As Jason Collette pointed out yesterday, the Rays have seemingly lost all of their former first basemen to the American League Central. All three also happened to be 2011 Triple-A Durham first basemen.
The Durham Bulls played a couple of guys at first base in 2011 that have since moved on from the Rays organization. Dan Johnson signed a minor league deal with the Chicago White Sox. Russ Canzler was traded to the Cleveland Indians for cash considerations. Casey Kotchman turned his magical 2011 season into a guaranteed $3M with the Cleveland Indians.
This leaves the Rays with Leslie Anderson as their lone first baseman in Durham. Why is this a problem, you ask? Because the Rays have no depth in case Luke Scott or Carlos Pena succumb to injury. Anderson is good organizational depth but there is little-to-no evidence that he would be able to handle Major League pitching if he were next on the depth chart to replace Pena or Scott.
The Rays still have plenty of arms to deal but it likely will not be for a Major League ready first baseman. Besides, with Pena and Scott on the active roster there really is not a lot of room to carry another guy relegated to first base duties alone.
If a trade occurs it will likely be for a player who can handle a few positions or, like Mr. Maniac pointed out yesterday, for an upgrade at catcher.
It may not seem like a big deal but imagine if the Rays did not have Casey Kotchman in Durham last year when Dan Johnson failed at the Big League level. Would the Rays have made the playoffs? What if it were Leslie Anderson who got the call? The Rays need to add a first baseman to Durham and who better than Russell Branyan?
Sure, you could argue that Derrek Lee would be a better option, but is he going to sign a minor league deal? I highly doubt it. He will likely find a Major League job somewhere.
Branyan did have a bad 2011 and had his fewest plate appearances since the 1999 season. Most of his plate appearances were in a pinch hitting role and getting the occasional spot start. He never got a fair opportunity to play and his numbers suffered. I have stated this before, and probably sound like a broken record by now, but the fact still remains that there is value here as long as he is healthy.
Branyan's defense at first base is actually really good. He has a +5.8 UZR in 1609.2 innings over the past three seasons. He has also maintained his good patience at the plate with his 10th straight year of posting at least a 10% walk rate. It was 12.3% last year and sits at 11.9% for his career.
Yes, his power was down and he only hit 5 homeruns last year but he has hit 68 home runs over his previous 939 at-bats. I believe the power is still there and the Rays honestly have nothing to lose if he is willing to take a minor league deal.
I know, I have what might be an unhealthy attachment to Branyan but the fact of the matter is that the Rays need some organizational depth at first base that can step in if Carlos Pena or Luke Scott were to go down with an injury. Why not Russell Branyan?
1 recs | 164 comments
One other
Rays did sign Juan Miranda to play 1b at Durham.
I would love to see Branyan, Nick Johnson, or just for BWoodrum….Dimitri Young down in AAA.
MrNegative1 - February 3, 2012
Miranda is good.
By which I mean probably better than Branyan, depending on health/age.
Whelk - February 3, 2012
Forgot about Miranda.
Still rather have Branyan. Branyan has at least proven it at the top level.
jcmitchell - February 3, 2012
I'd like both.
mr. maniac - February 3, 2012
Good call. I was being stubborn. =)
jcmitchell - February 3, 2012
Miranda is a great option in Durham.
and the only justification I can think of for letting go of Russ Canzler for cash.
JM is 28,but has never gotten consistent time in the bigs. If Los goes down, JM is likely next on the depth chart. He was platooned with Branyan in Arizona last year.
Good read on Miranda’s potential: http://www.fangraphs.com/fantasy/index.php/juan-miranda-rising-first-base-option/
d.russ - February 3, 2012
Oh thank Beejus I was waiting patiently for this years "Go get Russell the Love Muscle" article
Guys with tremendous power and shattered spines are a dime a dozen these days
Sandy Kazmir - February 3, 2012
I have to do one of these each year until it happens.
