Rise of the Rays

Rays Part Ways With Canzler, Ruggiano

Michael Emdeyar — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:46:34 +0000

Two Rays who have spent time with the big league club left the team this week. Russ Canzler was traded to the Indians for cash considerations. Canzler was designated for assignment earlier in the week to make room for Jeff Keppinger.

Some thought Canzler would have a shot at making the big league club as a backup first baseman/ outfielder. Canzler tore up AAA last season, so it would have been interesting to see how he did at the big league level. I guess we will now have to see how he does in Cleveland for our answer.

Justin Ruggiano, who had been in the organization for 5 seasons, was also designated last week. His roster spot was given to Carlos Pena. Ruggiano refused his assignment to Durham and elected free agency.

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Tampa Bay Rays – Five Off-season Questions

Michael Emdeyar — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 12:35:14 +0000

It can be said that the 2011 off-season should be much less interesting than last year. There will be nothing as dramatic as Carl Crawford going to the Red Sox or Rafael Soriano signing with the Yankees. With that said, here are my five key questions that will have to be answered this off-season.

Where will the Rays find more offense? You have to figure that if they are going to add any top-name players, it would most likely be via a trade. The Rays will not be big players in the free agent market. But, they have a well-stocked farm system to use in trying to find more power, perhaps at the first base and designated hitter positions.
Is BJ Upton part of the team when Spring Training opens? I’ll guess no (see question one). I think BJ Upton will be a key component to any trade that might bring offense at positions the Rays need help with. The Rays have options in center field. The amount of money the Rays would have to pay BJ just might be passing his value to the team. It’s time for him to move on.
Where does Matt Moore begin the season? Ok. I’ll answer this one with a question. How could he not start the season with the Rays? While the sample is small, Moore showed in just one game that he’s ready for just about anything. There’s no bigger stage than to throw game one of the ALDS and produce results as he did. Most certainly, the Rays will have to monitor his progress. But, finding a place in the rotation for him is essential.
If Matt Moore stays, who goes? This one could get interesting, and have a tie-in to question one. Would the Rays use James Shields as trade bait to get that offense? Maybe, if the deal is as good as the one they pulled off for Matt Garza last year. Jeff Niemann could easily go. For me, I liked what I saw of Wade Davis in the bullpen. I’d be interested in seeing him play a late-inning role with the Rays over the next several seasons.
Will the Rays play the free agent game? The Rays only have a few players available on the free agent market. Of those, I’ll guess that Johnny Damon stays and Casey Kotchman and Juan Cruz go. Damon clearly would like to see his career end close to his Orlando home. He proved to be a good fit for the Rays and showed that he still has some offense left in his bat. Kotchman, on the other hand, I think will go where the money is. But, it’s unclear whether his defensive skills can out-weigh his lack of power and make him a first baseman that other teams covet.

As far as the Rays obtaining free agents, it’s fairly safe to say they will not be big spenders. They will most likely look for role players who fit needs that they have, perhaps in the bullpen and bench depth. If the Rays want to make things interesting, bringing back Carlos Pena or bringing in career Yankee Jorge Posada would be fun. But, if you think that’s too much of a gamble, you might try this Sports Betting Website.

BBA Awards: Manager of the Year

Devon Rogers — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 20:26:12 +0000

I am happy to say that Rise of the Rays is a member of the Baseball Bloggers Alliance. As a member, we vote on end of season awards. The first award up is the Connie Mack Award, which is given to the best manager of the year. Here are my three choices for the Connie Mack Award:

1) Joe Maddon- This is a no-brainer choice for me. He led the Rays back from there horrible start to the playoffs, with an improbable comeback thrown in there. The team could’ve easily given up after the bad start, but they didn’t because Joe wouldn’t let them. Joe definitely deserves the award.

2) Jim Leyland- The Tigers were certainly underachievers last season, but they finally lived up to expectations this year in a big way. With 96 wins they easily won the AL Central and now take on the Yankees in Game 5 tonight. He has done a great job managing this team to where they are.

3) Joe Girardi- As much as it pains me to say it, Joe Girardi has turned out to be a great manager. Sure, he has an amazing team, but it is not always easy to manage a squad of superstars. Girardi led the Yankees to the division title this year and dominated baseball while doing it.

