good atheletes: BJ Upton,Elijah Dukes, Delmon Young and more on the way

More important, Joe Maddon is a manager that the players are listening to because of his legitimacy, winning with the Angels, and personality.

It may take a few additional years . They are finally making good choices.

[Lucen]

Let me make this abundantly crystal clear:
First, the Devil Rays will not will the American League Eastern Division, or be the wild card team, or move out from the cellar.

I still think they'll finish ahead of the Orioles this year.

[yanksphan]

I don't know if holding on to Baldelli and Crawford were really that good of moves.

They have a ton of OFs waiting to get their chance (Elijah Dukes says hi) and the two "veterans" could have netted some starting pitching or desperately needed bullpen help.

Maddon's approach is definitely refreshing though. They will be a pest this year.

[Haywood2K6]

the Rays lineup is so much better now that they stopped playing those same old veterans they have had there every seasons. Demoting Cantu, benching Gomes etc have made their lineup much better. Young, Upton, Dukes etc can flat hit and should be in there everyday, no matter what.

[Allan]

I don't know if holding on to Baldelli and Crawford were really that good of moves.

They have a ton of OFs waiting to get their chance (Elijah Dukes says hi) and the two "veterans" could have netted some starting pitching or desperately needed bullpen help.

Maddon's approach is definitely refreshing though. They will be a pest this year.

I cannot see any team being in a hurry to trade away Carl Crawford. Don't you think the Yankees would just love to get their hands on him?

However, I think Baldelli is quite expendable if the right deal for pitching presents itself.

[yanksphan]

I cannot see any team being in a hurry to trade away Carl Crawford. Don't you think the Yankees would just love to get their hands on him?

However, I think Baldelli is quite expendable if the right deal for pitching presents itself.

That's exactly the point - they are SO thin in pitching, and heavy in young, fast OF, that they could have definitely got a plus SP or elite RP for him.

You have to give something of value to net something of value.

We'll see how it plays out though...there's something to be said for having a veteran leader on the team too, so I can respect their decision in that aspect.

[Allan]

That's exactly the point - they are SO thin in pitching, and heavy in young, fast OF, that they could have definitely got a plus SP or elite RP for him.

You have to give something of value to net something of value.

We'll see how it plays out though...there's something to be said for having a veteran leader on the team too, so I can respect their decision in that aspect.

I don't disagree. That's why I think Baldelli might be on the block. However the offer would have to be mighty appealing before I'd deal Crawford.

[Lucen]

I don't disagree. That's why I think Baldelli might be on the block. However the offer would have to be mighty appealing before I'd deal Crawford.

Crawford would bring back a top flight pitching prospect or a solid major league starter, but not a number 1 type pitcher. Baldelli would bring back less than that. Considering that the Rays have some very impressive pitching prospects moving through the system already, I'm not sure that they should be looking to deal Crawford at all. He's going to be a very good player for a long time. Lock him up as the veteran leader of the team and keep building around him.

IMO, they should look to have an outfield of Delmon Young, Carl Crawford and Elijah Dukes for the long haul. By 2008 they should have that outfield with Longoria at 3rd, Brignac at short, Upton at 2nd, Gomes at 1st with Niemann, Kazmir, McGee and Shields in the rotation. That could be the best young team in the majors at that point and by 2010 they very well may be major players in the AL East.

Of course, this means they should look to trade Baldelli, probably for bullpen help. Maybe they can bring in a strong closer with him. If I was a Devil Rays fan, I'd be pretty excited about the next couple of years.

[hardrain]

I wonder if the Tampa Bay Devil Rays have their version of Bobby Jr. within their fanbase...If so, hopefully we will meet him here.

[Opus]

I agree that the DRays will get out of the cellar this year, I do think they will pass Baltimore.

I would not trade Crawford at all. He is a pretty solid guy to build a young team around. Baldelli on the other hand, if he has a hot streak and can bring back a decent #2 or 3 pitcher, I would make that move.

[Jace]

Elijah Dukes looks like a linebacker, yet he also runs like a tailback. That guy is an athlete

[bobbymagee]

I wonder if the Tampa Bay Devil Rays have their version of Bobby Jr. within their fanbase...If so, hopefully we will meet him here.

Yankee fan is the words to describe me. Above all, I am a baseball fan. When noticing the possible origins of something special it is wonderful. I noticed the Marlins with the infield of Lowell, Gonzalez, Castillo and Lee, starting pitching of Burnett, Beckett, Pavano, Redmen, and Willis.

Plus, make wise trades for some other additions to put pieces of the puzzle together.


