Worst to First - The Sequel

[NYY #23]

My second day in Tampa started early, and was a long one. My first order of business was to identify candidates for our open positions, with the priority going to hiring an Assistant General Manager, Scouting Director, and Manager. I know who's available, who I think I want, and who I potentially want. The goal is to start conducting interviews as soon as possible and make a quick decision.

Next on my agenda was a meeting with our owner. I explained that from top to bottom we need to rebuild the organization and that this won't be an easy or quick fix. We're not a couple of pieces away and we can't throw money at our problems. We're going to build a team the right way, and turn around the organization. We shouldn't expect to win next year, or likely in 2087.

As an organization we're going to prioritize pitching and defense. We're going to prioritize guys that put the bat on the ball, rather than put the ball in the stands. And we're going to prioritize pitchers that keep the ball in the ballpark. I used Flint Phillips as an example, last year we traded starting pitcher Jim Hill and slugging prospect Rod Brown to the A's in exchange for Phillips and relief prospect Kevin Walker. Phillips is 27 years old and had a 3.67 ERA in 34 starts with a 6-12 record. He fit the team much better than Hill, who was prone to the long ball, and Kevin Walker looks like he can contribute out of the pen. And while Phillips was an improvement, we'll look to sell high.

I also used Ramon Rivas as an example of guys we want to build around, of course we dealt him to Colorado last year and he went 11-9 with a 2.70 ERA as a 26 year old I exchange for 35 year old Lou Hunt, who's under contract for four more years and hit .272 last year and was worth 0.4 WAR as the veteran former All-Star. But I can't change the past, just the future.

I spent the afternoon completing round one of interviews, and finished off the day with my first trade with the Rays. 27 year old 3B Juan Prado and 18 year old centerfield prospect Carlos Ramirez were sent to the Tigers in exchange for 24 year old minor league centerfielder Pedro Gallegos and the Tigers second-round pick. Gallegos has never played about A ball, but is strong defensively.

I wrapped up the day talking trades with the Padres trying to land one of two pitching prospects, either 22 year-old Allen Clerke, or 24 year-old Larry Barrett. I'd say there is a 25% chance we could find a way to make it work.

[NYY #23]

I had a lot on my agenda for day 3, but my first order of business was an unplanned meeting with Ray's owner Mike Bean. It's one thing to be given complete control verbally, but quite another in reality. Mr. Bean wants to win, is willing to spend to win, likes control, and expects to win. So despite knowing what was planned from the start he's starting to get a little bit of cold feet and wanted to throw another hail mary. While I understood his desire to throw money at the problem, I stood firm in my belief that we need to completely tear down and build up the organization the right way. It was a painful message for him to hear, again, but I do understand given the amount of money that has been spent.

After touching base on a couple of trades in the works it was time for my introductory press conference where I talked about our plans and fielded questions. I tried not to mince words or overpromise, this is a team that lost 100 games three straight years, as a roster of veterans, and a barren farm system. Nobody in the organization should get too comfortable. We're going to need to build up our farm system, so we shouldn't expect miracles. It's the start of a long journey.

Throughout the day I was talking trades with the Padres. Our priority was a young pitching prospect. We ended the day completing a trade with the Padres, but things took a hard left at some point. We'll welcome soon to be 34 year-old Ralph Gregory to Tampa Bay. He was 9-7 with a 3.33 ERA last year and is under contract for 3 years at $20.8 million, with another year added on if he can pitch 180 innings in 2088. San Diego will pay $1 million each year.

We also welcomed defensive-minded shortstop prospect Robert Conklin and a 2nd and 5th round draft pick. Going to San Diego is -

2B Lou Hunt - 4 years, $56 million remaining
RF Vincent Nelson - 3 years, $42 million remaining
Prospects 1B Miguel Garcia, C Jerry Thomas, LF Armando Trujillo
11th round pick, 20th round pick

Then rounding out the day we traded 31 year old catcher Brett Kessler, 28 year-old catcher Ken Wolf, pitcher Ken Fish to the Yankees in exchange for 33 year old closer Christophe Reese and a first round and fifth round draft pick. While Reese was good (4-8, 36 SV) he is set to make $11.7 million next year.