Offseason Preview Part 1: The Contracts

Devon Rogers — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:00:35 +0000

With the Rays elimination from the playoffs yesterday, it is time to look ahead to what could be a make or break offseason.

The Rays have a great chance to build around their talented young core to make a run at the championship next season. With Evan Longoria, Matt Moore, Desmond Jennings, and David Price, the Rays have a great young core that could make a run to the championship with the right pieces around them.

We are starting an offseason preview series of posts taking a look at the upcoming make-or-break offseason. First, we will take a look at the expiring contracts and whether or not the Rays will try to bring them back. More after the jump.

The Pending Free Agents

Kelly Shoppach- The recent ALDS game 1 hero is one of the Rays is one of the Rays expiring contracts this offseason. He has had a sucky past two seasons under the current contract, so it would be a complete surprise if they bring him back. He does have a $3.2 million club option, but with a $300,000 buyout it would be hard to believe if they don’t let him go.
Kyle Farnsworth- Kyle Farnsworth had an amazing season as the Rays closer. Farnsworth by far had his best season as a big leaguer, posting a 2.18 ERA and saving 25 games for the Rays. he does have a $3.3 million option for next year with a $650,000 buyout. I would love to see the Rays pick up his option and bring him back while they try to find and groom their next closer. I just don’t see anybody from within that is ready to step into a closer role right now, so I think it would be great to bring Farnsworth back as they continue their search.
Johnny Damon- Johnny Damon probably has the most interesting situation of them all. I think the Rays would love to bring him back, but there is almost no chance they would pay him the $5.25 million they paid him this season. He is great for the team as a veteran presence in an otherwise younger clubhouse and he is a local guy, residing in the Orlando area. The question is whether or not they can get him to take a discount to play for the Rays again. His production was slightly down this year, but that is to be expected from a guy who is 37 years old. His production was still pretty good, but I don’t know if it is good enough to be an every day DH in the AL East anymore. We will see if they resign him and what his role would be with the Rays.
Juan Cruz- Juan Cruz proved to be a good reliever as a flier this year. He came into the year with severe injury problems, missing all but 5 games in the 2010 season. The Rays did what they do best, taking a flier on him with a minor league contract in February. The signing paid off, as Cruz had a good season, collecting a 3.88 ERA in 48.2 innings as a 7th or 8th inning guy for Joe Maddon. I don’t think the Rays will bring Cruz back as he might be a little to expensive considering they have other players who can take similar roles in the bullpen.
Joel Peralta- Peralta, along with Farnsworth, was one of the bigger additions to the bullpen last offseason. He signed a relatively cheap contract for the Rays, a one year deal at $925,000. Not bad considering he became Joe Maddon’s main setup man. Peralta posted a 2.93 ERA for the Rays with 19 holds and 6 saves in 67.2 innings. Peralta was a great guy to come in to get to Kyle Farnsworth this season and was even a good fill in when Farnsworth was unavailable. Peralta will probably pull a Joaquin Benoit from last season and sign with another team for way more than the Rays have to offer. Peralta would be great to have back, but I doubt it is a possibility for the small market Rays. I guess they will just have to take another flier or acquire somebody in a trade to fill that role.
Casey Kotchman- Kotchman was the offensive risk of the year for the Rays, posting his best season as a big leaguer with his hometown Rays. He had a .306 average with 1o homers as the Rays everyday first baseman. His defense also proved valuable, making 2 errors all season and having a .998 fielding percentage. Kotchman is not the prototypical first baseman, as he is all average and no power and for that reason I don’t think the Rays will bring him back. The Rays are currently a power-starved offense, so they definitely need a guy with a bit more pop from first base. Kotchman was great, but I just don’t think he fits in with what the Rays need. Hopefully they can get somebody either through trade or free agency that has a bit better of a power bat for first base.

It will certainly be a busy offseason for the Rays, and it all starts off with the expiring contracts and what to do. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out, but in the end, I see them only keeping Damon and Farnsworth. Farnsworth is a no brainer with his team-friendly option and Damon can still be a good bat for the Rays, but maybe in a lesser role.

