Rays Send Five More To Minor League Camp

The Rays narrowed their roster by five more positions on Sunday afternoon following the game against the Red Sox. The Rays sent the following players to minor league camp.

• Tim Beckham 
• Matt Bush 
• Dane De La Rosa 
• Brandon Guyer 
• Stephen Vogt

Rays Exhibition Game In St. Pete

Today while the Rays hosted the Red Sox at Charlotte Sports Park, a bus load of minor leaguers headed to Progress Energy Park for an exhibition game against the Netherlands National Baseball Team. I have not seen a box score for the game but I did hear that Henry Wrigley hit a two run homer. I will post more information about the game if and when a box score or more information becomes available. Here is a list of who played for the Rays:

• C - Mark Thomas, Mayo Acosta 
• 1B - Henry Wrigley 
• 2B - Omar Luna, Cole Figeroa 
• SS - Shawn O'Malley, Robbi Estrada 
• 3B - Greg Sexton 
• LF - Emeel Salem, Anthony Scelfo 
• CF - Isaias Velasquez 
• RF - Kyeong Kang, John Shelby 
• DH - Tyler Bortnick 
• P - Kyle Lobstein, Jim Paduch, Adam Liberatore, Scott Shuman, Matt Spann, Alex Koronis, Dan Bream 

The game was part of a series of international games hosted by St. Petersburg International Baseball. They posted photos from today's game. You can view the photos here.

Game Photos: Spring Training Hot Rods vs Shorebirds

This afternoon I headed over to Charlotte Sports Park to work a few innings of MiLB spring training into my schedule. Today the Rays A hosted the Orioles A squad. My goal was to try and catch one time through the lineup for each game, however I got called off after about a half-hour at the park.

During the short time I was there, Fernando Rodney got his work in during the Advanced-A game while Joel Peralta and Burke Badenhop worked the A game.

I was able to catch 2 innings of the Hot Rods/Shorebirds game. Peralta made the start for the Hot Rods. He pitched just one inning and struck out the side in the first inning.

Then in the Hot Rods were retired in order in the bottom half of the first. Craige Lyerly flied out to right, Kes Carter flied out to center and Tyler Goeddel flied out to left to end the inning.

Burke Badenhop then took over the mound to start the second inning. He worked a 1-2-3 inning, recording 2 ground-outs and a strikeout.

The Hot Rods collected the first hit of the game in the bottom of the second inning. Travis Flores popped out to first to lead off the inning. Then James Harris singled up the middle for the first hit of the game. But the hit was quickly erased as Tyler Goeddel hit into a double play to end the inning.

Badenhop went out on the mound to start the third inning but that's when I got the call to leave. I would have loved to see a little more of the games as I was interested in seeing Oscar Hernandez hit and Taylor Guerrieri was warming in the bullpen as I was walking out to the truck.

A couple brief observations from my perspective:

• Peralta pitched a very strong inning. He commanded the inning and breezed through the hitters. Its not a good measure seeing these were Class-A hitters but he seemed to be in control. 
• On the opposite end, Badenhop seemed to struggle in his inning. He worked most of the counts deep and didn't seem to be in command of his pitches. 
• Harris hit was a hard hit ground ball right over second base into center. I was impressed with Harris last year in the GCL and look forward to seeing what he can do at the higher levels. 

Below are photos from today's game between the Hot Rods and Shorebirds.

Hot Rods to Host Annual Fan Fest on Saturday, March 17

The Bowling Green Hot Rods, Class A Affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays, will host their annual Fan Fest this Saturday, March 17. The free event will take place from 10 AM to 2 PM at Bowling Green Ballpark and will be highlighted by the launch of 2012 single-game ticket sales. Fans that attend can also enjoy behind-the-scenes ballpark tours, food, prizes, inflatables for the kids, and more.

“With the warmer weather in the area, a lot of our fans have been thinking about the baseball season for weeks,” said Hot Rods President Brad Taylor. “Our annual Fan Fest is not only the official start of baseball season, but it’s another way to reward all of our great fans. Last season was one for the record books and we are ready to make 2012 even better.”

Fan Fest begins at 10 AM with the start of single-game ticket sales at the Hot Rods Ticket Office. Single-game tickets will be available for purchase for any game of the 2012 season, including Citizens First Opening Night on April 5, 15 post-game fireworks extravaganzas, five day games during the week, including Labor Day, and more. Plus those fans in attendance will receive the first look at the 2012 promotional schedule. Tickets will be available at the Hot Rods Ticket Office, by calling (270) 901-2121, or by visiting the Hot Rods website, www.bghotrods.com.