I did make it known to both Gregory and Reese that I would recommend not moving their families to the Tampa area just yet, as the offseason is young and I expect it to be an active offseason. I then made it known to our owner to not get excited about the acquisitions either, acquiring draft picks and shedding payroll was my main objective, and I felt that I can move both and get players who better fit our long-term strategy.

[NYY #23]

I'm continuing to work the phones in Tampa Bay, looking to turn nothing into something. Our latest trade was with the Monks. Gone is 23 year-old Harry Combs and prospect Darryl Nichols. Coming back to Tampa is a second round pick and 27 year-old Andy Martin. Martin was 6-6 with 2 saves in 81 1/3 innings, including 7 starts. He's definitely a borderline starter, but more likely should just be an interesting name out of the pen. In Tampa he may end up pitching in the rotation though.

If the season started tomorrow our rotation would be:
Ralph Gregory (9-7, 3.33)
Flint Phillips (6-12, 3.67)
Raul Quinonez (1-7, 5.85)
Kevin Morris (2-9, 4.74)
Paul Sewell - (7-4, 1.99) in AAA

With Gregory (19.8 mil) and Quinonez (6.4 mil) both making too much money, and Phillips perhaps one of our best trade candidates there is a long time before Opening Day, and I expect our rotation to look much different.

The Rays also went shopping on the waiver wire and brought aboard relievers Jesse Wright, Roy Barrett, Bill Perry, and Jonathan Johnston along with centerfielder Josh Watson. We're going to need some pitching depth to get us through next season, and bringing aboard four pitchers making the minimum doesn't represent a lot of risk. Wright was perhaps the most interesting name as we welcome aboard the former Dodger who was 3-0 with an 0.57 ERA in 15 2/3 innings last year and think he'll stick in our pen.

[NYY #23]

One of the main objectives this offseason was hiring a new manager, and we'll formally announce Justin Hayes as our new skipper after Hayes agreed to a four year contract. Hayes managed the Rockies from 2073-2076 and then worked as bench coach for the Braves then Yankees after losing his job. He's well-regarded around the game, and went to the playoffs as both a manager and bench coach. We'll give him four years, given the expected challenges with a poor roster.

While Hayes has a reputation for preferring veterans I was clear that I expect our young players need to take priority. With Hayes in place I expect our staff to fall into place quickly.

We also completed a deal, sending reliever David Johnson to the Tigers in exchange for reliever Bob Jackson and a 10th round draft pick.

Then we capped off our day with a cost saving deal, sending 1B Ed Smith to the Royals in exchange for reliever Allen Paul. Smith hit .323 last season with 13 homers as a 33 year-old, but we were able to add an interesting arm in Paul by paying half of Smith's $15.4 million salary next year. Paul was 5-7 with a 4.71 ERA last year after making the leap from AA to the majors. Still just 25 years old he is someone that may be able to start a few games for us, especially if he can get his control issues straightened out.

[NYY #23]

Pitching coach Jorge Gonzales, bench coach Ron Williams, hitting coach Archie MacGillonie, scouting director Angelo Contreras, and trainer Antonio Aleman have agreed to terms. We'll just need an Assistant General Manager and our staff will be complete.

We also completed a trade today sending relievers Mark Floyd, Steven Campbell, and minor league second baseman Sabino Ramirez to the Astros in exchange for starting pitcher Sam Parks. We needed to retain 90% of Floyd's salary to make the deal work, but Smith went 1-9 with an 8.28 ERA last year and is signed through 2088. Parks was 18-9 with a 3.21 ERA last year, although he does have some faults. He's 34 years old and in the final year of his contract, and we'll need to take on his $13 million salary while paying virtually all of Floyd's.

