Rays claim pitcher, drop catcher

The Rays claimed left-handed pitcher Kurt Birkins off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles, according to a news release.  To clear room on the roster, the club designated catcher Raul Casanova for assignment.

Birkins, 27, split last season between the Orioles and Norfolk (AAA).  He appeared in 19 games (two starts) for the Orioles over five separate stints, posting a 1-2 record with an 8.13 ERA.  He went 8-4 with a 3.07 ERA in 20 games (19 starts) for Norfolk.  He made his first major league start at Tropicana Field on September 3rd (no decision in 4.0 innings).

A 33rd round selection by the Orioles in the 2000 Draft, Birkins made his major league debut in 2006, pitching in 35 games for the O’s, compiling a 5-2 record and a 4.94 ERA while holding opponents to a .221 batting average.  He owns 57 strikeouts in 65.1 career major league innings. 

Casanova, 35, also split the year between the majors and Triple A.  He hit .253 for the Rays with six home runs and 11 RBI in 29 games.

Comments

[Bob R.]

You might have added the following about Birkens:

He was used almost exclusively as a starter in the minors. His career numbers there are 2.83 BB/9 and 7.33 K/9 as well as
.69 HR/9. Last year in AAA, he was 8-4 in 19 starts with a 3.07 ERA giving up 8.69 Hits/9 and 3.24 BB/9 with
8.35 K/9. He also allowed 6 home runs in his 105.2 IP. It can't hurt to look at another left-handed pitcher who had decent control in the minors and Ks a reasonable number of hitters.

Another reasonable pickup to add to the bullpen mix. The more arms the Rays bring to camp, the more chance they can find useful relievers, and Birkens does show some promise, especially being left-handed.

[Ray]

Another pick-up on the cheap by the NDRO, go figure. And they wonder why nobody's coming to the games?

[Bob R.]

I cannot fathom the opposition to these kinds of pickups. Every team, every year signs as many as dozens of such players hoping to locate some useful spare parts for the team or even minor league roster filler. Doing it has nothing to do with whether they also look for more major deals. In fact, one of the previous regimes failures was there inability and sloppiness in trolling the waiver wires for talent. On the other hand, this is how the Rays acquired Pena and Harris. It is unusual to get much this way, but it does happen and is always worth the effort.

[weezer]

An 8.13 lifetime ERA moron. Why don't you be a proactive father and have your 10-year-old Little Leaguer try out for Sternberg? A braindead organization with a few braindead fans obviously.

[jr]

Bob R. I guess you are the underpaid P.R. arm of the Devil Rays organization. What a sap!

[the trop]

ya...wow relax guys, hes not going to be our no 3 starter. He'll be in Durham and hes only 27, hes had decent numbers in the minors, not a horrible pick up.

[Bob R.]

I think there are legitimate reasons to disagree with some of the things the Rays do or do not do. I also can accept that some fans disagree with their overall approach to building a contender. There is room for rational disagreement there.

But that is not the same as simple-minded cynicism based on frustration and an unwillingness fairly to evaluate what is happening. And it certainly does not excuse name-calling and nastiness.

As for signing Birkins and Snelling, neither move is either dramatic or significant, but each makes perfect sense and has nothing whatever to do with being cheap. Every team does it. As for Birkins' major league record, it is poor, but it is also a tiny sample, and his minor league record is pretty good, including at AAA. His signing does not call for joy, but neither does it call for criticism.

To address the larger questions, the new people have been in place for 2 years. In that time they have built one of the 2 or 3 best systems in the game. They are universally lauded as intelligent, active and organized people in every reputable analytical site.

Among other things, they have brought sabermetric people on board to supplement their scouting department, broadened the search for talent into Latin America (including opening an academy there) and Asia and made excellent draft decisions. They have also traded well, acquiring players with both talent and skills.

From the start, they have been true to their promise and program. That is to acquire talent in year 1, evaluate that talent in years 2-3 to determine what they have and what they need and then to aggressively fill in the holes they have identified in years 3-4. So far, they are right on track. It remains to be seen if they will invest in the next two years, but there is nothing in the past two that supports cynicism.

I certainly understand fans' impatience, and appreciate there are arguments that other approaches would be better, but in my mind, the Rays' approach is smart and correct. I consider it foolish to splurge on free agents or in the trade market before you have a thorough sense of what is needed. For example, at the start of 2007 there was some consensus that the Rays needed a first baseman and that Upton had demonstrated he could not star in the majors. There were calls to trade what was perceived as an outfield surplus to acquire a 1B and another infielder.

As a matter of fact, 1B proved to be a strength and while shortstop remains problematic, Iwamura turned into a useful player and with Longoria ready, 2B and 3B may also be filled. Indeed, it is the outfield that lacks depth, and to have traded Upton or Young as many wanted would have been disastrous.

If anyone wishes to discuss the route the Rays are taking I am very willing to engage you. I have no position with them; I am simply a fan and try to be an observer. When I read people talking about Wall Streeters, I read coded bigotry and nonsense since most if not all owners are either Wall Street insiders or actively engaged there. The same when I read comments that focus on the NY angle, suggesting either narrow provincialism or a complete lack of knowledge of baseball realities which is that many owners are not locals, including Steinbrenner of Cleveland and Tampa.

