Friday, October 1, 2010

Rays News 10/1

Marc Topkin of the St. Petersburg Times reports that impending free agent Rafael Soriano has hired Scott Boras as his agent.

If Soriano wasn't a goner already, this probably clinches it. The 30-year-old right-hander has exceeded all expectations by posting a 1.76 ERA, 0.78 WHIP and 44 saves in 47 chances this season. He'll look to cash in this winter. It's a legitimate question who will close next season for Tampa Bay since Grant Balfour, Dan Wheeler, Joaquin Benoit and Chad Qualls could all end up elsewhere, as well.

Matt Garza gave up three runs in seven innings Thursday in a loss to the Royals.
Garza didn't exactly finish strong. He was roughed up by Boston and by the Yankees twice this month, and while he came with back quality starts against the Mariners and Royals, those aren't the kind of offenses he'll be facing in October. He ends the year 15-10 with a 3.91 ERA.


Rays manager Joe Maddon said there's a chance David Price will start Saturday against the Royals.
The possibility opened after Wade Davis had his next start pushed back to Sunday, leaving Saturday wide-open. "Yes, there is a chance that he can pitch, yes," said Maddon. "He could start. We're talking about all the different ways to set it up." If Price makes the start, he likely wouldn't stick around long enough to qualify for his 20th victory. He is scheduled to start Game 1 of the ALDS next Wednesday.

Rays manager Joe Maddon said he wouldn't hesitate sitting Evan Longoria this weekend if his left quad is not properly healed.
"That wouldn't bother me in the least; I don't think it's absolutely imperative that he does (play this weekend)," said Maddon. "The biggest thing is that he feels confident on his leg in the first game of the playoffs." Maddon said there is only an "outside chance" that he will return to the lineup Friday, though he is expected to play at some point during the weekend series. Fantasy owners shouldn't give up on their contingency plan.


Its not really a big deal unless you have Longoria in your fantasy baseball leagues but the ultimate point is that he is healthy for the playoff run. With the news of Soriano  being very hot throughout the season and the possible dismantlement of the playoff team  by the Rays ownership we could see how this  will be a big season for the fans. It is really sad seeing a team that was always a bottom dweller in the toughest division in baseball to finally play just as good, if not better, then the Yankees and Red Sox, to lose all its star players. I m not suggesting that all of the players will be gone but the team will lack some serious firepower  in the batting rotation if the Rays don't  pony up the cash to keep the players. But fans its this season to hold your breaths cause the Rays will go deep in the playoffs. Lets finally bring a World Series to Tampa so we can have all 3 major sports championship titles!

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