2008-09 Offseason Thread

**raysnbran** · 11-03-2008, 03:24 PM

Well, some of the first moves of the offseason have begun. Our two free agents, Rocco Baldelli and Eric Hinkse, have both filed and it remains to be seen whether some team will offer them more or give them more PT than what they would get here. I've already seen in a Boston paper that they are thinking of signing him as a 4th OF, and maybe the lure of New England for the RI boy might swing his decision. I think though, if the Rays give him an incentive laden 1 year deal, he would re-sign here after how much they have invested in him so far. Hinske seems like a guy that will bounce around from team to team each year.

Today, the Rays also declined the options on DH Cliff Floyd and LH RP Trever Miller. Floyd hurt his shoulder in the World Series and said he would retire if the MRI comes back bad, though I haven't heard any results yet. We will probably sign someone else to fill Miller's role, for less money and better results. Also backup C Michael Hernandez cleared waivers and is expected to re-sign with Durham.

**raysnbran** · 11-05-2008, 03:06 PM

Andrew Friedman named AL Executive of the year

**raysnbran** · 11-06-2008, 04:06 PM

Carlos Pena wins the AL Gold Glove for first basemen...

The Rays biggest offseason needs would appear to be a power hitting RH batting RF and a replacement at DH. Also possibly a closer should the Rays decide to go in a different direction from Troy Percival. They also have to make a decision whether Sonnanstine or Jackson get traded (or bullpen/closer?) to make room in the rotation for David Price. There have been rumors that the Mets are interested in Sonny or EJax with the Rays interested in Aaron Heilman in return.

**Imgran** · 11-06-2008, 06:08 PM

Originally Posted by raysnbran

The Rays biggest offseason needs would appear to be a power hitting RH batting RF and a replacement at DH.

**raysnbran** · 11-07-2008, 03:07 PM

Originally Posted by Imgran

As we saw this year and in the postseason, you can't count on Rocco to be an every day ball player anymore. Unless he makes huge improvements in his recovery from his muscle disorder, he is a part time player. He wasn't even an every other day player in the playoffs.

**raysnbran** · 11-12-2008, 04:10 PM

Joe Maddon wins AL Manager of the Year (as expected, except for the one writer in Minneapolis). Joe was on his honeymoon in Rome when the announcement was made. Congrats Joe on both events!

Also, BJ Upton had successful surgery on the torn labrum in his right shoulder and should be fully recovered by spring training. That should restore his power stroke back over the course of the full season (no idea how it came back for the playoffs though).

**Imgran** · 11-13-2008, 07:53 AM

Originally Posted by raysnbran

(no idea how it came back for the playoffs though).

Ehh, you can risk things over a short series that you don't want to risk over a long season. I wouldn't be surprised if Upton looked at making the playoffs as a "Damn the torpedos and full steam ahead" kind of moment that was worth risking further injury for.

**Mattingly** · 11-13-2008, 08:21 PM

Stickying.

**raysnbran** · 11-14-2008, 04:07 PM

Thanks Mattingly!

Our offseason is expected to be quiet, unlike our 2 division rivals who will try and outspend each other. Payroll will increase with contract escalations and arbitration judgements. New additions to the team will most likely come from trades not free agent signings. Or under the radar lower tier FA signings, like we have done in the past with Hinske and Pena. But I will try and keep the board informed of any offseason news involving the Rays...

**Imgran** · 11-14-2008, 06:07 PM

Originally Posted by raysnbran

unlike our 2 division rivals who will try and outspend each other.

I think you're selling the Red Sox a bit short. They're in a great position not to have to get into a bidding war with NYY. About all they need to really get is a catcher, a SP and a couple relievers, and in principle the farm can provide adequate filler for each hole, although by "adequate" I mean the kind of replacements a team without a big budget would probably settle for in the short term while they looked for something better.

**raysnbran** · 11-15-2008, 03:50 PM

The Yankees will outspend you because that's the Steinbrenner way. When in doubt, spend more. With their new stadium opening and with the YES network bringing in multiple revenue streams, the current economy be damned. But you guys are talking about bringing in Teixiera and/or Lowe, and spending $8 mil for a 44 year old Randy Johnson. That's not exactly the definition of fiscal conservatism. The Rays won't be a player in free agency. The only way we will continue to compete (barring Warren Buffet becoming our new owner) is to continue to develop the farm system, identify the young core players and sign them to long term deals when they are young, and sprinkle in veteran FAs as depth and clubhouse leaders that can contribute but not cost too much.

**SDL** · 11-16-2008, 06:17 PM

Originally Posted by raysnbran

Joe Maddon wins AL Manager of the Year (as expected, except for the one writer in Minneapolis). Joe was on his honeymoon in Rome when the announcement was made. Congrats Joe on both events!

I haven't forgotten that it was a tough call for Theo Epstein before the '94 season. Maddon or Francona?

As we have seen, both guys have been successful as managers. Maddon was long overdue for a managing shot and he proved he could do it.

