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.

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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