Due to an increased demand in ticket packages and large group outings this off-season, availability for select dates is limited and fans are encouraged to purchase tickets early. Fan Fest will also serve as the first opportunity for season ticket and Mini Plan holders to pick up their 2012 packages.

The Hot Rods begin their fourth season with Citizens First Opening Night on Thursday, April 5, 2012, at 6:35 PM against the South Bend Silver Hawks (Arizona Diamondbacks). Secure a free ticket to Citizens First Opening Night by purchasing a 2012 Mini-Plan, which come in 6-Game, 10-Game, and 17-Game options and offer a free hot dog at every game plus other great incentives. For more information, visit www.bghotrods.com or call the Hot Rods at 270.901.2121.

Via Press Release from Hot Rods Manager of Broadcast./Media Relations Hank Fuerst.

Rays Make Second Round Of Cuts

The Rays trimmed their roster another six positions this afternoon. Bryan Augenstein, Alex Colome, Hak-Ju Lee, Wilking Rodriguez, Albert Suarez and Matt Torra were sent to minor league camp.

This recent round of cuts puts the Rays roster at 45 as they work closer to their opening day roster.

Game Photos: Spring Training Stone Crabs vs Keys (3/14/2012)

Rays Come From Behind To Tie Orioles

The Rays fought back from an early hole to finish with a 7-7 tie against the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday afternoon at Ed Smith Stadium. Tuesday's game marked the spring debut for Matt Moore who struck out three in 1 2/3 innings worked.

The Rays took early lead in the second inning. Matt Joyce went deep to right for a solo homer and a 1-0 Rays lead.

But then the Orioles struck big, tagging David Price for 4 earned runs in the home half of the inning. Ronny Paulino singled home JJ Hardy to tie the game. Then Jai Miller hit a three run blast to put the Orioles ahead 4-1.

The Rays battled back to cut the lead in half in the seventh inning. Brandon Guyer singled home Sean Rodriguez to bring the score to 4-2.

The Orioles wasted no time in making up that run by Jai Miller scoring on a sac fly to put them back ahead by three 5-2.

Then came the big four run inning by the Rays in the top of the ninth. Jesus Feliciano got the runs started by hitting a two run double to left, scoring Will Rhymes and Stephen Vogt to pull the Rays within one. Then Hak Ju Lee pushed across two more runs to take the lead after hitting a triple to right. Lee later scored on a line drive by Chris Gimenez to give the Rays a 7-5 lead.

But the Orioles fought back again in the home half of the ninth when Ryan Flaherty delivered a two run homer to tie the game and force extra innings.

The game remained tied through the tenth inning and ended in a 7-7 tie.

Notable Performances

• Jesus Feliciano drove home two runs. 
• Brandon Guyer was 2 for 3 with an RBI. 
• Matt Joyce was 2 for 3 with a home run. 
• Hak-Ju Lee was 2 for 2 with a triple, 2 RBI's and a run scored. 
• Matt Moore pitched 1 2/3 no-hit innings with 3 strikeouts and a walk. 

A Look Ahead: The Rays return home to Charlotte Sports Park to face the Miami Marlins on Wednesday. Jeremy Hellickson will get the start followed by Fernando Rodney, Joel Peralta, Brandon Gomes, Bryan Augenstein and JP Howell. Anibal Sanchez will start for the Marlins.

Rays Lose In Extra Innings

The Rays continue to struggle against the Minnesota Twins as they fell 2-1 in ten innings on Monday afternoon. With the loss, the Rays have now lost 4 out of 5 games against the Twins this spring.

The Rays struck first by scoring in the third inning. Desmond Jennings singled home Jose Lobaton to give the Rays a 1-0 lead.

The Twins tied the game in the fifth. Ben Revere single back to the mound and an errant throw by Kyle Farnsworth allowed Luke Hughes to score.

Then in the tenth inning, Hughes scored again to win the game for the Twins. This time he took an offering from Albert Suarez over the left field wall for a solo home run. The Rays could not counter in the home half of the tenth as they fell 2-1.

James Shields showed he is in opening day form as he pitched 4 shut-out innings, increasing his scoreless service to 10 innings this spring.

Suarez was charged with the loss for the Rays and is now 0-2 on the spring.

