pmeares17
07-28-2001, 02:18 AM
maybe theres someone lurking who actually LIKES the devil rays and will appreciate this and hopefully someday this team has a history so some articles will be written about them :)
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
The team is now on its third starting shortstop this season, and its fourth in two seasons.
In desperate need of offense at the position, the team is hoping veteran Chris Gomez can provide some. Gomez was recalled from Class AAA Durham on July 22, while light-hitting Andy Sheets was designated for assignment.
Sheets, who took over for Felix Martinez, hit just .193 in 49 games with 14 RBIs. The bottom of the order has been a major problem, and Gomez could add some spark.
Gomez is an eight-year veteran of the majors, who has had knee problems the last two years. Gomez, at best, looks like another attempt at a bandage until prospects such as Jace Brewer and Jorge Cantu are ready, but that is not likely for a few years. . . .
The promotion of Gomez means the team has basically given up on shortstop Felix Martinez.
Martinez has not been the impressive defensive player of last year, but some of that may be attributed to tendinitis in his knee. Martinez said he began experiencing the problem in spring training, and had a stint on the DL. Martinez said his knee is now healthy, but it has not been enough to get his starting job back.
Martinez, the opening day starter, committed 12 errors in his first 38 games. He committed one in 19 games since coming off the DL on June 15.
When healthy, Martinez can make dazzling defensive plays and has a very strong arm. However, he also has a lot of unnecessary body movement in the field, and sometimes looks like he's out of control. . . .
Catcher John Flaherty has improved lately after losing his job to Mike DiFelice in June. Flaherty has seen increased playing time. Flaherty's throws to second have been much stronger, and he has started to produce more in the clutch.
Both Flaherty and DiFelice are candidates to be dealt before the trade deadline to make room for prospect Toby Hall. Since DiFelice was a disappointment as a starter, he may not attract much attention from other teams.
Flaherty's contract ($3.25 next year) may make it hard to deal him, as well. If the team wants to bring Hall up this season, perhaps DiFelice will be released. Flaherty was worked well with Hall in spring training, and keeping him around to help the young catcher makes sense. . . .
The team wants to unload a significant amount of payroll, but doing so may be difficult. First baseman Fred McGriff could put a contender like the Cubs over the top, but he has a no-trade clause in his contract he's already invoked once. The team could save $6.75 million next season by trading McGriff.
Left fielder Greg Vaughn makes $19 million over the next two years, but he has a limited no-trade clause. Unlike McGriff, however, Vaughn would likely waive his clause. Vaughn, has battled nagging injuries and hasn't produced much in clutch situations lately, but his competitiveness would be attractive to contending teams.
Righthander Albie Lopez has probably generated the most interest, but he makes $2.75 million, so dealing him wouldn't accomplish the team's payroll objective. However, Lopez is a free agent after the season.
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
The team is now on its third starting shortstop this season, and its fourth in two seasons.
In desperate need of offense at the position, the team is hoping veteran Chris Gomez can provide some. Gomez was recalled from Class AAA Durham on July 22, while light-hitting Andy Sheets was designated for assignment.
Sheets, who took over for Felix Martinez, hit just .193 in 49 games with 14 RBIs. The bottom of the order has been a major problem, and Gomez could add some spark.
Gomez is an eight-year veteran of the majors, who has had knee problems the last two years. Gomez, at best, looks like another attempt at a bandage until prospects such as Jace Brewer and Jorge Cantu are ready, but that is not likely for a few years. . . .
The promotion of Gomez means the team has basically given up on shortstop Felix Martinez.
Martinez has not been the impressive defensive player of last year, but some of that may be attributed to tendinitis in his knee. Martinez said he began experiencing the problem in spring training, and had a stint on the DL. Martinez said his knee is now healthy, but it has not been enough to get his starting job back.
Martinez, the opening day starter, committed 12 errors in his first 38 games. He committed one in 19 games since coming off the DL on June 15.
When healthy, Martinez can make dazzling defensive plays and has a very strong arm. However, he also has a lot of unnecessary body movement in the field, and sometimes looks like he's out of control. . . .
Catcher John Flaherty has improved lately after losing his job to Mike DiFelice in June. Flaherty has seen increased playing time. Flaherty's throws to second have been much stronger, and he has started to produce more in the clutch.
Both Flaherty and DiFelice are candidates to be dealt before the trade deadline to make room for prospect Toby Hall. Since DiFelice was a disappointment as a starter, he may not attract much attention from other teams.
Flaherty's contract ($3.25 next year) may make it hard to deal him, as well. If the team wants to bring Hall up this season, perhaps DiFelice will be released. Flaherty was worked well with Hall in spring training, and keeping him around to help the young catcher makes sense. . . .
The team wants to unload a significant amount of payroll, but doing so may be difficult. First baseman Fred McGriff could put a contender like the Cubs over the top, but he has a no-trade clause in his contract he's already invoked once. The team could save $6.75 million next season by trading McGriff.
Left fielder Greg Vaughn makes $19 million over the next two years, but he has a limited no-trade clause. Unlike McGriff, however, Vaughn would likely waive his clause. Vaughn, has battled nagging injuries and hasn't produced much in clutch situations lately, but his competitiveness would be attractive to contending teams.
Righthander Albie Lopez has probably generated the most interest, but he makes $2.75 million, so dealing him wouldn't accomplish the team's payroll objective. However, Lopez is a free agent after the season.