Tampa Bay Rays: Jonny Gomes OF/DH #31

40 Rays 40 Days










Jonny Gomes
OF/DH #31
HT:6'1 WT:225

The Dish: When Jonny Gomes walks in a room, people notice. The 18th round pick of the Tampa Bay Rays in 2001, Jonny Gomes is simply...The Man. Gomes is The Stylin', profilin', limousine riding, jet flying, kiss-stealing, wheelin' n' dealin' son of a gun! Don't believe me? Just ask your girlfriend.

It didn't take long for Jonny Gomes to show the Rays that dude can flat out mash the ball. In 62 games of rookie ball, Gomes hit .291/.442/.597 with 16 home runs. Not even a heart attack on Christmas eve of 2002 could stop Jonny. By the time the 2002 season rolled around Gomes was in Advanced A ball hitting 30 home runs for Bakersfield. Gomes started 2003 in AA Orlando hitting 17 more home runs before a brief promotion to AAA. Gomes played in five games for AAA durham and made his big league debut on 9/12/03. Gomes played in eight games for the Rays that September. In 2004 Jonny had a brief five game stint with the Rays, spending most of his time at AAA Durham hitting .256/.368/.531 with 26 home runs and 78 RBI.

2005 was a good year for Gomes. He was briefly up with the big league club until May and was sent down again playing 45 games total for AAA Durham. He was recalled in June and remained with the Rays for the remainder season. Gomes finished a with a line of .282/.372/.534 21 home runs and 54 RBI. He also finished third in the AL Rookie of the Year voting. There were high hope for Jonny in 2006 and he started off with a bang, hitting 11 home runs in the month of April. However, a shoulder injury hampered Gomes and he finished the season on the DL; hitting .216/.325/.431 with 20 home runs and 59 RBI. The Rays made Gomes battle for a roster spot in the spring of 2007. Gomes broke camp with the team, but barely saw playing time and was sent to the minors in May. Gomes was recalled in June and saw an increase in playing time, playing in 107 games total.

2007 Numbers:(AAA Durham)13 Games .302/.464/.419 with 1 home run. (Rays) .244/.332/.460 with 17 home runs and 49 RBI.

Jules Fantasy Impact: If he gets 350-400+ ABs he should put up a line close to .260/.360/.450 or so with 20-25 HR and 75RBI. He has the potential to exceeded those predictions and have a season similar to his 2005. I'd say he's worth a flyer in an AL-Only league and a waiver wire watch in deeper mixed leagues.

Role for '08: The expectation during the offseason is Jonny Gomes would team up with Rocco Baldelli and Cliff Floyd to form a super trio platoon in RF/DH. Gomes would see the bulk of the AB's against left handed pitchers with Floyd and Baldelli playing against right handers. The Baldelli injury now makes the trio a duo. Gomes and Floyd should be in the line up almost everyday now alternating between RF and DH with Gomes seeing the bulk of time in the field. The Rays are looking internally at Jon Weber, John Rodriguez and Chris Richard as 5th outfield options. If one of those guys makes the team expect Jonny to get 500 AB's and hit 30 home runs. If the Rays choose to bring in Kenny Lofton or another outside candidate Gomes will see a little less AB's, but it won't really make much of a difference. He is also tougher than Shelley Duncan by a long shot.

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Tampa Bay Rays: Gary Glover RHP #47

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Gary Glover
RHP #47
HT:6'5 WT:225

The Dish: G-Love was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 15th Round of the 1994 Draft. Glover spent almost six full seasons in the minors as a starter. He compiled a record of 31-55 as a starter before getting a one game call up in 1999. That would be Glover's only appearance as a Blue Jay and he spent all of 2000 at the Jays AAA Level. He was traded to the White Sox and started six games at AAA before being called up to Chicago. He made 48 appearances including 11 starts. He spent all of 2002 and most of 2003 with the White Sox before being traded to the Angels. Over his three year career in Chicago, Glover was 13-13 with a 4.89 ERA over 111 games including 33 starts. He made 18 relief appearances for the Angels in 2003 going 1-0 with a 5.00 ERA. In 2004 he moved around three organizations, pitching for the AAA affiliates for the Cubs, Twins and Brewers. He made a four game appearance for the Brewers going 2-1 in 4 appearances(3 Starts) with a 3.50 ERA. In 2005 Glover split time between the Brewers and their AAA Nashville club. His Major League numbers were 5-4 with a 5.57 ERA in 15 games(11 Starts). Glover moved to Japan for the 2006 season. Pitching mostly as a starter for Yomiuri, Glover pitched in 20 games(18 Starts)going 5-7 with a 4.97 ERA. In 2007, Glover signed a minor league deal with the Rays during the offseason. He made the club out of camp and by default led all Rays relievers in appearances with 67 last year.

