Pitching needs

John F · 11-19-2006, 03:30 PM

For anyone paying attention the last few weeks -- you've heard that the Devil Rays have been in talks to trade an outfielder (Rocco Baldelli has been mentioned the most) for starting pitching. Young starting pitching. While I believe pitching is indeed something the Rays need to bulk up on -- I see a big problem just going after more young talent.

I always make the comparison with the Rays and the Tampa Bay Lightning with regards to a young nucleus and veterans to put the team over the top. While the Rays are loaded with prospects and young stars -- there is no veteran leadership on the team. I don't just mean older players, but I mean players who have "been there" -- the playoffs, on winning teams, etc. This is especially true of the pitching staff as there is no member of the bullpen that is an established, long time ML'er who can talk to one of his younger team-mates and steady him and give him leadership from that unique perspective of being a pitcher.

The Rays can keep amassing prospects but at one point or another -- they need to bring in leadership. The team remaining adrift on a course for competitiveness just isn't going to improve much unless there is a veteran presence around to show the young stars the way.

DRaze2011 · 11-21-2006, 08:12 PM

As long as it's proven young major league talent, it can't hurt to ask and get a gauge on the market. It would probably take a huge offer for the guys to actually pull the trigger on anything involving either Crawford or Baldelli.

Given how the market is shaping up this winter, the Crawford and Baldelli contracts are looking better and better. Juan Pierre just signed a $44 million contract.

John F · 11-21-2006, 08:34 PM

Yeah, that also being said it might be wiser to part ways with Young than Crawford or Baldelli.

The reason I say this is that Young has no intention of re-signing with the Rays. Crawford and Baldelli did at great discount. If the Rays can move Young (which a lot of the prospect-watching fans wouldlbe mad at) and also acquire the pitchign they need... IT coudl be a better move for the team long term than trading Crawford or Rocco now while they are inked (and are not egotistical, pompous jerks like Young).

11-19-2006, 03:30 PM	#1 (permalink)
John F Administrator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Tampa Bay area, Florida Posts: 2,497	Pitching needs For anyone paying attention the last few weeks -- you've heard that the Devil Rays have been in talks to trade an outfielder (Rocco Baldelli has been mentioned the most) for starting pitching. Young starting pitching. While I believe pitching is indeed something the Rays need to bulk up on -- I see a big problem just going after more young talent. I always make the comparison with the Rays and the Tampa Bay Lightning with regards to a young nucleus and veterans to put the team over the top. While the Rays are loaded with prospects and young stars -- there is no veteran leadership on the team. I don't just mean older players, but I mean players who have "been there" -- the playoffs, on winning teams, etc. This is especially true of the pitching staff as there is no member of the bullpen that is an established, long time ML'er who can talk to one of his younger team-mates and steady him and give him leadership from that unique perspective of being a pitcher. The Rays can keep amassing prospects but at one point or another -- they need to bring in leadership. The team remaining adrift on a course for competitiveness just isn't going to improve much unless there is a veteran presence around to show the young stars the way. __________________ The more they over think the plumbing, the easier to stop up the drain.

11-21-2006, 08:34 PM	#3 (permalink)
John F Administrator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Tampa Bay area, Florida Posts: 2,497	Yeah, that also being said it might be wiser to part ways with Young than Crawford or Baldelli. The reason I say this is that Young has no intention of re-signing with the Rays. Crawford and Baldelli did at great discount. If the Rays can move Young (which a lot of the prospect-watching fans wouldlbe mad at) and also acquire the pitchign they need... IT coudl be a better move for the team long term than trading Crawford or Rocco now while they are inked (and are not egotistical, pompous jerks like Young). __________________ The more they over think the plumbing, the easier to stop up the drain.

11-21-2006, 08:12 PM	#2 (permalink)
DRaze2011 Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 14	As long as it's proven young major league talent, it can't hurt to ask and get a gauge on the market. It would probably take a huge offer for the guys to actually pull the trigger on anything involving either Crawford or Baldelli. Given how the market is shaping up this winter, the Crawford and Baldelli contracts are looking better and better. Juan Pierre just signed a $44 million contract.