| 13 March 2009
Courtesy of MLBTradeRumors.com... The Tampa Bay Rays think pitching phenom David Price might still need more time in Triple A - and Mr. Price is not pleased:
"It's not very fun if I'm not here competing for a job," Price said Monday. "That's what I came here for, to compete for that fifth spot, and that's what I want to do. ... I want them to not be able to look me in the eyes at the end of spring training and tell me I'm going to (Triple-A) Durham."
Price dominated the minors last season and earned a September call up. He then proceeded to dominate the majors, fanning 12 batters in 14 inning of regular season work while posting a 1.93 ERA. He was also an intregal part of the Ray's run through the playoffs, earning a win and a save against the Red Sox while fanning 8 through 5.2 innings.
I'm not sure whay the Rays think he needs more development, but MLBTR says it may simply be a matter of roster spots:
If Price can win the final spot in the rotation, the Rays would likely only have room for one of Jeff Niemann and Jason Hammel as a long reliever in the bullpen. Both players are out of minor league options and both would certainly be claimed if the Rays try to sneak them through waivers. If Price impresses in spring training, the Rays may be forced to deal prior to opening day.
Bottom Line: I looked at the Rays roster and I don't see why they can't keep both Hammel and Niemann AND use Price as the 5th starter... Though, as a Red Sox fan, I'd be totally fine with him staying in Durham for a while.
Here's a look at the projected 25-man roster:
Starters
1. S. Kazmir
2. J. Shields
3. M. Garza
4. A. Sonnanstine
5. D. Price
Bullpen
6. T. Percival (Closer)
7. G. Balfour
8. D. Wheeler
9. J. Howell
10. J. Niemann
11. J. Hammel
12. J. Nelson
13. C. Crawford LF
14. B. Upton CF
15. G. Gross RF
16. G. Kapler OF
17. M. Joyce OF
Infield
18. C. Pena 1B
19. A. Iwamura 2B
20. J. Barlett SS
21. E. Longoria 3B
22. D. Navarro C
23. P Burrell DH
Bench
24. W. Aybar IF
25. S. Riggins C
I guess SS/IF Ben Zorbist is the problem here... Aybar can play first base, so he can help spell Pena, but then it becomes a managers nightmare trying to get Bartlett and Iwamura rest as well... Zorbist could help there, but he's player #26...
If I were the Rays, I'd let Niemann or Hammel walk... If they land on another roster through waivers, so be it - they still have one of the best bullpens in baseball and keeping Price in the rotation will help alot more than a long reliever with a 4.50 ERA...
Help me out Rays fans... what am I missing here?
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