2007 Numbers: (Rays) 67 Appearances, 6-5 with a 4.89 ERA and 2 Saves.

Jules Fantasy Impact: Maddon loves Glover so I imagine he'll stay around all year, but I'm hoping against it. Which means no fantasy value.

Role for '08: Glover became a favorite of Joe Maddon's last year earning him a spot in the bullpen this year before Spring Training even started. Glover is a "what you see is what you get" player. He'll have good appearances and he'll make bad ones. His career 5.00 ERA isn't there by accident, but it's keep him in professional baseball for 14 years. He should be called on for the Rays early and often in middle relief.

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Tampa Bay Rays: Elliot Johnson 2B #43

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Elliot Johnson
2B #43
HT:6'0 WT:185

The Dish: Elliot Johnson was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2002. He's made a steady progression through the Rays' minor leagues since 2002. By 2005 he was at Advanced Class A Visalia and was promoted to AA Montgomery during the season. He was one of eight minor leaguers to hit 10 home runs and steal 40 bases that year. He was named the Cal Leagues faster runner by Baseball America. Johnson spent all of 2006 at AA Montgomery as the starting 2B for the Southern League Champion Biscuits. Johnson showed an increase in power, hitting 13 home runs in 108 games but only stealing 15 bases and hitting .272/.324/.440. He was promoted to AAA Durham in 2007 and spent the entire season as the Bulls 2B. Johnson, however did not produce at all. He hit just .207 for the Bulls and did not impress.

2007 Numbers:(AAA Durham) 207/.285/.341 with 11 home runs in 129 games

Jules Fantast Impact: Once again...none

Role for '08: Johnson was expected to go through spring training quietly and report to AAA for another season. He's awful numbers last year did not warrant much more. However, Johnson literally exploded onto the national scene for his home plate collision with Yankees C prospect Francisco Cervelli. Jonhson was an over night celebrity, drawing the back page of the three major metro newspapers in New York as well as becoming the central figure in a war of words between Yankees and Rays coaches and fans. Once the dust settles down Johnson will go back to AAA and be the 2B again. He could receive a callup if one of the Rays IF is injured.

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Tampa Bay Rays: J.P. Howell LHP #39

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J.P. Howell
LHP #39
HT:6'0 WT:175

The Dish: J.P. Howell was originally the 2nd round pick the Atlanta Braves in the 2001 draft. Howell opted not to sign and enrolled in the University of Southern California. After a year at USC he transferred to the University Of Texas where he was 25-4 in two seasons. The Royals selected him with their 1st round pick in 2004. Howell started 18 games at Class A going 8-2 before jumping to the majors. Howell made his big league debut on 6/11/05. He made 15 starts for the Royals going 3-5 with a 6.19 ERA. In 2006 Howell started the season at AAA Omaha, but was traded to the Rays in exchange for OF Joey Gathright and IF Fernando Cortez on 6/20/06. Howell made 10 starts for Durham going 5-3 with a 2.62 ERA and earned a callup to the Rays in August. Howell made eight starts for the Rays going 1-3 with a 5-10 ERA. He started the 2007 again at the AAA level, but was called up to the bigs a few times through out the season.

2007 Numbers: (AAA Durham) 21 Starts 7-8 with a 3.38 ERA. (Rays) 10 Starts 1-6 with a 7.59 ERA

Jules Fantasy Impact: If you even look at his name during a draft you should be shot.

Role for '08: Howell came into the spring as a candidate for one of the final two spots in the rotation. He has pitched well so far, but it seems that he is destine to become a reliever maybe even out of camp this year. His soft stuff (Fastball that barely gets above 85, but good breaking ball and change) doesn't translate into a major league starter. He does generally have good command, is left handed and could be a long reliever out of the bullpen, but does not do well with men on base.