Notable Performances

• Bryan Augenstein pitched a no-hit inning. 
• Matt Bush pitched a no-hit inning. 
• Desmond Jennings was 2 for 3 with an RBI and a stolen base. 
• Jose Lobaton had a double. 
• Cesar Ramos pitched a no-hit inning. 
• James Shields pitched 4 scoreless innings. 
• Matt Torra struck out 2 of 3 hitters faced in a no-hit inning. 
•  Henry Wrigley was 1 for 1 in his MLB spring debut. 

A Look Ahead: The Rays travel north to Ed Smith Stadium for a game against the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday afternoon. David Price is scheduled to start followed by Matt Moore, Burke Badenhop, Wilking Rodriguez and Ryan Reid. This will be Moore's first game of the spring after being sidelined with a pulled abdominal muscle.

Rays Make First Round Of Cuts

The Rays made their first round of cuts from big league camp today. Chris Archer, Nevin Ashley, Alex Cobb, Ricky Orta, Mark Thomas and Alex Torres were sent to minor league camp.

Archer appeared in two games this spring with a 0.00 ERA in 3 innings pitched.

Ashley was a non-roster invite to spring training and was played in two games, going 0 for 4 at the plate. 

Cobb was 0-1 with a 2.08 ERA and 4 strikeouts in 2 games this spring.

Orta pitched just one inning this spring, allowing no runs but walking two in the inning.

Thomas appeared in two games this spring and was 0 for 2 at the plate.

Torres appeared in two games and collected a 3.00 ERA with 3 strikeouts and 3 walks in 3 innings pitched.

Archer, Cobb and Torres were optioned to minor league camp while the remaining players were just transferred to minor league camp. With the cuts, the Rays have trimmed their spring training roster to 53 52 players.

Rays Victorious Over Pirates

The Rays finished closed out the weekend on a winning note following a 4-3 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates in Sunday afternoon at Charlotte Sports Park. After exchanging runs throughout the game, the Rays struck in the bottom of the ninth for a walk-off win. The Rays pitching core was extremely successful with four of the seven pitchers throwing no-hit innings. The game also marked the return of Evan Longoria who was injured on opening day as well as the spring debut for Luke Scott. 

The Pirates were the first to reach the scoreboard in the fourth inning. Andrew McCutchen singled to third but an errant throw by Longoria allowed Alex Presley to score and gave the Pirates a 1-0 lead.

The Rays bounced back in the home half of the fourth. Reid Brignac drove home Longoria with a bunt single to tie the game 1-1.

The Pirates then regained the lead in the fifth on a solo home run by Pedro Alvarez to take a 2-1 lead.

Then the Rays tied the game once again in the bottom of the fifth. Sam Fuld scored on a sac fly by Longoria to tie the game 2-2.

The Pirates used a long ball to grab the lead in the ninth when Jake Fox homered to left to give the Pirates a 3-2 lead.

Then in the bottom of the ninth, the Rays mounted a game winning rally. It was Chris Gimenez playing the hero role as he singled home John Shelby and Matt Mangini to give the Rays a 4-3 walk-off win.

Josh Lueke was the winner as he evened his spring record to 1-1.

Notable Performances

• Reid Brignac was 2 for 3 with an RBI. 
• Chris Gimenez drove home 2 runs to win the game. 
• Brandon Gomes pitched a no-hit inning. 
• JP Howell pitched a no-hit inning. 
• Matt Mangini was 2 for 2 with a double and a run scored. 
• Jake McGee pitched a no-hit inning. 
• Jose Molina was 2 for 3. 
• Jeff Niemann pitched 3 no-hit innings with 2 strikeouts. 

A Look Ahead: The Rays host the Minnesota Twins on Monday at Charlotte Sports Park. James Shields is scheduled to start followed by Kyle Farnsworth, Jake McGee, Cesar Ramos, Matt Bush and Matt Torra. Carl Pavano is the scheduled starter for the Twins.

Rays Blanked By Red Sox

The Rays offense struggled to get on the scoreboard on Saturday night as they were shut-out by the Boston Red Sox at JetBlue Park. The Rays recorded 7 hits on the night but could not make anything out of those hits, stranding 11 hitters and going 1 for 8 with runners in scoring position.

Four of the five runs in the game came in the first three innings off starter Wade Davis. Davis issued a bases loaded walk to Jarrod Saltalamacchia to score Nick Punto giving the Red Sox a 1-0 lead.

The Red Sox scored two more in the second when Darnell McDonald and Alex Hassan scored on an BJ Upton error, increasing the lead to 3-0.

Then in the third, Kevin Youkilis struck an RBI double to center, scoring Adrian Gonzalaz to put them ahead 4-0.

