Jorge Cantu’s Job Is In Jeopardy; May Force Trade

Jorge Cantu, everybody’s favorite Jedi baseball player, may be on the verge of losing his job to Ty Wigginton. Tonight, Papa Joe Maddon is starting all of his regulars (minus an injured Dioner Navarro) with Wigginton at second base and Cantu on the bench for the second time in the past three days. We considered the possibility that Cantu may be moved from second base to first base, but we never really considered that he would be removed from the lineup all together.

It is no mystery that Cantu is not the best defensive second baseman, but it is generally believed that his offense can make up for any deficiencies in the field. With Greg Norton in the lineup at first base again, the real question then becomes, what happens to Cantu if he is not the starting second baseman? We can’t imagine that Papa Joe would have a use for him on the bench, with his limited defensive abilities. More likely, the move would force a trade of Cantu for prospects or relief help.

The other interesting aspect of this move is that Papa Joe is leaning towards Wigginton as the replacement and not B. J. Upton, Akinori Iwamura or to a lesser extent Brendan Harris. Even if Wigginton is Maddon’s first choice, everybody knows that Wigginton can play second. So it is revealing that none of the other players are getting any work at second base.

Well That Was Offensive

Today marked the second intrasquad game and the first featuring the players that are likely to be in the opening day lineup. So how did the opening day lineup do? The were held hitless during the six inning game. Not exactly the start we were looking for. Yes we know it is their first action and yes we know it is just an intrasquad game…but c’mon! Not even one hit?

The lineup that went hitless:
CF Rocco Baldelli
RF Delmon Young
LF Carl Crawford
1B Ty Wigginton
2B Jorge Cantu
DH Greg Norton
3B Akinori Iwamura
C Dioner Navarro
SS Ben Zobrist

Jonny Gomes played left field for the B squad. We take that to mean Papa Joe just wants to get him some PT in the outfield rather an indication that Greg Norton is penciled in as the team’s regular DH. Also, there was a bit of a scare early in the game when Jae Seo took the mound for the A-squad, even though Scott Kazmir was the scheduled starter. The worries were unfounded as Kid K took the mound in the second.

We Like To Think Of Elijah Dukes As A Mischievous Badger

• It has been a quiet off-season for the Rays. Other than the acquisitions of Brendan Harris and Akinori Iwamura, there has been little news regarding the Tampa Bay Baseball Club other than various trade rumors that are yet to come to fruition. Of course Elijah Dukes celebrated his promotion to the 40-man roster and bump in pay-grade by getting arrested for marijuana possession. However, this is hardly news. We would have been less surprised if Barry Zito signed with the Rays. What is important, is that the chances of the Rays moving Dukes to another team took a major hit after Dukes took his hit.

• The Rays reached agreements with two of their arbitration eligible players before the team’s self-imposed deadline. Ty Wiggington will make $2.7 million while Seth McClung agreed to a 1-year deal worth $750K. The Rays still must go to arbitration for catcher Josh Paul. His contract will likely be similar to McClung’s. These signings will push the 2007 payroll close to $28 million, still considerably less than the $43 million payroll of 2006. In addition, the Rays still have two spots open on the 25-man roster. At this point there is little indication who the last two players will be. It was thought that Elijah Dukes had a shot at one of those spots. However, we must wonder if the team will even give him a look following his latest brainfart.

• Last week the St. Pete Times reported that the Rays had been negotiating with former Rays pitcher and current thorn-in-Mets-fan’s-asses, Victor Zambrano. The thought of having Zambrano and Kid K in the same rotation is an intriguing one. Just think if the wild-one could earn 10 victories in 2007, matching his total in parts of three seasons with the Mets. We would never be able to look at a Mets fan again without laughing out loud. Of course we then saw THIS headline and wondered if Victor had been hanging out with Elijah Dukes recently. Then we remembered that there is a Zambrano in the majors that knows how to pitch.

Pirates Talking To Rays About Elijah Dukes

It has been a slow off-season for the Rays, as they have been hesitant to get involved in this year’s free agency not-so-free-for all. And since the winter meetings, the news has come even slower than Toby Hall trying to score from second on a single. Andrew Friedman and company seem to be more intent on improving the team through trades than over-spending on a mediocre free agency class. The most-oft targets of trade discussions and rumors have been Rocco Baldelli and B. J. Upton. Now add Elijah Dukes name to the rumor mill. According to one source, Pittsburgh Pirates are in discussions with the Rays and the object of their affection is Dukes. The source does not indicate who the Rays are asking for in return, but they do speculate that the Rays would demand either closer Mike Gonzalez or young starter Tom Gorzelanny. Gonzalez is 28 years old, but is not eligible for arbitration until after the 2007 season. Gorzelanny was selected in the second round of the 2003 draft, and went 2-5 with a 3.79 ERA in 11 starts for the Buccos.