You know that.
jcmitchell - February 3, 2012
#FREE NEVIN
FreeZorilla - February 3, 2012 via iPhone app
#FREE BRANDON GUYER
AndrewTorrez - February 3, 2012
#Free Mangini
jcmitchell - February 3, 2012
#RELEASE HAMILTON
SRQman - February 3, 2012
#RELEASE YIELDS
mr. maniac - February 3, 2012
#RELEASE MOM
jcmitchell - February 3, 2012
#RELEASE JOSH FAIL AND BUSTIN O'CONNER
mr. maniac - February 3, 2012
.
Sandy Kazmir - February 3, 2012
#Free Pat Shurmur
BornAKardiacKid - February 4, 2012 via Android app
Rays also lost Ruggiano, I can see us getting a 1B/OF.
Maybe Nady? Gload is another option I’d like to see us get.
sc_monsta1015 - February 3, 2012
I hope not Nady.
I could see a trade for a guy like that but cannot think of a trade target off the top of my head.
jcmitchell - February 3, 2012
What is there not to like about Nady as our 1B/RF in Durham?
sc_monsta1015 - February 3, 2012
I just don't like him as the next option to come up in case of an injury to Pena or Scott.
He simply cannot hit MLB pitching anymore.
jcmitchell - February 3, 2012
Gotcha, and I agree
sc_monsta1015 - February 3, 2012
OBP is Life
but I’d be willing to give Raul Ibanez a minor-league deal with an opt-out (6/1?) as Luke Scott insurance.
AndrewTorrez - February 3, 2012
I could live with that as well.
Any indication he will take a MiLB deal?
jcmitchell - February 3, 2012
He'll retire before he takes an MiLB deal.
sc_monsta1015 - February 3, 2012
in a situation where there's a clear DH job waiting
and an early opt-out? I could see him taking that over a bench job in the bigs, but perhaps that’s wishful thinking.
AndrewTorrez - February 3, 2012
would he?
benderbrodriguez - February 3, 2012
Also, the number of pitchers is shrinking.
I see Wuertz as an option, but I wonder if we would take a chance on Brandon Webb. If we did, we could start him out in the bullpen and see if he’s the same.
sc_monsta1015 - February 3, 2012
I wouldn't mind either on a MiLB contract.
jcmitchell - February 3, 2012
also, Michael Gonzalez
AndrewTorrez - February 3, 2012
If he can't find and MLB job, yes yes yes yes yes
sc_monsta1015 - February 3, 2012
He would make a sick loogy.
Career 3.68 K/BB ratio versus LHH.
mr. maniac - February 3, 2012
He's actually decent vs. righties too. Has gotten better the past 3 years
sc_monsta1015 - February 3, 2012
>10 K/9
even when he was the most hated man in Baltimore (2010), he was still a strikeout machine.
AndrewTorrez - February 3, 2012
Add Mike Gonzalez and Wuertz
Talk about a dominant minor-league bullpen.
sc_monsta1015 - February 3, 2012
I feel like this article is posted every year.
SRQman - February 3, 2012
I have to do a Branyan post every year.
It’s kind of my thing.
jcmitchell - February 3, 2012
Hong Chih Kuo?
Was dominant in ’10 but struggled lasy year. Just look at those numbers 2 years ago—he also was an All-Star
sc_monsta1015 - February 3, 2012
I would welcome him on the Rays.
Still think there is some decent value there.
jcmitchell - February 3, 2012
Also only 30
sc_monsta1015 - February 3, 2012
True.
He is resiliant, too. Always gets injured but alwasy makes a comeback.
jcmitchell - February 3, 2012
Oh hi guys. I'm the reason why the Rays won't sign Wilson Betemit, Russell Branyan, or any other low-tier insurance 1B
kericr - February 3, 2012
FUCKING WRITE ABOUT SOMETHING ELSE.
kericr - February 3, 2012
Would you rather read this or nothing?