[Bob R.]

As an appetizer for any discussion of the Rays' immediate future, here is what Nate Silver at BP has to say about their needs this off-season and their forecast over the next two years. I agree with his view that they should avoid pursuing free agent starters this winter, although I can see the merit in aiming at Schilling if he is available to us. I also like the idea of trying to sign Gagne &/or Wood, although I do not consider it critical. I disagree that Upton will move back to 2B; I think he is the CF of the future, not Baldelli.
_____________________________________
Tampa Bay Devil Rays
2007 Record: 66-96, last place
2007 Attendance: 1.4 million, last in the AL
2007 Payroll: $24 million, lowest in MLB
Key Free Agents (2007): DH-S Greg Norton, RHP Al Reyes (club option) Key Free Agents (2008): RHP Dan Wheeler, LF-L Carl Crawford (club option), CF-R Rocco Baldelli (club option)
Key Long-Term Commitments: INF-L Akinori Iwamura, $2.8M/year through 2009, plus 2010 club option; Baldelli and Crawford also have revolving club options through 2011 and 2010, respectively.
Key Ready-Now Young Talent: 3B-R Evan Longoria, LHPs David Price and Jacob McGee, SS-L Reid Brignac, RHPs Wade Davis, Jeff Niemann, Andy Sonnanstine, and Chris Mason, ??-R Joel Guzman, SS-S Ben Zobrist; SS-R Josh Wilson, OF-L Chris Snelling
Needs: 1. SP, but only in the very near term; 2. Relief pitching; 3. C
What They Should Do: Weak Buy. Let’s fast-forward a year and introduce your 2009 Tampa Bay Rays:

LF Carl Crawford SP Scott Kazmir
2B B.J. Upton SP David Price
DH Carlos Pena SP James Shields
3B Evan Longoria SP Jacob McGee
RF Delmon Young SP Wade Davis
1B Pedro Alvarez SP Andy Sonnanstine
CF Rocco Baldelli RP Jeff Niemann
SS Reid Brignac RP J.P. Howell
C Dioner Navarro

That, my friends, could be one hell of a baseball club. This is the rare, idyllic instance of a team with a half-dozen franchise talents that will all have the chance to grow up together. Note the inclusion of Pedro Alvarez, the likely first overall pick in the 2008 draft, whose natural position is third base, but who wouldn’t have the chance to play that position in this organization; either way, he could wield an Albert Pujols-type of bat. I’ve also taken the liberty of playing B.J. Upton at second base and holding on to Rocco Baldelli through the first of several option years; Akinori Iwamura at second and Upton in center is the more likely alternative. Finally, I’ve listed Jeff Niemann as the closer because I think with his injury history he profiles well for a change of routine, but it’s too early to guess at that for now.

[Bob R's shrink]

How about telling the truth instead of being a paid, albeit a poorly one, cheerleader for Sternberg and his team of economic terrorists? You either are that or so hopelessly out of touch with reality that no rational discussion is possible with you.

The Rays are on track to not improve on the field, shaft the dwindling fan base, and rake in the socialist program of revenue sharing. Who promoted Upton being traded? What fantasy world do you inhabit? Can you possibly realize that none of the few stars will remain here and instead will opt for free agency to not only get bigger bucks but play with a competitive team, not even necessarily a contender. Just keep filibustering, Bob R., but you have not made one valid point in all your rantings.

[Ray]

"In that time they have built one of the 2 or 3 best systems in the game."

How can you not when you're constantly picking first in the draft?

[patti]

I agree with Ray except the premise that they have one of the op 3 systems in the game is flawed. There's not a SS.2B, or C in the entire system. Bob R...I want some of what you're smoking!!

[Bob R.]

I will respond to Bob R's Shrink in 2 separate posts to separate the factual material from the interpretive. But first, 2 quick corrections.
1. I did not write a rant. It may be long-winded, but the tone is quite low key.
2. Patti's analysis of the system is simply incorrect. Aside from the fact that every analyst from BA to Bill James to BP ranks it in the top 3 systems, all 3 positions patti mentions are covered. In fact, in Brignac, the Rays have the top rated shortstop in the entire minor leagues. At BA he is the #6 prospect at his level and 6 rankings ahead of the next shortstop, Hu, who already is in the majors. At Project Prospect he is ranked #11 of all minor league prospects and Kevin Goldstein rates him the #1 shortstop in the minors as well.
The other positions are not quite as impressive, but not barren either. With Longoria due up, Iwamura is almost certainly the 2B, and there is every reason to be optimistic not just about his glove but about his bat that is more suited to 2B than 3B. The other prospect (E. Johnson) did regress badly after a terrific year in 2006. Although I do not like the idea, there is some thought that if Baldelli can return or Jennings moves up quickly, Upton could be returned to 2B.
As for catcher, while not of the quality of Brignac, Jaso is a well-regarded prospect at AA and deeper in the system is McCormick who is very highly regarded.

