Rays Team Report
INSIDE PITCH
Reid Brignac(notes) expects 2010 to be different.
The past two seasons, he knew he was around the big-league team to lend a hand and/or to learn. But he’ll come to spring training in February determined to show he belongs.
“Legitimately, I’ve got an opportunity to make the team this year,” Brignac said. “I knew in the past I was gaining experience and being around the guys. Now, hopefully, I’m going in competing for a job.”
Brignac is considered one of the game’s better shortstop prospects. But with Jason Bartlett(notes) entrenched as the starter—at least until he becomes too expensive—and elite prospect Tim Beckham in the minors, Brignac is making himself more versatile by becoming comfortable at second base.
That could turn out to be a wise move, because the Rays may have a bit of an opening at second, depending on whether they decide to keep Ben Zobrist(notes) there, have him split the position with Sean Rodriguez(notes), or put him in right field and open up competition to Brignac and Rodriguez.
Brignac is working hard at it, playing winter ball for Mazatlan in Mexico to hone his skills.
NOTES, QUOTES
—of F ernando Perez’s path to the big leagues with the Rays appears blocked. Given the presence of returnees B.J. Upton(notes), Carl Crawford(notes), Gabe Kapler(notes) and, at least in a platoon, Ben Zobrist, plus the expected matriculation of Matt Joyce(notes) and the pending arrival of prospect Desmond Jennings, Perez’s name is starting to surface in trade rumors. Most recently came published speculation that he could be of interest to the Cubs, who are seeking a speedy center fielder.
• Rays special adviser Fred McGriff is on the Hall of Fame ballot for the first time, but it is considered a longshot that he will be elected this year. McGriff played parts of five seasons with his hometown Rays, and he hit 99 of his 491 homers for them.
• Roberto Alomar’s career ended in a Rays uniform, when he retired in the middle of spring training in 2005 following an abysmal performance. He is expected to be elected to the Hall of Fame when the voting results are released Jan. 6.
• DH Pat Burrell(notes) seemed likely to stay with the Rays after the long-discussed deal to swap him for Milton Bradley(notes) was not consummated and the Cubs instead shipped Bradley to Seattle. But with free agents Jason Bay(notes) and Matt Holliday(notes) seeking top dollar, Burrell’s name has surfaced in reports linking him to teams such as the Cardinals and Braves that may need another bat at a lower price.
By The Numbers: 3—Major league pitchers other than the Rays’ James Shields(notes) who pitched 215 or more innings each of the past three seasons. They are CC Sabathia(notes), Roy Halladay(notes) and Dan Haren(notes).
Quote To Note: “He could play either one. He’s a big-league shortstop and a big-league second baseman.”—Class AAA manager Charlie Montoyo, on infield prospect Reid Brignac.
ROSTER REPORT
The Rays don’t think they have to make a lot of changes to improve their team; they’ll focus on catcher and the bullpen. With the expected additions of OF Matt Joyce and INF Sean Rodriguez from Class AAA, the Rays think they could be set in the field, and they are happy with their rotation. Newly acquired RHP Rafael Soriano(notes) figures to take over as the lcoser.
Biggest Needs: The Rays’ biggest priority will be to improve the quality and depth of their catching situation, given the decline of Dioner Navarro(notes). They will at least talk to teams about moving disappointing DH Pat Burrell, as much for salary relief as the chance to use more productive hitters they already have.
Arrivals: RHP Rafael Soriano (trade with Braves), RHP Ramon Ramirez(notes) (claimed off waivers from Reds), C Kelly Shoppach(notes) (trade with Indians).
Departures: RHP Jesse Chavez(notes) (traded to Braves after being acquired from Pirates), C Gregg Zaun(notes) (free agent, signed with Brewers), 2B Akinori Iwamura(notes) (traded to Pirates), C Michel Hernandez(notes) (free agent, signed minor league deal with Orioles).
Free Agents: RHP Chad Bradford(notes), RHP Jason Isringhausen(notes), RHP Troy Percival(notes), RHP Russ Springer(notes), LHP Brian Shouse(notes), OF Gabe Gross(notes) (non-tendered), C Shawn Riggans(notes) (non-tendered).
The Rays allowed the relievers to become free agents as they seek to remake their bullpen.
Arbitration-eligible: SS Jason Bartlett, RHP Matt Garza(notes), LHP J.P. Howell(notes), C Kelly Shoppach, CF B.J. Upton.
Bartlett, in his second year of arbitration, and first-timers Upton and Garza are in line for significant raises.
In Limbo: DH Pat Burrell’s season was such a disappointment, the Rays might look to trade him, even if they have to eat some of the money—his salary jumps to $9 million next season. RHP Andy Sonnanstine’s(notes) season-long struggles have reduced him to a candidate for a long-relief job in the bullpen.
Medical Watch:
C Dioner Navarro (left elbow surgery in October 2009) is expected to be ready for spring training.
OF Fernando Perez(notes) (left shoulder surgery in October 2009) is expected to be ready for spring training.
1B Carlos Pena(notes) (broken left index and middle fingers) was said to be recovering well and should be 100 percent by the end of November.
RHP Chad Bradford (mild discomfort in right elbow) didn’t pitch the final week of the season. He will consider retirement after an injury-shortened and frustrating season.
RHP Jason Isringhausen (Tommy John elbow surgery in June 2009) expects to be ready by midseason 2010; he will be a free agent then.
RHP Troy Percival (back, shoulder) is expected to retire.
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