Hey there Rays fans, thanks for checking out the first entry in a new series on TampaBayRaysFan.com called the “Daily Mashup”
Each day you will be able to find the best Rays stories from across the web, as well as news about the Rays current opponent. Each topic will be in a summarized form here, and while you will get the jest of the story from reading the summary here, I encourage you to check out the entire post by clicking the link included with the summary.
You will also find that most of the links on this page will tie back into a Rays blog online, as opposed to a major media outlet. I believe it is important for fans to support bloggers because they offer a unique look on the time that is often times overlooked by major media syndication.
That said, enjoy your first “Daily Mashup”
Rays Sign Joaquin Benoit to Minor League Deal
This signing could prove to be big for the Rays if Benoit can put together a strong spring. The 32 year old reliever has a 30-26 career win loss record, with 538 strikeouts and a 4.79 ERA. Benoit is coming off of major arm surgery, but if he can rebound, he could contribute for the Rays. They have had great success as of late with pitchers signed to minor league contracts (see Randy Choate & Winston Abreu)
New look for Sunday home games in 2010
The Rays will sport a new, light blue jersey for all Sunday home games this year. The jerseys will officially be unveiled this Sunday at Champs Sports by James Shields, Matt Garza, Jeff Niemann & Kelly Shoppach. Personally, I am not a fan of all the jersey alternatives teams have these days, because let’s face it, it is JUST done so we all buy more apparel, but I will say in a brief preview online earlier this week, these things did look pretty sharp.
Could CC possibly be any faster? Yep!
Hard to imagine that Carl Crawford could get any faster on the base paths, but if this story holds true, it could be a fantastic year for speedy All Star left fielder. Now, if we could only speed up his contract negotiations.
Upton loses arbitration
Center fielder B.J. Upton lost his arbitration case with the Rays, but DID get a raise. It was ruled Upton will make 3 million this year, which is $300,000 less than he was hoping for. Who is splitting hairs right? I can only hope that Upton does not get lazy now that he has a payout that is more suiting to his capability. I say, if Upton shows bad attitude and laziness this year, it may be time for the Rays to cut ties and trade him while they can get something back, but that is just my opinion.
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
