Prospect Alert: Devil Ray Pitching

Posts: 4543 · Posted: Apr 22, 2007 10:43 pm

Prospect Alert: Devil Ray Pitching

Over the last few years the news in Tampa has been about the position player prospects coming through the system....

Posts: 7877 · AiNoKeA Joined: 15 Feb 2005 Location: All Ova Posts: 7877

It's amazing the talent that the D-Rays have in their system....it's just too bad their in the AL BEAST.

Posts: 7958 · Posted: Apr 23, 2007 7:40 am

I think it's fairly likely that in 2008 and 2009 they challenge for 3rd in the division. Their offense is loaded with talent and if some of their minor league pitchers pan out and they can potentially get one or two relievers via FA or trade, they'll be a force for a few years before their players are eligible for free agency.

Posts: 3167 · Posted: Apr 23, 2007 1:32 pm

Niemann is easily the pride of the rays pitching system right now... there's a chance that he comes up this year but I seriously doubt that they would rush him.

Sonnastine is a fan favorite because of his unique pitching style, you should see him next year.

Orvella and McClung are both frustrating stories. McClung of course used to be in the rotation but after his lack of performance they sent him down to groom him as a closer. After putting forth nothing but ugly saves or blown saves, it looked like it wasn't gonna work out and he didn't make the 25-man this year. Orvella has been being groomed for the spot for years but whenever he comes up he just gets blown up. With every game it gets more obvious that SOMETHING has to be done in the rays pen though. Ruddy Lugo, Shawn Camp, and Brian Stokes have been absolutely torn into pieces. I'd post their stats up here but I might punch a wall in a fit of rage, and I'm sitting in an english class right now so that might be considered inappropriate.

Posts: 7283 · Posted: Apr 23, 2007 4:59 pm

Why don't Tampa just deal one of their many OFs (Rocco, Dukes, or Upton?) for a established reliever?

Posts: 3870 · Posted: Apr 23, 2007 5:18 pm

DOH!!! wrote:

Why don't Tampa just deal one of their many OFs (Rocco, Dukes, or Upton?) for a established reliever?

Because you don't trade young superstud hitters for journeymen middle relievers.

Posts: 8300 · Posted: Apr 23, 2007 5:22 pm

Dee dee dee.

Posts: 7958 · Posted: Apr 23, 2007 5:40 pm

DOH!!! wrote:

Why don't Tampa just deal one of their many OFs (Rocco, Dukes, or Upton?) for a established reliever?

Established relievers falter all the time and tend to be older.

Posts: 3219 · Posted: Apr 23, 2007 8:06 pm

I think that they should trade Dukes for some starting pitching. They have a pretty good #1 an ok #2 but there #3,4,5 should be in the minors