Rate the Rays offseason so far

It's been quiet on the Rays front the past couple days, but the team says its still working to fill the existing holes through the free-agent and trade markets.

"We expect to be just as busy as we've been the last couple of months," Rays executive vice president Andrew Friedman said. "I'm not sure we'll have as many moves, but we'll be working just as aggressively to continue to not only improve our projected 25-man roster but also our organizational depth."

As for needs, the team would still like to add a super-utility infielder and left-handed reliever. Looking back at the team's offseason so far, the Rays have been active. They restructured the atmosphere of the clubhouse by dealing Delmon Young and Elijah Dukes. In trading Young, they received a young pitcher in Matt Garza who they believe can slot into their rotation for years to come, added a starting shortstop. They added a veteran closer in Troy Percival, and got the left-handed bat in Cliff Floyd. And in the process the team has added payroll.

So what does the readership think? How would you rate the Rays offseason moves, and how does much of a difference will it make in terms of wins and losses in 2008 and beyond?

Comments

[hockeyjoker]

In terms of a grade i think theres two ways you can look at it, when compared to the rest of the league i would say its about a C+. However, in comparison to the teams past winter moves i would have to say its one of the most competent offseasons the rays have ever had.

[Riverview Rays Fan]

I think it has been a very productive offseason. The Rays clearly still need a lefty in the bullpen and the super-utility guy wouldn't hurt either. I think the Rays are in a position to at least go .500 next season and, with some favorable breaks(such as the Rays live up to their potential and stay healthy while the Yankees or Red Sox don't), they could contend for the wildcard.

[John]

Know matter what you think of the Young trade it is a fact that the team will be better next year for it. The team now has a liget SS that can field (FYI errors do not tell you how good a defender a player is), and has depend there rotation and there bullpen. We also now have veteran leadership in the clubhouse which was lacking last year. Look most of these free agent moves (example Aaron Rowan) will bite these teams in the long hall when they can't keep there young talent because they are cash strapted. We go good free agents for a good market price and that is what this front office is good at and that is how good front offices win (overspending is overrated). We must also understand that it is not set in stone that Young is going to be a superstar all that he did last season was strick out alot, swang at every pitch, and ticked of other players and coaches. His maturity off the field is seen in the box and in his game. If he does not grow up he will never meet the hype that surrounds him. This team by all experts is a sleeper to make the playoff by what they did this offseason. The only thing that they did not do that I believed needed improvement was the catcher position. I believe this team had the second best offseason out of all the teams in the league(first being the Tigers). Over all grade B+.

[John]

Know matter what you think of the Young trade it is a fact that the team will be better next year for it. The team now has a liget SS that can field (FYI errors do not tell you how good a defender a player is), and has depend there rotation and there bullpen. We also now have veteran leadership in the clubhouse which was lacking last year. Look most of these free agent moves (example Aaron Rowan) will bite these teams in the long hall when they can't keep there young talent because they are cash strapted. We go good free agents for a good market price and that is what this front office is good at and that is how good front offices win (overspending is overrated). We must also understand that it is not set in stone that Young is going to be a superstar all that he did last season was strick out alot, swang at every pitch, and ticked of other players and coaches. His maturity off the field is seen in the box and in his game. If he does not grow up he will never meet the hype that surrounds him. This team by all experts is a sleeper to make the playoff by what they did this offseason. The only thing that they did not do that I believed needed improvement was the catcher position. I believe this team had the second best offseason out of all the teams in the league(first being the Tigers). Over all grade B+.

[oh my aching bax]

I am by no means a fan of this management (it sucks big time) but C+ is about right. They will beat the Orioles for fourth place. Anyone that would entertain the notion for even a nanosecond that they will "contend for a wild card" probably wonders why life is a series of continuous disappointments, one after the next.

[ryan callahan]

I am not a fan of this management either, but i think they have done a hell of a job this offseason. in my mind, i really think we have a chance at 3rd place in the AL east this season now.