This is bannable.
sc_monsta1015 - February 3, 2012
It wouldn't be the first time I got banned for calling a writer an idiot for suggesting yet another garbage 1B for the team after they signed Juan Miranda on day 1 of free agency.
kericr - February 3, 2012
Becasue Miranda has had so much success, right?
And depth is such a horrible thing to have.
jcmitchell - February 3, 2012
Pena, Miranda, Vogt, and I'll bet money that Keppinger plays at least 10 games at 1B. They're pretty well covered.
kericr - February 3, 2012
You already admitted you forgot the signing. Just chalk it up as a mistake and move on.
If they felt more depth was necessary they wouldn’t have moved Canzler for a bag of balls.
firemangreg - February 3, 2012
I did forget Miranda was signed but can we honestly rely on him as the back up?
Besides, I have to get my yearly Branyan article out at some point. =)
jcmitchell - February 3, 2012
"can we honestly rely on him as the back up?"
Yes.
firemangreg - February 3, 2012
Well, there you go.
I cannot.
jcmitchell - February 3, 2012
And Branyan is the perfect example of reliable...
firemangreg - February 3, 2012
At least he has proven himself.
In a year where we have a legitimate chance at winning it all I’d rather have someone with some sort of track record in case of an emergency. And Branyan is an above average glove at 1B according to fielding metrics.
jcmitchell - February 3, 2012
Branyan's made out of paper mache. His bat was worse than Miranda's last year and he's old as dirt.
firemangreg - February 3, 2012
I don't agree the logic
You have to consider all the facts and not just default to a past record of succeas
FreeZorilla - February 3, 2012 via iPhone app
fangraphs' Mike Axisa likes him
http://www.fangraphs.com/fantasy/index.php/juan-miranda-rising-first-base-option/
d.russ - February 3, 2012
Shouldn't this same question apply to Russ Branyan?
There are some key factors to consider, and not to ignore about Branyan’s feasibility as a ballplayer:
1) He has a history of injuries, having missed 40-plus days in three of the past four seasons with back issues.
2) He barely played last season, and when he did, the results were not inspiring.
3) He is a 36-year-old three true outcomes player.
4) Describing the league’s interest in Branyan these past two offseasons as tepid would be kind.
Add those factors up and there seems to be a legitimate chance his days as a productive player are history. I don’t know if Miranda is a better hitter than Branyan, but it wouldn’t surprise me.
R.J. Anderson - February 3, 2012
Fair enough.
But I still see no risk in adding him on a minor league deal for depth. Only one way to find out who would be better. I just pray we don’t see Leslie Anderson at all.
jcmitchell - February 3, 2012
I was only responding to the idea that Branyan is clearly superior to Miranda.
I would add that the D-Backs having both and seemingly choosing Miranda over Branyan is another thing to consider, especially if you respect Kevin Towers’ ability to evaluate players. Of course, teams do make mistakes, and they eventually chose Lyle Overbay over Miranda, so it feels safe to say neither is a surefire success.
R.J. Anderson - February 3, 2012
Why is it bannable?
firemangreg - February 3, 2012
Please read our Community Guidelines.
sc_monsta1015 - February 3, 2012
Oh, you mean the ones I wrote?
kericr - February 3, 2012
What about that post violates the new guidelines?
I’m waiting.
firemangreg - February 3, 2012
Also, get out.
firemangreg - February 3, 2012
I'm just messing around
sc_monsta1015 - February 3, 2012
There's no need to call him an idiot
Ryan Gilliss - February 3, 2012
I've been called much much worse!
jcmitchell - February 3, 2012
That was the only thing close to violating the guidelines...
but it’s kericr and no one expects much from him
Ryan Gilliss - February 3, 2012
I'm looking forward to the article next year talking about why the Rays should sign Russell Branyan, just like last years, and the year before.
kericr - February 3, 2012
"our"
laughable.
