Rays confident, patient in pursuit

From Tuesday's print edition:

The Rays’ quest for a big hitter to join the lineup likely will carry into next year.

Executive vice president Andrew Friedman said Monday that talks with several free agents have gotten “more pointed” in the past week, but nothing is “imminent” as they continue to assess their options from a field that includes Jason Giambi, Pat Burrell, Bobby Abreu, Milton Bradley ( rumored to be headed to the Cubs), Adam Dunn and Garret Anderson, and could include Ken Griffey and Moises Alou.

“I still think we’re in good position to end up with an impact bat,” Friedman said. “We’ll continue to monitor the market and figure out the optimal time to make a deal from our standpoint and the player's. ”

Meanwhile, the one-year, $1.3-million deal with reliever Joe Nelson is expected to be made official Tuesday upon completion of his physical.

Comments

[just4sc]

can't believe the negativity about Baldelli after what he showed in the playoffs and WS.

Glad he's leaving a second rate baseball town

[Anthony]

I have hope for rocco still. Look how well he played under his circumstances

[Tim]

When Aybar playing on a regular basis he hit very, very well.

[Common Sense]

Aybar is a more than solid bat...

[Tim]

Let's not buy into the 'agent' of Rocco's.......I've seen this too many times............I LOVE Rocco.......but he has ZERO chance of making a long term difference on any team.

[9equals8.com]

It all depends on which big bat they acquire. I don't think Griffey is the answer, but I do like Bradley (if he does not go to the Cubs. Look at his numbers (I wrote a piece on him being the poor man's Tex at http://www.9equals8.com). Abreu and Dunn could be very interesting as well given their a bit younger and have consistently delivered power. I would also throw Rocco Baldelli into the mix if the "new" news on his ailment is true (i.e. he can play nearly every day with new treatments). He has a very high ceiling if he's healthy. I would much rather the Rays take a risk on Rocco and/or platoon Zobrist, Perez and/or Gross than I would see the Rays sign Giambi, Burrell, Anderson or Alou for big money. Save the cash for retaining the high quality farm-raised talent!

[Kennedy]

Kyle,
I didn't even put Joyce in the mix but I absolutely agree with your assessment of the free agents. They don't have high upsides I can't see any of them of being the player/coach type that will raise their overall value. Burrell would be like bringing back Huff and Abreu is way too aloof to be a help in the clubhouse.

[Kyle]

Big Boys? Every player on that list has a history of injuries, attitude, is on the downside of their career, and/or will ask for too much money. I think Matt Joyce will supplant Gross in RF and Aybar and Zobrist deserve playing time.

[Kennedy]

Gross had a rough time in the playoffs, but performed well during the season. Zobrist had a .500 slugging average in less than 200 ABs...why not give him a chance to perform?

[Tim]

I wouldn't mind the platoon IF they carry one extra lefty specialist in the bullpen. Zobrist as a super utility guy could get a lot of playing time on a regular basis which would allow the team to carry an extra pitcher as Zobrist could be the backup shortstop and outfielder(all positions)

[Caleb]

^^^

Gross = FAIL and Aybar is not a real DH.

Keep wanting these phonies and not signing the big boys and we'll quickly find our way out of the postseason hopefuls.

[Kennedy]

Marc,
If the Rays don't land one of these "big bats," what's so wrong with going into the season with a platoon of Gross/Zobrist and DH Aybar? I would rather give a chance to a guy like Ben than pick up another left-handed veteran bat that may affect team chemistry.