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.