For a team with a goal to get our payroll under control I've failed at this point with some difficult contracts to move:

3B Luke Clark - $27 mil - out 7 months
1B Alejandro Morales - 1 year, $24.6
SP Ralph Gregory - $19.8 mil x 4 years
SP Sam Parks - $13.4 and signed through next year
RP John Stewart - $13.2 mil - out 7 months
CL Christopher Reese - 1 year, $11.7 m
1B Bobby Grant - 2 years @ $11 m
LF Stu Browning - 3 years @ 9.6 m

But don't be surprised if Parks doesn't ever suit up for the Rays.

[NYY #23]

The Rays made a big trade today shipping off 3/5 of our starting rotation - Ralph Gregory, Sam Parks, and Flint Phillips, in addition to a pair of minor league prospects Tomas Fernandez and Chris Dobson to the Carolina Knights in exchange for closer Ron Rodriguez, starting pitcher Wynn Dehastings, pitching prospects Jesus Tapia and Lloyd Coleman along with a fifth round draft pick.

Moving the money was important, but Dehastings is a keeper, last year he was 15-9 with a 3.80 ERA, and the former number one pick is only making $492,000 this year as he'll be arbitration eligible for the first time after 2086. I'm hoping Tapia and Coleman will be able to step into the rotation. Rodriguez is a good closer, but has two years at $15 million left on his contract. Saving $18 mil is important though, and I think we'll be able to move either Rodriguez, or Reese.

[NYY #23]

Christopher Reese has never thrown a pitch for the Rays, and today he was shipped off to the Indians along with first base prospect Tynan Newman. Coming back to Tampa is a trio of young arms, Eugene Kaufmann, Terry McBride, and Jack Richardson, and we'll save $10 mil from this deal.

We needed to clear a roster spot, so we shipped off reliever Brian Fritz and right fielder Teddy Womack in exchange for 2B Armando Martinez, a fourth round pick, and a 10th round pick.

It's been a busy month for the Rays as of now over 40% of the pitchers on our 40 man roster have been acquired through trade or waivers, we've picked up 10 extra draft picks, and we'll fill at least two line-up spots with players acquired via trade.

As we prepare for the calendar turned from 2085 to 2086 the Rays continue to prepare for Spring Training. Before the Winter Meetings we will bring aboard Assistant General Manager Anastasio Aguilar.

I also met with Rays owner Mike Bean to talk about our progress this offseason. We have some obvious holes to fill, no catcher on the roster for example, and several players on the roster who didn't fit the type of roster we wanted to build.

There is no way possible way to reach our budget goals, so we're left with a couple of choices - put a player on the roster who won't be a good fit for the team, release them, or trade them while paying the bulk of their contract. Mr. Bean agreed to take the financial hit and eat their contracts. He also agreed to fund some free agent additions if salaries could be kept to a minimum.

With that in mind we agreed to a trade of 1B Alejandro Morales, while retaining 90% of his salary to the Twins in exchange for reliever Hunter Bishop. He was 2-4 with a 5.08 ERA in 72 2/3 innings last year.

[NYY #23]

It's always a special day when one of your former players is elected to the Hall of Fame, and today Lawrence Sutton was elected to the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, joining German Perez in the class of 2086. I had the honor of drafting Sutton with my first pick in my first draft with the Monks, and although I had left the Monks before he was in his prime, as he was just 22 year old when I won the World Series with the Monks. I could tell he was a special player, but I'd be lying if I told you I thought he was Hall of Fame special when we drafted him. And of course he was the obvious #1 pick, but we did consider drafting Michael Hartman instead as he would have cost less money. The money was worth it for the Monks though as Sutton went to the Hall of Fame and Hartman never started a game in the majors and pitched just 55 2/3 innings in relief.





