Worst to First - The Sequel

[NYY #23]

This Week
Week Record: 2-5
Season Record: 7-15


4/22- vs NYA - 3-0 Loss

Eugene Kaufmann L (1-3), 6.2 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 5 K

If you can't score you can't win, and tonight we managed just 3 hits as we were shutout against the Yankees. Eugene Kaufmann fell to 1-3 on the season.


4/23- vs NYA - 3-1 Win

Allen Paul 5.2 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 4 BB, 5 K
Hunter Bishop W (1-0), 1 IP, 1 H, 1 BB
Bob Jackson SV (4), 1 IP, 2 K
Mark O'Rorke 2-4, HR, 2 RBI

The Rays snapped our 3 game losing streak with a 3-1 win over the Yankees. Aaron Paul left with a no decision, despite another strong start, and a two-run shot by Mark O'Rorke put us ahead for good in the bottom of the sixth.


4/24 - vs NYA - 1-0 Win

Paul Sewell W (2-1), 8 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 7 K
Bob Jackson SV (5), 1 IP, 1 K
Robert Conklin 1-3, 1 RBI

Paul Sewell turned in a dominant start for the Rays today to pick up his second win of the season while striking out 7.


4/25 - @ BOS - 3-2 Loss

Orlando Ramirez L (0-4), 7 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 6 K
Armando Martinez 2-4, 3B, 1 RBI

Orlando Ramirez again pitched well, allowing 2 runs in 7 innings, but picked up his fourth loss of the season. The majors haven't been kind to Ramirez though as he's still looking for his first win of his career.


4/26 - @ BOS - 4-3 Loss (11 Innings)

Elliott Fowler 3 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 4 BB, 3 K
Will Phillips 3 1/3 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
Bob Jackson L (1-1), 1 1/3 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 3 K
Ray Brandt 2-4, 1 RBI
Anthony Watts 2-5,
Jose Quintana 2-4, 1 R

Tonight was our second straight tough loss in Boston, this time ending in the eleventh when Bob Jackson yielded a walk-off single. Making things even tougher was losing Robert Conklin to a sprained ankle, that will sideline him for five weeks.


4/27 - @ BOS - 8-1 Loss

Eugene Kaufmann L (1-4), 2 1/3 IP, 7 H, 5 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
Armando Martinez 2-3, 1 R
Stu Browning 2-3, 1 RBI

After losing two straight close games the Rays lost a blowout tonight with Eugene Kaufmann struggling to make it out of the third inning on the way to his fourth loss of the season.


4/28 - @ BOS - 8-2 Loss

Allen Paul L (1-1), 5 IP, 5 H, 6 ER, 5 BB, 6 K
Mark O'Rorke 2-3, 1 RBI
Stu Browning 2-4
Ricardo Castillo 2-4, HR

The Rays dropped our fourth straight game with an 8-2 loss to the Marlins with Allen Paul picking up the loss. It's starting to feel like it's going to be a long season.

Transactions
• Placed Robert Conklin on the injured list and recalled C Glen Green

Up Next
2 @ MIA, 3 VS DET, 1 VS TOR

[NYY #23]

This Week
Week Record: 2-5
Season Record: 7-15


4/29- @ MIA - 3-1 Loss

Paul Sewell L (2-2), 5 2/3 IP, 2 H, 3 ER, 4 BB, 6 K
Joe Cahill 2 1/3 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
Kyle Hill 2-4, 1 HR
Ricardo Castillo 2-3

Our offense couldn't get going outside of a solo homer by Kyle Hill as the Rays dropped our fifth straight game.


4/30- @ MIA - 4-0 Loss

Orlando Ramirez L (0-5), 7 IP, 8 H, 4 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
Armando Martinez 2-3
Mark O'Rorke 2-4

With a 4-0 loss the Rays dropped our sixth in a row, while Orlando Ramirez fell to 0-5 on the year.

