Up to date in Kansas City: Navarro back; Longoria 50-50, maybe 60-40 for Friday
UPDATE, 8:52: C Dioner Navarro felt well and looked good enough in Thursday's workout that the Rays expect him to be ready to play on Friday, and if so they will option John Jaso back to Triple-A. Navarro said he was ready to go.
NEWS: The Rays have reassembled in Kansas City for workout tonight, though their five All-Stars are excused.
The Rays are unsure about the health of two starters, as C Dioner Navarro will be evaluated after tonight's workout to see if he is ready to play for the first time since being struck in the mask by a ball on Saturday. Triple-A C John Jaso is here in K.C. as well in case Navarro isn't ready and needs to go on the DL.
The Rays won't know until Friday afternoon if 3B Evan Longoria will be able to play, manager Joe Maddon said. Longoria's right ring finger infection is healing, but Maddon said it is "probably a solid 50-50, maybe 60-40" Longoria will play Friday but if not he will be ready to go on Saturday. Longoria had not made it back from Los Angeles, where he attended the ESPY awards, so the team medical staff had not had a chance to see him yet.
RHP Grant Balfour, who was put on the bereavement list as he went to Australia for a funeral, is expected to be back Friday though Maddon said he may not want to use him after the long trip. The Rays used Balfour's roster spot to bring up Jaso.
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Navi short of an intelligent player. Lazy body and mind. Could be a slugger but doesn't want to work. Saw him as Yankee prospect years ago (and many pounds ago) belting ball out of Legends. What became of him?
Posted by: mockdraught | July 17, 2009 at 09:17 AM
you are bringing up all of Jaso's PAST numbers and are not talking about THIS years numbers, if you have seen any scouting reports by baseballamerica his downfall is his glove many believe he cant be a catcher in the majors cause of that reason, but he has shown he has hit every year till this one
Posted by: delt11 | July 16, 2009 at 11:16 PM
I dont see how you can say that though If you look at Jaso's numbers this year at AAA they are similar to Navi's here except he walks a few more times so i dont see your argument maybe something more legitimate it when Riggans comes back start playing him 4 or 5 times a week a much better solution
Posted by: delt11 | July 16, 2009 at 11:11 PM
Bengie Molina is not the answer, good catchers are very hard to come by. The only improvement that can be made for this year (and is long overdue if you take a look at Dioners numbers) is starting Jaso over him.
Posted by: KennyNance | July 16, 2009 at 09:52 PM
benjie molina has plated 79 games this year and has literally waked 3 times. that is basically the same as navi. Not even close to the answer. I cant argue for or against Jaso's D because I, like many others (probably including you) have only seen him a few times. Jaso walked over 70 times last year. He hits the ball hard and he gets on base alot. Maddon is a players manager and does not like to make any changes to the team so I really cant see him giving up on navi ever reguardless if Jaso was batting .400 this year or not. I have also heard that Martin from the Dodgers is on the trading block. He is around 25 and could be a long term option.
Posted by: KennyNance | July 16, 2009 at 09:48 PM
Those are all numbers in the past and he is far from being ready defensively. They need to find a catcher in the offseason Benji Molina is a free agent
Posted by: delt11 | July 16, 2009 at 08:51 PM
Why do I like this guy so much? Hes been a minor league all star every year of his career, he batted .316 with a .408 obp. Hes much much better at the plate, and he actually walks. Hes been a little off this year, but im sure he wouldnt be any worse then Navi in the majors. Tons of potential.
Posted by: KennyNance | July 16, 2009 at 08:09 PM
o c'mon not gonna disagree that Navi sucks, but Jaso is batting .240 with 4 HR's i believe in AAA and plays suspect defense so tell me why you love him again and is already almost 26
Posted by: delt11 | July 16, 2009 at 07:56 PM
Please go on the DL Dioner!!! Please Please Please. I am literally begging you on behalf of the team. Please go onto the DL!!!!! I really like Jaso alot. Hope he gets a couple hundred abs this year becasue dioner is going to the DL right???
Hopefully Longo is ok. Longo, its called neosporin. Take care of youself bro. Wash your hands and crap. And hit the ball hard and far when you come back.
-KennyNance twitter.com
Posted by: KennyNance | July 16, 2009 at 07:50 PM