Rays Make "First Wave" of Roster Moves: Preparing for Post-season Push!
The Tampa Bay Rays made there first series of roster moves to bolster the team for both the pennant race as well as the possibility of the playoffs. The Rays added a potential base running weapon that could prove valuable in tight games down the road in outfielder Fernando Perez, who was called up from Triple-A Durham on Sunday night (this makes him eligible for postseason play). In a move to create further roster flexibility, the Rays sent Juan Salas to Double-A Montgomery and brought up RHP Jae Kuk Ryu from Durham and promptly placed him on the 15-day disabled list. This might seems like a silly thing to do, but it provides the Rays with significant flexibility for the post season as the team is allowed to replace an injured player with any other player on the 40-man roster. Thus, the Rays effectively have 2 open spots on their post-season roster (Ryu and Chad Ovella, who is also on the DL). Thus, the Rays can potentially add David Price and/or one of their other top pitching prospects if needed down the stretch (they will likely bring Salas back for September and could add him to the playoff roster as well). It appears as though the Rays want to get Price some additional work in the Triple-A playoffs (Price was just named the Durham Bulls Game 1 starter) before bringing him up (Durham begins a 5-game playoff series on Wednesday, September 3rd).
The Rays also called up catcher John Jaso, who will join the team as the third catcher. Andrew Friedman indicated that Jaso is unlikely to be utilized for anything more than a pinch runner or hitter. The combination of a third catcher with the addition of Perez will allow Joe Maddon to pinch run for Navarro or Riggans late in a game without having to “go naked” at the catching position. Given Perez’ speed, this could be a big lift in key games (recall the multiple times that Navi has been thrown out at home trying to score from second base on a hit). Perez batted .288 (.301 vs. lefties) with 11 triples and 43 stolen bases (caught stealing 12 times). The Rays also seem to like his defense although we've not been able to locate any reliable information on his defensive capabilities.
John Jaso looks to be a pretty disciplined hitter registering only 47 strikeouts in 2008 vs. 107 hits and 72 walks (OBP of .391 as well) and has shown modest power with a HR every 10 games or so (12 total in 2008). He could be a nice bat off of the bench for the Rays as well.
The Rays also called up catcher John Jaso, who will join the team as the third catcher. Andrew Friedman indicated that Jaso is unlikely to be utilized for anything more than a pinch runner or hitter. The combination of a third catcher with the addition of Perez will allow Joe Maddon to pinch run for Navarro or Riggans late in a game without having to “go naked” at the catching position. Given Perez’ speed, this could be a big lift in key games (recall the multiple times that Navi has been thrown out at home trying to score from second base on a hit). Perez batted .288 (.301 vs. lefties) with 11 triples and 43 stolen bases (caught stealing 12 times). The Rays also seem to like his defense although we've not been able to locate any reliable information on his defensive capabilities.
John Jaso looks to be a pretty disciplined hitter registering only 47 strikeouts in 2008 vs. 107 hits and 72 walks (OBP of .391 as well) and has shown modest power with a HR every 10 games or so (12 total in 2008). He could be a nice bat off of the bench for the Rays as well.
Labels: David Price, Fernando Perez, Jae Kuk Ryu, John Jaso, Juan Salas, Tampa Bay Rays
posted by Blogging Man at
1:22 PM
4 Comments:
A post from today where Brittany Ghiroli said:
"From top to bottom, the starting staff has performed with the constancy of a rhythmic heartbeat -- vital in keeping the Rays' first postseason hopes alive."
Yes, they have responded. What is missing from her article is the continuing maturation of the game.
A young rotation wears in 162 games...Joe knows that!
The key to the post season is that these youngsters understand that they have the support of a 1st Class Defensive Unit. And, when they realize this and take to it; we will not discuss who is starting and who is relieving.
There's more than one backstop on this Rays team.
JM's task is to get the hurlers to realize it! Defense always wins championships.
You hit the nail on the head, thanks for the great comment. Did you know that the Rays are the first team in over 20 years to have 5 starters with 10 or more wins? The key to this team is great pitching (which is enahnced by great defense, of course). The Yankees and Red Sox have had several key injuries to their staffs and that's made all the difference. Recall that the Rays were playing .500 ball in (17-16 on May 7th) when Kazmir and Garza were both hurt. It has also helped to keep their IPs down for the year. IMO, the Rays might consider using a 6-man rotation if/when they call up David Price (or at least spot him into 1-2 starts to give the 5-man a bit of a rest). Don't want any dead arms going into late Sept (or Oct). But, a lot of that will depend on records. Definitely worth fighting for home field advantage through the AL playoffs.
I heard a caller on radio show yesterday wine about the fact that JM uses the bullpen by committee...i wanted to climb through and let him know what he didn't know! It is a perfect storm for the club we have and it may have never been done this way, ever!
Uh, another history making lesson by the great one...what if we go to the ALCS and use 5 different starters? Uh and WIN...what will they say then?
I think this guy is a maverick and absolutely love it when the rules are challenged and changed...it's like the Tampa Two defense...look who's using it now...or, who's not?
JM will eternally innovate and that's what makes him who he is in baseball!
Joe Knows Baseball!
More popcorn, please...
Love the comment. I agree with you. Joe brings a lot of new angles to the game (not as dramatic as Billy Bean, but along the same lines). He also has conviction in his beliefs as to the right way to build and run a team (along with Rays management, of course). It's this consistency and conviction that makes a big difference. All that being said, I will be surprised if the Rays use 5 starters in the playoffs. I think you will see the big 3 (Kazmir, Garza and Shields) throughout all key games.
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