Tampa Bay Rays: Shawn Riggans C #9

40 Rays 40 Days










Shawn Riggans
C #9
HT:6'2 WT:210

The Dish: Shawn Riggans was drafted by the Rays in the 24th Round of the 2000 draft. Injuries have really hampered Riggans career limiting him to 222 games over the first four years of his pro career. He finally saw some regular action in 2005 at AA Montgomery playing in 89 games. Riggans played well hitting .310/.365/.454 with 8 home runs and 53 RBI. In 2006 Ruggans saw extensive action as the AAA Durham catcher playing in a career high 115 games. He was also named best defensive catcher in the International League by Baseball America. Riggans continued to produce with .293/.341/.444. He earned a septemeber call up and sparringly played in eight games for the Rays with limited success .172/.207/.273. He started the 2007 season with AAA Durham but went on the DL with an arm injury. He briefly went on rehab assignement in Vero Beach, but was called up to the Rays in late May. Riggans only appeared in three games before going down with a season ending arm injury.

2007 Numbers: (AAA Durham) 33 Games .281/.333.471 with 4 home runs and 16 RBI. (A Vero Beach) 8 Games .300/.323/.367 0 home runs 5 RBI. (Rays) 3 Games .100/.100/.100 0 home runs 2 RBI.

Jules Fantasy Impact: If Navarro struggles or is hurt by an irate Yankee Riggians should see limited action. If he does get playing time I'd recommend picking him up in AL-Only leagues.

Role for '08: Despite his bad luck with injuries, Riggans comes into this season as the leading candidate for the backup catcher position. Even though Joe Maddon expressed a desire to have a veteran behind Dioner Navarro he named Riggans the leader for the spot. Riggans has "face" and Joe Maddon LOVES face. I expect Riggans to win the job out of spring an actually see alot of action for the Rays this season. If Navarro struggles, the Rays may lean on Riggans to play even more.

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