Meet the new Tampa Bay Ray: Gabe Kapler

January 13, 1:06 AMTampa Bay Rays ExaminerRob Quinn

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The new enforcer - AP photo - Morry Gash

When looking at the Rays’ 40-man roster, we find plenty of options in right field. Left-handed hitters Gabe Gross and Matt Joyce are in the mix. Switch hitters Fernando Perez and Ben Zobrist can also play the position. You also have right-handed hitting Justin Ruggiano.

The bottom line today was that Andrew Friedman saw an opportunity to improve this position and jumped on it, signing Gabe Kapler to a one-year deal worth a shade over $1 million.

Kapler resurrected his career with the Milwaukee Brewers last year after taking the 2007 season off to actually manage in the minor leagues. Kapler played well in his return to the field in 2008, hitting .301 in 229 at-bats, including .354 against lefties.

Logically, Kapler will start for the Rays in right field against left-handed pitchers. One lefty the Rays figure to see a lot of in 2009 is new Yankee ace C.C. Sabathia. Kapler enters the season 3 for 8 with a homer in his career against Sabathia - some good numbers. When he’s not starting against lefties, Kapler will be valuable off the bench along with super-utility man Ben Zobrist.

Kapler is a solid defensive outfielder and can play all three outfield positions if called upon. He’s a great clubhouse guy and gives the Rays another solid, team-first player to hopefully maintain the chemistry that helps this team succeed.

The acquisition of Kapler answers one other big off-season question – who will take on the role of team enforcer now that Jonny Gomes is gone? There is no doubt that it will now be Kapler, who ranks right up there with Brad Fullmer on the python-meter. This guy’s got some serious guns that even Ron Burgundy can appreciate.

Kapler gives the Rays serious outfield depth and flexibility and there is pretty much no downside to this move.  Thumbs up.

Get Tampa Bay Sports Examiner Ted Fleming's take on Kapler right here.

Comment on Kapler or e-mail me directly at raysexaminer@live.com