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Tampa Bay Rays: Shawn Riggans C #9

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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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Tampa Bay Rays: John Raburn IF #6

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John Raburn
IF #6
HT:6'0 WT:164


The Dish: John Raburn was the Los Angeles Angels 16th round pick in 2000 out of the University of South Florida. Raburn has bounced around the minor leagues in four organization for the past eight seasons. Raburn was seleced by the Rays in the 2004 Rule V minor league draft and spent all of 2005 with AA Montgomery hitting .284/.351.337 with one home run and 31 RBI. He spent most of 2006 at AA, but was promoted to AAA Durham where he hit .194 in 24 games. He spent all of 2007 in the Marlins minor league system. A true utility player Raburn has played C, 1B, 2B, SS, 3B, OF and pitched in eight games. He is a career .274/.370/.337 hitter with only five career home runs, however, he has an ERA of 0.00 in seven innings.

2007 Numbers(AA Carolina)95 Games .241/.336/.318 with 2 home runs and 23 RBI (AAA Alburqurque) 21 Games .292/.370/.375 0 home runs and 6 RBI

Role for '08: Raburn literally appeared out of nowhere this spring and just recently appearing in a game for the Rays. The Rays resigned Raburn on Jan. 6th 2008, but He was just added to the Rays 40 Man Roster. If you believe in the magic of Spring Training Jersey numbers Raburn is listed as #6, so that may indicate he could be battling out with Andy Cannizaro for a temporary spot if Zobrist goes on the DL. If not I guess Raburn could be stashed away at AAA Durham as an insurance policy

The Official Site made a mistake in listing Raburn on the 40 Man roster, but who cares I did the work lets count Raburn as the 41st man.

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Tampa Bay Rays: Jeff Niemann RHP #34

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Jeff Niemann
RHP #34
HT:6'9 WT:280


The Dish: The Rays made Jeff Niemann the 4th overall pick in the 2004 draft out of Rice University. In 2005 Niemann went 0-1 with a 3.98 ERA in five starts. He was sent to AA Montgomery where he made six appearances(three starts) going 0-1 with a 4.35 ERA. He had surgery in the offseason, but still made 14 starts in 2006 for AA Montgomery. Niemann finished 5-5 with a 2.68 ERA as the biscuits went on to win the Southern League title that year. In 2007 Jeff spent the entire season at AAA Durham, trying to prove to the Rays and his critics that he was durable enough to remain a starter. Niemann made 25 starts and pitched a career high 131 innings.

2007 Numbers: (AAA Durham) 25 Starts 12-6 with a 3.98 ERA.

Jules Fantasy Impact: Neimann could be a very late round sleeper or a pretty good waiver wire pick up in mid season.

Role for '08: Was named as a candidate by Joe Maddon for the fourth and fifth rotation spot coming into the spring. Niemann has not disappointed either, and with the struggles of others is looking pretty good right now. If he doesn't make the team out of spring it will likely be because of the other candidates option status. If this is the case expect Niemann to be starting for the Rays by June anyway.

Wikipedia

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Tampa Bay Rays: Joel Guzman IF/OF #29

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Joel Guzman
IF/OF #29
HT:6'6 WT:250

The Dish: Joel Guzman was signed as an undrafted free agent in July 2001. Guzman was only 16 years old at the time and looked like a future star at SS for the Dodgers. In 2002-2003 Guzman struggled at the lower levels of the minor leagues before having a sort of break out season at the plate in 2004. At age 19 Guzman hit .297/.341/.540 with 23 home runs and 86 RBI in a combined 133 games between Class A and AA. In 2005 the solid hitting continued for Guzman at AA Jacksonville hitting .287/.351/.475 with 16 home runs and 75 RBI propelling him to the top of the Dodgers prospect list. His size became a problem for him, as he out grew SS by 2006. He was moved to 3B, 1B and LF. He briefly made an apperance with the Dodgers, making his debut on 6/1/06. He was traded to the Rays with Sergio Pedroza for Julio Lugo on 7/31/06. He played 25 games for AAA Durham hitting an awful .193/.228/.386. In 2007 he started back with AAA Durham again displaying a sluggish line at the plate .242/.284/.408 with 16 home runs. The Rays called him up in September and Guzman played in 16 games.

2007 Numbers: (AAA Durham) .242/.284/.408 with 16 home runs and 64 RBI.(Rays) .243/.282/.378 0 Home Runs 4 RBI


Jules Fantasy Impact: He's a bench player. You could draft him in AL-Only leagues and he may add a little value, but I doubt it.

Role for '08: Guzman has a total of 56 major league AB's so its a little hard to call him a complete bust. He has no true position and continues to play 1B, 3B and the corner OF positions. He is still a favorite to make the club as a 3B/RF especially now with the injuries to Rocco Baldelli and Ben Zobrist..