What’s Important Now: Season Ends In Disappointment

Devon Rogers — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 08:00:10 +0000

The playoff run that began with an improbable comeback ended way too soon. The Rays were unable to fight back after death by Adrian Beltre. The Rangers scored 4 runs on 4 solo homers, one to start the game and the other three by Adrian Beltre. The Rays tried, scoring 3 runs and mounting a mini ninth inning comeback.
Jeremy Hellickson struggled in his most important start of the season, lasting only 4 innings and allowing 3 earned on 4 hits. The Rays needed Hellickson to be clutch now more than ever and he just couldn’t come through. And once again, the offense couldn’t bail him out, but this time, Hellickson didn’t make a good start. Matt Moore came in to relieve Hellickson and impressed once again. He made one mistake, allowing the third Beltre homer. That was the only hit he allowed in his three innings of work. Moore is certainly one of the more intriguing players heading into next season and what role he will play in the rotation.
On offense, the Rays scored three runs while collecting seven hits. Sean Rodriguez was a big player for the Rays, going 1 for 2 with 2 walks while scoring all 3 runs. Casey Kotchman also had a great game in what could be his final game in a Rays uniform, going 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs. Matt Joyce drove in the other run on a double.
It was a sad end to a miracle season for the Rays. The comeback of last week just ended in disappointment for Rays fans, but at least we know we kept the Red Sox out of the playoffs for the second straight season. Just look on the bright side- only five more months until pitchers and catchers report.

What’s Important Now: DJ, Price Come Through in Loss

Devon Rogers — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 09:49:28 +0000

You had to know after the Rays got their 1-0 lead that it wasn’t good enough. Sure enough, the Rangers scored 4 in the 7th to put the Rays behind. Desmond Jennings powered the Rays offense, finally breaking out of his slump. Desmond went 2 for 4 with 2 solo home runs. Sean Rodriguez drove in the only other run, going 1 for 2.
David Price pitched a great game. He was finally on the top of his game and he came away with nothing to show for it. He made a mistake which turned into a Mike Napoli 2 run homer. Sure, he was charged with three runs, but can you really fault him if JP Howell can’t get his one man? Same for Brandon Gomes, who was charged with a run after walking 2 and JP Howell allowed a 2 run single to Josh Hamilton.
Today the Rays really have a must win game, because it’s lose and go home. Jeremy Hellickson will be on the mound looking for some run support. Hellickson has pitched a lot of good games this season, but the offense hasn’t backed him up. Hopefully we will get one of those good starts and some offense to back it up.
The Rangers will have Matt Harrison to the mound for game 4 looking to put away the series. Harrison has already pitched in this series, coming in in relief on Friday. He pitched .2 innings, allowing 1 earned on 1 hit. The Rays looked pretty good off of him in the small sample size. We will see if they can have the same success today at the Trop.

What’s Important Now: ALDS Game 3

Devon Rogers — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 09:45:36 +0000

The house will be rocking tonight when the Rays take the field for game 3 with the Rangers. The sellout crowd should give the Rays full dome-field advantage. The Rays finally get their chance to play at home tonight after two games in Texas. The Rays split, which is all you can ask for on the road. Now all the Rays need to do is take the next two at home and they move on to the ALCS.
The Rays will have David Price on the mound for the first game at home. The question is, which David Price will we get? The good one or the mediocre one? We can all hope that the good David Price shows up to the Trop tonight. Price had a roller coaster season for the Rays, going 12-13 with a 3.49 ERA. I am willing to forget about all the struggles of the season if he has a good postseason, and it all starts tonight.
The Rangers will have Colby Lewis on the mound for game 3. Lewis was mediocre this season, going 14-10 with a 4.40 ERA. Lewis faced the Rays once this season, going 8 shutout innings. The Rays only mustered 4 hits off of him. The Rays offense needs to be better than that tonight if they expect to win. They also need to give Price some run support, because it is questionable whether he will have a good start tonight.

