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Will Heilman terrorize the Trop in '09?
With the Hot Stove League in full swing, it is now time to address some of the November rumors surrounding the Rays. Andrew Friedman, like any good G.M., will listen to all offers and is in a very good position because the Rays don’t need to adjust their roster very much to contend again in 2009.
Still, the Rays could use a reliable everyday designated hitter. They could also upgrade in right field. With David Price set to join the starting rotation, that means one of the five starters from last year probably won’t be back, and right now the speculation is that it will be either Andy Sonnanstine or Edwin Jackson. One thing you can never have too much of is relief pitching and the Rays could add some when they move a starter.
Today, I’ll address a few rumors going around the internet and talk radio and give my take on how likely the moves are to happen, and whether or not the move would be good for the Rays.
1. The Rays could sign Jason Giambi
Probability: 1.2 out of 10
Quality move: 5.0 out of 10
I don’t think the Rays are willing to give Giambi the money that he is seeking. Giambi’s power numbers are still pretty solid and his on-base percentage is near .400 so he is a valuable player, but the Rays are more interested in a right-handed hitter at this point. As far as the off-field concerns about Giambi, those have died down to the point that there would be little to no distraction. Still, the move is very unlikely.
2. Rays trade Sonnanstine and Chad Bradford to the Dodgers for Andre Ethier
Probability: 2.0 out of 10
Quality move: 8.5 out of 10
Ethier, though left-handed like Giambi, would be a perfect fit in right field for the Rays. He’s coming off a season in which he posted career-highs in every major offensive category and is a very solid hitter. Trading Bradford would create a small concern in the right-handed relief department, though, leaving Grant Balfour and Dan Wheeler as the only proven righties left, pending the status of Troy Percival. Wheeler is also a candidate to be dealt.
3. The Mets are interested in Edwin Jackson and Sonnanstine, possibly for Aaron Heilman
Probability: 6.0 out of 10
Quality move: 3.0 out of 10
A lot here depends on the package that the Mets put together to go along with Heilman. This seems to be the most likely scenario right now, with either Jackson or Sonnanstine going to New York for Heilman and some combination of prospects and/or an outfielder. Heilman was absolutely atrocious last year for the Mets. He’s one of those guys who may just need a change of scenery though. The Rays are hoping he can find his old form when he was one of the better set-up men in the National League from 2005-2007. If he can’t find his old form, Rays fans need to prepare for regular fireworks displays shortly after Heilman takes the mound.
4. The Rays could sign Milton Bradley
Probability: 1.5 out of 10
Quality move: 5.5 out of 10
I see Bradley as being too much of a risk for the Rays to gamble on right now. Bradley is another player whose off the field problems are well-documented, but seem to be behind him for the time being. He is just a huge injury concern right now. I think he was officially listed as “day-to-day” for pretty much the entire season in 2008. All those negatives aside, though, his 2008 numbers were ridiculous and he is definitely worth a phone call.
5. The Rays sign Raul Ibanez
Probability: 0.2 out of 10
Quality move: 9.0 out of 10
Ibanez is just too expensive. Yes, he would be a very nice fit with his three consecutive 100-RBI seasons. Despite the fact that Ibanez will turn 38 in June, he is still going strong and is, along with Bobby Abreu, one of the two best left-handed bats on the free-agent market. He will probably end up getting close to $10 million a year, which is well out of the Rays’ price range.
The off-season fun for the Rays has yet to begin. There will surely be moves to come, but how many and how big? I hear Roberto Alomar is considering coming out of retirement, but don’t quote me on that.
For more info: Catch the latest Hot Stove updates on MLBTraderumors.
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