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Tampa Bay Rays: Jason Hammel RHP #49

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Jason Hammel
RHP #49
HT:6'6 WT:220

The Dish: Jason Hammel was originally selected by the Seattle Mariners in 23rd Round (686th overall) of 2000 draft. Hammel did not sign with the Mariners and was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 19th Round in 2001. Hammel spent three seasons in the lower minor leagues compiling a record of 17-16 in 51 starts. In 2005 Hammel started the season at AA Montgomery and had a good deal of success going 8-2 with a 2.66 ERA in 12 starts. He received a promotion to AAA Durham making 10 starts going 3-2 with a 4.12 ERA. He briefly started the 2006 season with the Rays making his debut on 4/11/06. He was sent down and made 24 starts for Durham, going 5-9 with a 4.23 ERA. The Rays recalled him in late August and he was in the rotation for the final month. His major league numbers were largely unimpressive; 0-6 with a 7.77 ERA and giving up 12.48 hits per nine innings. Hammel started the 2007 season at Durham and made 13 starts. The Rays called him up in June and Hammel made 24 appearances including 14 mostly unsuccessful starts for the Rays. Hammel didn't last more than six inning in any start.

2007 Numbers: (AAA Durham) 4-5 with a 3.42 ERA in 13 starts. (Rays) 3-5 with a 6.14 ERA in 24 appearances(14 Starts).



Jules Fantasy Impact: None, none what so ever.

Role for '08: While Hammel has been bad in the major leagues he probably will start the season with the Rays. He is out of options and would be claimed on waivers if the Rays tried to pass him through. He will mostly likely start the season as the long man out of the bullpen, but could be a trade candidate for the Rays.


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Tampa Bay Rays: Juan Salas RHP #53

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










Juan Salas
RHP #53
HT:6'2 WT:230

The Dish: Or should I say "The Juice", Salas originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Rays in 1998 as a 20 year old infielder from of the Dominican Republic. Salas spent six years in the Rays system as a third basemen. He also played some shortstop, second base and outfield. In 2004 Salas played 78 games for AA Montgomery at third base before converting to pitcher. He reported back to rookie ball and pitched in eight games for Princeton. In 2005 Salas started at advanced A Visalia and ended back up with AA Montgomery this time as a relief pitcher. In 2006 Salas made an incredible leap, going from AA to MLB. Salas posted extremely impressive numbers as the Montgomery Biscuits closer, going 3-0 with a 0.52 ERA and 14 Saves. Working primarily with a cutter that some likened to Mo Rivera, he was promoted to AAA Durham where he went 1-1 with a 1.57 ERA in 27 games. The Rays made him a September call up and he made is debut on 9/5/06. Salas pitched in eight games with a 5.40 ERA. Salas made the Rays bullpen out of spring in 2007, but was suspended 50 games for Performance Enchancing Drugs in May. After the suspension, he returned to AA Montgomery and then AAA Durham to some innings in before returning to the Majors in July. For the year Salas was one of the better Rays relievers.

2007 Numbers:(Rays) 34 Games, 1-1 with a 3.72 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP (AA Montgomery)0-0 27.00 ERA in 2 Games (AAA Durham) 1-0 with a 2.08 ERA in 7 Games.

Jules Fantasy Impact: As with most non-closers he'll have value if he can post a low WHIP. Middle relievers get picked up and dropped all season long, I'm sure Salas will be one of those players. If he can even come close to translating his minor league stats to the majors he'll have value beyond AL-only leagues.

Role for '08: Going into the offseason Salas seemed to have a strong hold on a bullpen job, but as the season got closer Salas's chances got worse. First, the signing of veterans such as Percival and Miller created less competition for last year relievers. Second, Salas is one of the only candidates with a option to go back to the minor leagues. Third, he hasn't even reported to spring training yet due to visa issues in the DR. Salas will almost certainly start the season at AAA Durham and be the first bullpen call up when needed.

Tampa Bay Rays: Grant Balfour RHP #50

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










Grant Balfour
RHP #50
HT:6'2 WT:190

The Dish: The Thunder From Down Under, Grant Balfour signed with the Minnesota Twins as an undrafted free agent out of Sydney, Australia. Balfour (pronounced Ball-Four) was once a touted starting pitching prospect in the Minnesota Twins system.