PriceMultiCyYoungs - February 3, 2012
Agreed. I would have been comfortable with Miranda at 1B and Canzler waiting at AAA.
Los is a better option, but Miranda is far from terrible.
firemangreg - February 3, 2012
Holy shit. This.
What the hell is wrong with this place?
Last week someone “forgets” Lackey is out for the year and now we’re forgetting the Rays already addressed the 1B problem months ago.
The hell happened to quality? Do a little research before posting this garbage.
Vin - February 3, 2012 via Android app
Because Miranda has had so much success, right?
And depth is such a horrible thing to have. Yeah, the 1B problem was securely addressed.
jcmitchell - February 3, 2012
Who forgot about Lackey?
SRQman - February 3, 2012
Whoever did that AL East win projection.
Hatfield - February 3, 2012
Whoever did that piece projecting AL East wins.
Vin - February 3, 2012 via Android app
Whoever wrote that article estimating wins in the AL East
Ben Tumbling - February 3, 2012
Whoever composed the AL East win projection post.
firemangreg - February 3, 2012
WHOEVER FUNNY REPLY AL EAST PROJECTION POST FUNNY FUNNY FUNNY.
look.at.me.
behn - February 3, 2012
Variations on a theme.
firemangreg - February 3, 2012
alterations on a point
behn - February 3, 2012
Permutations of an idea.
mattc286 - February 3, 2012
Awesome.
Vin - February 3, 2012
(my bad)
benderbrodriguez - February 3, 2012
I honestly had no idea John Lackey was getting TJS when I wrote that piece. Zero
benderbrodriguez - February 3, 2012
How many months ago did you type it up?
SandalsNoPants - February 3, 2012
I'm not using that as an excuse, I was ignorant of the situation
Maybe the news broke when I was traveling or maybe I just plain forgot but yeah
benderbrodriguez - February 3, 2012
kericr, your signature is deplorable
d.russ - February 3, 2012
Check out nomoredevil's
benderbrodriguez - February 3, 2012
What?
The 22 followers thing?
nomoredevil - February 3, 2012
lol
benderbrodriguez - February 3, 2012
oh no!
lol, smh
d.russ - February 3, 2012
I literally (figuratively) cannot wait for sign lady to hold this up at the Trop
Dewayne sees it, makes an uncomfortably understated comment, followed by uncontrolled giggling from BA.
YOU KNOW THIS IS GOING TO HAPPEN
nomoredevil - February 3, 2012
nice
pudieron89 - February 3, 2012
I'm all in on Russell Branyan. Or Magglio Ordonez
Vlad Guerrero or any other big bat that can for an inning or so go play a position as our 25th man on the roster.
I’m not too happy with our bench the way most here have it constructed, Fuld, Keppinger and Brignac, plus a catcher
sternfan1 - February 3, 2012
Bench is definitely pretty sad.
Vin - February 3, 2012 via Android app
I have reversed my stance since I wrote about the bench after the Pena signing.
It’s not as bad as last year, but I think a decent lefty off the bench to pinch hit for our catcher or ss is necessary. Last year our bench production was awful especially our playoff bench. If we make the playoffs Guyer will be on it, but a lefty would really help.
jtmorgan - February 3, 2012
How do both Guyer and a LH hitter off the bench, both make a playoff roster
sternfan1 - February 3, 2012
No idea, but just see it as a weakness right now.
It would probably be instead of Brignac though if he was a backup and didn’t at least get the ss job vs rhp.
jtmorgan - February 3, 2012
Not implying you in this case, but why do many here see it as a foregone conclusion
this stiff Brignac is a lock for the 2012 Rays?
I see him traded or playing 2B in DUR come April
sternfan1 - February 3, 2012
Who do you see as a backup SS?