The fifth and final run came in the eighth inning on a ground-rule double by Josh Kroeger that scored Will Middlebrooks. The Rays could not push across a run as they were shut-out 5-0.

Davis was charged with the loss and is now 0-1 in the spring. Daniel Bard was the winning pitcher for the Red Sox.

Notable Performances

• Burke Badenhop pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings. 
• Alex Colome pitched 2 shut-out innings. 
• Dane De La Rosa pitched a shut-out inning with 2 K's. 
• Elliot Johnson was 2 for 3. 
• Jeff Keppinger was 2 for 3. 
• Romulo Sanchez struck out 3. 
• Stephen Vogt has a double. 

A Look Ahead: The Rays return home for a Sunday afternoon games against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Jeff Niemann will get the start followed by Brandon Gomes, Joel Peralta, Fernando Rodney and JP Howell. Kevin Corriea is scheduled to start for the Pirates. It is also rumored that Evan Longoria will return to the Rays lineup on Sunday after being hit by a pitch on opening day.

Rays/Orioles Play Ten Innings But Finish Tied

The Rays and Orioles played neck and neck on Friday afternoon at Charlotte Sports Park but the end result was a 3-3 tie.

The Orioles struck first after Alex Torres worked himself into a jam in the fourth inning. Torres loaded the bases with a hit batter and two walk. He then issued a bases loaded pass to give the Orioles the first run of the game and 1-0 lead.

The Rays matched the run and added another in the home half for the fourth. The Rays loaded the bases and then Matt Mangini singled home Will Rhymes and Jose Molina to take a 2-1 lead.

The Orioles tied the game in the sixth on an RBI single by Xavier Avery.

The Orioles then took the lead in the seventh as Scott Beerer scored on a wild pitch by Marquis Fleming to put the Orioles ahead 3-2.

Brad Coon then went deep for the Rays in the bottom of the seventh to tie the game 3-3.

Neither club could push across another run and the game was called a tie at the conclusion of the tenth inning.

The Rays pitching staff combined for 11 strikeouts on the afternoon. Alex Cobb made the start and pitched 3 shut-out inning before turning the game over to the bullpen.

Notable Performances 

• Alex Cobb pitched 3 scoreless innings with 2 strikeouts. 
• Brad Coon had a solo home run. 
• Hak-Ju Lee was 2 for 4. 
• Matt Mangini had 2 RBI's.  
• Ryan Reid struck out 3 in 2 scoreless innings. 
• Wilking Rodriguez pitched a no-hit inning with 2 strikeouts.

A Look Ahead: The Rays travel to JetBlue Park on Saturday to face the Boston Red Sox. Wade Davis will make the start for the Rays followed by Burke Badenhop, Josh Lueke, Albert Suarez, Romulo Sanchez and Dane De La Rosa. The game will air live on MLB Network with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 ET.

Flashback Friday: 2007 Opening Day Rosters

With about three weeks to go in Spring Training we should start to some transactions soon. Players in major league camp will be sent to the minor league teams, trades may happen, and towards the end several players will be released.

When we look at transactions on a day-by-day basis throughout the year I think we sometimes fail to see how much overall turnover there is in the organization.

Below are the opening day rosters from 2007 for the Rays full-season teams, with current players in bold. As of today, only 18 of the 128 players who made a roster just over five years ago remain. That's just 14% of the players from the five highest levels of the Rays organization after only five years.

Will any more be gone by the time 2012 rosters are released?

Tampa Bay Devil Rays

Pitchers: Shawn Camp, Casey Fossum, Gary Glover, Edwin Jackson, Scott Kazmir, Ruddy Lugo, Al Reyes, Jae Kuk Ryu, Juan Salas, Jae Seo, James Shields, Brian Stokes, Jon Switzer (DL)

Catchers: Dioner Navarro, Josh Paul

Infielders: Brendan Harris, Akinori Iwamura, Carlos Pena, B.J. Upton, Ty Wigginton, Ben Zobrist

Outfielders: Rocco Baldelli, Carl Crawford, Elijah Dukes, Jonny Gomes, Greg Norton (DL), Delmon Young


Durham Bulls

Pitchers: Steve Andrade, Tim Corcoran, Scott Dohmann, Jason Hammel, J.P. Howell, Seth McClung, Jeff Niemann, Chad Orvella, Tony Peguero, Jeff Ridgway, Andrew Sonnanstine, Mitch Talbot

Catchers: Raul Casanova, Shawn Riggans

Infielders: Wes Bankston, Jorge Cantu, Joel Guzman, Elliot Johnson, Matthew Maniscalco, Jorge Velandia