**SDL** · 11-16-2008, 06:21 PM

Originally Posted by raysnbran

The Yankees will outspend you because that's the Steinbrenner way. When in doubt, spend more. With their new stadium opening and with the YES network bringing in multiple revenue streams, the current economy be damned. But you guys are talking about bringing in Teixiera and/or Lowe, and spending $8 mil for a 44 year old Randy Johnson. That's not exactly the definition of fiscal conservatism. The Rays won't be a player in free agency. The only way we will continue to compete (barring Warren Buffet becoming our new owner) is to continue to develop the farm system, identify the young core players and sign them to long term deals when they are young, and sprinkle in veteran FAs as depth and clubhouse leaders that can contribute but not cost too much.

If you make deals like Delmon Young for Garza and Bartlett, Huff for Zobrist and Talbot, and Hendrickson for Navarro and Ruggiano, you guys are gonna be giving me nightmares for years.

Still trying to figure out the Zambrano for Kazmir deal...even a Chuck LaMar can get lucky once in a while.

**Matito** · 11-17-2008, 10:04 AM

Originally Posted by SDL

Still trying to figure out the Zambrano for Kazmir deal...even a Chuck LaMar can get lucky once in a while.

At the time, Lamar looked like an idiot and the Mets looked like geniuses. That worked out well for them.

**raysnbran** · 11-17-2008, 04:38 PM

Originally Posted by SDL

If you make deals like Delmon Young for Garza and Bartlett, Huff for Zobrist and Talbot, and Hendrickson for Navarro and Ruggiano, you guys are gonna be giving me nightmares for years.

Still trying to figure out the Zambrano for Kazmir deal...even a Chuck LaMar can get lucky once in a while.

As for Lamar, I'm sure you've heard the expression about a blind squirrel and his nuts

**raysnbran** · 11-17-2008, 04:40 PM

2005 1st round draft pick Wade Townsend from Rice University undergoes arm surgery and will probably miss all of 2009. This after having Tommy John surgery in 2006 and arm trouble in August 2007. Final draft pick of the Naimoli era will probably never even sniff AAA

http://blogs.tampabay.com/rays/2008/...nd-underg.html

**raysnbran** · 11-18-2008, 05:03 PM

More changes behind the scenes:

Rays announce changes in ticket pricing structure, parking etc.

Joe Magrane, TV analyst since the Rays inception, is moving on to a more higher profile position with the new MLB TV network beginning January 1 2009. Well deserved Joe! After watching 10 years of horrible baseball he was rewarded in 2008 with a World Series team to follow and now a promotion...we will miss his funny one liners and double entendres

The girl who played Raymond the mascot was let go

http://blogs.tampabay.com/rays/

**Matito** · 11-19-2008, 06:04 AM

Originally Posted by raysnbran

Joe Magrane, TV analyst since the Rays inception, is moving on to a more higher profile position with the new MLB TV network beginning January 1 2009. Well deserved Joe! After watching 10 years of horrible baseball he was rewarded in 2008 with a World Series team to follow and now a promotion...we will miss his funny one liners and double entendres :coolhttp://blogs.tampabay.com/rays/

Good for Joe, but it just wont be the same watching Rays now. Ive been listening to Dwayne and Joe since I was 8 years old.

**raysnbran** · 11-20-2008, 04:29 PM

Rays had declined a $2 mil option on LHRP Trevor Miller with a buyout, and there are reports now that he has signed with the St Louis Cardinals. Rays are looking for another lefty out of the pen from among Will Ohman, John Rheinecker and others...

**raysnbran** · 12-01-2008, 05:04 PM

<crickets>

Nothing to report on the Rays offseason, at least until the big boys sign elsewhere. Once the market has been set, we might make a little noise with some minor signings, but the trade market looks more likely as far as action...

**zengator** · 12-02-2008, 03:31 AM

Originally Posted by raysnbran

<crickets>

Nothing to report on the Rays offseason, at least until the big boys sign elsewhere. Once the market has been set, we might make a little noise with some minor signings, but the trade market looks more likely as far as action...

Yep, that looks like what's playing out.

E-Jax for a RF, please.

**Imgran** · 12-02-2008, 07:58 AM

Not a lot of particularly decent RF's out there. You might have trouble finding one better than Gross, if you can believe that.

**raysnbran** · 12-03-2008, 04:09 PM

Troy Percival underwent successful back surgery yesterday and is expected to be pitching sometime in March, and ready to resume his closer duties in 2009. Since the Rays are on the hook for $4 million anyways, might as well see what he's got. Let's hope this isn't Al Reyes, part deux

**raysnbran** · 12-09-2008, 06:31 PM

With the winter meetings going on, the Rays have met with Milton Bradley and Jason Giambi, and have a meeting scheduled with Bobby Abreu tomorrow. Also the rumors of a 3 way deal with the Twins and Rockies involving Garrett Atkins to MN, Delmon Young back to TB and Edwin Jackson to COL apparently are just that, rumors with not much substance. Out of the trio of Bradley, Giambi and Abreu, clearly Bradley is the guy I would want. He's only 30, led MLB in OBP and would be good for 20-25 HRS and 75-85 RBI if he stays healthy and keeps his head on straight.