NewsInbox: Will McGee add fire to bullpen?
Beat reporter Bill Chastain answers Rays fans' questions
By Bill Chastain / MLB.com
11/09/09 11:06 AM EST
Do you think Jake McGee will see some time in the Major Leagues next year? I know he had Tommy John surgery, but a lefty who throws mid-to-high 90s is always a good commodity.--Michael G., Reno, Nev.
A lot of that decision will depend on McGee's health, because he is recovering from an ulnar collateral ligament tear in his left arm. When he's healthy, McGee gives the Rays a big left-hander with a 95 mph fastball. I can definitely see him as an option in the bullpen. If that happens, the Rays would likely use him in the sixth and seventh innings with a chance to work his way up to the meaningful innings after he proves himself.
I refuse to believe the trade the Rays recently made, swapping Akinori Iwamura for Jesse Chavez. Iwamura was getting hot until he got injured. Chavez was 1-4 with an ERA over 4. Can you explain this deal please?
--Matt G., Westport, Conn.
First, I, too, loved Aki. But if I'm the general manager of any club in baseball, I can't pay a second baseman $4.25 million for a season; there are just too many players who can fill that role. On the Rays that is particularly true when they have Ben Zobrist, Sean Rodriguez and Reid Brignac waiting in the wings. Save that money to be spent on another area. I confess I have not seen Chavez pitch, but from what I've heard he has quality live stuff, and the Rays will control him for several years. I thought Andrew Friedman made a terrific deal in that he saved money by not exercising Aki's $4.25 million option (which would have been more with incentives tacked on), he did not have to pay the $550,000 buyout, and he got a player who has a chance to improve the bullpen. Reality for the Rays and most teams in baseball is this: You must control your payroll to remain competitive.
My friend thinks he is a know-it-all, and this is where I disagree. He says Jason Bartlett and Carl Crawford will both be traded because they're at their highest value, and that's what we always do. Is it true?
--Joe A., Orlando
I'd say the chances of Crawford being traded are greater than Bartlett, but I don't believe either will end up getting traded just yet. In Crawford's case, the Rays must weigh whether they believe they can sign him to a long-term deal before he becomes a free agent in 2011, or whether they can trade him for a quality player, or players, they can use to sustain their future. Crawford is the face of the franchise, and I believe the Rays and Crawford will have to come to some joint decision on how both parties see the future shaping up. Crawford has expressed a desire to remain with the Rays. As for Bartlett, yes, his value has never been higher, but quality Major League shortstops are not easy to find. I'd be surprised if the Rays even entertained any discussions about shipping him elsewhere.
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After watching the Yankees win the World Series, again, many of the announcers and commentators kept commenting on the importance of Nick Swisher and how his laid-back, goofy personality helped the whole team relax and have fun and that was one of the biggest reasons they were able to win it all. I still think the biggest mistake the Rays made last offseason was getting rid of Jonny Gomes. Do you think they will try to bring in another "clubhouse guy" so they can get back to the happy-go-lucky Rays of 2008?
--Sarah K., Tampa
I think there is some truth to Swisher's impact on the Yankees and, after talking to several players in the Rays' clubhouse, I don't think the overall chemistry of the 2009 Rays was as good as that of the 2008 team. Finding the right chemistry is important for any team and probably the hardest thing for management to put together. Ultimately, talent is still the most important thing for winning, but having the chemistry in the clubhouse can't be discounted.
Do you agree with the following: Rays have a pretty good core that plays well together. If they can get the timely hits they got in 2008 along with (for the most part) solid pitching efforts that they can compete. And do the Rays still have a good youth factor to get them through September and possibly October 2010?
--Janas P., Tampa
I definitely believe the Rays have a nice core of players and they will be competitive again in 2010. The starting staff should see James Shields, Matt Garza, David Price, Jeff Niemann and Wade Davis; they have power at the corners in Evan Longoria and Carlos Pena; and they have quality up the middle in Bartlett, B.J. Upton and the three second-base candidates. Dioner Navarro needs to get back to form, and they need a little boost in the bullpen. But those won't require major overhauls. In addition to being competitive, the Rays will again be fun to watch.
Do you think Pat Burrell should be traded so the Rays can free up some money and get someone who is reliable?
--David W., Inverness, Fla.
Any team would want to trade Burrell after the season he had in 2009 and what he will be paid in 2010, but those same results will make it difficult to move him. I think we'll see Burrell start the season at designated hitter and be given a couple of months to see if 2009 was an aberration.
Bill Chastain is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