Outfielders: Dustin Mohr, Jeremy Owens, Chris Richard, Justin Ruggiano


Montgomery Biscuits

Pitchers: Nick DeBarr, Richard De Los Santos, Derek Feldkamp, Jeremy Flanagan, Brian Henderson, James Houser, Chris Mason, Evan Meek, Mike Prochaska, Chris Seddon, Dale Thayer, Brett Wayne

Catchers: Josh Arhart, John Jaso

Infielders: Josh Asanovich, Reid Brignac, Brooks Badeaux, Evan Longoria, Gabriel Martinez, Chris Nowak

Outfielders: Patrick Breen, Shaun Cumberland, Fernando Perez, Jason Pridie


Vero Beach Devil Rays

Pitchers: Jonathan Beltre, Drew Bigda, Wade Davis, Eddie De La Cruz, Greg Dupas, Jino Gonzalez, Jeff Kamrath, Kevin Lynn, Jacob McGee, Paul Moviel, Aaron Walker, Matt Walker, Michael Wlodarczyk

Catchers: Alex Jamieson, Christian Lopez, Sergio Pedroza

Infielders: Patrick Cottrell, Matthew Devins, Rhyne Hughes, Jason St. Clair, Hunter Vick, Neil Walton

Outfielders: Erold Andrus, Garrett Groce, J.T. Hall


Columbus Catfish

Pitchers: Brian Baker, Joshua Butler, Matt Falk, Woods Fines, Neal Frontz, Jeremy Hellickson (DL), Chris Kelly, Ryan Morse, Wilton Noel, Ryan Owen, Ryan Reid, Heath Rollins, Wade Townsend

Catchers: Craig Albernaz, Nevin Ashley, Matt Spring

Infielders: Joey Callender, Jairo De La Rosa, Seth Dhaenens (DL), Matthew Fields, Brett Grandstrand, Brandon Rousseve (DL), Cesar Suarez

Outfielders: Desmond Jennings, Maiko Loyola, John Matulia, Ryan Royster, Quinn Stewart

Rays Earn A Split In Thursday's Split-Squad Action

 In a tale of polar opposites, the Rays earned a split during Thursday's spring training games. One half of the Rays suffered a major blow by the Detroit Tigers as they gave up 8 runs on 15 hits in the loss. Then on the other end of the spectrum, the traveling Rays squad threw nine shut-out innings to defeat the Minnesota Twins on the road.

At Charlotte Sports Park, the Rays could not handle the red-hot bats of the Tigers as they lost 8-1.

The Tigers jumped out to an early lead in the third inning when Delmon Young went deep with a three run blast to put the Tigers ahead 3-0.

The Rays scored their lone run in the fourth inning. Matt Mangini singled home Jeff Keppinger to bring the Rays within two runs of the lead 3-1. 

Then the Tigers offense struck for three more runs in the sixth inning. This time it was James McCann, Brennan Boesch and Miguel Cabrera doing the damage by each driving home a run to increase their lead to 6-1.

The Tigers pushed across two more runs in the eighth inning on two run single by Audy Ciriaco to hand the Rays a 8-1 loss.

Cesar Ramos was charged with the loss for the Rays.

David Price made the start for the Rays but was pulled following two scoreless innings with neck spasms. 

Meanwhile just under an hour south of Charlotte Sports Park, the second Rays squad was locked into a pitchers duel with the Twins at Hammond Stadium.

The games lone run came in the top of the ninth inning when Tim Beckham reached on an error, allowing Hak-Ju Lee to score and gave the Rays the hard-fought 1-0 victory.

Matt Torra recording the victory for the Rays and improved to 1-0 on the spring.

Notable Performances 

• Chris Archer pitched 2 scoreless innings. 
• Bryan Augenstein pitched 3 shut-out innings. 
• Matt Bush pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings. 
• Desmond Jennings was 2 for 3. 
• Jeff Keppinger had a double. 
• Jake McGee pitched a no-hit inning with 2 K's. 
• David Price pitched 2 scoreless innings. 
• Fernando Rodney pitched a shut-out inning. 
• Albert Suarez pitched a no-hit inning. 
• Matt Torra pitched 1 1/3 no-hit innings to record the win. 

A Look Ahead: The Rays host the Baltimore Orioles on Friday at Charlotte Sports Park. Alex Cobb will make the start followed by Alex Torres, JP Howell, Jhonny Nunez and Ryan Reid. Jake Arrieta will start for the Orioles.

Rays Injury Report

Tampa Bay Rays
3B Evan Longoria - Bruised hand after HBP on March 1st. Day to day.

