Price Cut !: Price, Ruggiano and Ryu sent down.

The Rays made their second round of cuts today optioning David Price to minor leagues. The move is no surprise and is necessary for Price to get regular work in. He most likely will report to Advanced A Vero Beach. Maddon said Price was "Very Impressive." Price seemed a bit disappointed saying:

“They came into this thing with a plan and they’re going to stick to it,” he said. “That’s what happens.”

In a very surprising move to me the Rays optioned Justin Ruggiano to the minors. Maddon said the Rays are more likely leaning towards keeping left handed Vets Jon Weber or John Rodriguez. Although you can probably add Chris Richard to that list, he is left handed.

Ruggiano had a very impressive season at AAA last year, earning a September callup. He's struggled at the plate this spring, but still has been better that Rodriguez who has one hit in 22 AB's (0.45 Avg). He is also solid at all three OF positions. The official stance from Maddon was the Rays didn't want Ruggiano to ride the bench and he can play everyday at AAA.

I think that's kinda lame since the RF/DH will be a platoon where all players will get time. With Eric Hinske almost a lock to make the team he would provide the Rays with a Lefty off the bench. It seems to me that Maddon just preferred a veteran to take that spot.

As R.J. Anderson pointed out the Rays are and have been talking about possibly adding Kenny Lofton to the mix. So maybe there is something going on behind the scenes and they are preparing to add Lofton soon.

Also J.K. Ryu was optioned as well.

Rays beat Yanks 4-1; Price makes Impressive Debut

The may have changed the name of the field, but today a legend was born on it. The Rays beat the Yankees to improve to 7-1 this spring, but the real story was David Price. Price took the mound in a professional game for the first time. So what he plunked the first batter, he was just setting the tone. Price went on to strike out the side topping the Radar gun at 99 MPH. Scouts consistently clocked Price at 95-97. Grown men wept in the stands as they witness the greatness. Ok so maybe thats all little dramatic for a spring game, but you have to be impressed by David Price's debut in a Rays Uni even in an exhibition game. All in all Price threw 17 pitches, 11 for strikes and Duncan, Lane and Betemit may not be Jeter, Rodriguez and Posada, but you can't dismiss the arsenal Price showed.

Price was the most impressive, but wasn't the only Rays pitcher who pitched well today. Shaking off his so-so first start of the spring, Matt Garza allowed one hit in three innings striking out four. Brian Anderson and Scott Munter threw a scoreless inning a piece and Scott Dohmann was perfect in his two innings of work. Kurt Birkins also worked an inning, giving up the Yankees only run.

Jonny Gomes hit his second home run of the spring, hitting a solo shot off of Mike Mussina. Hector Gimenez also hit a home run(1). His shot came off of Yankee Prospect Russ Ohlendorf. Rays 3B stud Evan Longoria was 1-3 with a run scored, while his closest competition, Willy Aybar was 1-1 with a RBI double playing 1B.

Box Score

The record setting Rays lead by Edwin Jackson will host the Reds on Sunday without Rocco Baldelli, who has all but been ruled out for Sunday's game. The clock is ticking on Baldelli and even Skipper Joe Maddon admitted it by telling the St. Petersburg Times:

"It's not like we're not worried about it right now (but) over the course of the next week something's probably got to give in a positive direction to know that he's going to be able to to get out there with any kind of regularity,'' Maddon said. "You're looking to get nine innings, whether it's as a DH or an outfielder so I'd say the next week is going to be very vital or important to determine that.''

The outlook on Scott Kazmir is much better. Kaz will throw a bullpen session on Monday after completing the long toss portion of his rehab.

He Was Born A Gamblin' Man?

Last night I was playing poker at Derby Lane here in St. Petersburg. As I looked up from my endless string of bad hands I saw a strapping lad walking past my table...his name is Todd Kalas. Apparently Mr. Kalas likes to either bet the dogs/ponies or play cards, or maybe both. Also, a few tables behind me was former Gibbs High School and Tampa Bay Bucs Quarterback Shaun King. The dealer at my table told me that "Mark Price plays up here a lot too." I said "who?" and he said "The Rays top pick in the draft." Good to see that David Price is being confused with a short, white point guard from the early to mid '90s. If you want to try and take the money of a Rays announcer, an ESPN NFL analyst or the top pick in the 2007 MLB Draft, go play at Derby Lane on Gandy Blvd. in St. Pete.

Is David Price Liriano-Like?

New Rays SS Jason Bartlett is no stranger to stud left handed pitchers. He's played behind the best pitcher on the planet, Johan Santana, and also Francisco Lirano. Bartlett now plays behind Rays Ace Scott Kazmir and soon top pick David Price. David Price threw against Major League hitters for the first time today and reminded Bartlett of Liriano especially. From the St. Pete Times:

From what I've seen he throws like Liriano up there. Obviously he doesn't have the changeup Liriano has just yet and the kid's young, but they've probably got Liriano in the future,'' Bartlett said. "The guy has to work hard and he'll be up there for a long time.''

That's the first time I've seen Price and Lirano in the same conversation. I'll be looking more into this in the near future.

Tampa Bay Rays: David Price LHP #14

40 Rays in 40 Days










David Price
LHP #14
HT:6'6 WT:225

The Dish: Price was the #1 overall pick of the 2007 MLB amateur draft by the Tampa Bay Rays. In his junior season at Vanderbilt University, Price went 11-1 with a 2.63 ERA and 194 strikeouts in 133.1 innings. He won almost every college award imaginable including: Dick Howser Trophy Winner, SEC Pitcher of the Year, SEC Male Athlete of the Year, and Collegiate Baseball's Co-National Player of the Year. The Rays chose to shut down Price after the draft. Despite never throwing a professional pitch there were whispers Price could make the team out of Spring Training, but those talks are dead now.

2007 Numbers:(Vanderbilt) Record 11-1 133.1 IP, 2.63 ERA, 194K, 31BB, .199 BAA

Role for '08: Most likely to start the season at AA(Montgomery) and quickly work through the Rays system. Expect him to be in the big leagues by Sept. 1st.

Jules's Fantasy Impact: Price only has value in a keeper league. If you have an expendable late round pick it wouldn't be bad idea to take a flyer on Price. He may get a cup of coffee in September, but his real fantasy value will be in '08.

Tommy Bottom Line: Hard to predict what Price will do this year. There are many things that can factor in, such as how much innings the Rays will limit him to. If he does get a call up in September, I'll go 1-1 4.02 ERA in 3 Starts.


A Closer look at David Price