SP Germán Pérez 100.0 (1st year) Inducted HOF
2B Lawrence Sutton 87.8 (1st year) Inducted HOF
CL Bryan Carson 66.5 (1st year)
CL Tony Hodge 59.5 (9th year)
RF Neil Davis 51.2 (4th year)
2B Edward James 50.3 (6th year)
CL Gabriel Valdés 44.5 (8th year)
SP Kevin White 44.5 (4th year)
C Maurício Maio 40.2 (4th year)
1B David Júlio 38.4 (1st year)
C Sergio Beltrán 26.2 (4th year)
SS José Carlos Hernández 22.9 (2nd year)
CL Jeremy Powell 18.0 (1st year)
CL Manuel Fernández 14.3 (2nd year)
SP Roberto Ramírez 13.7 (2nd year)
SS Vinny Sánchez 12.5 (7th year)
SP Jeff Turner 10.7 (2nd year)
CL Dave Beard 10.4 (7th year)
LF Gerald Valenzuela 9.1 (1st year)
CL Cristo Hernández 8.5 (6th year)
SP Tom Fernández 8.2 (1st year)
SP Jorge Cruz 7.6 (10th year) Dropped
C Andrea Pometti 7.6 (7th year)
C William Taylor 7.3 (1st year)
3B Aurelio Vásquez 6.4 (4th year)
1B Berto Chacón 6.1 (4th year)
C Michael Wells 5.8 (1st year)
CL Julián Córdova 5.5 (5th year)
C Dave Banister 4.3 (3rd year) Dropped
C Raymond Fields 4.0 (1st year) Dropped
C Miguel Coronado 4.0 (1st year) Dropped
CF Juan Salas 4.0 (6th year) Dropped
RP Armando Flores 3.7 (1st year) Dropped
C Jorge Pérez 3.7 (1st year) Dropped
SP Martin Clark 3.7 (1st year) Dropped
SP Freddie Hillier 3.0 (1st year) Dropped
C Luis Mojica 3.0 (1st year) Dropped
SP Juan Martínez 2.7 (1st year) Dropped
CL Nathan Campbell 2.1 (1st year) Dropped
C Norm Jordan 1.8 (1st year) Dropped
CL Herb Farmer 1.8 (1st year) Dropped
CL Greg Smith 1.5 (1st year) Dropped
CF Ramón Herrera 1.5 (1st year) Dropped
SP Karl Collier 0.9 (1st year) Dropped
1B José Zúñiga 0.9 (1st year) Dropped
SP Marcos Contreras 0.9 (1st year) Dropped
SP John Kelly 0.6 (1st year) Dropped
CF James Jiménez 0.6 (1st year) Dropped
SP Víctor Delgado 0.6 (1st year) Dropped
3B Dale Wright 0.6 (1st year) Dropped
SP Brian Lewis 0.6 (1st year) Dropped
RF José Martínez 0.6 (1st year) Dropped
SP David O'Brian 0.6 (1st year) Dropped
SP Tom Payton 0.6 (1st year) Dropped
CL Rich Sharp 0.6 (1st year) Dropped
SP Duncan Brown 0.3 (1st year) Dropped
C Ned González 0.3 (1st year) Dropped
RF Esteban Morán 0.3 (1st year) Dropped
RP Roberto Torres 0.3 (1st year) Dropped
CL Michael Kemp 0.3 (1st year) Dropped
2B Mike Walton 0.3 (1st year) Dropped
SP Kelvin Coleman 0.3 (1st year) Dropped
CL Leo White 0.3 (1st year) Dropped
CF Suljo Uzunovic 0.3 (1st year) Dropped

[NYY #23]

As we inch closer to Spring Training it feels like a good time to look at our remaining priorities. Looking at my previous priorities I think we can cross off items 1 and 4, and 2 and 3 are items that are never done.