From 1997-2000, Balfour compiled a minor league record of 25-16 with a 3.73 ERA working mostly as a starter. In late 2000 and early 2001 Balfour was moved to the bullpen. He made his Minnesota Twins debut on 7/22/01. His call up was brief, only lasting two games. The bulk of his work for 2001 came at AA New Britain and AAA Edmonton, working 46 games as a reliever. He spent all of 2002 and most 2003 in the minors working 79 games including 11 as a starter. He did make 16 relief appearance and his lone MLB start in 2003 for the Twins. In 2004 Balfour was a part of the Twins Central Division Championship team. Balfour pitched in 36 games with 4-1 record and posted a 4.35 ERA, striking out 42 batters in 39.1 Innings.

In 2005 the injury bug hit Balfour hard. He started the season on the DL with what was diagnosed with a forearm injured that later turned into season-ending elbow ligament-replacement surgery. Balfour successfully underwent Tommy John Surgery on May 13, 2005. He missed the entire 2005 season and was non-tendered in the offseason, ending his career in Minnesota. He signed with the Cincinnati Reds for the 2006, but never made it past Single A ball pitching 9 games including two starts with a ERA of 7.00.

In 2007 he was claimed off of waivers by the Milwaukee Brewers. Balfour was pretty impressive in his 32 minor league relief appearances going 1-1 in 32 games with a 1.87 ERA and a 0.92 WHIP. Those numbers earned Balfour his trip back to the Majors. On July 16, 2007 the Brewers called Balfour up to the Major Leagues. Balfour pitched in three games for the brewers going 0-2 with a 20.25 ERA. He was designated for assignment a little more than 10 days later. That same day he was traded to the Rays for Seth McClung. Balfour finished the season in the Rays pen going 1-0 in 22 games with a 6.14 ERA. The Rays liked what they saw and re-signed Balfour to a one-year deal this offseason worth over a million dollars.

2007 Numbers: (AA Huntsville and AAA Nashville) 32 games, 1-1 with a 1.87 and 0.92 WHIP. (Brewers and Rays)25 Games, 1-2 with a 7.66 ERA and 2.027 WHIP.

Jules Fantasy Impact: He could have little value in AL only leagues, but that's about it.

Role for '08: Balfour comes into this spring as one of three candidates for the final bullpen spot. His competition is Scott Dohmann and the Ghost of Juan Salas, so he has a legitimate shot. If he doesn't make the team he will be subject to waivers, where a team may take a flier on him. If not he will wait for the call at AAA Durham.

KFFL

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Tampa Bay Rays: Fernando Perez OF #38

As we continue on our 40 Rays in 40 days series, our next Ray is OF Fernando Perez.










Fernando Perez
OF #38
HT:6'1 WT:185

The Dish:Perez, a graduate of Columbia University, was drafted by the Rays in the 7th round of the 2004 draft. Perez struggled immediately at Hudson Valley of the NY Penn league, hitting only .232/.314/.322. The Rays still promoted Perez to Southwest Michigan in 2005. Perez numbers improved to .289/.361/.406. Perez showed off great speed stealing 57 bases in 74 attempts. In 2006 Perez made the move to advanced A Visalia, where again his numbers continued to improve. In the Cal. league Perez's line was .303/.395/.393. He still didn't show much power only hitting 4 home runs in 133 games. Perez enjoyed a terrific 2007 league for AA Montgomery. Perez showed a little more power hitting 8 home runs in 102 games while hitting .308/.423/.481. Perez also drew 76 walks and stole 32 bases for the Biscuits.

2007 Numbers:(AA Montgomery)102 Games, .308/.423/.481, 8 home runs, 33 RBI with 76 walks and 32 steals.

Role for 08:Perez should start the season at AAA Durham. If not he will be there soon. Depending on the injuries at the major league level there is an outside chance that Perez could be in the Majors at some point this season. Critics of Perez have sited his age as a possible concern. Perez will be 25 by the end of April which is pretty old for a AA player.

Very well spoken, funny hair do



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Tampa Bay Rays: James Houser LHP #45

Sorry we've been behind on our 40 Rays in 40 Days. We've caught "it" and our heads were about to explode for the past three days.

