To piggy-back on what I wrote earlier this morning, who do you think fills Rocco’s spot on the roster if he’s not ready to go come opening day? Justin Ruggiano, the most natural outfielder of the bunch? Eric Hinske, the lefty threat? Joel Guzman, who they will attempt to teach the outfield? Someone else that I’m not mentioning?
I still stick by my statement of Justin Ruggiano because he’s the most natural – and therefore best defensive – outfielder of the group. They Rays will need SOMEONE out there who knows what he’s doing; Ben Zobrist as an extra outfielder just isn’t going to cut it.
March 7th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
I agree with AJ in the other post, we may need to make a trade this time… I like Ethier a lot and also know that Jason Bay really really wants out of Pittsburgh, and would advocate a trade for him also- As for in house, as I have said I like Ruggi, some say fringe big leager, and we can only find out by letting him play some…
I don’t think this is a catastrophe though, we have had to learn to play without Baldelli for so long now…
March 7th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Let Gomes have a full-time crack at it.
March 7th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Let Gomes have a full time opportunity while keeping Guzman as one of two utilitymen He can play SS, 3B, 1B and the corner outfield positions. Add in Zobrist, and you have everything covered but catcher and pitcher.
March 7th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
What about revisiting Bonds?
I am still big on Ethier. I was pushing hard for the Rays to trade for him before the season started and now that Rocco’s future is in jeopardy.
March 7th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
How do the number of positions work out if Rocco is put on a long term disabled list? Would the Rays be able keep Guzman, Zobrist, and Aybar, or be able to add one more OF to this mix if Rocco is not on the 25 man roster at the end of ST?
March 7th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
Wonder what it would take for Ethier, especially for a team with a stacked minor league system like us.
March 7th, 2008 at 10:07 pm
Outfield of Crawford, Upton and Either would be spectacular.
March 7th, 2008 at 10:07 pm
sorry, Ethier.
March 8th, 2008 at 1:17 am
what would it take? McGee and Ruggiano?
March 8th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
How about Juan Rivera? He is blocked with the Angels and along with Reggie Willits, will not get much playing time with Anderson, Mathews, Hunter, and Guerrero seeing the most playing time. He would be an interesting buy low canidate with high upside. Plus, as an ex-Yankee, it would be nice to see him stick it to his old team that gave up on him.