Ensberg to push Aybar for spot on 25 man roster?
The Rays signed former All Star third baseman Morgan Ensberg to a minor league deal this week. The reportsonline show that Ensberg will have a chance to compete with Willy Aybar for a spot to back up Carlos Pena and Evan Longoria.
I don’t know how realistic this idea is. Aybar was a spark plug last season, and is much younger than Ensberg, but competition can’t hurt.
Best case scenario, Ensberg has a wonderful spring, beats Aybar out for a spot on the roster, and the Rays can look at moving Aybar for some minor league depth…but I don’t think anyone sees this happening.
Bradford’s injury beneficial to Hammell and Niemann?
Frequent tampabayraysfan.com reader Bob R was right about this one…you can never have enough bullpen arms.
Chad Bradford will miss the first 3-4 months of the season after undergoing elbow surgery earlier this week.
Relief pitcher Chad Bradford, who posted ridiculous numbers (1-0 with a 1.42 ERA) last year after being acquired from the Baltimore Orioles underwent arthroscopic surgery on his pitching elbow this week, but is expected to fully recover and be back with the Rays after about 4 months.
Having added Joe Nelson, Lance Cormier and Brian Shouse in the off season, the Rays stocked up on relievers, which was a point of strength for the team last season.
The injury to Bradford, who was a lock to make the 25 man roster to start the season, may allow the team to keep both Jeff Niemann AND Jason Hammell on the opening day roster…as both pitchers are out of minor league options, although, if I were Joe Maddon, I would keep Niemann as long relief, have phenom David Price take over the 5th spot in the rotation, and part ways with Hammell…but we will see how things unfold.
Pitchers and catchers report Sunday!
For the first time in a while, I can say I am actually excited to watch spring training unfold. In years past, the thought process for Rays fans has been “Are we going to win more than 70 games this year”
Remember last season, the Rays posted the best spring training record in Major League Baseball and caught everyone by surprise.
This year, the bulls eye is on their back, and of course, the kings of buying rings…the Yankees have gone out and spent more on 3 players than some small countries are worth. The Red Sox are reloaded too, which means it should be a slug fest for the top spot in the AL East this season.
Last season the team rode momentum and emotion clear to the top, while this year will be more of a test for manager Joe Maddon and co.
For what its worth…I think we have the pieces to defend that AL East title, and erase any doubt that last years squad was a splash in the pan that was able to take advantage of the fact that the Yankees were miserable in their first year without skipper Joe Torre.
My big hair audacious prediction…the rays will finish 95-67 and win the AL East again, with Longoria winning the MLB MVP honors, and David Price becoming a household name.
Tampa Bay Rays | Sports Blog | Evan Longoria
Thomas Gemkow is the editor-in-chief of TampaBayRaysFan.com. Founded in January of 2009, TampaBayRaysFan.com is a compilation of all the best of the Rays, from across the web. The website can be followed on Twitter
I would be shocked should Ensberg replace Aybar. I think he was signed to be available at Durham should injuries create space. I doubt he is really serious competition for Aybar in the spring. That is particularly true if the rumors that Aybar is about to sign an extension become reality.
I don’t see that happening either, nor do I think it would be a good move…just trying to look at things from all angles.
I don’t think there is any chance that Aybar loses his spot. Late in the year, Aybar was so good that Joe was looking for ways to work him into more regular work. Unless Aybar tweaks something and isn’t himself, I just don’t see this happening.
The most interesting battle will be in Right Field. I think signing Kapler was a good move (especially for the cost) given his success against lefties, but I had really hoped to see Fernando Perez out there. The defense alignment with Crawford, Upton and Perez would be nasty (this defense might shave 1 run off per game). And, speed kills, especially when your lineup includes Aki, BJ, Carl and Perez (oh, and Bartlett is pretty swift on his toes also). The prospect of having 3 40+ SB potentials would be pretty cool (not to mention exciting to watch). But, Fernando does need to work a little bit more on his strikeouts. Lots of good stuff coming. See you all at Fan Fest tomorrow! Keep up the good work, TBRFan.com.