OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post - 2004 Tampa Bay Devil Rays: Youth Brings Hope

BostonRS14 · 08-09-2004, 05:52 PM

May 11th, 2004
Jose Cruz done in Tampa Bay?

When a team drops out of contention as fast the Devil Rays have in the past few weeks, rumors of the future of the current roster start to pop up. The biggest name being floated is Jose Cruz, currently in his first season with the Devil Rays. In 29 games, Cruz has been a bit of a disappointment, batting .240. "I was brought in here to drive runs home, and I ain't doing that," Cruz said. "We need to get guys that can get on base in front of me and then there will be opportunites for me to do my job." While many in the organization wouldn't comment on the record about these remarks, it was clear that Cruz's remarks didn't go over well with management.

GM Chuck Lamar, who signed Cruz away from other teams by offering him a two year deal worth $2,100,000, was blunt about the rumors. "They are there for a reason. Things have not gone as planned, so we are looking to retool the roster for 2005. Jose might not be included in those plans as of now. Rocco [Baldelli] and Carl [Crawford] are not going anywhere, and Jonny Gomes is putting up numbers in Durham (.313 avg, .401 obp, .534 slg.) that deserve a callup. I know it's just May and we don't want to give up, but being this far back in this division, it isn't easy to climb back."

Jose Cruz, shown above during Tampa Bay's trip to Japan, has been the
subject of recent trade rumors.

The Devil Rays, despite the presence of stars Rocco Baldelli and Carl Crawford, have been unable to draw fans all season. Averaging only 12,773 fans per home game, a contract like the one given to Cruz will soon become a burden for the Rays and a blessing for another club. The Devil Rays have had scouts all over baseball this week, checking out some of baseball's better young pitchers.

"We are going to take out time," LaMar said, deny reports something was imminent. "No one is being actively shopped. We are having general conversations, testing the market. As the deadline gets close, then we'll see where we stand and make moves."

Word around the league was that, initially, it was Cruz being shopped for a replacement for the injured Toby Hall. Instead, LaMar dealt disgruntled Greg Colbrunn to Florida.

LaMar has acknowledged discussions with Oakland and San Francisco, but would not comment on specific names. It is obvious from talking with Lamar that he is interested primarily in Rich Harden, who started recently against the Rays. Oakland could definately use a bat like Cruz to replace Eric Byrnes (.185 avg., .228 obp, 30/6 K/BB ratio) in the lineup, but A's GM Billy Beane has denied Harden's avaliability. Other names in the Oakland organization to watch out for include Joe Blanton (AAA, 2-1, 4.08, 29/9 K/BB), John Rheinecker (AAA, 2-1, 3.23, 25/11) and Brad Sullivan (AA, 2-3, 2.88, 46/70).

San Francisco newspapers are reporting that the Giants GM Brian Sabean has offered SP Kevin Correia, who, in 5 starts with the Giants, is 1-1 with a 6.39 ERA. Lamar wouldn't comment on the report, but a scout with knowledge of the situation commented that Correia "would be a good fit in Tampa as a 2nd guy in the rotation. He has good stuff, but probably could best be used in Triple-A right now, not a pennant race. He keeps the ball down well and mixes his pitchers enough to keep hitters guessing."

Sabaen is well aware of Cruz's abilities, having signed the right fielder in 2003 to supply support for San Francisco slugger Barry Bonds. In 158 games with the Gians, Cruz batted .250 with 20 home runs and 68 RBIs. Cruz is a lifetime .251 hitter, with 158 homeruns and 474 RBIs in six seasons with Seattle (1997), Toronto (1997-2002), San Francisco (2003) and Tampa Bay.

B.J. Upton promoted to Triple-A Durham

With the Devil Rays now 9.5 game behind the Yankees in the American League East, many in the organization are starting to turn their attention to 2005, and the first thing that comes to mind is the progress of former first round pick, shortstop B.J. Upton. Drafted second overall in 2002, Upton has risen quickly though a system that has lately turned out solid contributors like Rocco Baldelli, Carl Crawford, and Aubrey Huff.

This morning, after flying back with the club from Anaheim, GM Chuck Lamar announced that Upton was being promoted to Triple-A Durham, a clear sign that the 19 year old would be in the opening lineup next season.

