Jamey Wright with the Dodgers in 2012
Jamey Wright with the Dodgers in 2012

MLB Trade Rumors is reporting that the Rays have signed four players to minor league deals; outfielder Shelley Duncan and right-handed pitchers Jamey WrightJuan Sandoval, and Juan Carlos Oviedo. All four have been extended invites to Spring Training.

 

Shelley Duncan posted a .229 BA/.306 OBP/.427 SLG/.732 OPS slash line over the course of six seasons with the Indians and Yankees respectively. With a .988 fielding percentage, and a 22.4% K%/10.6% BB%, it could be assumed that Duncan represents bench depth more than anything else.

38 year-old right-handed reliever Jamey Wright saw 67.2 innings of work last season with the Dodgers, where he posted 7.2 strikeouts per nine innings, and a 1.507 WHIP. Those he faced posted a .270 BA/.350 OBP/.326 SLG/.676 OPS slash line, with Wright inducing ground balls 67.3 percent of the time. Ahem, we all know how well ground ball pitchers do with the Rays infield.

30 year-old Juan Carlos Oviedo is coming off of a post Tommy John surgery inducing injury, while appearing in only three minor league games in 2012. You may recall that Oviedo was disciplined for identity fraud prior to last season. For what it’s worth, Oviedo has a 4.34 ERA with 7.3 K/9 and 2.9 BB/9 in seven big league seasons. Because of his injury he’ll more than likely miss the bulk of the 2013 season. Oviedo’s deal with the Rays includes an option for the 2014 season because of it.

According to MLB Trade Rumors, “Sandoval, 32, had a 2.97 ERA with 7.4 K/9 and 2.8 BB/9 in the Mexican League last season.”

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that the Rays have finally announced the date of the 2013 Fan Fest which takes place at the Trop. The popular event is scheduled for Saturday, February 16th, from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Admission and parking are free! You can find more information on Fan Fest here.

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