OF Sam Fuld - Right wrist. Expected to play in Spring Training games by the end of this week.

DH Luke Scott - Recovering from right shoulder surgery. Expected to play in Spring Training games by the end of this week.

LHSP Matt Moore - Strained abdominal. Expected to throw batting practice this week and make Spring Training debut next week.

RHRP Brandon Gomes - Recovering from back surgery. Expected to throw batting practice this week.

Durham Bulls
RHP Jay Buente - Rehabbing from surgery on right shoulder. Out majority or all of 2012 season.

Princeton Rays
RHP Garret Smith - Tommy John surgery on March 7th. Out for 2012 season.

Other
RHP Matt Ramsey - Tommy John surgery on right elbow (August, 2011) after signing from 2011 draft. Out majority or all of 2012 season.


Below are players who were injured at the end of 2011. They may be ready to play now, but are worth keeping an eye on. Will update when/if they play in minor league Spring Training:

Durham Bulls
RHP Richard De Los Santos - Placed on DL April 13th, missed rest of 2011 season.

Montgomery Biscuits
OF Emeel Salem - Missed the entire 2011 season rehabbing from right knee surgery.

Charlotte Stone Crabs
RHP Chris Andujar - Placed on DL May 7th, missed rest of 2011 season.

OF Chris Murrill - Placed on DL May 30th, missed rest of 2011 season.

Bowling Green Hot Rods
RHP Jairo De La Rosa - Missed the entire 2011 season rehabbing from right shoulder surgery.

RHP Jason McEachern - Placed on DL August 19th with shoulder injury, missed rest of 2011 season.

2B Hector Guevara - Placed on DL July 23rd with shoulder injury, missed rest of 2011 season.

Hudson Valley Renegades
RHP Wilmer Almonte - Missed the entire 2011 season due to right shoulder injury.

RHP Jesse Hahn - Missed entire 2011 season recovering from Tommy John surgery on right elbow (August, 2010). Has not yet played pro ball.

OF Kes Carter - Didn't play after June 20th with leg injury.

RHP Drew Leary - Didn't play after June 28th.

VSL Rays
LHP Luis Wilches - Missed entire 2011 season recovering from Tommy John surgery on left elbow (May 23, 2011).

DSL Rays
RHP Jose Fermin - Missed entire 2010 and 2011 seasons rehabbing from Tommy John surgery on right elbow (November, 2010).


Note: Until 2012 rosters are released players are listed under their most recent team.

Aggregated Industry Rays Top Prospect List

UPDATE: Now with BA-Top 30 (via Marc Topkin and DRaysBay) instead of Top 10.

After Marc Hulet (of FanGraphs) and Kevin Goldstein (of Baseball Prospectus) have also published their Rays Top Prospect Lists, I'm going to post the final Aggregated Industry Rays Top Prospect List. I'm also comparing this industry list with our own Rays Top Prospects-list.

I aggregate the Rays Top Prospect Lists of 9 acknowledged industry sources into an aggregated list. The sources are: Baseball America, Baseball Prospectus (Kevin Goldstein), Keith Law (ESPN), John Sickels (MinorLeagueBall.com), Jonathan Mayo (MLB.com), Baseball-Intellect (Source: Prospect Spreadsheet by FantasyRundown.com ... excellent source by the way), FanGraphs (Marc Hulet probably), Bullpen Banter (2 lists: Jeff Reese and Al Skorupa).

In the following table you can see all the players listed who either cracked at least one of those 9 lists or who are on our Rays Top 30 Prospect List. Overall, that makes 34 players listed (including Russ Canzler who is no longer with the organization). Players who were not listed on a single prospect list got the value of the last ranked player times 1.5. (e.g.: on BA's Top 10 Prospect List every unranked player got a "ranking" of 10*1.5 = 15). Each of the Bullpen Banter lists was weighed with 0.5.

So, here is the list:

(Click at the table for a larger view)

Comparing this list to ours:

• We much more believe in Enny Romero's potential as a starter than the industry sources do (RP: 3rd, Industry: 8th). He is as much a controversial player as Alex Torres, Chris Archer and Alex Colome. Either you project them as starters or as relievers.
• On the other side, they like Alex Colome more than we do (RP: 11th, Industry: 7th).
• Nevertheless, both aggregated lists have the same top 11 prospects. The biggest differences are with Taylor Guerrieri (RP: 6th, Industry: 3rd), Alex Colome and Enny Romero.
• After that, both lists have the same players in the range from 12 to 16.
• Blake Snell (17 overall), Wilking Rodriguez (20) and Luke Bailey (21) are the highest ranked players according to the industry lists, not on our RaysProspects - list.
• The other way around, Ryan Carpenter (21st on our list) and Grayson Garvin (25) are not mentioned on ANY of the industry lists.
  