[Ryan S]

The only thing from keeping them from an A grade is they didn’t give Ron Mahay 2 yrs & 8 million like KC did. He's worth that price as a lefty out of the pen. DY will be a stud but they had to move him because of his attitude. I just wish they got someone of Phil Huges, Joba Chamberlin, Andrew Miller or Tim Linecum level over Garza, I think he's a notch below them. Maybe they should have done a DY for Haren trade, that would have been nice! Imagine Haren, Kazmir & Shields…wow! It seems now that we’re too heavy on pitching (if there is such a thing) With Kaz, Shields, Garza, Jackson, Talbot, McGee, Davis and Price it looks like Kaz may be gone next off-season but I TRULY hope not. PLEASE LOCK HIM UP LONG TERM!!!! Provided they can beat up on Baltimore and win the season series vs The Blue Jays the Rays have a legit shot at a Wild Card...depending on how the Central plays out. And I’m going to vote YES on the Stadium no matter now their record looks at the end of the 2008 season but I’ll bet my life if they don’t finish at least .500 it will be voted down…GO RAYS!!

[Ron]

I have to give them 2 grades.
For the baseball side, a solid C-. They could have and should have gotten more for Delmon Young.
On the stadium issue, they get an F-. To propose something like this without offering specific details on how they expect it to be paid for shows incredibly poor judgement. Because of the way they bungled this, it is doomed to failure (which is probably a good thing.)

[bax to the basics]

Ron...pretty much agree.

Ryan...Kazmir is LEAVING. He does NOT want to stay in TB. They might as well get something for him after this season. And by the way, they do NOT have an abundance of pitching. They have a scarcity of pitchers who have proven themselves at the ML level.

[tim]

I think that signing troy Percival and Cliff floyd was good for the rays but tradeing away delmon was a very bad trade for the rays they could have got alot more for him

[John NJ]

I like what the Rays have done this offseason. You gotta love these guys who say we should have gotten more for DY. The reason they didn't get a better deal is that one wasn't OFFERED! If you think they had better offers but chose not to take them, you're probably thinking that this stadium idea is a bad idea as well. A new stadium would have a phenomenal impact on St. Pete, but if it doesn't pass, it's probably a good thing. Most of the fan comments I've read lead me to believe they should probably stay a suburb of Tampa.

[ttnorm]

Solid A all the way.

[Mike Creyton]

Solid A all the way. Matt Garza is one of the top pitching prospects in all of baseball (#1 in some publications last year) and he posted a 3.69 ERA in his first season in MLB. Bartlett is a HUGE upgrade at SS. Throw in the fact that the got Morlan, who is one of the best relief pitching prospects in baseball and that is just icing on the cake. Floyd is a terrific pick up especially for the price. If used as a DH and part time RF he should stay healthy and put up some big #'s. Percival helps solidify the back end of the pen. This offseason is an A+. Many of the national publications I have read say the Rays are one of the most improved teams this offseason and could be a sleeper for the AL Wild Card. If Jackson pitches like he did in the 2nd half and Niemann is in the bullpen with Sonnanstine as the 5th starter, this team could push for 90+ wins. It all comes to health though.

[Sean]

All I have ever heard from any true Rays fan was we need to get some legit pitching, but when they go out and do it they get crap for it. Delmon was a cancer in this club house. He thought he thinks he is a super star now. It would not surprise me at all if he stays as good as he is now for his career. I do not see him filling out his potential.

Bartlett is a much better SS than Harris and instantly makes us better. Moving Aki to second is going to give us a ridiculous amount of double plays this year cause he has a cannon.

If we get Clement from the Mariners the Rays will contend for a wild card slot.

[Brian]

I think we are headed in the right direction. I think we will not be in last place at least. I am excited about this year. Go Rays!!!!

[Bax to the Future]

The Rays would need to increase their win total by 24 to reach 90 wins next year. Nobody has ever increased their win total from one season to the next by 24. Oh wait, Detroit has done it three times in the last 12 years. Arizona has done it twice in the last 10 years. Cleveland went from 66 to 100 in 1995. The Cubs went from 68 to 90 in 1998.

Sorry everyone, guys I was wrong again.

[Bax to the Future]

Oops, I forgot to add that none of those teams played in MLB's toughest division, that they made radical rather than cosmetic changes in the roster, and that other teams in their division did nothing to improve themselves... Therefore, the Rays will finish fourth at best.