It is almost like an artist painting a masterpiece. It takes a personnel genius with a competent support staff, and perceptive scouting staff to make wise calculations to put all of the ingredients together to make a team.

I don't believe there is a any fan base for the D Rays. Going to see the Yanks play them every year the composition at the Trop is 60% Yanks and 30% D Rays and others 10%.

[bnorris85]

The devil rays are my second favorite team...i wish they were in another division so bad. Ive been trying to find a crawford jersey but i refuse to pay 100 + on one.

[RollingWave]

This year, i have trouble seeing them passing the O's ... its possible, but not exactly high. the problem is the relieving, which counts a lot as the games begin to pile up, the O's have a fairly decent pen, the Rays have abosalutely nothing.

[bobbymagee]

D-rays are two out. They better savor this moment in time. It doesn't get any better than this in 07!

[ojo]

I don't know if holding on to Baldelli and Crawford were really that good of moves.

They have a ton of OFs waiting to get their chance (Elijah Dukes says hi) and the two "veterans" could have netted some starting pitching or desperately needed bullpen help.

Maddon's approach is definitely refreshing though. They will be a pest this year.

i COMPLETELY agree.

i felt this past off season the rays should've held a bidding war for the rights to the 19 triple 60 sb carl crawford.

he would've netted a bonafide #2 SP with upside AND a bonafide arm for the pen.

then just let your sty of athletes roam the OF. offset the loss of crawford by PITCHING EFFECTIVELY in 30 or so more games than last season.

and within a year, the growth of the incredibly talented young bats in that lineup would erase the loss of crawford almost entirely.

[nyyfanatic85]

You bet they're on the right track, especially with Eureka, IL native Ben Zobrist at short!

[LecheCaberera2826]

I was watching the braves game and the commentators were talking about how Brad Lidge was demoted from his closer role and that there have been rumors that he would be taded to the Rays for one of their star outfielders such as Baldelli, Crawford (i don't think so), etc. But the funny thing was that if he is traded to the Rays they will use him as a starter. I think this would be a smart move to trade Baldelli for Lidge seeing as how they have so much young and talented outfielders and they are in need of pitchers. Also if Lidge was traded to Tampa he wouldn't have as much pressure on him so he could regain his confidence to become the dominant pitcher he once was.

[brosiusbuddy]

Can someone fill me in on the purpose of the Orlando experiment with Tampa? I've read one report that said it was just an attempt to expand the fan base and another report which said it was possible they might be moving to Orlando. If they were moving to Orlando, that would be great for me because its about 2 hours closer for me and I have someone there I could stay with if I went to games there.

Anyone know the deal?

[YASS]

Can someone fill me in on the purpose of the Orlando experiment with Tampa? I've read one report that said it was just an attempt to expand the fan base and another report which said it was possible they might be moving to Orlando. If they were moving to Orlando, that would be great for me because its about 2 hours closer for me and I have someone there I could stay with if I went to games there.

Anyone know the deal?

I can't say for sure, but it was played around the time of its first announcement as just a gimmicky sort of way to get some Orlando area fans to show up. Orlando would certainly need a new park before the franchise could move there, and the Florida public-money-for-stadiums train can't seem to make it out of the station.

I'd love a move to Orlando. It'd put me close enough to go to weekday games. But I haven't heard anything like that, and I don't think it's going to happen.

[26 and counting]

Devil Rays are 47-76 this year. So what's the deal? Are they still "heading in the right direction"? I've heard that phrase for the past five years and nothing's improved.

[nyyfanatic85]

Devil Rays are 47-76 this year. So what's the deal? Are they still "heading in the right direction"? I've heard that phrase for the past five years and nothing's improved.

They just play in the AL East, where they have no shot.

[Panamaniac42]

Ugh...

http://raysblog.joesportsline.com/20...o-inferno.aspx

[cubhater]

They just play in the AL East, where they have no shot.

Quiet! You just gave Bobby Jr. ammunition.

[CallOfTheCrow]

Any updates on Iwamura's bat situation? It did sound a little hollow.

[Yankeesfan811]

Any updates on Iwamura's bat situation? It did sound a little hollow.

idk, but I am still laughing that Joe Maddon came out and had arod's bat taken up....that was so dumb.

[RollingWave]

The best time of trading Baldelli (end of last season) is probably past, and the man once hailed as the next Dimaggio will have to at least put up a healthy season before he has any real trade value again.

they are moving in the right direction, but to actually win something you would actually need to like... open your check book and sign someone. Florida and the D-backs certianly didn't win it all with a all kids team. dispite what some may think.

