Tampa Bay Sports Blog

   There are a ton of rumors swirling around the Rays as the deadline approaches this Thursday and they’ve got everyone guessing as to what they’re gonna do. I know my stomach dropped Friday when I saw the Yankees had obtained Xavier Nady and Demaso Marte from the Pirates. I really wanted Nady and thought the Rays could’ve gotten him using some sort of package involvingguys like Edwiin Jackson, Jason Hammel, Jeff Niemann or Andy Sonnanstine. The Pirates need pitching and the Rays have some to spare, so what happened? It’s anybone’s guess. This is hard for me to swallow for two reasons. It really helps the Yanks, who are coming fast, and it blocked the Rays from the deal. They killed us twice so to speak. This all leaves me wondering what the Rays plan to do. They’re being linked to guys like Brian Fuentes, Ron Mahay, Clint Barmes (god no), Jason Bay (no way that’s going to happen), Matt Murton, Mark Texiera and Matt Holliday (just for fun on the last two). I’m getting more frustrated with this because they don’t seem to be actively trying to move a Jackson, Hammel or Sonnanstine the way they should be. When David Price is ready to come up, one of these guys needs to be gone and they’re not looking to create an opening. This makes me think that we won’t see Price this year until September at the earliest. Their lack of moves also makes me believe that they’re are counting on Rocco to make an impact and that’s just crazy. I love Roc but we all know he’s one step away from a hospital bed at all times. I’m really curious about this whole thing. If they do get a Brian Fuentes, who’s gone? I would like to see Trevor Miller take a walk as he’s been disappointing. Any move they make for a bat must involve Gomes’ removal from the roster (finally!). If they don’t want to mortgage the future for today then they need to start using some of that future to see if it fits. Gomes has to go and Ruggiano should be given a shot to replace him if no trade is made. There is no trade market for Gomes so a DFA should be made asap. I would love to have seen the Rays capitalize on Jackson’s improvement this year and move him to make room for Price. I would like to see Sonnanstine stay because we do need an innings eater and Jackson isn’t it. I will be following these rumors closely this week and I’ll begin to list what I see as it’s close enough to watch now. I really do hope a move is made, even if it’s not a trade but a move to bring someone up and try to improve this team.

Scott Brannelly

Technorati Tags: Andy Sonnanstine, Brian Fuentes, Clint Barmes, David Price, Demaso Marte, Edwin Jackson, Jason Bay, Jason Hammel, Jeff Niemann, Jonny Gomes, Justin Ruggiano, Mark Texiera, Matt Holliday, Matt Murton, New York Yankees, Pittsburg Pirates, Rocco Baldelli, Ron Mahay, Tampa Bay Rays, Trevor Miller, Xavier Nady

   With the Rays offense struggling to push across runs, and the major need being a right handed bat to help out against lefties, this has to be Jonny Gomes last shot at production this year. I can understand why fans and even his teammates like him but his personality is not enough to keep him on the club. The Rays have been eyeballing guys like Xavier Nady, Jason Bay, Matt Murton and even Matt Holliday (not really). With the A’s throwing lefties at the Rays for the next three games Gomes has an opportunity to prove he can be that guy. At the start of the season we knew he would have limited playing time, we knew he was a defensive liability and with all that considered we counted on him to hit homeruns, especially against lefties. Mr. Gomes has disappointed in almost every way so far (he has done well stealing and running the bases) and it is time to show and prove. He says he’s a guy that needs regular playing time to get his swing right, what player doesn’t? All the excuses are gone now and he must start hitting. The Rays are winning more than we anticipated and a true RF/RH hitter could help put this team over the top. The trade market is iffy as the asking price for Bay and Holliday is too high, Nady might be damaged goods and Murton is still unproven. It also works against the Rays by having too much depth in the minors as every team has ridiculous asking prices when they speak to the Rays. It’s time for Gomes get it done or go ahead and join the WWE!

Scott Brannelly

Technorati Tags: Jason Bay, Jonny Gomes, Matt Holliday, Matt Murton, Tampa Bay Rays, Xavier Nady