Back by popular demand, it’s the Lunch Break!!
First, our topic for discussion today: is it time for the Rays to cut bait on someone so that we can keep a regular utility infielder on the roster? Right now, Cliff Floyd, Jonny Gomes, and Willy Aybar are all taking up spots while the only backup shortstop is also the starting third baseman. With no backup middle infielders, Joe Maddon is severely handcuffed when it comes to make moves late in the game, particularly in a spot where you might want – for instance – to pinch-hit Cliff Floyd or Eric Hinske for Jason Bartlett.
In my opinion, Ben Zobrist has more than proven that he’s a capable backup player, though his lapses in the field stop him short of being a regular in the future. Still, he’s more valuable to this team than Willy Aybar is, yet its Aybar who gets to keep his job. Aren’t we to the point where the Rays should be keeping the players that give them the best team right now?
Poll Update: As of 9:57 AM, the “Is Rocco Baldelli the answer?” poll to the left is split right down the middle 50-50. I’m going to keep it up at least through the remainder of Monday to see if we get any separation.
Tags: lunch break
July 28th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
Sorrry, folks, but Rocco being able to play five innings without falling over is not a 162 game season answer. Either pull the trigger on a trade for RF or bring up Ruggy – soon.
I would prefer trading for Street and bring up Ruggy….
July 28th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
Scotty-
It’s good to have you back, not that you went away, but I LOVE coming to this site and seeing it updated- It’s like you got your mojo back or something… either way keep it coming, you are by far the best read when it comes to the Rays and I wanted to let you know that… As for the question… There are several moves I’d like to make, personally they go…
1. Cliff Floyd release ( I love Cliffy, I really do, but he has no positional flexibility at all, and he only DH’s like 3 days a week, what’s the point???) call up- Dan Johnson can play 1b and RF (yes I know, I know I like killing the dead horse)
2. Willy Aybar- DFA (it’s a shame that Atlanta burned up all his options) call up- Ben Zobrist who can play, 2nd, SS and CF
3. Al Reyes- released, call up Jeff Niemann as a s swigman
I dont want to rush Price, I’d moce Niemann up instead. Id Trevor Miller continues to fail he is the next to go with Price then taking his spot…
4.
July 28th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
The Rays may be wanting to keep running Aybar out there to let teams get a good look at him. He could be a nice addition in a multi-player package. I don’t see the Rays getting rid of Floyd, for the simple reason of what he brings to the clubhouse. You can’t overlook the effect Percival & Floyd have had on some of the younger guys and the team first attitude they’ve brought with them. The Rays haven’t really made any knee-jerk moves since Stu took over, so I would expect them to be very cautious and take things down to the wire. Would like to see Reyes moved in a package for Street, as well as bringing up Price for the stretch run. He could still start next season in AAA and continue to work on his pitches, but he’d be a definite plus on the field and to the teams mentality for the final 2 months this year. Really interested to see how this all plays out. Go Rays!
July 28th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
I don’t thing that Stu is going to make any earth shattering moves, I think he had a plan and the team is somewhat ahead. I really think he is preparing for next year. I really think he thinks this year is just icing on the cake and next year is when you’ll see him bring in the ice cream. I believe it won’t be till September and he’ll bring Niemand and Price up. I do believe they are doing it right with Rocco this time. I believe they have him on something and might be waiting for the ok from the league. Just my thoughts.
July 28th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
Whoever thinks Cliff Floyd hasn’t done well is wrong. Just because he hasn’t been lighting it up every single time he steps to the plate doesn’t mean he’s worthless. He is still very threatening when he walks to the plate, and has hit the ball hard. He is also a great clubhouse guy, which is very helpful for ou young team. When it comes to Aybar, while I’m not impressed by the guy, he has hit lefties decently for us, and his glove is pretty good. The bottom line is that our entire offense, except for Longoria, has been anemic for the entire year. The laws of statistics says that we will get better offensively for the rest of the year. I do think if Rocco can get back to playing for us, he could help against lefties. No, I don’t think he’ll be a savior or anything, but this team will be energized by his return. Heck, some of the players are growing beards for the guy. Chances are that Gomes will be gone when that happens, and we won’t be having to see him swinging like a lost 4-year old anymore. I maintain my thought that while I feel we need a right-handed hitting RF, the Rays are waiting to see if Rocco could be that guy. He won’t be playing the field much anyway, and he could be a spark for this team to go on another rally of wins. If I was Friedman, I would focus my trade outlook on Will Ohman or Arthur Rhodes. Miller is struggling, and Howell will need help down the road, so another lefty with experience will only help us. The trade market has been rather difficult for hitters, and I don’t think the Rays were willing to mortgage the future for any of the available guys…not that I blame them. I am sure the Rays were shocked to see that the Yankees got Nady and Marte for practically nothing. The only hitter I’d be interested in right now anyway is Texeira, and he plays the same position as Pena, so he’s out. This team does need another lefty to secure this bullpen, and we could use another bat in RF, but if nothing comes of any trades, we really can’t complain. As Jason Bartlett said yesterday, “Even though we had the long losing streak, we’re still in first place.” If we don’t make a move, this team could still have enough to challenge for the title. Although, it would be nice to pick up both, the lefty and the hitter.