With the loss the first month of the regular season is complete for the Rays and we've started off in last place with a 7-17 record. We're not that far off where I expected us to be, although we are a far cry away from our 3-1 start to the season, as our owner reminds me each time we talk.

We have five young arms in our rotation, and they are pitching like young arms. While Orlando Ramirez has had a rough start to the year going 0-5 he's pitching much better than his record would indicate. Overall I'm really pleased with our pitching, and defense, although we have a ways to go offensively.

Jose Guerrero of the Phillies swatted the 500th home run of his career this month, while Jorge Sanchez of the Marlins went deep for the 400th time of his career.




5/2 - vs DET - 6-4 Loss

Elliott Fowler L (0-2), 5 IP, 2 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
Stu Browning 2-4, 1 RBI, 1 R

Our struggles continue with our seventh straight loss


5/3 - vs DET - 5-0 Loss

Eugene Kaufmann L (1-5), 6 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
Roy Barrett 2 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

The Rays have now dropped eight games in a row after dropping a 5-0 clunker to the Tigers.


5/4 - vs DET - 6-0 Win

Allen Paul W (2-1), 7 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 7 K
Bernard Lancaster 2-3, 3 R
Ricardo Castillo 2-3, 3 RBI, 1 R
Roy Brandt 2-4, 2 RBI

We needed a win and Allen Paul took matters into his own hands with 7 shutout innings as we broke our eight game losing streak.


5/5 - vs TOR - 4-3 Win

Paul Sewell 6 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
Forrest Phillips W (1-0), 2 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Bob Jackson SV (6), 1 IP, 2 H, 1 ER
Mark O'Rorke 2-4
Stu Browning 1-4, HR, 2 RBI
Bernard Lancaster 2-3, 1 R

We got solid pitching all around tonight with Paul Sewell starting us off with six solid innings, followed by 2 shutout innings from Forrest Phillips followed by Bob Jackson locking things up with his six save of the year.

Transactions
• John Price was activated from rehab assignment
• C Eugene Gonzalez was waived and designated for assignment

Up Next
2 VS TOR, 3 VS SEA, 1 @ ATL

[NYY #23]

This Week
Week Record: 2-5
Season Record: 7-15


5/6- vs TOR 5-4 Loss (12 innings)

Orlando Ramirez 5 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 7 K
Roy Barrett L (1-1), 1 IP, 2 H, 1 ER
Anthony Watts 2-6, 1 R
Glen Green 2-4, 1 RBI

Tonight started off rough when Orlando Ramirez allowed a pair of runs in the first and second innings, but from the third inning on Ramirez (3 IP), Joe Cahill (2 2/3 IP), Jack Richardson (1 1/3 IP), and Bob Jackson (2 IP) didn't allow a run. Then Roy Barrett entered a game and allowed a double, single, and sacrifice fly as the Rays went down in 12 innings.


5/7 - vs TOR 3-2 Win (10 innings)

Elliott Fowler 5 2/3 IP, 8 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 8 K
Jack Richardson W (1-2), 1 1/3 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
Josh Watson 3-4, HR, 1 RBI
Mark O'Rorke 1-1, 2B, 1 RBI

A walk-off double by Mark O'Rorke allowed us to capture the series win against the Blue Jays. We got a solid start for Fowler who struck out 8 in 5 2/3 while allowing just one run. Pat Williams pitched 3 innings in relief, allowing just 2 hits.


5/9 - vs SEA - 7-0 Win

Eugene Kaufmann W (2-5), 8 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
Jason Jones 1-3, HR, 4 RBI
Anthony Watts 2-4, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R
Stu Browning 2-4

Eugene Kaufmann turned in a dominating start tonight with 8 shutout innings to pick up the win, while Jason Jones hit a grand slam as the Rays had our biggest win of the year.