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










James Houser
LHP #45
HT:6'4 WT:185

The Dish: Sarasota's own James Houser was drafted by the Rays in the 2nd round(38th Overall) in the 2003 draft. Houser was drafted out of Sarasota H.S. and made his pro debut at age 18 for the Princeton Rays in the Appalachian League. In his first three years at the lower levels of the minors, Houser was 11-13 with a 3.23 ERA. He also posted some impressive K and Walk numbers. In those three years Houser pitched 188.2 innnings, striking out 180 batters and only walking 57. By 2006 Houser had finally moved on to High A Visalia. Houser went 12-4, but his ERA was a little high at 4.35, however he only walked 46 batters in 151 innings. In 2007 Houser was promoted to AA Montgomery where he went 5-4 with a 3.65 ERA and 1.23 WHIP in 20 starts. His season was cut short when he was suspended for 50 games for testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance. The suspension was cut short when the Rays found a loophole in the system. In order to protect Houser from the Rule V draft the Rays added him to the 40 man roster this offeason. Once he was placed on the 40 man he was deemed no longer "subject to the minor-league rules and is no longer considered suspended,'' Rays spokesman Rick Vaughn said.

2007 Numbers:(AA Montgomery)20 Starts, 5-4 with 3.65 ERA and 1.23 WHIP

Role for '08: Houser will most likely will start the season back at AA Montgomery in order to catch up on some of the time he missed last season. As long as the Rays keep him on the 40 man roster, the suspension remains void even though he is still in the minor leagues. Depending on his success Houser could be in the AAA Durham rotation by seasons end. For what it's worth, Houser has pitched two scoreless innings this spring putting out the fire on bases loaded jams both times.

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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.

Tampa Bay Rays: Ben Zobrist IF #18

As we continue on our 40 Rays in 40 days series, our next Ray is IF Ben Zobrist.










Ben Zobrist
IF #18
HT:6'3 WT:200

The Dish: Ben "Benzo" Zobrist was the Houston Astros 6th round pick in the 2004 draft. Zobrist was selected out of Dallas Baptist University after playing previously for Olivet Nazarene University. In his first year of profession baseball Zobrist hit .338/438/.463 for Low A Tri City. In 2005 Zobrist was the starting shortstop for Team USA in the World Cup. In the minors that same year, Zobrist continued to post excellent numbers this time at High A Salem His line for the season was .333/.475/.496. The year 2006 was a big jump for Benzo, he started out in AA Corpus Cristi and ended up in the Major League for the Tampa Bay Rays, who acquired him along with Mitch Talbot for Aubrey Huff. Zobrist only played 18 games for AAA Durham before making his big league debut for the Rays on 8/1/06. In all he played 52 games in the Majors in '06, but was unable to continue his solid hitting batting only .224 with a .260 OBP. Zobrist was the Rays 2007 Opening Day Shortstop, but that was the only good news for Zobrist in 2007. He was sent down to Durham after two games into the month of May. The reason being his awful March and April which saw Zobrist put up simply awful numbers hitting on .145/.213/.148. Zobrist would be recalled later on in the year after Ty Wigginton was traded and didn't do much better.

2007 Numbers: (AAA Durham) 61 Games, .279/.403/.455 with 7 home runs and 22 RBI. (Rays) 31 Games, .155/.184/.206 with 1 home run and 9 RBI.

Role for '08: Despite his dreadful 2007 season Benzo still has a shot to make the team this year out of Spring. His days as a starter are long gone, but his solid defensive has kept him in the running for an infield utility spot. The problem with Zobrist is he has yet to play another position besides shortstop in the Major Leagues. If he is going to beat out Willy Aybar or long shot Andy Cannizaro, he's going to have to show the ability to play second and third base as well as maybe some first.

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Tampa Bay Rays: Jae Kuk Ryu RHP #11

As we continue on our 40 Rays in 40 days series, our next Ray is P Jae Kuk Ryu.










Jae Kuk Ryu
RHP #11
HT:6'3 WT:220

The Dish:At the age of 18, Jae Kuk Ryu was signed by the Cubs as a non drafted free agent out of South Korea in 2001. In 2003 Ryu went 6-1 with a 1.75 ERA in 11 starts for Class A Lansing. The following year the Cubs decided to move Ryu to the bullpen, and he reached AAA briefly at the age of 21. For 2005 the Cubs moved Ryu back to AA and back to the rotation. He enjoyed a nice season at AA going 11-8 with a 3.34 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP for West Tennessee. Like 2005, 2006 was another solid season for Ryu. He made his big league debut on 5/14/06 and pitched made 10 appearances for the Cubs, with 1 start. The results were not favorable 0-1 with a 8.40 ERA. He was sent to AAA Iowa and was very solid going 8-8 with a 3.23 ERA and 1.25 WHIP in 23 starts. Before spring training 2007, the Rays acquired Ryu in exchange for minor leaguers OF Andrew Lopez and RHP Greg Reinhard. Ryu made the Rays team out of Spring Training as a reliever, but was sent down on June 2nd. He was recalled on July 20th, only to be sent down again on July 30th. In AAA Durham Ryu was used as a starter for the remainder of the season going 5-4 with a 4.04 ERA.