[Bax to the Future]

My last post was just what I think an idiot who doesn't agree with me would say. Of course none of it is true.

[bear]

Al East..say no more.

Last year Toronto had 9 key players go under the knife, so they get to add back: The real Vernon Wells, Troy Glauss, Lyle Overbay, Reed Johnson, Bj Ryan, Gustavo Chacine.

Makes it a good off season for them too..and they are the 3rd place team in Al East.

[Bax to the Future]

Actually, all my posts are idiotic. Please ignore them.

[Carl Decanini]

Solid A. The management team is doing a great job. They eliminated two problems and filled 2 holes in trading the bat throwing idiot and getting rid of the misogynist text messaging moron. They solidified the bullpen and added the lefty bat they needed to protect Pena. You don't make the kind of money these people made on Wall Street by being imbeciles. They came in with and are exercising a plan. It is all coming together and much more quickly than I would have ever dreamed. Keep up the good work!

[Mike Lewis]

If the Rays are ever going to compete in this league they are going to need to put some butts in the seats...not an easy task when the home field is "a dump"*....

*Tony K. - ESPN

[Nelson Poynter (channeled)]

Hey Topkin....do your bosses know that you post on this blog under assumed names? Ah, I thought so. Now go take Ethics 101 at my Institute.

[Kyle]

Pretty good off season so far and second half last season. Consider how many games they lost due to the bullpen. 20+ ?.Big improvement there. Three solid starters with more on the way. Solid defence,speed,power. Only a few holes to fill compared to half the roster last year. Even Navarro improved. Maybe he got the message that they expect to win now and probation is over.

[Pete]

Bear, who cares about Toronto? Go back to the beautiful Toronto weather and cheer them on! It looks like they also need ALOT of help with attendance! Wells and Glaus are old enough to be my grandfathers. Gee, what would cause a body to break down at the end of their careers? Toronto will battle Baltimore...for last place!

[Pete]

Bax, If you are so anti-Rays why do you even bother to log onto this site. Maybe your just a born whiner, and complainer and no one can stand to be around you and this site is your only "friend!"

[PAtrick]

The upgrades to the pen should give them a good chance of being .500 bye the all-star break. The last time this happen in 05 the fans started to show up after their 17 game win streak so don't count the fans out, IF THEY BUILD IT WE WILL COME. That being said the rays can finish second in the east 10 games back of the red soxs.

[Chet]

If your all going to rate this offseason as an A due to the moves to make a better club house, then that would be good reason, but did the team actually get better? Tough to say, we need to see that Garza can improve from what he was last year otherwise, the moves are going to look pretty bad in the future. Young and Dukes were problems, but the upside to them is tremendous (if they can mature). I know that's a big IF, but by adding Cliff Floyd you have someone who may or may not play this year. Percival has already retired once and was on his way out when the Angels won their World Series.

These are "Kansas City Royal" moves, they give a bit of hope, but they don't advance you in the standings. With this management team, it's going to come down to how well the farm produces and health.

You can't expect to find a Pena each year and I really doubt Floyd's going to fit that bill this year. Hopefully, Upton can continue to improve, Baldelli gets healthy and Navarro can continue the hitting he did from the end of last year.

[J]

Gentleman's C. Better find a veteran, reliable and efficient lefty relief pitcher asap. Some pop off the bench would be nice too. A veteran utility guy who can play infield and outfield. Preferably a switch hitter, it would be best if these last two spots could be filled by one player. Take a flier on one rehab guy like Colon, Garcia or (dare I say) Victor Zambrano. Draft a close-to-ready college pitcher with the top pick in the amature draft. Get that catcher Clement from the M's at all costs(maybe it will light a fire under Navarro). It is time to see if Niemann can pitch in MLB. Please, no more excuses. Meaningful games must be played at the Trop in September.

[No Clue]

I'm Pete.

[Edgar R.]

The Rays offseason is a B. The Rays got Garza as a 3rd starter and you can not find pitching with that kind of talent these days. Delmon Young can be replace by Gomes, a promising Ruggiano, or whoever it is. Troy Percival is a nice pickup and they need a lefty reliever and why they are not going after Brian Fuentes? They need a right handed reliever b/c I don't trust Balfour,Wheeler, or Dohmann. Bartlett is a average short term SS for Reid Brignac to develop for one more year and Longoria rookie of year in 08.

