Longoria

[Eddiey]

As expected Evan Longoria was sent to Durham today along with Reid
Brignac.

[Kitty Kaat]

I'm a little out of the loop. I had not been keeping up with what he was doing in spring training. Did they send him down for more seasoning? Everything I had read seemed to indicate he was going to start at third base to start the year.

[Eddiey]

I'm a little out of the loop. I had not been keeping up with what he was doing in spring training. Did they send him down for more seasoning? Everything I had read seemed to indicate he was going to start at third base to start the year.

There are various reasons he may have been sent down. Choose the ones
you like best.
1. He hit only .262 this spring and the Rays felt he needed more time in AAA.
2. Last year the Royals Alex Gordon started the year in the majors and
struggled where as Ryan Braun spent the beginning of the year in the
in the minors and flourished when brought up later in the year.
3. By sending Longoria down at the beginning of the year and bringing him
back maybe in late May or June the Rays get to keep him one extra
year before free agency kicks in.
4. Joe Maddon at one point this spring said Longoria was struggling hitting
curve balls.

[raysnbran]

5. He only had like 130 ABs at AAA and struck out 29 times, so they want to give him a little more seasoning. Because once he gets called up again, he's here for good.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

I don't get why Brignac is also sent to Durham.

He struggled mightily last year at AA. This ST he didn't do better either.

I am afraid AAA is a bit to much for him yet.

[Rays]

Longoria is doing well so far in the season.
7 HR
27 RBI
.246 AVG
16 BB
3 SB
9 2B
1 3B

[Eddiey]

Longoria is doing well so far in the season.
7 HR
27 RBI
.246 AVG
16 BB
3 SB
9 2B
1 3B

Of late Evan does seem to be making his adjustments and getting more
comfortable at the plate. His defense has been superior since day one.
He is only going to get better and soon will be an all star year after year.