5/10 - vs SEA - 3-1 Loss

Allen Paul L (2-2), 7 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
Armando Martinez 2-4, 2 SB

Despite being in last place I'm not feeling too bad about the Rays season. Our pitching continues to do well, with Allen Paul throwing 7 innings while allowing 2 runs. Of course our offense isn't great, we've scored the fewest amount of runs in the league. But we've allowed the 3rd fewest runs, have the third best starters' ERA, third best bullpen ERA, and top defense in the league.


5/11 - vs SEA - 4-2 Win

Paul Sewell W (3-2), 5.1 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 4 BB, 2 K
Bob Jackson SV (7), 1 2/3 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
Armando Martinez 3-4, 2 HR
Josh Watson 2-3, 2 HR

We came into tonight's game with 12 home runs on the year as a team. Tonight we hit 4 with Josh Watson and Armando Martinez each going deep trice.

While Bob Jackson continues to pitch well this year I can't help but think it's time to start exploring moving him I the right deal. He's almost 33 years old, and relatively cheap with a $3.7 million salary. In fact we've begun discussions with the Cubs in a deal that would pair Jackson and Lancaster for a pair of prospects showcased by third baseman Marc Bush, ranked as the 31st best prospect in baseball. I just need to determine if he's enough to build around.


5/12 - @ ATL - 2-0 Loss (12 Innings)

Orlando Ramirez 6 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
Roy Barrett 3 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 Kr3
Jack Richardson L (1-3) 2 1/3 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K

The good part of today's game was 11 shutout innings with Orlando Ramirez, Roy Barrett, and Jack Richardson all pitching well. While Richardson did falter in the twelfth inning our offense didn't show up at all today.

The bad part of tonight's game is our depressing offense, and makes me further lean towards trading Jackson and Bernard Lancaster. With a couple offers on the table that I think will help us long term something could happen sooner rather than later.

Around the League
• Preston Farrell of the Cardinals saved the 300th game of his career

Up Next
2 @ ATL, 3 VS MIN, 1 VS CHA

[NYY #23]

Two of our best trade chips that I'm willing to trade are Bob Jackson and Bernard Lancaster, and I've mentioned one of the trades that I've been considering. What I'm looking for in return is a young offensive prospect that's close to being major league ready. Our potential targets include -

CF Jody McGill, Vancouver - 22 years old
CF Karl Ross, Pittsburgh - 23 years old
2B Brit Moore, Oakland - 22 years old
3B Marc Bush, Chicago - 24 years old
CF Richard Cook, St Louis - 23 years old

We were able to quickly rule out Cook because he couldn't be traded, and we didn't match up well with Oakland. My top target was Jody McGill, but Vancouver didn't have as much interest in veterans. They were high on shortstop Ramon Avila, our top prospect, although he's just 19 years old. A lot has to go right for Avila to arrive in the majors in 2089. So when we could move Avila and Jack Richardson to Vancouver in exchange for McGill we took the deal.

The situation was similar with the Pirates and Ross. So when we had a chance to move pitching depth in prospect Lloyd Coleman to acquire Ross we took the deal, also shipping off minor league outfielder Ron McGonnell.

That left the Cubs, who are in win now mode. Both Jackson and Lancaster were included in the deal along with shortstop prospect Artie Brantley. Marc Bush was the centerpiece of the deal, and we added minor league first baseman Dale Hawk and reliever Paul Turner.

Turner is just 22 and was called up and pitched just 4 2/3 innings with the Cubs. He'll take Jackson's spot on the roster. Eugene Gonzalez will also return as our third catcher. Jody McGill will also join the active roster.

Andy Martin will also be returning to the majors, with John Price demoted to AAA. 1B Roy Brandt was also optioned to AAA, with Jesus Tapia added to the 40 man roster and recalled. Tapia has been pitching well in AAA this year going 5-2 with a 3.35 ERA so far, and will need to be added to the 40 man after the season anyway.

Then finally we waived and designated for assignment LF Kyle Hill and added Marc Bush to the 40 man roster and recalled him.