[Mike Creyton]

For all of those "experts" on here bashing the Rays' offseason. I would like to point out that Sports Illustrated rates the Rays pitching staff the 4th best in the AL after the moves so far this offseason.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/jon_weisman/12/21/al.rotations/index.html

[All The Experts]

I know we get paid for our knowledge of baseball, but in reality, it's Bax who really knows baseball. We are all wrong and Bax is right. If only someone would hire him, we wouldn't have to come to the SP Times blog to read his opinion.

[Baxass]

It's about starting rotations, not pitching staffs. But of course you didn't read the story. By the way, idiot, you didn't even spell your stolen name right.

[Charlie]

BRrrrr In a new article freshly released by SI’s John Weisman today, he feels the American League can’t count on W’s when they visit Tampa Bay this season. According to a ranking system that came up with, the Rays rank fourth as a rotation in the entire league and if the add a good lefty to the BP it will add that much more to the Pen ranking

[patboy]

I'll miss watching Delmon, but i appreciate the liability he represented. Same with Dukes, he's a real headcase. I never thought we could find a catcher so pathetic as to make me miss Toby Hall. Navarro has no arm and bats sporadically. Rocco is great when he plays, but he never plays and that will be his legacy. I don't understand Floyd; lot of $ for an oft injured player; Rocco in about 9 years. We traded our outfield strength for better pitching, but we will still have to score 5 to 6 runs per game to win, which we now seem less capable of doing. i'd like to think the off season was a B, and if it is we should move out of the cellar.

[Brooklyn Frank]

I think 3rd in the AL East is a real possibility.

[Slam Jam Master]

by the way, the SI.com is the rankings based on talent. The Rays do have a talented pitching staff but Boston and Cleveland does have a better staff experience wise. The Yankees staff stinks and the reason why the Yankees go to playoffs each year b/c the offense bails out the bad pitching staff and this i swhy the Yanks get eliminated in the 1st round each year. I believe they can past the Orioles and duke it out with Toronto for 3rd place. On SI.com, the White Sox and the Rangers have the worst staff and talent AL.

[Slam Jam Master]

the Rays can past the Orioles and give Toronto a hard time to compete for 3rd place.

[Ryan]

I'm ok with the signing of Floyd because he will not be required to play every day. With him, Gomes & Baldelli splitting time in RF and DH we'll be ok. Delmon will no doubt be a 30/30 guy within the next few years but the move had to be made-they need a team the fans can support to get the new Stadium ( PLEASE vote YES by the way) And DY's attitude was had for even me to support and I've been as big a believer in DY as anyone. Garza, although he's not to the level of Chamberlin, Hughes, Bucholz or Linceum, he is a front line starter that we needed. I'm a HUGE Rays fan and I couldn’t watch a game last year unless Kaz or Shields were pitching...Edwin, Ryu & Fossum were awful. Adding Garza to the 3rd spot and letting Jackson, Talbot, Neimann, Howell,Sonnanstine & Price battle it out for the 4th & 5th spots will be a treat to watch in Spring Training. I wonder why the Rays haven't asked Idiot Selig for a move to the NL East though? I would think they could move the Rays there and the Nats to the AL East. With the new Stadium and large market in DC the Nats will eventually be able to spend $$ with the Yanks & Sox-maybe not dollar for dollar, but much closer than we ever could. If the Rays were in the NL East I would bet some would favor them to win the division in 2008! Note to Rays management: Give Kazmir 4yrs/44 mil or something similar to keep him from leaving and make CC happy-AT ALL COSTS. Lastly, buyer beware of Carlos Pena-there is a reason why he never stuck with any team, don't let Boras take you to the cleaners and get screwed in a long term deal. That being said, he’s such a great club house guy, I'd hate to seem him leave, but if someone wants to give him 14-15mil/per then they can have him! My prediction-Rays take 3rd in the AL East & finish within 5 games of the Wild Card.