1) Hire a coaching staff
2) Stockpile as many draft picks and prospects as possible
3) Trim our payroll
4) Set appropriate expectations

But will have a more focused list to prepare for Spring Training -

Needs -
1) Starting catcher
2) Backup catcher
3) Right Field
4) Center Field
5) Shortstop

Trim if possible -
1) Bobby Grant
2) John Farmer
3) Tim Brooks
4) Ron Rodriguez

[NYY #23]

John Farmer was one of the four players I've viewed as expendable. He's making $1 million this year, is a liability in the field, but does have some decent power. He's probably best suited for a limited role as a pinch hitter, so we sent him the Padres along with relievers Mike Miller and Kevin Morris, minor league catcher Tom Ellis, minor league pitcher Shane Shaughnessy and a 6th and 7th round draft pick.

Coming back to Tampa is catcher Eugene Gonzalez and a #3 pick. We didn't give up anybody that I feel we'll miss, although Gonzalez is a back-up catcher at best. He's our starter now, but I expect he'll either end up a backup or third string who will play in AAA. The big appeal is the draft pick.

Our next deal was with the Orioles, who sent multiple proposals to acquire 3B Ricardo Soto. I wasn't looking to trade our starting third baseman, but wanted to see how far I could push the Orioles, so Soto was sent along with closer Ron Rodriguez, right fielder Tim Brooks, first baseman Bobby Grant, and minor league pitcher Phil Keddy to Baltimore. We retained 65% of their salaries and saved just under $11 million in the deal.

Coming back to Tampa is catcher Glen Green, minor league catcher Ramon Trujillo, minor league shortstop Tyrone Goodman and a 2nd round pick.

Green will get a chance to compete with Gonzalez for backup catcher, as the Rays came to terms with 30 year old Mark O'Rorke on a one year $1.2 million contract. He's strong defensively, weak with the bat, and the price was right.

We also tried to bring in some minor league depth to fill out our minor league system. With that I feel ready as we head into Spring Training, although I do think it'll be a long year in Tampa.

[NYY #23]

The Rays kicked off Spring Training today with a nice 2-0 win over the Chicago White Sox. If every game went as well as today's I'd be happy. Tonight was the spring debut for Eugene Kaufman, who I hope will be our ace of the future. Four hitless innings was a nice start. Jack Richardson came next and provided 3 2/3 scoreless innings. The game was wrapped up with Bob Jackson pitching 1 1/3 scoreless innings. At the plate Armando Martinez and Robert Conklin starred at the plate. While it's just one meaningless Spring Training game it's nice to see five players that we acquired via trade get off to a nice start.

As we were preparing to head into Spring Training I got to experience both the good and bad of a controlling owner. On the good side he increased our budget, our draft budget and signed off on bringing aboard veteran catcher Bernard Lancaster to a one year $2.4 million contract. He's a veteran catcher who will take over as starter and was worth 2 wins last year, popular in the clubhouse, and is a hard worker. We showed some interest early in the offseason, but backed away when his demand was closer to $6 million. And then the bad with our owner informing me that he signed Bob Jackson to a one year extension.

[NYY #23]

Some roster news to start, both pitchers Glenn Gordon and Pat Williams were added to the 40 man roster while SP Ruben Caravajal, RP John Stewart, and 3B Luke Clark were put on the 60 day injured list, and RP Ed Simmons was placed on the 15-day injured list with an elbow injury that's going to require about five weeks on the shelf, and some time to get ready for the season.

We're a little over a week into Spring Training with a 4-5 record. Barring injury, I feel the first four spots in our rotation are set. We'll be sending out -
1) Wynn Dehastings
2) Eugene Kaufmann
3) Allen Paul
4) Orlando Ramirez

Of the four Ramirez is the only player who was drafted by the Rays, as the others were acquired via trade. For the fifth starter it'll be a battle between 25 year old Paul Sewell and the veteran 35 year old Raul Quinonez. I'd love to get some value out of Quinonez, even to boost his trade value as I'd love to move his $6 million salary.

[NYY #23]

With 10 days left in Spring Training our roster is starting to take shape. Some of it by force, as we've lost one of the key members of our rotation when Wynn Dehastings to a partially torn labrum for 2-3 months. 1B John Price was also officially placed on the injured list, as was right fielder Dennis Law.