While I do think we're a better team this year, this trade wasn't about this year but the future, and hopefully it will make a difference.

[NYY #23]

With two more losses to the Braves the Rays headed back home with a dismal 0-12 record on the road, and 12-12 at home. We saw the debut of both Jody McGill and Marc Bush in the Rays' lineup with McGill hitting his first career home run and Bush picking up his first career hit. It was a glimpse of our future, while a reminder of our terrible present. Eugene Kaumann also picked up another lost, despite a solid start.

I spent yesterday's off day meeting with Anastasio Aguilar as we started to prepare our draft strategy with about a month to go until the amateur draft. We've managed to acquire several draft picks, and with five draft picks in the first two rounds it should give us an opportunity to add some talent to the team.

1st (New York Yankees)
2nd (San Antonio Monks)
2nd (Detroit Tigers)
2nd (San Diego Padres)
2nd (Baltimore Orioles)
3rd (San Diego Padres)
4th (Boston Red Sox)
5th (San Diego Padres)
5th (New York Yankees)
5th (Carolina Knights)
10th (Detroit Tigers)
10th (Boston Red Sox)

We also spent some time debating on what to do with Stu Browning. He's under contract for three years for $9.6 million a year and is 33 years old. He's no star, but solid defensively. He's injury prone, but capable of putting up a 2 1/2 WAR season when healthy. He's the highest contract that is movable currently. There is lukewarm interest, but potential options that could get us out for future commitments. I'm leaning towards keeping him though, unless I could figure out some way to add some value coming back to Tampa.


5/13- @ ATL 7-2 Loss

Elliott Fowler L (0-3), 5 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 5 BB, 2 K
Stu Browning 3-4, 1 R
Jody McGill 1-4, 2 RBI, HR
Marc Bush 1-4


5/14 - @ ATL 7-2 Loss

Eugnene Kaufmann L (2-6), 6 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 7 K
Stu Browning 2-4

[NYY #23]

I've managed to avoid the wrath of Mr. B for a few weeks now, but after getting swept by the Twins at home he had a meeting put on my calendar. I knew he wasn't happy with our record, and he really wasn't happy with our attendance which was falling.

Of particular interest to Mr. B was our putrid offense, as we're last in every meaningful category and he felt our team just wasn't too exciting to watch. Of course building a team based on pitching and defense for an owner who like the long ball was probably not the best move for my career. He'd like to see someone held accountable, and was pushing for us to fire hitting coach Archie MacGillonie. He also let me know he was excited about the return of Luke Clark off the disabled list, who he felt was just the type of hitter we needed. The $27 million man is signed through 2090 and had just 3 at-bats for the Rays before getting hurt.

I told him that I'd take his recommendations into consideration before excusing myself. I was given complete control, and I'm going to continue to do build the team like I want even if that leads to my firing.

[NYY #23]

The Rays closed out the month with seven wins in our last ten games leaving me feeling a little bit better about how things were going. A 12-15 month is decent. Jody McGill is showing signs of why we traded for him, hitting .263 with 4 home runs and 9 RBI since coming to the Rays.

We needed to clear a roster spot on the roster for Wynn Dehastings. The obvious candidate was Elliot Fowler, but he has no options left. In four years in the majors Elliott Fowler is 3-18 with a 6.24 ERA, and even worse he's 1-13 with a 6.66 ERA since coming to Tampa Bay. The Mets offered 1B Leland Mason and a 10th round pick in return. Mason is hitting just .151 this year, and .211 since coming to the Mets. So it was really an exchange for poor fits.

[NYY #23]

I have a long history with Luke Clark. I was the one that signed him to a massive 10 year contract when I was with the Dodgers, and at 35 years old he's making $27 million this year, $52 million through 2088, and a $3.4 million buyout of his final two years and $48 million. He was traded to Tampa and got hurt, but ready to come off the disabled list. He still offers plenty of power, but isn't as good with the glove as he used to be. We traded for Marc Bush to be our third baseman of the future. Jody McGill has been splitting his time at DH, and I want him to get at-bats.

