Joey Gathright

[tonypug]

One of the Tampa Bay Sports stations was talking about the trade talk surrounding Joey Gathright. A surprising number of people called in saying the Rays should keep Gathright and trade Baldelli and Gomes. I don't see what people see in Gathright other then raw speed. He isn't going to hit with any power, his fielding and throwing have been shaky,and he really hasn't learned how to use his speed. My feeling is if he has value to other teams, make the deal quick before they change their minds.

[TOPPS]

Well about Gathright and his skills you have to understand that he is still young. I do think that Baldelli should stay. TB just needs to see if they can get anything for Josh Hamilton. If they trade any of those OF's they should try and get a pitcher.

[tonypug]

Well about Gathright and his skills you have to understand that he is still young. I do think that Baldelli should stay. TB just needs to see if they can get anything for Josh Hamilton. If they trade any of those OF's they should try and get a pitcher.

Any team could have gotten Hamilton, when the Rays put him on waivers a couple of weeks ago. Everybody passed. Outfield is the one place the Rays are strong at, and young pitching is what they are after. I have a feeling once the Johnny Damon situation is settled, teams that need a center fielder will come calling on the Rays.

[raysnbran]

Joey

Good call on the trade talk for Gathright, tonypug. I think people were intrigued by his blazing speed and overlooked all his other faults. But, as far as I know, he hasn't figured out how to steal first base yet. And until he improves his bunting, he certainly is not an Ichiro with the bat yet either. Rocco has proved himself healthy and looks like his old self. Joey became very expendable. I just wish we had done that Gathright for Olsen deal with the Marlins in the winter, rather than take on another project/prospect in Howell in June.

[tonypug]

Good call on the trade talk for Gathright, tonypug. I think people were intrigued by his blazing speed and overlooked all his other faults. But, as far as I know, he hasn't figured out how to steal first base yet. And until he improves his bunting, he certainly is not an Ichiro with the bat yet either. Rocco has proved himself healthy and looks like his old self. Joey became very expendable. I just wish we had done that Gathright for Olsen deal with the Marlins in the winter, rather than take on another project/prospect in Howell in June.

Howell might turn out to be a real gem. He is lefty, has four good pitches and is still considered a great prospect. I don't think Gathrights value was going to get any better.

[raysnbran]

Howell

I was not impressed at all with J P Howell either. If he can't hit more than 85MPH on the radar gun, he has to have perfect control and hit every spot to even have a chance to be successful. His fastball was 85 his curve was 78, not too much change in speeds to throw hitters off either.h

[tonypug]

I was not impressed at all with J P Howell either. If he can't hit more than 85MPH on the radar gun, he has to have perfect control and hit every spot to even have a chance to be successful. His fastball was 85 his curve was 78, not too much change in speeds to throw hitters off either.h

The Rays have said they are rushing Howell a bit. He hasn't gained full strength from some injuries. I guess they wnt to take a look and see if he has a future.