May 18th, 2004
Trade Rumors
-Jose Cruz continues to be the big name mention on the roster, but scouts have come around looking at Jeff Suppan, Al Reyes, 1B Tino Martinez and C Mike Redmond, all veterans that could contribute greatly in a support role for a playoff contender. Houston appears in need of some catching help with Brad Ausmus supplying little support with his bat. Cleveland, with only one starter over the age of25, appear in need of a starting pitcher with some experience. Luckily for Tampa, Suppan missed starting against the Indians, thus saving some of his potential trade value.
-Despite the recent injury to Manny Ramirez, Boston has yet to inquire about Cruz. It appears for the meanwhile that Brian Daubach will fill in, but a .114 batting average will do little to replace the clean up hitter.
-Los Angeles has been added to the list of teams interested in Cruz. While no word has come out of the front office, the word is that SP Brian Piksington (AA) is being dangled. Pilkington was recently ranked as the 8th best propsect in the Dodgers system, but might not be much better than San Francisco propsect Kevin Correia, who has been previously linked ot Cruz.
Player Development
-Carl Crawford, despite struggles against left handed pitching (.174 in 46 ABs), appears to be improving his ability to make contact with pitches. "He's taken some noticible steps to progressing as a major league hitter." In some other organizations, one might find the 22 year old Crawford still in Triple-A working out his struggles, but in Tampa, Crawford is enjoying his second full major league season and learning on the fly.