The standing question after Andrew Friedman left for the supposed greener pastures of Los Angeles, how effective would Matt Silverman be in the vacated position? If his recent off-season moves — last night’s roster deadline included — speak to anything, I’d say he’s going to be pretty damn effective.
Tag Archives: Rays Hot-Stove
Hot-Stove: Tampa Bay Rays at the 40-Man Roster Deadline
The Rays roster currently sits at 38, meaning before tomorrow night’s midnight deadline, Matt Silverman and company need to figure out a way to add five-to-six prospects they’re protecting from the Rule 5 draft. C Justin O’Conner, OF Mikie Mahtook, INF Ryan Brett and pitchers Matt Andriese and Adam Liberatore are the most promising.
Baseball is Good Business Dispels Myths on the Rays, Smyly’s Arbitration Status, Hellickson News, Etc
With the recent news that the stadium stalemate may finally be coming to a conclusion, Baseball is Good Business delved into three of the most popular myths about the Rays and Tampa Bay. Though a few points could be debated — they acknowledge as much below — kudos to Baseball is Good Business for putting something out there for you, dear readers, to ponder.
Hot-Stove: Rays Officially Sign Jayson Nix, Josh Sale Reinstated, Etc
I made mention the Rays were close to inking a deal with Jayson Nix. Tampa Bay made it official Friday, signing Nix to a minor league contract for the 2014 season, including an invite to Spring Training, with the Rays. Throughout his career, Nix has played second and third base, shortstop, and even the corner outfield positions. Suffice it to say, his versatility will be beneficial to the Rays if he makes the team. Nix slashed .236 BA/.308 OBP/.311 SLG/.619 OPS/.279 wOBA/70 wRC+ in 87 games last season, with three home runs, 32 runs and 42 RBI in 303 plate appearances — slightly above his career norms. What he lacks at the plate, he makes up for in the middle infield. Known for his range and glove work, Nix could fill Kelly Johnson’s vacated role as utility infielder, alongside Sean Rodriguez — among other things.
Hot-Stove: Let the Winter Meetings Commence (Updated)
Let the madness begin! For the better part of the next week, representatives from all 30 Major League Baseball organizations, and more than 160 minor league baseball teams, have descended upon Lake Buena Vista, Florida to make moves in what has been called the culmination of the Hot-Stove period of the off-season. As one writer put it, “A lot of things are going to be talked about this week—some of them will bear fruit and change the landscape of MLB in 2014, others will be a lot of hot air from agents trying to drive up prices or teams trying to pressure a player into taking their deal.”