So we don't have a good role for him, and I doubt he'll be productive when we're competitive. So I shopped him around and was offered several high priced veterans. Ron James is another blast from the past, another former Dodgers who is now playing for the Giants and struggling, hitting just .213 with 8 home runs. He's making $18 million this year, $34 million through 2088 with a vesting option for $15.8 million if he reaches 550 plate appearances. He's still strong defensively and we'll save some money traded for the 34 year old. I don't think our owner is going to be a big fan of this deal though.

[NYY #23]

We've spent a lot of time preparing for the draft and a lot of time accumulating draft picks getting ready for today. Our first pick was acquired via trade, and we'd be selecting 21st overall. We have a lot of clear needs, but I feel starting pitching is not one of those needs. However I do believe in drafting the best overall player regardless of position. That's why the Rays made Marcos Franco our first round pick. A 23 year old right-handed pitcher out of college, who throws four pitches well and has the talent to become a solid starter in the majors.

With the second pick of the second round we added another college starting pitcher, Oskar Walstad. Walstad has mid-rotation potential. We added another starting pitcher, Phil Alford, with the 19th pick of the second round, and starting pitcher Aubrey Lane with the 25th pick of the second round. The draft pool definitely skews pitching heavy, which is what we didn't need right now. Closer Luis Ortiz was select next with the 28th pick of the second round with starting pitcher Elvis Robinson picked with the 30th pick of the second round.

Robbie O'Donnell was our first high school arm with the 35th pick of the second round. Shortstop Forrest Bennett was our third round selection. We rounded out the first five rounds with -

SP Carter Fox
MR Ira Benson
2B Tim Barnes
CF Bruce Smith

[NYY #23]

Jose Quintana is a real strong defensive outfielder capable of playing all three outfield positions, but is unable to produce at the plate. I needed a roster spot and the Braves offered 27 year-old shortstop Ken Reeves. He might be a more useful utility player as he's capable of playing both the outfield and infield.

Following the amateur draft the Rays have the top minor league system in baseball. Here is a look at our top prospects -



June was a dreadful month for the Rays with us going 8-19. We're definitely playing for the #1 pick.

Around the league Eric White of the Astros hit the 400th home run of his career.

[NYY #23]

Today could be one of those days that I'll regret, but I hope not. Allen Paul is our best pitcher this year, going 5-5 with a 2.76 ERA. He's currently slotted in as our #2 starter, and my biggest worry is that his control has fully developed. There is no reason to trade him based on his performance, but with Chad Gibbs and Jesus Tapia ready to step into the rotation and our pitching depth he could be expendable in the right deal.

We were able to obtain a pretty good package from the Cardinals getting 24 year-old catcher Dan Sexton, 23 year old centerfielder Richard Cook, 23 year-old shortstop Joe Ritchie, and a 2nd round pick.

[NYY #23]

"7-17
12-15
8-19
7-17
Fix this!"

That was the email I received from Mr. B early this morning. Things are not great this year, and Mr. B. is not happy, and I know that he wants to fire me. I'm more happy that we had two players place in the mid-season top 10 prospects, CF Jody McGill and SP Chad Gibbs. The fact that they are both in the majors and starting to contribute should mean something. Despite our record I do feel pretty good about our progress.

The Rays had one player make the Future Game, CF Karl Ross. The Rays also had one player selected for the All-Star Game, Orlando Ramirez.

We also needed to clear a roster spot and shipped off catcher Mark O'Rorke to the Brewers in exchange for 33 year old catcher Antonio Martinez.

There were two milestones this month, Sergio Avila of the Marlins picked up career hit number 2000, while Roberto Rios of the Yankees hit the 300th homer of his career.