Looks like minutes after the BOLD PREDICTION I posted about the Rays Opening Day Roster, their are already
Jason Isringhausen will start the year on the DL.
some changes made by the club.
Guess that’s why its a prediction right?
Adam Kennedy has been re-assigned to Durham, meaning that Matt Joyce or Justin Ruggiano will fill the final spot on the roster. Makes sense. Both are natural outfielders, rather than Kennedy who would be playing a new spot if taking reps in the outfield.
While Joyce is the future of the RF spot, Ruggiano is more tested with the Rays and may be recalled from Durham to fill that spot until B.J. Upton is ready to come off the DL.
Jason Isringhausen will start the season on the DL, and take some extended time to get ready, but it seems pretty apparent that this is a move to buy time until the Rays can unload Jason Hammel or Jeff Neimann in a trade. Whichever player looses the battle for the fifth spot in the rotation will up for grabs…either via trade or waivers.
No brainer here. If the Rays can add some minor league talent in return for the services of either pitcher it makes sense to make the move rather than risking putting either guy on waivers.
Expect to see Izzy in the bullpen as soon as he’s off the DL…and while we are making predictions…expect him to garner some All Star consideration this year.
Just a hunch.
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
Whoa, All Star? I know Maddon is the manager, but that would be a shock. A welcome shock, but nonetheless a shock.
I think that he will be put in situations where he will be able to perform well. Just a certain buzz around him. Sick gut feeling. But this is a strong bullpen this year, so the high pressure situations may not be a bountiful. Less pressure=more likely not to screw up. Guess we will tell when the mid summer classic rolls around.