While nothing appears imminent, moving Dukes still does not make the Rays opening day lineup any less murky. As long as Baldelli and Jorge Cantu remain with the Rays, Upton is a man without a position. However, without Dukes, it increases the likelihood that super-utility man Ty Wiggington would be the first baseman on most days.

Iwamura’s Army

Today we bring you video footage of Yakult Swallows fans paying tribute to the newest D-Ray, Akinori Iwamura, or as we prefer to refer to him…Muu-Rah! (Think Marines).

• Ozzie Guillen may hate the Gays, but he sure does love idiot catchers with big mouths. After Toby Hall’s recent remarks regarding the Rays organization, he signed a 2-year deal with the White Sox to backup the most hated player (outside of Barry Bonds) in major league baseball, A. J. Pierzynski. This has reality show written all over it…Newlyweds Two.
• The latest team that may be trying to put a package together for Rocco Baldelli is the Colorado Rockies. Apparently the Rays are interested in shortstop Clint Barmes and one of the Rockies pitchers. However, the Rockies have been told that a second major league power pitcher would have to be included. The Rockies, who recently acquired outfielder Willie Tavares from the Astros, may try to move Tavares to a third team in exchange for a pitcher that could be included in a deal with the Rays.

Rays Finalize Deal With Iwamura

The Tampa Tribune is reporting that the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and Japanese all-star third baseman Akinori Iwamura have agreed in principal on a contract. The deal would be for $7.25 million over three years with a team option in the fourth year. No word on how much the option would be for.

This signing means that the Rays will have to make at least one trade this off-season or be forced to send B. J. Upton back down to the minors. Upton’s move to third base now appears to be over. Iwamura could potentially play second base or the outfield, but he is a 5-time gold glove third baseman and is known to have a very strong accurate arm. His arm is so strong that he has earned the nickname Top Gun back in Japan. Of course we are currently in search of a new nickname, unless of course he is seen on Clearwater Beach playing homoerotic beach volleyball with Tom Cruise.

Iwamura’s signing leaves Upton without a regular position. It has long been speculated that his best position would be center field, but that is currently manned by Rocco Baldelli who is signed to a long-term deal. Rumors abound of a possible deal involving Rocco, but as yet nothing appears to be imminent. Upton could also be traded if the Rays are not happy with any of the offers for Baldelli. It has been reported that the Rays have already turned down two offers from the Marlins, including Scott Olsen for Rocco and Ricky Nolasco for Upton.

Jorge Cantu is another player that could be moved, either to first base, which is currently without a named starter, or to another team. Moving Cantu could open up second base for either Iwamura or Upton, but is not likely. The Rays would probably rather fill second base with a proven veteran like Marcus Giles, who was non-tendered by the Braves. Still, that appears to be a long-shot as the Padres have already offered Giles a multi-year deal.

No matter which way the Rays and manager Joe Maddon decide to turn, one thing is for certain, Iwamura’s signing means that the music has started and not everybody will find a chair when Spring Training ends.

[THE HANGOVER] Toby Hall, Minor League Talent, Major League Mouth

We can rule out any possible return of Toby Hall to the Rays. Buried at the bottom of the Iwamura article is the news that Hall has been offered a minor league contract by the Rays. Hall scoffed at the idea and was quoted as saying “That was funny…I guess it would be a minor-league contract because they’re a minor-league team.” Of course in 85 games with his Major League team last season, Hall could only manage to crack the starting lineup 13 times, and then he was non-tendered. So does that make Toby Hall a minor leaguer? We promise not laugh too hard when Hall ends up signing a minor league deal with another ball club.