With some pitching demotions that leaves us with 16 pitchers and 13 batters. We'll need to trim two pitchers, and likely have to open a 40 man spot for the loser of the first base battle between Roy Brandt and Ricardo Castillo as we have one open spot, and I'm leaning toward keeping both players.

[NYY #23]

This Week
Record: 2-0

4/6 - vs LAA - 6-1 Win
Eugene Kaufmann W (1-0), 6 2/3 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 7 K
Elliott Fowler, 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
Stu Browning 2-4, 1 BB
Jose Quintana 2-3, 2B, 1 BB, 1 R
Robert Conklin 2-4, 2 RBI, 1 R

Eugene Kaufman made his debut today for the Rays, and picked up the win with 6 2/3 innings while striking out 7 in our 6-1 win over the Angels. I'm very pleased with his debut, and hope he'll be around for a long time as he pairs with our #2 starter Allen Paul to perform a solid top of the rotation.

Veterans Stu Browning and Jose Quintana each picked up two hits, as did 24 year-old shortstop Robert Conklin.

While Conklin is our current shortstop, future shortstop Ramon Avila is rapidly moving up prospect rankings. The 19 year-old is up to 9th in the preseason rankings although he's not expected to arrive for a few years.

4/7 - vs LAA - 5-1 Win
Allen Paul 5 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 4 BB, 4 K
Roy Barrett W (1-0), 3IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 2 K
Bob Jackson SV (1), 1/3 IP
Bernard Lancaster 2-4, 1 R
Josh Watson 2-4, 1 RBI, 1 R
Ricardo Castillo 2-3, 2 RBI, 1 BB
Robert Conklin 2-4, 1 RBI
Jose Quintana 1-4, 1 HR

Jose Quintana isn't in our long term plans, but got the scoring started with a solo homer. Robert Conklin picked up a pair of hits for the second straight day, while Allen Paul had a nice debut for the Rays with 5 innings of 1 hit ball while Roy Barrett picked up the win with 3 scoreless innings of relief.

Up Next
1 vs LAA, 3 vs CAR, 3 @ CLE

Notes
There is a lot of excitement from our owner after a 2-0 start to the season in the midst of our first homestand, but I did try and temper expectations. I do like how we've been playing, and would even be comfortable saying we have players now that we can build around. But we do have a long way to go.

As spring training wrapped up we put in a waiver claim for reliever Doug George, a 31 year old who was 2-1 with a 3.41 ERA last year in 49 1/3 innings. He was a good fit, but I've been anxious to move Raul Quinonez, who at 35 isn't going to help us long term. So after shopping Quinonez and agreeing to pay 90% of his salary we were able to find a partner when including George I couldn't resist.

We welcomed aboard 25 year old pitcher prospect Chad Gibbs from the Rockies to complete the deal. It's hard to pass up on a big arm and top prospect like Gibbs at a more than reasonable cost.

[StLee]

Well, off to the right start!

[NYY #23]

Originally Posted by StLee

Well, off to the right start!

Unfortunately I don’t expect our success to continue!

[NYY #23]

This Week
Week Record: 1-6
Season Record: 3-6


4/8 - vs LAA - 4-1 Loss

Orlando Ramirez L 0-1, 6 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
Josh Watson 2-4 1 R 0 RBI
Jose Quintana 1-3 1 HR 0 R 0 RBI
Robert Conklin 2-3 0 R 0 RBI

Another day, another debut on the mound, with 25 year old Orlando Ramirez making his debut today. He pitched a solid game allowing 2 runs in 6 innings, but our offense couldn't pick him up in our first loss of the year.