What’s Important Now: Not So Big Game James

Devon Rogers — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 10:53:00 +0000

He had run support, but he couldn’t do anything with it. James Shields struggled to keep a lead, allowing 7 runs on 8 hits in 5 innings. Brandon Gomes allowed the final run in the 8 to 6 loss. Shields just didn’t look like he had all season last night. He struggled to find the zone in the 4th, hitting two batters. He didn’t walk any, but he sure did look wild, which is not normal for Shields. It will be interesting to see what Joe Maddon does with game 5, whether he starts Shields again or not.
The offense was lead by a two run homer by Matt Joyce and a three run homer by Evan Longoria. BJ Upton had a big game, going 3 for 4 with 2 doubles and 2 runs. The offense scored enough runs to win, as they had won over 30 in a row when the offense scored 5 runs. This time, the pitching just let them down.
The Rays and Rangers have a travel day today before playing Game 3 at the Trop tomorrow. The game is sold out, so if you still want to go you will have to try your hand at finding a deal on Stub Hub.

What’s Important Now: Rays, Moore Cruise in Game 1

Devon Rogers — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 10:35:01 +0000

The Rays made it look easy yesterday in game 1, beating the Rangers 9 to 0. The star of the day was Matt Moore, who exploded onto the scene with his second straight great start, this time on a national stage. Moore pitched 7 shutout innings, allowing 2 hits and 2 walks. He struck out 6 Rangers. In only his second start, Moore already has a postseason victory under his belt. Brandon Gomes and Wade Davis each pitched scoreless innings to finish the game.
On offense the stud was Kelly Shoppach, who came out of nowhere to have a great game. Shoppach was 3 for 5 with a two run homer and a three run homer. Johnny Damon also had a huge game, going 2 for 5 with a two run homer, 2 runs and 3 RBIs. Evan Longoria was 2 for 5 with a run.
The Rays will look to steal another one from the Rangers before heading home for game 3. James Shields will be on the mound for the all important game 2. Shields emerged as the Rays workhorse this season, going 16-12 with a 2.82 ERA and 11 complete games. Shields will pass the 250 innings plateau when he gets the second out in the first, which is certainly a lot of innings for a starter. In his last regular season start, Shields impressed again and narrowly missed his 12th complete game, going 8.2 innings and allowing 2 earned on 6 hits. Back at the beginning of September Shields pitched two starts in a row against the Rangers, allowing 1 run in 17 innings. The first one, in Texas, he pitched 8 innings of shutout ball, allowing 4 hits. The second one, at the Trop, he allowed 1 earned on 4 hits in a complete game. The Rays need him to have the same success tonight if they want to head home up 2-0.
The Rays offense will look to keep it rolling against Derek Holland for the Rangers. Holland had a good season for the Rangers, going 16-5 with a 3.95 ERA. He faced the Rays at the Trop back on September 7th, and the Rays got to him. The Rays were able to score 3 runs on 6 hits in 6.2 innings in a no decision. It would be great to see the Rays score off of him like that, and that is usually enough for James Shields, but you would almost like to see more runs from the Rays to give Shields some padding.

What’s Important Now: Moore Gets The Call

Devon Rogers — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 09:45:48 +0000

Rays highly-touted rookie Matt Moore will get the start for the Rays in game one of the 2011 ALDS, once again against the Texas Rangers. I don’t know who will be held off the roster with injuries since Moore was a September call-up and needs a roster spot, but I would assume that Jeff Niemann will not be on the roster for the ALDS.
I think this move is the right decision. Moore just simply made the potent Yankees offense look silly in his first career start, stroking out 11 in 5 shutout innings. We will see if the big stage affects him at all, but if I had to hedge my bets I would say it does not. I have more faith in Moore making a great start than I do Jeff Niemann or Wade Davis, but we will see tonight if Joe Maddon made the right decision.
The Rays will have a tough opponent on the mound for the Rangers. CJ Wilson will be making the start. Wilson had a great season as the Rangers ace, going 16-7 with a 2.94 ERA. Wilson has shut down the Rays this year, making 3 starts. He went 2-0 with a combined total of 5 runs in the 3 starts. His last start against the Rays was a complete game shutout at the Trop. The Rays have faced him once in Texas this year, getting 2 runs in 6 innings in a loss.
The Rays will certainly have a tough ALDS as the Rangers have one of the better offenses in baseball, but if it goes at all like it did last year, the odds are in the Rays favor as they have more games on the road. The road team won every game between these two last season in the ALDS.