Tampa Bay Rays News, Rumors, Prospects, and more

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Doug Gray is reporting that the Cincinnati Reds have traded Drew M. Anderson to the Rays. It is unknown which Rays player(s) are involved at this time. It shouldn't be anyone important, but stay tuned for details as they come in.

Anderson is a 26 year old who played mostly 2B (with some 3B/OF) for the Reds AA affiliate the Chattanooga Lookouts in 2008 (plus 8 games at AAA Louisville). In 225 AB's for Chattanooga he put up a line of .262/.328/.404. He was selected by the Reds in the 13th round of the 2004 draft out of the Ohio State University.

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Five players from the Rays organization made the Scout.com list of the Top 106(?) prospects in baseball:

1. David Price
11. Wade Davis
20. Tim Beckham
45. Jeremy Hellickson
106. Desmond Jennings

[love_that_reefer]

I expect good things from Davis this season.

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I expect good things from Davis this season.

In the minors or majors?

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DURHAM BULLS
ROTATION TAKING SHAPE: With arguably baseball’s top prospect David Price optioned yesterday to Durham, the Bulls rotation is nearly set. Price will more than likely be rejoined by righties Mitch Talbot and Wade Davis. Former major leaguer Carlos Hernandez, who is coming back from shoulder troubles, is expected to join Triple-A newcomer James Houser in the Bulls starting five. If this turns out to be Durham’s rotation, three of the five starters to begin the year will be lefties.

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PEN PERFECT: The bullpen certainly has the ability to be one of Durham’s strengths to start 2009. The following pitchers were in major league camp and have been either optioned to Durham or assigned to minor league camp: Winston Abreu, Jason Childers, Randy Choate, Dewon Day, Julio DePaula, Chad Orvella, and Dale Thayer. Every member of that group has either MLB experience or is currently on the Rays 40-man roster.

IN THE FIELD: The following players are still in MLB camp with the Rays, but are expected to be part of Durham’s roster: Michel Hernandez, Chris Richard, Ray Sadler and Jon Weber. Reid Brignac, John Jaso, Elliott Johnson, and Justin Ruggiano were optioned to Durham yesterday, along with Price.

WELCOME BACK: Bulls Manager Charlie Montoyo returned to camp late last week. Montoyo was a coach on Team Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic.

[love_that_reefer]

In the minors or majors?

Both really. I just can't see the Rays starters going two years in a row without injury so I think Davis will be an important part of the Rays success.

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Anderson was on the backfields at the Cincinnati Reds Spring Training Complex warming up for a game against minor leaguers from the Minnesota Twins. Anderson was in the starting lineup playing second base. As he finished up his pre-game routine and stretches he was tapped on the shoulder by field coordinator Freddie Benavides, and was asked to join him and Terry Reynolds for a few words. Anderson was told that he had just been traded to the Tampa Bay Rays and they were expecting him to report to their minor league complex in Port Charlotte, about 45 minute drive from Sarasota. With a few "thank you's" and "Good Lucks" Anderson headed into the clubhouse to pack up his locker and move his career in a new direction. ... I asked him if he knew any details of the trade, and he said all he knew was a phone number of the Rays farm director that he was supposed to call. Having their Triple-A team in Durham, North Carolina, Anderson is hoping to make that squad so that he can live at home and be close to family and friends. Appearing a bit "shell shocked," the 26 year old infielder told me he was excited "because Tampa Bay had a strong interest in him and could be a better road to the show."

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Both really. I just can't see the Rays starters going two years in a row without injury so I think Davis will be an important part of the Rays success.

If Hammel or Niemann go down, and Price is also injured do you think Davis would become the Starting Pitcher?

[love_that_reefer]

I don't see Hammel making the team personally. When Price comes up, I see Niemann going to long relief. Kazmir has a questionable elbow so he could miss some time this season much like he did last season. Late in the season, I can see Davis being the Price of last year. He either fills in one of the rotation spots if there's an injury or the same with a bullpen spot.

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Hopefully. Its a good thing we got such good prospects.

[love_that_reefer]

Depth and youth is definitely something the Rays have.

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Depth and youth is definitely something the Rays have.

Yes it is. A lot of other teams don't.

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For the 2009 season the Rays will introduce a new seating area at Tropicana Field known as Club 105. The team has converted section 105, previously a drink rail space, into an area with 70 padded seats. Beer, wine, soda, peanuts, popcorn and pretzels are included in the price of the ticket.

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Here is the MLB Network Thursday Night Baseball schedule for April and May:

Date Time (ET) Game Announcers
April 9th 7:00 p.m. Brewers @ Giants Matt Vasgersian, Joe Magrane
April 16th 1:00 p.m. Indians @ Yankees B. Costas, H. Reynolds, J. Kaat
April 16th 8:00 p.m. Blue Jays @ Twins Victor Rojas, Dan Plesac
April 23rd 8:00 p.m. Dodgers @ Astros Matt Vasgersian, Joe Magrane
April 30th 7:00 p.m. Red Sox @ Rays Victor Rojas, Joe Magrane
May 7th 7:00 p.m. Phillies @ Mets Bob Costas, Al Leiter
May 14th 8:00 p.m. Orioles @ Royals TBD
May 21st 8:00 p.m. Cubs @ Cardinals TBD