Devil Rays Webtopia

• One day after the Pink Hats That Are The Boston Red Sox reached an agreement with their Japanese League acquisition, it now appears that a deal between the Rays and Akinori Iwamura is imminent. On a side note, we are getting tired of looking up how to spell his name. We are desperate for a nickname for this kid. Kino? Wamu? While a deal for Iwamura answered one question, it actually raises more questions for the Rays roster. Most likely Iwamura will be the opening day third baseman for the D-Rays. That leaves B. J. Upton without a position, and likely back in Durham at the beginning of the season. However, the Rays continue to dabble in the trade market and this signing increases the chance that somebody is going to be traded. The most rumored player to be on the move is Rocco Baldelli. If Rocco were traded, Upton would likely be shifted to center field. However at this point all comers have balked at the Rays asking price. If Rocco is not moved, the Rays may decide to just trade Upton. While still considered a great prospect, the Rays would receive less than full value for Upton due to his uninspiring play at the major league level and the growing questions about his ability to ever field a position, any position. Finally, the Rays could decide to deal Jorge Cantu, or move him to first base. Moving Cantu would allow Iwamura to be the everyday second baseman and Upton would remain at third base for the time being.
• Yesterday was the non-tender deadline, in which arbitration eligible players were required to receive a contract offer from their ballclubs. Players not receiving a contract offer immediately became free agents. The Rays non-tendered Damon Hollins. The move frees up a second spot on the 40-man roster. One of those spots will be filled by Akinori Iwamura, and the second needs to be filled by a utility infielder.
• In addition to Damon Hollins, the non-tender list of major league players is a who’s who of former Devil Rays. Toby Hall, Mark Hendrickson, Victor Zambrano and Jorge Sosa were all awarded free agency yesterday by their respective clubs.
• Dropping Victor Zambrano was just the final barb for the Mets since they traded Scott Kazmir to the Rays. In 35 starts for the Mets, The Human Walkman, Zambrano, was 10-14 and spent most of his time on the DL. At one point it appeared that Zambrano’s career may be over, but now it appears that he is healthy and ready to pitch again. If Zambrano signed with the Rays and found even a modicum of success in the bullpen, Met’s fans everywhere may need white jackets.
• Another player granted free agency was second baseman Marcus Giles. The Rays are one of three clubs that are rumored to be interested in the former Atlanta Brave. Signing Giles seems unlikely, as it would require both B. J. Upton and Jorge Cantu to change positions and/or be traded.
• The odds of the Rays winning the 2007 World Series? 100:1. Only the Washington Nationals are a longer shot at 150:1. Quite frankly we think that the number is missing a couple of zeros.

Devil Rays Webtopia-Rays Reject Scott Olsen For Rocco Baldelli

• According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinal, the Marlins were willing to part with Scott Olsen and some lesser prospects for Rocco Baldelli. It had originally been thought that the Rays were seeking Olsen and had been offered Ricky Nolasco. Now it appears that the Rays may actually have been asking been asking for both Olsen and Nolasco. The article states that talks fell apart when the Rays asked for two members of the Marlins starting rotation. This comes after news that the Rays rejected an offer of Ricky Nolasco for B. J. Upton. Now, Peter Gammons is reporting that the Marlins and the Red Sox may be close to a deal that would send center fielder David Murphy to Miami for a pitcher.
• After talks with the Marlins fell apart, the Rays then turned their attention to the Atlanta Braves. It had been rumored that the Rays were holding out for lefty Chuck James but that the Braves were only willing to part with Kyle Davies. Now the Atlanta Journal-Constitution is reporting that the Braves may in fact have offered Kyle Davies and shortstop Yunel Escobar, whom the Rays apparently covet as possibly their future starting shortstop (what about Reid Brignac?). The Braves may also be trying to sweeten the deal with catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who was considered untouchable last off-season. The Rays who already have a young talented catcher, may be willing to take Salty in hopes of turning around and trading him for more pitching. Still, it appears that this trade is at an impasse as the Rays continue to insist on Chuck James.
• Nothing new in this St. Pete Times article about Akinori Iwamura. The Rays and Iwamura’s agent still appear to be far apart in dollars and length of contract. The deadline is midnight, Friday to strike a deal. Iwamura’s agent is saying that his client is willing to return to Japan, which is the only leverage that the player has. It still seems likely that a deal will get done. These sort of deals never get done before the deadline. The only leverage the player has is time and it is in the agent’s best interest to wait as long as possible. In addition, the Rays failure to land any other significant free agents so far this off-season, means the team may be willing to offer a little more to Iwamura.
• Today is the deadline to offer new contracts to players that are arbitration eligible. Any players that are not offered new contracts will become non-tendered free agents at midnight. Last season the Rays picked up Ty Wiggington as a non-tendered free agent. The St. Pete Times offers a list of players that may become free agents. The list includes former Rays Mark Henderickson and Toby Hall.

Rocco Baldelli Is Still A Devil Ray…For Now

The hottest trade rumor in baseball? Rocco Baldelli to anybody with a need for an outfielder and a surplus of young pitching. When the free agency market entered the land of One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest territory, beginning with the $136 million committed by the Cubbies to Alfonso Soriano, Rocco became a rare and attractive asset. With a deal that will see the Northsiders paying a 38 year old “speedster” with a low OBP, $18 million in 2014, Baldelli’s value was suddenly much higher.

It is no secret that the Rays have an abundance of talented outfielders, realized or projected, in the organization. In theory the three outfield spots could be set for years to come with Carl Crawford, Rocco Baldelli and Delmon Young. Still there are others in the organization that have the talent, on paper and in scouts eyes, to fill those shoes, including Elijah Dukes, Joel Guzman and B. J. Upton. In the case of Upton, his move to the outfield may be necessitated because the Rays are having a hard time finding an 10-foot tall first baseman.