[LecheCaberera2826]

Does anyone think its safe to say that we will see David Price sometime in the majors next year? Although they have pitchers like niemann, macgee, davis ahead of him, he seems almost too polished to spend a whole year in the minors.

[Mezmerize]

The best time of trading Baldelli (end of last season) is probably past, and the man once hailed as the next Dimaggio will have to at least put up a healthy season before he has any real trade value again.

And that may never happen. I saw a note on Yahoo! stating Baldelli is already thinking about retirement due to chronic soreness and pain. He is a very gifted athlete, but injury may ulitimately keep him from becoming a great athlete.

[SoCal Pinstriper]

Rays officials were still awaiting details Tuesday night on the legal status of infielder Willy Aybar, who has been jailed in the Dominican Republic on domestic violence charges.
A court official in San Cristobal told the Times there was a hearing Tuesday in Aybar's case but did not know what had happened. Appeals court prosecutor Jesus Fernandez Velez told espndeportes.com Monday that Aybar's lawyers said Friday that the wife had agreed to withdraw the complaint, which could lead to the charges being dropped.
Aybar, 24, has been in custody since Thursday and could remain jailed for at least three more months, espndeportes.com reported Monday.
The Rays are counting on Aybar, acquired last month from Atlanta, to have a key role, potentially starting at third base until prospect Evan Longoria is deemed ready then becoming a "super-utility" player.
If Aybar is unavailable, the Rays would seem more likely to look elsewhere for a third baseman to compete with Joel Guzman rather than rush Longoria.

http://www.sptimes.com/2008/02/06/Ra...s_after_.shtml

[cubhater]

http://www.sptimes.com/2008/02/06/Ra...s_after_.shtml

Just when the Rays thought they got rid of bad PR when they traded Dukes.

[Snatch Catch]

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/mlb...rn=mlb%2C67665

[YASS]

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/mlb...rn=mlb%2C67665

Why are they trying to land that Space Shuttle in that ballfield? It doesn't look like it's going to fit.

[Snatch Catch]

I kind of like it. If you look closely, you can see that the roof is translucent. Pretty neat.

[YASS]

I kind of like it. If you look closely, you can see that the roof is translucent. Pretty neat.

It's still impossible to get to from Central Florida for a weekday game. I begged them to pick a site near Tampa off I-4, but they didn't listen.

[cubhater]

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/mlb...rn=mlb%2C67665

I'm sailing awayyyyyyyyyyyyy!

Seriously, anything has to be an improvement over the Trop.

[roblyo33]

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/mlb...rn=mlb%2C67665

I like it!! Looks like a great place to watch a game on a lazy, Monday, Florida, July evening. Of course, the Yanks would have to be in town or, off that day!!

[xenadanielle]

Seems like this would be a good place to inquire since I am very likely headed to the TB area next month and will probably be seeing the NYY/TAM game on the 14th. Where is the best place to sit @ the Trop? Right now when I plug "best available" into Ticketmaster it brings up $270 seats which I do not want.

Any advice on how to proceed here, which sections I should try for, etc??

[YASS]

I like the loge boxes or the press level seats along the third base line. You get a good view of the entire field except for the left field corner. I just paid $45/seat for press level seats.

I don't mind the outfield seats in RF, either.

[THEBOSS84]

Who was the Trop built for?

[xenadanielle]

I like the loge boxes or the press level seats along the third base line. You get a good view of the entire field except for the left field corner. I just paid $45/seat for press level seats.

I don't mind the outfield seats in RF, either.

Thank you!

[blumj]

http://baseballprospectus.com/fantasy/dc/index.php
Latest Pecota update projects the Rays to win 89 games with the fewest RA in the AL.

[cubhater]

Who was the Trop built for?

The White Sox when they threatened to leave Chicago unless they got a new stadium. They were this/close to leaving until the former governor used his clout at the last second.

[Bronson'sCornrows]

http://baseballprospectus.com/fantasy/dc/index.php
Latest Pecota update projects the Rays to win 89 games with the fewest RA in the AL.

I don't think they're going to be THAT good yet, but I suppose it's possible.

[NelsonMuntz]

I think Arizona should take a cue from Tampa and change their nickname to the "Backs". It makes too much freakin' sense.

[JavyVazquezIsSick]

Really like the Percival and Cliff Floyd signings.

[RYMASTER or Ryan_Yankees]

The Devil Rays are doing surpsingly well this spring...a .500+ record seems very achievable.

[Tabata]

I can't post in this thing until the thread name is fixed.

Sorry, that's just how I feel.

[b-ball-lunachick]

Price was very impressive yesterday...

[Sixty one]

Tampa could be the surprise team in the AL this year. I wouldn't be surprised if they finish 3r.