"We are not going to project what is going to happen between now and opening day next year," LaMar responded to being asked Upton's spot with the club. "But, B.J. is clearly on the right track. I think he will spend most of the season with the Bulls, maybe coming up later, but we'll see how he adjusts to the advanced pitching before putting any kind of time table on this."

Despite dropping to 66th on Top 100 prospects list by Baseball America, Upton is clearly one of the rising stars of baseball. After 31 games with Double-A Orlando, Upton was batting .278 with 2 homeruns and 8 RBIs. While his 22/7 K/BB ratio is a bit disappointing, scouts around the league are still raving. "He's 19 and still hasn't tapped into all his potential. He has an abundance of talent and will someday prove the Devil Rays right when they drafted him in 2002 ahead of Zack Greinke, Prince Fielder, and Khalil Greene."

Devil Rays change Double-A affiliates

Cam Bonifay, Director of Player Development and Scouting, annouced that, effective this offseason, Tampa Bay will move its Double-A franchise to Montgomery, Alabama.

The Biscuits, who will play in Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium (capacity: 7,000), will be a member of the Double-A Southern League West Division along with the Birmingham Barons (Chicago White Sox), the Huntsville Stars (Milwaukee Brewers), the Mobile BayBears (San Diego Padres), and the West Tennessee Diamond JAxx (Chicago Cubs).

Montgomery will be joining the Durham Bulls (AAA) of North Carolina and Bakersfield Blaze (A) of California as Tampa Bay's minor league affiliates.

Noteworthy News from Elsewhere in the Country:

Harvey Keys Angels Rout of Tigers.
In a rout that hasn't been seen in baseball in ages, Anaheim defeated the Detroit Tigers 27-6 behind 9 RBIs by first baseman Ken Harvey. Acquired off waivers from Kansas City primarily to serve as a backup to the oft-injured Darin Erstad, Harvey made the most of a rare start, hitting a grand slam during a six-run sixth. Ken also had a sacrifice fly in the 1st, a two-run double in the 3rd, a run-scoring ground out in the 5th and a RBI single in the 8th. For the season, Harbey is batting .403 in 67 at bats, with 6 homeruns and 23 RBIs.

