Sean Rodriguez going forward

by slickterp on Oct 28, 2009 12:43 PM EDT

So this is kind of a roundabout way to get to him and make this a prospect related discussion but here goes:

Rays resigned Gabe Kapler. Fangraphs seems to think it's to platoon with Matt Joyce in RF (Desmond Jennings waiting in the wings aside - that's an entirely new discussion). This would seem to push Ben Zobrist into the infield, crowding the picture with Bartlett (headed to arbitration - do they just dump him?), Iwamura (club option for 2K10 - do they decline it?), Zobrist (one would expect they look to play him as much as possible given his breakout), and Rodriguez (can play either MI position, but I possibly better suited to 2B, and running out of options). So, in everyone's opinion, how do they sort this mess out?

I figure Bartlett will be due alot in arbitration given his numbers this year. So money wise, he doesn't make much sense. Iwamura is good, but Rodriguez and/or Zobrist would be cheaper. So what happens? Does money dictate here, or do they try and hoard the talent?

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From everything I have read

Bartlett gets paid and stays, Iwamura is shown the door kindly, Zobrist starts and Rodriguez goes to Zobrist’s super utility spot. There’s a lot of time for things to change but that’s just my opinion based on a few writers and what usually happens.

by The Gottfather on Oct 28, 2009 1:19 PM EDT reply actions

can't see them just dumping Barlett, no way, no how

Dude was an All Star shortstop last year, fluky numbers or not . . .even in this economic climate he’d have a lot of interested teams, like a certain organization in the Northeast . . .

They might not want to keep him long-term, but if they don’t want to keep him, they’re dealing him and cashing in on what would probably be a nice return.

by mrkupe on Oct 28, 2009 2:09 PM EDT reply actions

Good thought

I did look and see that Rodriguez played a little in the OF. I like that option.

by slickterp on Oct 28, 2009 8:32 PM EDT reply actions

It would make zero sense for the Rays to simply dump Bartlett

It’s not 2000 anymore, revenue sharing will allow them to hold on to him. Moreover, he’s still not going to make all that much, considering he only has one year of great performance under his belt. Iwamura’s money would be more of an issue than Bartlett’s.

by Fanon on Oct 28, 2009 11:43 PM EDT reply actions

It’s not 2000 anymore, revenue sharing will allow them to hold on to him.

Please. Their attendance was terrible this year and they really don’t have any money with the guys they need/want to re-sign. Hell, they dumped Kazmir for a so-so return just because he was correctly valued and not a bargain.

They can afford Bartlett, of course, but money is a major issue for Tampa right now.

by alskor on Oct 29, 2009 2:22 AM EDT up reply actions

It is for Tampa

But not for Stu Sternberg. But then again there’s a reason he is so loaded and it isn’t because he runs baseball teams at a loss for the big shot factor. But they have Brignac in the wings, Rodriguez (if he can play the position), etc. They don’t seem to be hurting for replacement parts.

by wobatus on Oct 29, 2009 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions

My guess is

1. Either Bartlett or Brignac is traded. This is less about money than possible return and need for roster space. As I read it, after certain givens (e.g. 12 pitchers, 2 catchers. Longoria at 3B et al.) the Rays have 9 players for 7 roster spots, with all of them probably ready for the majors, so something has to give, and the most obvious spot is shortstop.

2. Iwamura’s option is picked up or renegotiated and he is traded.

3. Kapler is not in a platoon with Joyce but serves as the reserve outfielder. Thus, Zobrist is the left handed batter in a 2B platoon with S. Rodriguez and the right handed batter in a RF platoon with Joyce.

4. Barring another trade, the odd man out becomes Fernando Perez. I think he still has an option so, although he probably should be in the majors in some capacity, he may start the year in Durham. The Rays seem to have opted for Kapler’s bat over Perez’s speed. Both can play all 3 outfield positions reasonably well, and although Perez is a switch hitter, he has been virtually useless against righties. He may be able to hit lefties, but Kapler is a more proven lefty masher.

by bobr on Oct 29, 2009 7:11 AM EDT reply actions