Tampa Bay Rays: Chad Orvella RHP #54

As we continue on our 40 Rays in 40 days series, our next Ray is P Chad Orvella.










Chad Orvella
RHP #54
HT:5'11 WT:195

The Dish:Once thought of as the future closer of the Rays, Chad Orvella is just looking to stay with the organization. Selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 13th Rd of the 2003 draft from N.C. State, Orvella was on the fast track to the Major Leagues from the start. After the draft, Orvella reported to Low A Hudson Valley and did not surrender an ER in 12.1 Innings of work. In 2004 Orvella blew through four classes of the Rays minor leagues starting at Class A Charleston and ending at AAA Durham. In 45 total games, Orvella had a 2.45 ERA, .075 WHIP and 12 saves. He started 2005 at AA Montgomery, but was called up the Majors after an impressive start (.36 ERA and 9 Saves). Orvella made his debut for the Rays on 5/31/05 and ended up pitching in 37 games for the Rays with good results. 3-3 with a 3.60 ERA and 1 save. In the spring of 2006 there was real optimism that Orvella would be the Rays closer, but after rough spring and even rougher start to the season Orvella was sent back to AAA Durham, where again he posted great numbers. The Rays recalled Orvella again in August 2006, but with the same results as earlier. He finished 2006 with a 1-5 record, 7.40 ERA in 22 Major League games. Orvella had a strong showing in the spring of 2007, but did not make the club initially. He was called up in May, but was sent down after 10 awful games going 0-2 with a 14.63 ERA. He spent the rest of the season at AAA and again posted good numbers in the minor leauges only. Right now his is the poster boy for pitching scared in the Major Leauges. His minor league numbers are staggering, only walking 45 batters in over 200 innings. However, his major league numbers are just as staggering for the wrong reasons. He's walked 53 batters in just over 80 innings and owns a career of 4-10 with a 5.79 and 1.87 WHIP.

2007 Numbers:(AAA Durham)42 Games, 3-3 with a 3.12 ERA and 20 Saves. (Rays)10 Games, 0-2 with a 14.63 ERA and 3.50 WHIP.

Role for '08: While there is still slim hope that Orvella can still be a servicable major league pitcher, his days of "future closer" are behind him. With the possiblity of Evan Longoria and others needing a 40 man spot before opening day, Orvella is a candidate for being designated for assignment and possibly catching on somewhere else. If he clears waivers and stays with the Rays, expect him to put up great numbers at AAA Durham, but little else.