08-09-2004, 05:52 PM	#48
BostonRS14 All Star Starter Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Boston Posts: 1,029	May 11th, 2004 Jose Cruz done in Tampa Bay? When a team drops out of contention as fast the Devil Rays have in the past few weeks, rumors of the future of the current roster start to pop up. The biggest name being floated is Jose Cruz, currently in his first season with the Devil Rays. In 29 games, Cruz has been a bit of a disappointment, batting .240. "I was brought in here to drive runs home, and I ain't doing that," Cruz said. "We need to get guys that can get on base in front of me and then there will be opportunites for me to do my job." While many in the organization wouldn't comment on the record about these remarks, it was clear that Cruz's remarks didn't go over well with management. GM Chuck Lamar, who signed Cruz away from other teams by offering him a two year deal worth $2,100,000, was blunt about the rumors. "They are there for a reason. Things have not gone as planned, so we are looking to retool the roster for 2005. Jose might not be included in those plans as of now. Rocco [Baldelli] and Carl [Crawford] are not going anywhere, and Jonny Gomes is putting up numbers in Durham (.313 avg, .401 obp, .534 slg.) that deserve a callup. I know it's just May and we don't want to give up, but being this far back in this division, it isn't easy to climb back." Jose Cruz, shown above during Tampa Bay's trip to Japan, has been the subject of recent trade rumors. The Devil Rays, despite the presence of stars Rocco Baldelli and Carl Crawford, have been unable to draw fans all season. Averaging only 12,773 fans per home game, a contract like the one given to Cruz will soon become a burden for the Rays and a blessing for another club. The Devil Rays have had scouts all over baseball this week, checking out some of baseball's better young pitchers. "We are going to take out time," LaMar said, deny reports something was imminent. "No one is being actively shopped. We are having general conversations, testing the market. As the deadline gets close, then we'll see where we stand and make moves." Word around the league was that, initially, it was Cruz being shopped for a replacement for the injured Toby Hall. Instead, LaMar dealt disgruntled Greg Colbrunn to Florida. LaMar has acknowledged discussions with Oakland and San Francisco, but would not comment on specific names. It is obvious from talking with Lamar that he is interested primarily in Rich Harden, who started recently against the Rays. Oakland could definately use a bat like Cruz to replace Eric Byrnes (.185 avg., .228 obp, 30/6 K/BB ratio) in the lineup, but A's GM Billy Beane has denied Harden's avaliability. Other names in the Oakland organization to watch out for include Joe Blanton (AAA, 2-1, 4.08, 29/9 K/BB), John Rheinecker (AAA, 2-1, 3.23, 25/11) and Brad Sullivan (AA, 2-3, 2.88, 46/70). San Francisco newspapers are reporting that the Giants GM Brian Sabean has offered SP Kevin Correia, who, in 5 starts with the Giants, is 1-1 with a 6.39 ERA. Lamar wouldn't comment on the report, but a scout with knowledge of the situation commented that Correia "would be a good fit in Tampa as a 2nd guy in the rotation. He has good stuff, but probably could best be used in Triple-A right now, not a pennant race. He keeps the ball down well and mixes his pitchers enough to keep hitters guessing." Sabaen is well aware of Cruz's abilities, having signed the right fielder in 2003 to supply support for San Francisco slugger Barry Bonds. In 158 games with the Gians, Cruz batted .250 with 20 home runs and 68 RBIs. Cruz is a lifetime .251 hitter, with 158 homeruns and 474 RBIs in six seasons with Seattle (1997), Toronto (1997-2002), San Francisco (2003) and Tampa Bay. B.J. Upton promoted to Triple-A Durham With the Devil Rays now 9.5 game behind the Yankees in the American League East, many in the organization are starting to turn their attention to 2005, and the first thing that comes to mind is the progress of former first round pick, shortstop B.J. Upton. Drafted second overall in 2002, Upton has risen quickly though a system that has lately turned out solid contributors like Rocco Baldelli, Carl Crawford, and Aubrey Huff. This morning, after flying back with the club from Anaheim, GM Chuck Lamar announced that Upton was being promoted to Triple-A Durham, a clear sign that the 19 year old would be in the opening lineup next season. "We are not going to project what is going to happen between now and opening day next year," LaMar responded to being asked Upton's spot with the club. "But, B.J. is clearly on the right track. I think he will spend most of the season with the Bulls, maybe coming up later, but we'll see how he adjusts to the advanced pitching before putting any kind of time table on this." Despite dropping to 66th on Top 100 prospects list by Baseball America, Upton is clearly one of the rising stars of baseball. After 31 games with Double-A Orlando, Upton was batting .278 with 2 homeruns and 8 RBIs. While his 22/7 K/BB ratio is a bit disappointing, scouts around the league are still raving. "He's 19 and still hasn't tapped into all his potential. He has an abundance of talent and will someday prove the Devil Rays right when they drafted him in 2002 ahead of Zack Greinke, Prince Fielder, and Khalil Greene." Devil Rays change Double-A affiliates Cam Bonifay, Director of Player Development and Scouting, annouced that, effective this offseason, Tampa Bay will move its Double-A franchise to Montgomery, Alabama. The Biscuits, who will play in Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium (capacity: 7,000), will be a member of the Double-A Southern League West Division along with the Birmingham Barons (Chicago White Sox), the Huntsville Stars (Milwaukee Brewers), the Mobile BayBears (San Diego Padres), and the West Tennessee Diamond JAxx (Chicago Cubs). Montgomery will be joining the Durham Bulls (AAA) of North Carolina and Bakersfield Blaze (A) of California as Tampa Bay's minor league affiliates. Noteworthy News from Elsewhere in the Country: Harvey Keys Angels Rout of Tigers. In a rout that hasn't been seen in baseball in ages, Anaheim defeated the Detroit Tigers 27-6 behind 9 RBIs by first baseman Ken Harvey. Acquired off waivers from Kansas City primarily to serve as a backup to the oft-injured Darin Erstad, Harvey made the most of a rare start, hitting a grand slam during a six-run sixth. Ken also had a sacrifice fly in the 1st, a two-run double in the 3rd, a run-scoring ground out in the 5th and a RBI single in the 8th. For the season, Harbey is batting .403 in 67 at bats, with 6 homeruns and 23 RBIs. Last edited by BostonRS14; 08-09-2004 at 11:43 PM.