Rays 2012/2013 off season thread

[Tobywan]

Congrats to Jeremy Hellickson for his Gold Glove award (sharing with Peavy).

Now onto the business side of the game.

The Rays had a possibility of losing 10 FA, Upton, Pena, J.P. Howell, Keppinger, Kyle Farnsworth, Joel Peralta, James Shields, Jose Molina, Rodney and Scott.

The team held options on Shields, Molina, Scott and Rodney.

The Rays have already been busy, on Halloween the club exercised options on James Shields, Fernando Rodney and Jose Molina while declining on DH Luke Scott.

Rodney AL Comeback POY and Delivery Man award winner for 2012 was a no brainer.

It remains to be seen if the Rays can truly financially afford to keep both Shields and Price, though Friedman has stated he feels no need or pressure to trade away any of the starting pitching for other pieces.

The Rays have made no secret that while Molina lacks in offense they love his defense and his ability to handle the young pitching staff. He will again platoon at catcher just who with remains unclear, one of the many youngsters in the organization or from a trade/acquisition.

Scott in an interview stated that Friedman gave him positive assurances they could discuss a possible future for him with the Rays.

The Rays made a qualifying contract offer to BJ Upton assuring compensation should he leave.(Please, please, please, please!!!!) According to the Tampa Bay Times, he is seeking a four to six-year contract worth $14 million to $16 million a year.

Even with diabetes and kidney problems keeping him away from the Trop for many months in 2012 the Rays will bring back Don Zimmer for his 10th season as Senior Advisor.

Shortstop Hak-Ju Lee and left-hander C.J. Riefenhauser are among the roster chosen to take part in Tonight’s Arizona Fall League Rising Stars Game, 8 p.m. on MLB Network.

[Tobywan]

David Price was named as one of the finalists for the AL Cy Young, but was awarded the Player's Choice for Outstanding Pitcher in the American League on Monday.


Joel Peralta agreed to terms that includes a option for 2015.

2 years-$6 million.

[Tobywan]

The Rays further their investment in Longoria.

Rays Lock up Longoria

[Tobywan]

Finally!!!! BJ's tenure as a Rays is done!


Upton would become the highest-paid player in Braves history.

[Tobywan]

Ray send Badenhop to Milwaukee for the minor league son of former ML outfielder Raul Mondesi.


Trade between Brewers and Rays.

[Tobywan]

Along with picking up Loney, the Rays traded for Yunel Escobar from the Marlins for ML infielder Derek Dietrich.


This is getting interesting, the plan seems to be keeping Tatman at 2B, Escobar at SS sending Zobrist back to his uber utility role.

[Witlon]

Kelly Johnson signed to a 1-year deal, according to Ken Rosenthal.

I kinda like the move better than bringing back Luke Scott, or whatever. Post signing it leaves the potential opening day lineup at:

CA: Molina
1B: Loney
2B: Johnson
3B: Longoria
SS: Escobar
LF: Joyce/Fuld
CF: Jennings
RF: Zobrist
DH: Roberts

Not a world beating lineup, by any stretch, is it?

[Tobywan]

Have the Rays ever had one of those? On paper the closest they came was the "(s)Hit Show" of 2000, it turned into a fiasco when 3 of the 4 "Murderer's Row" were injured for a good part of the season.


2013 will hinge on Longoria's health, a young pitching staff now led by the new "vet" David Price and the Rays' MVP that doesn't even play on the field.



I am still stoked for Opening Day though, my niece and I went to Fan Fest on Saturday and got out partial ticket package. Go Rays!

[Tobywan]

The Rays have decided to go with Roberto Hernandez (formerly Fausto Carmona) for the last spot in the rotation, though news reports say he likely be slotted as the third starter.

Opening Day just a few days away, 3 of 4 new infielders and bench guys to get to know. Will be interesting.