4/9 - vs CAR - 3-1 Win

Paul Sewell W 1-0, 6 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 4 BB, 2 K
Joe Cahill H 1, 2 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
Bob Jackson SV 2, 1 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Armando Martinez 1-3 1 R 1 RBI
Bernard Lancaster 1-4 0 R 1 RBI
Jose Quintana 1-3 1 HR 2 R 0 RBI
Robert Conklin 1-2 0 R 1 RBI
Anthony Watts 2-3 0 R 0 RBI

The Rays faced off against a player we traded over the winter, Flint Phillips, but we came out ahead after a solid major league debut by Paul Sewell, who limited the Knights to 2 runs on 4 hits in 6 innings. The 27 year old Phillips did strike out 8 Rays in the loss though.

Offensively we continued to do the bare minimum with Bernard Lancaster delivering the final blow in the 4-3 win.


4/10 - vs CAR - 4-3 Loss

Andy Martin L 0-1, 5 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
Jack Richardson , 2.1 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
Stu Browning 2-4 0 R 1 RBI
Robert Conklin 2-4 1 R 0 RBI
Mark O'Rorke 1-4 1 HR 1 R 1 RBI
Anthony Watts 1-2 1 R 1 RBI
Jose Quintana 0-1 1 HR 0 R 0 RBI

Andy Martin is in an interesting position for the Rays. He's just a couple years removed from being a top 20 prospect, but has some flaws and has lost his prospect shine. Control is really his big problem, but after two solid years out of the pen in San Antonio we acquired him for a pretty low cost. He made his debut as fifth starter for the Rays today and had a shaky debut allowing 4 runs in 5 innings, although he did just walk one batter. He was making a start after the trade of Raul Quinonez. I'm not sure he'll get a chance to make a second start, at least next week.

Anthony Watts is continuing to take advantage of chances this week with another solid night at the plate. He's someone I was hoping would be able to handle a reserve infielder role with a solid glove and the capability to play all infield positions well along with good speed.


4/11 - vs CAR - 2-0 Loss

Eugene Kaufmann (1-1), 7 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 7 K
Rays Batters - 2-29

Eugene Kaufmann turned in the best start of the year for a Rays pitcher, and came away with the loss. He dominated for 7 innings, his only mistake a 7th inning pitch to Conner Fields that was sent over the fence for the Knights first run. With the way our offense was hitting it really didn't matter as he got the hard luck loss. Not unexpectedly our focus this offseason was on positioning for the future, and I didn't expect a strong offense.


4/12 - @ CLE - 5-4 Loss

Allen Paul (0-0) I IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
Jack Richardson L (0-1), 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 1 K
Andy Martin - 2-3, 2B, HR, 2 RBI, 3 R
Armando Martinez - 2-5
Bernard Lancaster 2-4

In my mind I had already decided to send Andy Martin back to the minors at the end of the week. I feel like he needs a little seasoning on the mound, but in talking with manager Justin Hayes he likes Martin's bat even better than his arm and he wanted to try him in the lineup. A 2-3 night with a double and homer and he's become even more interesting. While we do have a DH spot available, I still would like to see him get some reps in the field, and think a little seasoning may do him good, but Martin gets more interesting by the day.

Despite that, it was another disappointing loss for the Rays as we lost a walk-off.


4/14 - @ CLE - 7-2 Loss

Paul Sewell (1-1) 3 IP, 7 H, 5 ER, 2 K, 2 HR
Hunter Bishop 2.1 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 2 K
Bernard Lancaster 1-4, HR, 2 RBI

In Game 1 of today's doubleheader against the Indians we struggled to get the Indians out. Paul Sewell lasted just 3 innings, and Will Phillips struggled as next out of the pen giving up 2 runs in 2 2/3 innings, but we did see Hunter Bishop provide a couple solid innings, holding the Indians hitless in 2 1/3 innings to close out the game.


4/14 - @ CLE - 2-0 Loss

Orlando Ramirez L (0-2) 5 2/3 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
Robert Conklin 2-3

Robert Conklin picked up 2 of the 3 Rays hits today as our offensive continues to sputter along, wasting a solid effort from Orlando Ramirez, who falls to 0-2 on the season despite two solid starts.