FreeZorilla - February 3, 2012 via iPhone app
A scarecrow.
kericr - February 3, 2012
Who's the Yankees back up? Red Sox? In other words
who cares? It should be a minimal PT position. NYY & BOS are both predicted to finish ahead of us this year, yet the Yankees have 38 yo Derek Jeter at SS and the Sox seem willing to give Nick Punto considerable PT. But we can’t win with Sean Rod as our every day SS? I disagree
sternfan1 - February 3, 2012
I'd be more confident with Jeter than SRod as an all-in plan (salary aside)
FreeZorilla - February 3, 2012
take away the 'brand name' and are you confident Jeter is
that much better playing 145-150 games?
sternfan1 - February 3, 2012
yes. are you kidding?
rglass44 - February 3, 2012
743 and 710 OPS the last 2 years --i don't think those numbers are out of the question
for Sean Rod
sternfan1 - February 3, 2012
Dear god I hope so
benderbrodriguez - February 3, 2012
you don't think S Rod can give you the defense of Jeter or his 700 ish OPS?
sternfan1 - February 3, 2012
Would you like to go double or nothing on the 6 pack you owe me on WAR?
FreeZorilla - February 3, 2012
OPS is a bunk stat for OBP-heavy players like Jeter
I highly doubt Roddy gives the 104 wRC+ Jeter did last year in a non-platoon role
benderbrodriguez - February 3, 2012
Would you be happy with Eduardo Nunez on the roster as a SS?
FreeZorilla - February 3, 2012
Nunez is fine point is Rays are versatile enough we don't need two
utl mif’s on the roster
sternfan1 - February 3, 2012
Nunez is a damn good backup SS
benderbrodriguez - February 3, 2012
What is he "damn good" at?
He’s a lousy glove and can’t hit
Sandy Kazmir - February 3, 2012
I thought he was very well regarded defensively?
Guess not though, those are some ugly UZR numbers
benderbrodriguez - February 3, 2012
Pinstripes are an automatic +5 Def constant effect
At least in perception
Sandy Kazmir - February 3, 2012
So true
He was like the secondary piece in trade rumors for top starters early in the offseason. He was like Marquis Fleming in trade value.
Ben Tumbling - February 3, 2012
lol
I’d Rec if not on mobile
FreeZorilla - February 3, 2012 via iPhone app
This is how you comment right here
FreeZorilla - February 3, 2012
well done SK
supported me twice today—sweet
sternfan1 - February 3, 2012
Might wanna start double checking stuff before you post. ;)
SRQman - February 3, 2012
why? "damn good" is such a statistical adjective
sternfan1 - February 3, 2012
My bad
benderbrodriguez - February 3, 2012
I would agree if we had someone else on the roster that could play a solid SS
but we don’t sooooo
Sveet - February 3, 2012
I see this is your "thing" this offseason.
Hatfield - February 3, 2012
Briggy is the best defensive SS in the org. right now
That has some real value to the Rays this year.
JoeMasGlasses - February 3, 2012
There is Lee in Montgomery
DeadeyeRR - February 3, 2012
Lee has the potential to have the best D at SS in the future
But for right now I would be most confident in Briggy manning the SS position for the 2012 Rays. He plays a GG caliber SS right now, while Lee is going to take a year or two.
JoeMasGlasses - February 4, 2012
GG's are never handed out for defense alone
Reid plays nice defense, but I think it can be overstated by some fans; especially considering how terrible his bat is. I am in the camp that prefers Sean, and barring an amazing ST, I do not think Reid belongs on the opening day roster. If someone like Rhymes shows Maddon he can play capable SS in ST, Reid will be learning more versatility in Durham or traded. Just my humble opinion of course.
Tonage - February 4, 2012
Well that's not true
There’s a pretty decent number of times when players get GGs that they deserve purely on the merit of being the best defensive player
benderbrodriguez - February 4, 2012
that's very good for our rebound at ss.
rglass44 - February 3, 2012
Ah, Russ Branyan...