Hellickson Strong In Rays Loss

Jeremy Hellickson made a strong debut, throwing two scoreless innings in the Rays 5-3 loss against the Minnesota Twins in Sunday's home opener at Charlotte Sports Park. The games momentum swung back and forth but in the end, the Twins long balls put the Rays in the loss column for the second straight game.

The Twins took the first lead of the game in the top of the third inning. Trevor Plouffe struck an RBI single to right, scoring Alexi Casilla to give the Twins a 1-0 lead.

The Rays bounced back to tie the game in the home half of the third. Matt Joyce drove home Sean Rodriguez with an RBI single to center to even the game at 1-1.

The Rays took their first lead of the afternoon on a solo home run by Jeff Salazar, putting the Rays in front 2-1.

The lead held until the top of the sixth when Chris Parmelee went deep on Burke Badenhop, giving the Twins a 3-2 advantage.

The Rays pushed across their third and final run of the afternoon in the seventh inning. Robinson Chirinos singled home Jesus Feliciano to tie the game 3-3.

The Twins blasted another two run homer in the ninth, this time it was Josh Lueke surrendering the long ball to JR Towles. The Rays could not mount a comeback as they suffered back to back losses to start the spring.

Josh Lueke suffered the loss in his Rays debut.

Notable Performances

• Robinson Chirinos was 1 for 1 with an RBI. 
•  Jeremy Hellickson pitched 2 scoreless innings allowing just one hit. 
• JP Howell pitched a no-hit inning with a strikeout. 
• Joel Peralta pitched a scoreless inning. 
• Sean Rodriguez was 2 for 2 with a run scored. 
• Jeff Salazar had a solo home run. 
• Romulo Sanchez struck out 4 in 2 scoreless innings. 

A Look Ahead: The Rays (0-2) host the Baltimore Orioles split-squad on Monday at Charlotte Sports Park. Wade Davis is scheduled to make his first start of the spring with Alex Cobb, Bryan Augenstein, Cesar Ramos, Matt Bush and Matt Torra expected to follow. Alfredo Simon is the probable starter for Baltimore. Monday's game is the first of three discounted game days at Charlotte Sports Park with ticket prices $2 lower then normal.

Rays Drop Spring Opener

Despite jumping out to an early lead, the Rays could not hold off the Twins as they fell 7-3 on Saturday afternoon at Hammond Stadium.

The Rays took the lead in the first inning. BJ Upton set the stage by getting on base with a double. Then Matt Joyce took an offering from Twins starter Carl Pavano deep over the right field wall to put the Rays ahead 2-0.

The Twins cut the lead in half in the bottom of the third inning. Rays reliever Jhonny Nunez got into a jam early in the inning by walking Alexi Casilla and giving up a single to Denard span to lead off the inning. Joe Mauer drove home a run with an RBI single that scored Casilla to cut the lead in half 2-1.

The Twins tied the game in the bottom of the fifth inning. Justin Morneau hit an RBI single off Alex Colome that allowed Joe Benson to score and tie the game 2-2.

Albert Suarez got roughed up in the bottom of the sixth inning, surrendering three runs and committing an error that allowed the Twins to get their first lead of the afternoon.

The Twins strung together back to back one run inning in the seventh and eighth innings to increase their lead to 7-2.

The Rays pushed across a lone run in the top of the ninth. Chris Gimenez doubled to left to lead off the inning. Tim Beckham picked up the RBI with a ground ball to short that scored Gimenez. But the Rays could not overcome the large deficit as they fell to the Twins 7-3.

Suarez suffered the loss for the Rays, allowing 3 runs on 2 hits with 2 walks in an inning pitched.

Notable Performances

• Chris Archer pitched a no-hit inning with a walk. 
• Tim Beckham was 1 for 1 with an RBI. 
• Dane De La Rosa struck out the side in the fourth while allowing just one hit in the inning. 
• Matt Joyce was 2 for 2 with a two run homer. 
• David Price pitched a no-hit inning, striking out 2 of 3 hitters faced. 
• BJ Upton was 2 for 2 with a double, triple and a run scored. 

