The St. Petersburg Times reports that the Rays have added free agent Gabe Kapler on a one-year, $1 million deal.
A surprise. It figured that the Rays would stick with Fernando Perez as the platoon partner for Matt Joyce, but now that role figures to go to Kapler. The 33-year-old Kapler hit .301/.340/.498 in 229 at-bats for the Brewers last season.
Gabe Gross hit some big homers and had some big defensive plays last year for the Rays. Now they sign another Gabe to take away ABs. Joyce should still get a majority of the playing time. I am surprised Ruggiano isn't getting talked about. They now have three guys above Ruggiano who will play yet again at AAA. Kapler's best year was all the way back in 2000 where he hit .302 with 14 HRs and 66 RBI.