Miceli released

It's the top of the fifth here at City of Palms Park in Fort Myers and the Rays have announced that they have released veteran reliever Dan Miceli.

Entering spring training Miceli, 36, was thought of as one of the relievers who had a bullpen job because of his experience. He was 1-2 with a 3.94 ERA in 32 innings last season, but he struggled this spring, pitching to a 9.53 ERA in exhibition play. He allowed seven runs -- six earned -- on nine hits over 5 2/3 innings.

Miceli, in the second year of a three-year contract, will still cost the Rays $850,000 -- $650,000 in 2007 base salary and a $200,000 buyout for 2008.

The move trims the Rays' spring roster to 33 and also opens up a roster spot on the 40-man, likely for spot starter/reliever Gary Glover.

With just two days left until the Rays have to trim their roster to 25, the move speaks to the competition Tampa Bay has had in camp -- especially in the bullpen. Out of Seth McClung, Chad Orvella and Juan Salas, only one reliever will make the team. And maybe Miceli's past record of character issues crept up in an organization that has done everything to improve its clubhouse atmosphere.

Comments

[RICHIE RICARDO]

ROOM FOR ONE ? MCLUNG-ORVELLA-SALAS ? SETH IS NOT READY. BRING HIM UP LATER.
CHAD ORVELLA:HIS MINOR LG ERA HAS NEVER BEEN ABOVE 2.00. WHAT IS IT NOW?BELOW 1.00. I ALWAYS LIKED HIS CHANCES.
HOWEVER,JUAN SALAS DESERVES A LONG LOOK. I LIKE HIS [IP TO HITS RATIO]WHICH WAS SUPER IN '06 & NOW. SO KEEP JUAN OR CHAD. GOOD SET-UP MEN.

[Dave]

Dan Miceli being released has very little to do with performance and a lot to do with Miceli not being a gutless "yes" man. I guess Mr. Friedman did not appreciate Miceli's honest and truthful comments about the lack of professionalism in the Rays organization. While Dan Miceli didn't name names, it's clear that he was referring to Andrew Friedman.

[Chuck "Chuckles the Clown" LaMar]

Dan has always been a loud-mouth and has had run-ins with managers and front office personnel with other teams.

He was cut because HE SUCKED! I don't care if Spring Training stats matter or not, but a 10 year vet shouldn't have been outpitched by Julio Lugo's baby brother last year.

As for the "unprofessional" remark, how is he leading by example? He's taking a page out of the Aubrey "I call in radio shows on Country Music channels to complain about the Rays" Huff book.

Pot meets kettle, Thundah Dan.

[Tyler]

Miceli is exactly who you DON'T want around a bunch of young players. His a malcontent and is best to have him go elsewhere.