2007 Numbers:(AAA Durham)5-4 4.04 ERA in 14 Starts,(Rays)1-2 7.33 ERA in 17 relief appearances with a 1.80 WHIP.

Role for 08:With the abundance of pitching wealth the Rays have it's hard to see Ryu actually making an impact for the Rays not only in '08, but ever. Depending on corresponding 40 man roster moves Ryu is a candidate to be Designated for Assignment and could slip through waivers. If that happens look for him to be a spot starter/long reliever for Durham.

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Tampa Bay Rays: Calvin Medlock RHP #56

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










Calvin Medlock
RHP #56
HT:5'10 WT:195

The Dish:Medlock was the Reds 39th round pick in the 2002 draft out of North Central Texas College. He started his pro career as a reliever in 2003. In 2004 he was moved to a starting role, making 24 starts in 33 appearances. He was named Reds Minor League Pitcher of the year in 2005 going 6-3 with a 3.06 ERA in 17 startsfor class A Sarasota Reds. In 2006 he was promoted to class AA Chattanooga, where he was converted to a full time reliever. He had a good deal of success going a 7-2 record with a 2.97 ERA and two saves. In 2007 he again was a reliever at AA and continued to post impressive numbers. He was promoted to AAA Louisville after 29 games. The Rays aquired Medlock along with Brian Shackleford in exchange for Jorge"Where's The Mongolian Beef" Cantu on July 28, 2007. The Rays sent Medlock to AAA Durham to finish the 2007 season.

2007 Numbers:(AA Chattanooga,AAA Louisville & AAA Durham combined)
51 Games, Record 6-3, 3.40 ERA, 1.12 WHIP in 79.1 IP.

Jules Fantasy Impact: The best case scenario is he gets called up and becomes Heath Bell, posting a low WHIP to help your fantasy team. But don't hold your breath as so few middle relievers are ever picked up in fantasy.

Role for '08: Medlock will start the season at AAA Durham where he posted a 3.45 ERA in 9 games last year. Depending on his showing this spring and early on this season at Durham he could be one of the first candidates to receive a callup should a Rays reliever get hurt or be ineffective.

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Tampa Bay Rays: John Jaso C #65

As we continue on our 40 Rays in 40 days series, our next Ray is C John Jaso.










John Jaso
C #65
HT:6'2 WT:205

The Dish: John Jaso is a home grown Rays prospect who was taken by the in the 12th round of the 2003 draft out of Southwestern Community College. Jaso's career started out slowly, spending two years in Hudson Valley(Ray's Low A Team). However, Jaso broke out in 2005 as a member of the Southwest Michigan Rays(A) hitting .307 with 14 Home runs. In 2006 Jaso continued his climb through the minor leagues at High-A Visalia hitting .308 with 10 home runs. Things really started looking up for Jaso in 2007 at the AA level with the Montgomery Biscuits. Jaso had a great season hitting .316/.408/.484 with 12 home runs and 71 RBI. The .316 batting average was second best in the Southern League. Jaso was named a AA All Star at seasons end.

2007 Numbers:(AA Montgomery) .316/.408.484, 12 Home Runs, 71 RBI, 24 2B

Jules' Fantasy Impact: Jaso is a good pickup in deeper keeper leagues. Keep an eye on him for next season.

Role for '08: Again like Ruggiano, Talbot and Price its highly unlikely Jaso makes the team out of Spring. Joe Maddon ideally would like to have a veteran behind Dioner Navarro for the 2008 season. However, if Jaso can put up similar numbers from last year this year at AAA Durham he will force the Rays to take a look at him for next season. We asked Jim Callis if he thinks Jaso can be an everyday catcher for the Rays and here is his response, "I do. He's a sleeper who can really hit and play decent to solid defense. The big question is whether he can stay healthy, as he has been bothered by persistent shoulder problems in pro ball."


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Tampa Bay Rays: Justin Ruggiano #10

As we continue on our 40 Rays in 40 days series, our next Ray is OF Justin Ruggiano.