Good times…
nomoredevil - February 3, 2012
I THINK THE RAYS SHOULD SIGN CARLOS PENA
HE HAS POWER, AND CAN GET ON BASE, AND HAS A NICE SMILE
davidsmarch - February 3, 2012
Isn't Henry Wrigley gonna be at AAA this year, as well?
Last I checked they have him playing first now. Only real issue about him is plate discipline (haven’t found anything about his defense), but either way, wouldn’t Branyan cut into his playing time as well as Anderson and Miranda’s?
TBRaysfan009 - February 3, 2012
Henry Wrigley had a 102 wOBA+ last year.
I hoe you are kidding. He had a .309 OBP last year. .309!!!
mr. maniac - February 3, 2012
Where do you find wOBA+?
All I’ve found is regular wOBA, which has Wrigley at .342 last year.
TBRaysfan009 - February 3, 2012
wRC+ is the way to go
benderbrodriguez - February 3, 2012
I don't think its park adjusted in the minors though, just league.
FreeZorilla - February 3, 2012
And it accounts for SBs I believe.
mr. maniac - February 3, 2012
Is it not? I was under the impression it was
benderbrodriguez - February 3, 2012
Actually not lg either, duh, just relative to the lg
FreeZorilla - February 3, 2012
Welp it is lg adjusted but not park
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/what-is-wrc/
FreeZorilla - February 3, 2012
Ah okay thanks
Useful information there
benderbrodriguez - February 3, 2012
Go to firstinning.com. It has wOBA+ and OPS+.
mr. maniac - February 3, 2012
Raytrader
I favor Conor Jackson for Durham. He hits right handed, can fill in at 1st, and corner outfield.
raytrader - February 3, 2012 via mobile
Though it's not explicitly stated anywhere in the article, the requirement for this player is that he's left handed. You should read through the comments though so you can see how this has been addressed already.
kericr - February 3, 2012
I too prefer Conor Jackson on a MiLB deal
Tonage - February 3, 2012
I'm still trying to figure out why Keppinger was signed.
If the Rays were confident that a system of Rodriguez/Brignac was sufficient going into the season, another utility IF’er was not needed. The fact that Zobrist is around in case of a game by game need should be enough insurance if the need arises. Somewhere along this winter, the FO must have begun re-thinking the position and maybe they are less confident that Brignac will hit and/or that S-Rod can play well enough defensively to give one or the other the full time spot. If they felt that way, they could have gone out and signed a cheap,solid defensive SS who could hit at least average wise(Cedeno, McDonald, Punto, Santiago). That would have created the opportunity to send Brignac down to AAA or perhaps traded, maybe even to move S-Rod if his name came up in a deal.
But yet they went out and signed Keppinger, who is not a good defensive SS and basically is redundant to S-Rod, only not as good by a long shot. He is worse at 2nd base, can’t play the OF, hits lefties better than RH’ers and provides less flexibility for Maddon. He was not signed to be a RH’ed DH or to get PH’ing AB’s in place of Pena/Scott/Joyce against tough lefties, IMO either.
Having an all around, solid SS either to platoon or play full time would have enabled the Rays to add the what still seems like a need…a power bat on the bench and a guy who can play 1st base. And, IMO, a RH’ed bat. The Rays are going into the season, at this point, with three LH’ed DH options on an everyday basis(and by rotation if needed)…Scott, Joyce and Pena. And two of those guys are very weak(Pena and Joyce) against lefties and Scott is still a big question coming off of major shoulder surgery despite his pedestrian numbers versus LH’ers.
At this point, the only option to bring in a RH’ed 1stbase/DH/COF’er may be to send Fuld down. Rays may lose his late inning defense and speed but little else. Maybe that goes along with AF’s view that sometimes they have to weigh the difference between offense and defense in the overall construction of this line-up.
budman3 - February 3, 2012
Seems like the Rays stated their Keppinger intentions
1) Hits lefties well in his career.
2) Low strike out/High contact hitter.
3) Some defensive flexibility.
I understand that you don’t agree with them on this one, but Maddon might be able to utilize Keppinger in ways that counter some of your concerns.