Still there are three ingredients for a championship-caliber team. Pitching, Pitching and Pitching. Unfortunately, the Rays are lacking in major-league ready talent in that department. There are pitchers in the organization, but much of it is at lower levels, such as Wade Davis, Jacob McGee, Mitch Talbot, Andrew Sonnanstine and Jeremy Hellickson. If the Rays are serious about improving the ball club, they need to acquire more talented arms that are either major-league caliber or close to being ready for the big time.

The logical move is to trade one or more of the outfielders in exchange for pitching. During last season, rumors were rampant that Carl Crawford could be moved, yet nothing ever developed and C. C. is still a Ray. Now the hot topic of the hot stove league is Rocco Baldelli. Since the onset of free agency, the value of Crawford and Baldelli have skyrocketed. While not untouchable, Crawford is most likely too expensive for other teams to swallow. That leaves Baldelli as the big piece that is being dangled by the Rays. While several teams are rumored to be interested, no deals appear to be imminent. At this point the Rays appear to be sticking to their demands that top-notch young major league pitching talent be included in any deal that involves Rocco.

around the web…

• While talks with the Marlins now appear to be non-existent, the latest team to be rumored to be interested in Rocco Baldelli is the Rays’ northern neighbors, the Atlanta Braves. The Braves have an opening in left field and center fielder Andruw Jones is set to becomes a free agent after the 2007 season.
• MLB Trade Rumors indicates that the Braves are just one of several teams that are after Baldelli. The other teams include the White Sox and the Orioles.
• The Atlanta Journal-Constitution indicates that the players possibly being offered by the Braves are catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia, shortstop Yunel Escobar, and Kyle Davies. The Rays may be holding out for pitcher Chuck James. Saltalamacchia and Escobar are considered the Braves top two prospects. The article also states that if the Rays continue to insist on James, the deal will not get done.
• Inside Pitch also make it clear that any deal will not include Chuck James.
• In this Roger Mooney’s article, filled with one sentence paragraphs, he suggests that not trading Rocco Baldelli could stunt the growth of the organization.
• Buried at the bottom of this article is a note that the Rays rejected an offer from the Marlins of starting pitcher Ricky Nolasco for B. J. Upton. Nolasco is considered the least talented of the five young starting pitchers in the Marlins rotation.
• Here is an in depth look at Josh Hamilton’s tenure as a Chicago Cub. And judging by the title of the website, it appears that they want the Lou Piniella era to last just as long.
• The Korean Herald believes that the Rays are the perfect situation for Hee-Seop Choi. With the first base position unsettled, Choi will be given an opportunity to final realize the potential that many believed he had when he was younger. However, their rather blunt appraisal says that Choi either put up this season or come back to Korea. In particular, Choi needs to drastically improve his bat speed and knowledge of the strike zone. Two things that will be difficult to adjust at this stage of his career.

Is Carl Crawford Still Available?

On December 7, DevilRays.com ran an article entitled “Baldelli continues to draw interest; Crawford will stay put.” This article led many to assume that Carl Crawford was no longer available to other teams in a potential trade. Across Devil Rays message boards, many were even attributing this as a direct quote to Andrew Friedman. In fact, Crawford’s name does not even appear in the article, even though his picture does. The title of the article has since been changed to “Baldelli continues to draw interest”, removing any mention of Crawford even though his picture continues to appear on the webpage. The original title can still be seen here in the right column, under “More Headlines.” The article can now be seen with the new, amended title here.

This leads to the inevitable question…Why was the original title changed? Was the title simply changed once it was realized that Crawford was not even mentioned in the article? Was the original title written by an editor that did not read the article closely? Was there mention of Crawford in an earlier version, prior to being published on the website, that included direct references to Crawford? If so, what were those references and why were they edited out? Or…Did the Devil Rays front office request that the title be changed? If the latter were true, it would suggest to us that Crawford is still available to other teams, and the Rays did not want egg on their face if C. C. does in fact get traded at some point this off-season.

It is highly unlikely that Crawford is considered an untouchable now as the original title suggested. While he may be expensive, in terms of talent, every player has a price. While the team may prefer to trade other players (Rocco Baldelli, B. J. Upton or Elijah Dukes), if a team were to approach the Rays with two young major league starting pitchers with all-star potential (think Scott Olsen and Josh Johnson), Andrew Friedman would be forced to listen. There have been several teams that have inquired about Baldelli, yet nothing appears to be imminent. It may be that the Rays will be unable to acquire the player(s) they desire with Rocco and Friedman may have to re-visit the idea of trading Carl Crawford.