Justin Ruggiano
OF #10
HT:6'2 WT:205

The Dish: Ruggiano was drafted out of Texas A & M in the 25th round of the 2004 draft by the Los Angeles Dogders. He was acquired by the Rays as a player to be named later on June 27th, 2006 completing the trade that brought Dioner Navarro and Jae Seo to the Rays for Toby Hall and Mark Hendrickson. Ruggiano owns a .307 lifetime batting average in 417 minor league games. In 2005 Ruggiano hit .342 with a .950 OPS in 53 games at AA Jacksonville in the Dodgers organization. Once he was traded to the Rays, Ruggiano continued to put impressive numbers up at AA. He ended the 2006 season hitting .333 with a 1.050 OPS with 14 doubles and 4 home runs in the final 31 games for Southern League Champion Montgomery Biscuits. In 2007 it was more impressive numbers from Justin. He became the first Durham Bull to hit 20 home runs and steal 20 bases since Ron Gant. He led the Bulls in Hits, Runs, Doubles, Home Runs, Walks, Steals and RBI. He finished 6th in the International League with a .309 Average. The one glaring weakness in Ruggiano's game is his patience at the plate. He K'd 31% of the time compared to walking 6%. He was called up to the Major Leagues in September and made his debut on 9/19/07. In limited action he hit .214 with 3 RBI and continued his limited patience with 5 K's in 14 AB's.

2007 Numbers:(AAA Durham).309/.386/.502 with 20 Home Runs, 73 RBI and 26 steals.

Jules' Fantasy Impact: I'm a big Ruggiano fan. I was hoping he would get some ABs in RF, but that was before the Rays signed Cliff Floyd. He'll probably make the major league roster at some point this season as a 4th OF, but don't expect too much out of him in '08.

Role for '08:After the Delmon Young and Elijah Dukes trades it looked like Ruggiano might get a chance to see more AB's at the big league level. However, with the addition of Cliff Floyd it is almost certain Ruggiano will begin the 2008 season like the 2007 season at AAA. There is still a good chance Ruggiano will see plenty of action at the big league level due to the well documented history of injuries for both Rocco Baldelli and Cliff Floyd.

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Tampa Bay Rays: Mitch Talbot RHP # 51

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










Mitch Talbot
RHP #51
HT:6'2 WT:200

The Dish: Mitch Talbot was the second round pick(70th overall) of the Houston Astros in 2002. Due to signing issues Talbot didn't begin his pro career until 2003, but immediately impressed Astros executives and scouts. At the age of 19 Talbot's fastball was already touching out at 95 on the radar gun. In 2005 Baseball America rated his change up as the best in the Astros organization, very impressive for a 21 year old single A pitcher. By 2006 Mitch was on the fast track to the Majors pitching for AA Corpus Christi, when he was traded to the Rays along with SS Ben Zobrist for IF/OF Aubrey Huff. Talbot made an immediate impact in his new organization joining AA Montgomery. In the month after the trade Talbot was named Rays minor league pitcher of the month in Aug. 06 going 2-1 with a 1.96 ERA with 47 K's(A Southern League High). He helped the Biscuits to their first of back to back championships and was named the AA top playoff performer. Talbot's 2007 season was spent at the Rays highest minor league level, AAA Durham. In his first full season at Durham, Talbot lead the International League in wins. Though he struggled at times last year, it seems Talbot has matured and plans to figure in the Rays immediate plans.

2007 Numbers:(AAA Durham)Record 13-9, 161 IP, 4.53 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, and only 59 BB's.

Role in '08: This spring Talbot was named by Joe Maddon as a candidate for one of the remaining two rotation spots. However, his chances of making the team are slim. Edwin Jackson and Andy Sonnanstine are the two leading candidates, and Talbot's Durham teammates Jeff Niemann and J.P Howell are also in the mix. Talbot would need a lights out spring and would need Jackson, Sonnanstine and Niemann to all struggle in order to make the team. It's more likely that Talbot will start the season again at Durham and be one of the first callups should a starting pitcher get injured or is ineffective.

Jule's Fantasy Impact: Mitch's value is minimal for this season. He's more of a player to watch for on the waiver wire. You probably get him for a $1 in the late rounds of auction leagues and hope for the best.

Tommy's Bottom Line: I think we will see Talbot at some point this season. If the Rotation stays healthy and all members pitch well Talbot most likely will be a September callup. However, most teams never have the luxury of an injury free rotation and with the questions surrounding Edwin Jackson effectiveness there is a real chance Talbot could be up sooner. I'll say we see Mitch sooner than later going 3-3 with a 4.87 ERA in 10 starts.

We caught Mitch chatting with Jeff Niemann at Practice














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