Rays 2011 Bullpen…
The Rays bullpen will have a much different feel to it heading into the 2011 season. There’s not much surprise considering the payroll reduction and the inevitable loss of stud closer Rafeal Soriano.
In the past the Rays management has done a tremendous job finding guys on the rebound. None more then Joaquin Benoit who was coming off major surgery and well worth the risk at the minimum price they got him for. There were hopes he would resign with the club and take over has the closer but was offered to good of a deal to turn down by the Tigers. At 16.5 million over three years Detroit made him one the highest paid middle reliever in the [...] Read More..

Point The Finger: Pat Burrell
It seemed to be a perfect fit. One side was in need of a right handed power hitting outfielder (the Rays) and the other side was in need of a contract (Pat Burrell). The two came together in the off season before the 2009 season. The Tampa Bay Rays signed veteran outfielder Pat Burrell to a 2-year, 16 million dollar contract. Some experts at the time thought the Rays got him for a steal. Then again Bobby Abreu signed a 1-year, 5 million dollar deal that off season too. But we all know how Rays manager Joe Maddon is obsessed with righty-lefty match ups and manipulating the lineup. It all made perfect sense. It was suppose [...] Read More..

Point The Finger…
John Jaso vs. Dioner Navarro vs. Kelly Shoppach
This week’s let’s discuss the 3 way catching platoon the Rays have going right now and who should stay and who should go. Starting with Navarro, a fromer All-Star, who can’t hit his weight. Back in 2008 if you watched his hits they were all bloop single and duck snorts that got over the infielders head. He never hits line drives and is terrible at blocking balls behind the plate. On to the rookie, John Jaso, who burst onto the scene and hasn’t stopped hitting since being called up when then starting catcher Kelly Shoppach got injured and went on the D.L. Jaso has been consistent and showed so much patience [...] Read More..

Twins or Rangers???
The Tampa Bay Rays are now in sole possession of first place in the vaunted A.L. East. By beating them 1-0 Monday night in St.Petersburg, the Rays are now ½ game up on “The Evil Empire.” They will face off another seven times in the regular season and are favored for a rematch in the A.L. Championship Series. These head to head match ups will be key in winning a division title. The implications of winning the East will also depend on who wins the Central and West Divisions. First, depending on who wins the East and who gets the Wild Card will determine who faces who in the 5-game first round playoff series. Since it is pretty [...] Read More..

Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com is reporting that the Rays will sign free agent outfielder Brad Hawpe. This is a very nice pickup for the Rays. Hawpe, 31, was recently released by the Rockies. He will add outfield depth and a veteran presence to the clubhouse. He has postseaon experience making it to the World Series with the Rockies in 2007. Not only is he a .280 lifetime hitter he has hit over 20 HR’s four straight seasons.
The Rays probably would have prefered to get a right handed bat to platoon with Matt Joyce but it’s slim pickins in the waiver department this season. Johnny Damon has invoked his no trade clause and will remain with the Tigers. Manny Ramirez is by [...] Read More..