Transactions
The Rays traded reliever Todd Butler and pitcher Kyle Gallagher to the Braves in exchange for a pair of pitchers, Curt Holloway and Adam Klein as we continue to add players that we feel are a better long term fit.

We had an open spot on the 40 man for Holloway who has pitched to a 3.86 ERA in 4 2/3 innings for the Braves this year. We've also added him to the active roster and sent down Andy Martin to AAA.

Up Next
3 vs BAL, 3 vs OAK

[NYY #23]

This Week
Week Record: 2-4
Season Record: 5-10


4/16- vs BAL - 4-3 Loss (14 Innings)

Elliott Fowler - 6 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 K
Bernard Lancaster 2-4, HR, 3 RBI, 2 BB

Elliott Fowler made his debut in the rotation today and had a strong start pitching 6 innings and allowing just 3 hits. But we weren't able to hold on to our 3-1 lead as Forest Phillips struggled in relief and after pitching 4 shutout innings in relief, Jack Richardson gave up a walk off homer to end a disappointing loss.


4/17- vs BAL - 11-4 Loss

Eugene Kaufmann L (1-2), 2.1 IP, 7 H, 6 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
Armando Martinez 2-5, 1 RBI
Stu Browning 2-5, 1 R
Josh Watson 2-4, HR, 2 R
Bernard Lancaster 2-4, 1 RBI
Jose Quintana 2-3, 1 RBI

While the Rays pounded out fourteen hits to break out of our offensive funk we weren't able to capitalize falling 11-4 to the Orioles in a game I'd like to forget.


4/18 - vs BAL - 4-1 Win

Allen Paul W (1-0), 6.2 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 8 K
Bernard Lancaster 3-4, 2 RBI
Armando Martinez 2-4, 2 R
Stu Browning 2-2, 1 R

Allen Paul picked up his first win of the season in a dominant performance against the Orioles, with the highest game score of the season (74) and a season high for Rays pitchers of 8 strikeouts.

Bernard Lancaster continued to hit well picking up 3 hits to raise his average to .350 for the year.


4/19 - vs OAK - 4-3 Win

Paul Sewell 5 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 6 K
Stu Browning 4-5, 1 RBI, 1 R
Ricardo Castillo 1-3, HR, 3 RBI

The Rays picked up back to back wins for the first time since the opening two games of the season with a 4-3 win over the A's. Paul Sewell pitched well enough to pick up the win, but a shaky eighth inning by Roy Barrett allowed the A's to tie the game back up. Stu Browning delivered the walk off winning single in the bottom of the ninth to give us the win though.


4/20 - vs OAK - 4-1 Loss

Orlando Ramirez L (0-3), 7 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
Ricardo Castillo 2-4, HR, 1 RBI

Orlando Ramirez continues to have terrible luck, picking up his third loss of the season after giving up 4 run in 7 innings while striking out 6. Our only offense in the game came in a solo homer by Ricardo Castillo.


4/21 - vs OAK - 8-5 Loss

Elliott Fowler L (0-1), 4 IP, 4 H, 5 ER, 6 BB, 2 K
Josh Watson 3-5, 2 RBI, 1 R
The Rays dropped our 10th game of the season with a 8-5 loss to lose the series.

Transactions
• Sent John Price to AAA for rehab assignment
• Signed pitchers Gerald Mohamedzai, Mark Andrews, Lage Dahlhof, and Jon Hood to minor league contracts

No big news this week, but we added some veteran arms to the minor leagues.

Up Next
3 vs NYA, 3 @ BOS, 1 @ MIA

[StLee]

That was a quick dive downwards. Surely the team is much better than a .333 team.

[NYY #23]

Originally Posted by StLee

That was a quick dive downwards. Surely the team is much better than a .333 team.

I really hope we're not a .333 team either, although I do acknowledge our offense is pretty horrendous, which is going to put a lot of pressure on our young staff. I slowed things down at the start to get a better feel for the team, but I'm not sure how I really feel about the team anymore!