Thursday, January 17th, 2008
Nothing that I felt deserved its own story today, so I’m just going to send you all over the Raysverse to check out some things that are going on.
The Rays are on the verge of inking Jonny Gomes to a contract that will pay him about $1.25 million. (TBO)
Not a bad deal if you consider that this is a guy who could hit between 20 and 30 home runs this season depending on the amount of playing time he gets. Yeah, we all hate that he swings like he’s trying to put one through the roof of the Trop, but that’s who Jonny is. He’s not going to change; at least we know what we’re getting with him. He’ll play hard, he’ll hustle, he’ll make some bonehead plays in right, but he’s a lot better than some of the alternatives.
This one’s a day old, but I just realized we never put anything up about it: Dan Wheeler got his contract, too. He’s going to get just south of $3 million. (TBO)
Could you imagine giving $3 million dollars to a decent middle reliever who was coming off a bad season just a few years ago? It’s crazy how the middle relief market has changed; these guys are now CASHING in even though performance is so inconsistent from year to year.
Marc Lancaster had an interesting trade rumor buried inside an article about Gomes’ signing today:
Tampa Bay has had talks with the Atlanta Braves about a trade involving 24-year-old infielder Willy Aybar, a switch-hitter with a checkered past. Aybar’s off-the-field issues, most notably a stint in a substance-abuse rehabilitation program that wiped out most of his 2007 season, could be an impediment.
Well, that’s an interesting one, isn’t it? He definitely fits the mold of what the Rays are looking for, and - if true - perhaps puts to bed the assertion that many of us had that the Rays were writing off players with personal issues. Aybar’s a decent player but he’s not great. To make a deal for him, the Rays would need to pull off a steal, in my opinion. I wouldn’t part with anyone of great value to get him.
I thought this was an interesting quote in the article:
He has had a strong season in his home country, hitting .339 and posting a .415 on-base percentage in 15 games during Licey’s run to first place in the league’s January semifinal series.
Look, I don’t care how their schedule works - 15 games is NOT a season. He had a STRONG two weeks; he didn’t have a STRONG season. That’s like saying that the World Series or All-Star Game MVP awards are reasons to induct someone to the Hall of Fame.
Bill Chastain’s latest season preview focuses on the new-look Rays infield. (MLB.com)
Iwamura routinely made acrobatic plays that defied logic throughout the 123 games he played in during the 2007 season. However, his bat and speed make him better suited to be a middle infielder than a third baseman, where the preference is for power. Iwamura hit .285 with just seven home runs and 34 RBIs in 2007 — far more impressive numbers for a second baseman than a third baseman.
Bartlett did commit 26 errors last season, the most of any shortstop in the Major Leagues. But he has a strong arm and good range, which are attributes not seen in a box score. Some of Bartlett’s struggles in 2007 can be attributed to neck and shoulder injuries that plagued him throughout the season. Regardless, the Rays are sold on the player who will take over at shortstop this season.
I’ve gotta admit, I was actually excited to watch these two guys play together from reading this article. It’ll be nice to actually have some guys who can pick it up the middle instead of watching - (shudder) - Brendan Harris and Ty Wigginton play keep-away.
The OTHER issue surrounding the new stadium - where the HECK are you going to put all of the cars - is going to be looked into by a consulting firm. (MLB.com)
The Rays have already conducted research showing approximately 12,000 parking spaces within a 10-15 minute walk of the new ballpark site. Other transportation assets of the downtown waterfront location include the approximate 5,000 parking spaces at the redevelopment of Tropicana Field and the significant capacity remaining on I-175 and I-375.
Over the next several months, RK&K will work with the City of St. Petersburg, its residents and the Rays to analyze the relationship between existing parking locations and ballpark entry and exit routes, forecast downtown traffic volumes during event conditions, and engage the community to determine specific areas of concern. RK&K will recommend methods to ensure that adequate parking will be available for both the ballpark and its downtown environs. RR&K will also help create an effective traffic management plan to minimize congestion and provide ease of entry and exit to the ballpark.
I’m very interested in finding out what these people determine, because just throwing out that 12,000 parking spot number is INCREDIBLY misleading. Is NO ONE else going to be down by the waterfront on game day? And traffic in that area could potentially be a nightmare. Though the amount of parking is a little low near the Trop right now, getting in and out on game day is MUCH easier than it is at other stadiums and arenas I’ve been to.
Only indirectly related to the Rays, but a Tampa fire inspector was demoted back to firefighter after accepting a ticket to a Lightning game. How does this relate to the Rays, you ask? Read on… (TBO)
(The mayor) said she did accept a jersey from the Tampa Bay Rays a few months ago as part of a team promotion touting the baseball club’s new name and logo. She says that is different from a fire inspector accepting a hockey ticket because she turns the gift over to the city rather than keeping or using it.
“If anyone gives me anything like that, it’s ceremonial in nature,” Iorio said. “It goes to archives. I accept them on behalf of the city. Nothing is for my personal benefit.”
What a waste of $200 to just take a jersey and put it into archives. Why not frame it and display it somewhere in city hall? Or donate it to charity or something? Silly politicians.
Alright, that’s it. I’ve gotta go to work. I suggest you do the same.
Tags: a Rays jersey is just sitting in archives, Akinori Iwamura, Dan Wheeler, Does anyone actually use these things?, Jason Bartlett, Jonny Gomes, new stadium, Willy Aybar
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