More than two dozen Rays players have already reported to camp in Port Charlotte, working out in advance of the first official full squad workout on February 26.
Among the players working out on Wednesday were OF/DH Corey Dickerson, 1B/OF/DH Steve Pearce, INF/OF Taylor Motter, catchers Curt Casali and Rene Rivera, and pitchers Danny Farquhar, Brad Boxberger, Steve Geltz, and Erasmo Ramirez.
Skipper Kevin Cash admitted to Marc Topkin (Tampa Bay Times) that he was pleased at the turnout of players ahead of the opening of camp:
This is what we want them to do, what it’s about. You love to have it where they’re here, with our eyes and we’re working with them. Not eveyone can do that, but we really appreciate the guys coming out.
Hearing #Rays likely to add another 1 or 2 relievers to camp roster. Would think Ryan Webb has a good chance to be one.
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) February 17, 2016
In the midst of the excitement, news broke that the team is close to inking a deal with 30 year-old RHP reliever Ryan Webb. Webb spent most of last season with Cleveland, collecting a 1-0 record and a 3.20 ERA (3.77 FIP) in 40 games. He pitched previously with the Padres, Marlins and Orioles, with a career 17-18 record and a 3.35 ERA (3.43 ERA) in 357 big-league games, however, he’s never recorded a save.
The deal, expected to be a Major League contract, could be announced as soon as Thursday. There is thought to be holdup due to circumstances surrounding a corresponding roster move, as the Rays have to create space on the 40-man before adding Webb. But there is also another reason to wait until Thursday to officially announce the deal: Thursday is the first day players can be moved to 60-day disabled list, thus alleviating a potential roster jam. With Alex Cobb and Chase Whitley recovering from Tommy John surgery, the addition of both players to the 60-day DL would free up a pair of roster spots until late July when both players are expected to be activated.
The Rays, who enter Spring Training with a cache of outfielders, could put together a trade for another arm.
As it stands, only Kevin Kiermaier seems to be a lock at any specific position in the outfield, however, it’s hard to discount any one of the group’s (Brandon Guyer, Steven Souza Jr., Steve Pearce, Mikie Mattock, Desmond Jennings, and Corey Dickerson) abilities. Matt Silverman admitted that if the group goes through Spring Training healthy, they will have “too many.”
Who might the Rays trade?
Jennings, who is slated to make the most money at $3.3 million, would seem to be the most likely trade candidate. Yet his injury-plagued 2015 campaign could jeopardize the prospect of trading him, at least at the moment.
There is also Guyer or Mahtook. While both have shown they can contribute at the plate, and each is athletic, parting with one or the other would be a difficult call for Rays management.
Who might they trade for?
Friend of the blog Danny Russell (DRaysBay) listed a handful of trade candidates that could be targeted by the Rays. Of those listed, three names stick out ― Hunter Strickland, Keone Kela, and Jeremy Jeffress ― for their current team’s roster needs.
Russell reasoned what makes these three so appealing.
RHP Hunter Strickland, Giants
Hunter Strickland of the Giants already topped my wishlist, and he tops this search as well. His fastball is capable of reaching triple-digits and he very well could be the secret sauce for any bullpen he slots into. For that reason the Giants are unlikely to deal him.
Could the Rays blow out a deal for Strickland, perhaps sending the Giants a left fielder? This could be a relatively painless way to acquire what would be an incredible bullpen arm. It’s an expensive trade, but would be worth it.
Among Strickland’s notable stats were 20 holds last season, 77.7% contact rate in the zone, .190 BAA, 2.45 ERA and 2.90 FIP. Strickland is under team control through 2021. He works a nice curve as well.
RHP Keone Kela, Rangers
The Rangers are blessed with a deep bullpen right now, and Kela stands out. His fastball is alive, his curve is capable, and standing out from Strickland or players below, his change should grade as average, giving him a third pitch to mix well. The fastball has the 10″ rise the Rays prioritize as well.
Kela would be expensive, as he’s penciled in as the eight inning man for Texas, but the Rangers could be interested in an upgrade over Justin Ruggiano for the platoon with Josh Hamilton in left field.
A former 12th round pick, the west coast product is approaching his age-23 season, and is under team control through 2020.
RHP Jeremy Jeffress, Brewers
Like Strickland, I think Jeffress could be an interesting get. If the Brewers would be willing to trade him for James Loney, this trade could also remove a Rays surplus player. It would take sending prospects as well, but it’s worth the conversation.
In a full season of work, Jeffress had an impressive 81.7% LOB-rate in 2015, with a 2.65 ERA and 58.2% ground ball rate. He proved to be quite valuable for the Brewers, contributing 23 holds to their cause, and is in consideration for closer although likely to resume set up duties.
He’s also an odd duck. He had some issues with the long ball that should regress next season, but interestingly, Jeffress has a mere one pop up in his major league career, according to his Fangraphs profile page. A former first round pick from 2006, Jeffress is under team control through 2019.
Keep checking back for updated details on this story.
Noteworthiness
In case you missed it, X-Rays Spex has been active on the internet recently. Here’s what may have alluded you:
― On February 12, we began dissecting the 2016 ZiPS projections.
― On February 16, JJ assessed the Rays current bullpen situation.
― On February 17, PECOTA projected Tampa Bay to lead the AL East on the back of 91 wins.
― Earlier today, I put out the invitation for prospective writers.