[Ryan]

Bob, I'm pretty sure that the Rays would smoke the Marlins any day. And I bet they would hold their own much vs Atlanta, Philly & the Mets much more than they would vs the Yanks and Red Sox. The Mets probably have one of the worst rotations in the NL and the same goes for the Phillies. They Braves have a better front 2 with Smoltz & Hudson...maybe 3 with Glavine but the back two in the rotation is dead even. And now I would put the Rays bullpen up there against any NL East team. Lineup wise, they might have bigger names on those lineups, but 1-9 I’d say they are even. Also, with the potential the Rays have they can be just as good. Not to mention that the Phillies and Braves won’t be able to even come close to the 200 million dollar payroll the Red Sox and Yanks can. Also you have to look at the Wild Card, it would be much easier to win in the NL. The AL has Boston, New York, Detroit, Cleveland, Anaheim, etc. NL is the much easier division, hands down. The Nats moving was just a suggestion and does make geographical & financial sense.

[patboy]

i'm conflicted on the new stadium. Certainly the location by the water is scenic, but the reality is those sails are not going to make it comfortable in 90% humidity and 90 degree heat. Miami fans have proven that even a world series winner can not fill an outdoor stadium during a Florida summer. The Rays' radio announcers were discussing this past season that Miami leads MLB with rain delays and cancellations; why would St Pete be any different? is there something I'm missing here?

[rayray]

What you're missing patboy is the south Florida fan base & the Bay Area fan base are different. The stands don't have to be filled every game. If you checked attendance averages from all MLB teams, their not at maximum seating capacity. The Bay area can more than support a winning Rays franchise. Last yr. the Trop average about 18,000 a game, if we can get that up to about 24,000 - 27,000, I think that should be sufficient to run successful & financial viable organization. We're not trying, nor want to keep up with the Jones', rather execute our plan recipe plan and let the chips fall where they may.

As for the new outdoor Bayfront stadium, there will be some complaining if we stayed in the Trop or played outdoors in the best location in St. Pete. You can't have it both ways. I think the humidity issue is lil' over blown and I'm a St. Pete native. I'm not saying it's not going to be hot, but I think it will be bearable than most think. As far as the inclement weather, the powers to be & architects say all seats w/be sheltered, whether that means staying dry & comfy during rainy nights or days, I don't know, the same for cancellations.

Some have to get on their wine horsecycle & take it for a spin, just b/c the weather is paradise nice.

[Charlie T]

Hear we go again. The only thing I find pathetic here is the clown that wants to pose as a Ray fan. We have a great team and they will see the attendance go up with the wins this year. Let the real fans show up and the fake ones will shut-up. Lets Go RAYS

[Stu Pid]

I'm Bob R and fake Charlie.

[Charlie T]

This message is to The Heater, The St Pet times, Baseball Fans of all teams. Bob R is a fake. He stole is name and is a poor excuse of a fan of anything. He is now using my name and he can't compose anything with any sense. He uses bad language call people jerks and make a fool of himself. His new name finally fits. Stu Pid

[rayray]

How many fans would they average @Yankme Stadium or Ratway if the same had the past 10 yr winning history, sorry cheapskate owner, and payroll disparity and hope was just as great not in their favor, regardless of market size, money, and fan passion. If you think they'll average more than the Rays are now, totally moronic.

Again I ask, How many do you think they would actually average?

Dbacks couldn't even sellout playoff games this yr., & there's no doubts if we made the post season, we would SELLOUT the Trop.

[Haha!!!]

Awwww, does Faker have no life? Nothing to do on New Year's Eve? What a loser. It's obvious why you have no friends, but now everyone knows it's true.

[Charlie T]

Haha lost his name and afraid to post??? What a pity!!!

[Black Kettle]

Whatever you say, Pot. You've already proven you're a friendless loser. You can't unprove it now. Poor little loser boy.

[grotie]

I'll make it unanimous---so far. There is so much wrong with this organization that it can't possibly "make due" with the core. In fact, that is why the core has underperformed recently. They are not only not getting help, there is none on the horizon. Add to that the hard-edged coaching...well, it's a wonder anyone wants to play for this franchise anymore.

[Haha]

All of you are so pathetic. No friends and you just post on here all the time

[ron_fl]

I review the latest news on the Rays daily only to find you have none. You would certainly be able to say what is happening in the pre-season? You are losing me.