Tonage - February 3, 2012
The only situation that seems to work offensively is if S-Rod plays SS, Keppinger plays second and Zobrist plays RF against lefties.
I’m not sure putting out a substantially weaker up the middle defense(on those days) is the type of defensive flexibility the Rays are looking for.
budman3 - February 3, 2012
I think the biggest reason for getting Keppinger is to balance the bench if they think SRod will earn the starting SS job.
Without Keppinger we’d have a bench of catcher, fuld, brignac, and x. With a loogy being able to neutralize Pena/Joyce/Scott’s effectiveness in a big spot somebody who can hit lefties is crucial to have on the bench.
jtmorgan - February 3, 2012
Agreed.
The problem is I just don’t think that Keppinger is the guy you want or you will see PH’ing for Pena/Joyce/Scott in late inning situations or being able to combat a LOOGY by himself. And that limitation is magnified because you will hardly see Maddon losing his DH’er by PH’ing in that spot. And who will play 1st base if you pull Pena late in a game?
Which is why a RH’ed hitter who has more power and is a better hitter in run scoring situations may be a better option. Keppinger has not hit lefties(or RH’ers) as well over the last few seasons(compared to when he was younger) when looking at OPS, SLG. w/OBA, wRC+
budman3 - February 3, 2012
Doubtful Keppinger is used to pinch hit for Pena or Scott
If that were the case, then either of those guys would have to be having a dreadful season. My guess, the few times he pinch hits are for Joyce/Catcher and a specific spot where contact is paramount; replacing a low contact guy. I think Kotchman and Fuld intrigued them last season by adding high contact guys to the strike out heavy line up. They improved power at 1st base/DH and gave Longoria more protection, while keeping some level of balance in contact by bringing in Keppinger; plus Rhymes is there for insurance in case all your fears are realized.
Tonage - February 3, 2012
I don't see it happening alot.
But in high leverage contact situations that they brought in the lefty he is a pretty good option. There just needs to be something to be brought off the bench when your lineup has some vulnerabilities versus lefties.
jtmorgan - February 4, 2012
I think that is their plan.
It fits into statements from earlier in the off-season; a willingness to sacrifice defense occasionally, for a particular offensive output. Unlike many here, I do not think Reid is on the opening day roster; unless his ST is bombastic. Potential trade situations could change the current configuration, but it looks to be another year of platooning Joyce, and Kepp is his dance partner. Hopefully he removes all your worries with a great season vs lefties.
Tonage - February 3, 2012
I can't believe Keppinger couldn't have been had on a minor league deal.
SandalsNoPants - February 4, 2012
I'm sure some team would've offered him a major league deal
benderbrodriguez - February 4, 2012
*some other team
benderbrodriguez - February 4, 2012
That would've been awesome!
SandalsNoPants - February 5, 2012
Branyan does not appeal to me;
or any MLB teams, at this point. As others have stated above, I am not convinced that a 1st base/DH bat is what the FO is looking at right now; even on a MiLB deal. I was a bit surprised to see Paulino sign a MiLB deal elsewhere; giving a catcher like that a look in ST might be fun.
Tonage - February 3, 2012
I just think we are reading into the injury risk of Pena and Scott a little too much
Pena has been relatively healthy throughout his career and so has Scott save for last season. The Rays have the best medical and injury prevention team in MLB and I think Miranda is enough insurance just in case a freak injury occurs.
JoeMasGlasses - February 4, 2012
Pena goes down once in a while
Remember how Willy Aybar and later Sean Rod filled in nicely? Luke Scott just came off major shoulder surgey, so he has risk; but I do agree with your overall sentiment. I think the summary of most posts at this point is… baseball hurry up and start already. Rosterbating and trade speculations are beyond old.
Tonage - February 4, 2012
His injury history is essentially getting hit by pitches
Ryan Gilliss - February 6, 2012
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