As for the Shrink's comments, first to the factual. It is important to distinguish fact from opinion and evaluate the source of the opinions. For example, here is a statement in her/his post:

"Can you possibly realize that none of the few stars will remain here and instead will opt for free agency to not only get bigger bucks...."

On what is that prediction based? One of the first things the new ownership did was to extend both Baldelli and Crawford. They are now negotiating to do the same with Kazmir. And I defy you to identify one Ray of any consequence (not Josh Paul) who the new group has allowed to leave as a free agent. You cannot, because it has never happened.

But the main premise of the post is that I have not made one valid point. Let's see. I said:

1. The Rays have expanded into Latin America and set up an academy there. (In Venezuela.)
2. The Rays have begun to mine for talent in Asia. (Mori and Iwamura, for whom, by the way, they outbid the Padres and Indians.)
3. The Rays are universally praised for the intelligence etc of the organization. (See Goldstein, Carroll, Sheehan at BP, as well as Neyer, Law, BA, The Hardball Times, Baseball Analysts and many other sites and publications.)
4. There were calls to trade Upton. (The combination of his continuing defensive problems, bad publicity at Durham, poor season in 2006 in AAA and awful few months in TB led to much criticism of him. I cannot recall professionals calling for his trade, but on numerous sites, and particularly the now defunct St. Pete Forum, it was a daily affair.)
5. The Rays have hired sabermetrically inclined people. (I know of 2 definitely, James Click, formerly of BP, Coordinator of Baseball Operations, and I think Chaim Bloom, his assistant.)

There are 5 valid factual statements I made with the supporting data. You may argue they are not convincing as evidence of a forward looking organization, but it undeniable that they are true, and I would argue quite relevant.

If I have the energy, I will post another commentary on the larger issues of interpretation where I aver that I also made valid points and not cheerleader or irrational ones.

I cannot resist one final point. Nate Silver at BP recently ranked TB as the least likely to sign A-Rod. He then added, "The scary part is that they might not need him.", by which he meant that they have enough talent ready to contend without the best player in the game.

[Bob R.]

I will try to be briefer in this second response.
The larger question raised is about Sternberg's motives and the intentions of the new leadership.
I do not know Sternberg and have no first hand knowledge of his intentions. If those who accuse him of being cheap can support the accusations with personal knowledge, I am glad to listen. Otherwise, we are all judging based on public statements and actions.

The view that he is simply in it for the profit with no intention to invest in a winner comes from two factors it seems. One, the Rays have the smallest payroll in the majors and two, the Rays have made some very cautious statements about increasing payroll.

By themselves, both factors are disturbing, but I think there is more to it. First, the approach of building through the system rather than free agency guarantees a small payroll. Second, smart moves like extending Baldelli and Crawford at below market value is a credit to the astuteness of the management, not a criticism of cheapness. Third, in instances where there was a clear advantage to be gained from spending, the Rays have shown a willingness to spend as required. In fact, a group intent on cutting costs would not have signed Price at considerably more than the officially recommended dollars; they either would have let him walk or they would have picked for signability, not promise. Picking and signing him is a good sign that they are willing to invest.

Additionally, a lot of analysis must account for timing issues. And here is where I agree that argument is legitimate. Should the Rays have been aggressive from the start and aimed at the really expensive free agents, let's say Zito or J. D. Drew? One could argue that approach, but I think it legitimate also to argue that it was more effective to build and evaluate one's own system first. We did not know last year if Upton or Young or Iwamura would pan out. We did not know if there was a 1B in the system or if Navarro could serve as catcher or if Shields was a legitimate starter. To spend large sums for players who might duplicate what we had would not be smart.

The next two years will tell us whether the Sternberg group intends to follow through on its promise of bringing a winner here. The previous two only suggest the direction they are taking, and so far, it is a straight road towards their stated purpose. They are doing exactly what they said they would do, and so while I certainly agree that we need to remain skeptical, or at least non-committal, until they pony up, nothing in the past indicates they deserve criticism let alone vitriol and name callling.

We may all criticize specific decisions or non-moves. I would have liked to see them up the ante to get Riske last year, but I can also understand why they might not go further than they did. Similarly, I hope they pursue a player such as Gagne this off-season, but again, if the stakes are too high, I would not be upset, not because I am rationalizing, but because I do not like gambling too much on relievers. Actually, the sticking point in many cases is not the salary but the years. Gagne at one or two years is fine; at 4 or 5 years it is probably a stupid move.

In the end, it comes down to time. The new people have been in charge for 2 years after 8 years of mismanagement. They have outlined an intelligent and well-considered plan for building a contender, a plan that has to take at least 3-4 years. Seeing them carry out that plan gives me reasonable hope that they are on the right track.

[patti]

Insanity is incurable.

[Bob R.]

I made a factual error. Crawford was extended in April, 2005, so that must have been the work of the Naimoli regime while Baldelli's extension came in November, 2005. I think Naimoli was still technically in charge, although it is reasonable to assume that Sternberg was intimately involved in that decision. Still, I have no idea what, if any, role he played.

The overall point, that no Rays' star has ever left for financial reasons remains true, so predictions that current ones will can only be based on unsupported supposition.