A Look Ahead: The Rays return home to Charlotte Sport Park for their spring home opener against a split squad from the Twins. Jeremy Hellickson will start the opener followed by Fernando Rodney, Joel Peralta, JP Howell, Jake McGee, Josh Lueke, Burke Badenhop and Romulo Sanchez . Terry Doyle is the probable starter for the Twins.

Flashback Friday: 2006 Rays Top Prospects

Looking through my old BA Prospect Handbook from before the 2006 season and thought I would share some of the more interesting comments.

1. OF Delmon Young - With virtually no chinks in his armor, it's easy to see why managers tabbed him the Southern League's best batting prospect, best power hitter, best outfield arm and most exciting player... Young has all the tools to be an all-star for years to come.

2. RHP Jeff Niemann - Niemann might have gone No. 1 in the 2004 draft had he not been coming off arthroscopic elbow surgery and a groin strain... His slider has sharp, cutting action and was deemed the best breaking pitch in the 2004 draft... The Rays envision Niemann joining Scott Kazmir as a potent 1-2 punch.

3. RHP Jason Hammel - He has the best command in the system.

4. SS Reid Brignac - Balls jump off his bat and he has natural loft in his stroke. He could produce 25-plus homers annually down the road. Brignac uses the entire field and has a plan at the plate.

5. OF Elijah Dukes - Dukes is an incredible athlete with all-star ability. He makes solid contact, has at least 20-homer power and plays with all-out aggression.

6. RHP Wade Davis - He drives his fastball low in the zone at 92-98 mph. His hard curveball became more consistent last year, and his slider is a solid-average pitch.

7. 1B Wes Bankston - Bankston shows as much raw power as anyone in the organization... His lower body has gotten thicker in the past two years, reducing his speed and overall athleticism.

8. RHP Chad Orvella - Mainly a shortstop in college, Orvella made it to the majors as a pitcher less than two years after he turned pro... When he was a shortstop, Orvella's best tool was his arm, which now delivers consistent 92-94 mph fastballs with late life.

9. RHP Matt Walker - His fastball ranges from 89-96 mph with good life. His overhand power curveball has a sharp break and is the best in the system.

10. RHP Chris Mason - Though he's just 6 feet tall, Mason generates 91-95 mph velocity and plus movement on his fastball thanks to a lightning-quick arm.

11. C Shawn Riggans - A more disciplined approach could mean the difference between being a platoon player and a starter in the major leagues.

12. RHP Jamie Shields - Though not overpowering for a righthander, Shields showed he has the overall package to be a solid fourth starter in the big leagues.

13. OF Fernando Perez - Perez has struggled at times making contact, though he gave switch-hitting a try during instructional league and had success.

14. RHP Wade Townsend - The Devil Rays' former upper-management team overruled the scouting department and mandated that the club take Townsend with the eighth overall pick in the 2005 draft... At his best at Rice, he pitched at 90-92 mph with his fastball and dominated hitters with a spike curveball.

15. C/DH John Jaso - An excellent contact hitter with a good approach from the left side, Jaso could produce 25-plus homers annually at higher levels.

16. LHP Jacob McGee - McGee has one of the best curveballs in the minors, an overhand bender that can be unhittable. He adds and subtracts from his curve, varying its velocity from 69-77 mph. His only problem with the pitch is that it breaks so much that lower-level umpires don't always call it for strikes.

17. OF Shaun Cumberland - Scouts drool over his picture-perfect swing from the left side of the plate.

18. 2B Elliot Johnson - In addition to his plus speed, he should develop consistent extra-base power once his body fills out more completely and adds some strength. Though he's not a big home run threat, he's one of just two players in professional baseball history to hit three homers in the first three innings of a game.

19. RHP Jeremy Hellickson - Projected to go in the first two rounds of the 2005 draft, Hellickson dropped to the fourth because clubs worried about his bonus demands and his commitment to Louisiana State... He missed his junior season in high school because of a fractured growth plate in his right shoulder.

20. RHP Andy Sonnanstine - Sonnanstine won the system's pitching triple crown in 2005, leading all Tampa Bay farmhands in wins, strikeouts and ERA. His most eye-popping number was his 178-18 K-BB ratio, and managers rated him as having the best control in the Midwest League.

21. RHP Jose de la Cruz - Standing 6-foot-7 and weighing in excess of 240 pounds, the righthander physically resembles Antonio Alfonseca, only larger, and is nicknamed "The Aircraft Carrier."

22. LHP James Houser - He dropped to the second round of the 2003 draft mainly because he has a heart murmur that scared teams off.

23. OF Andrew Lopez - Not only did he hit .325 in his pro debut, but he also raked against older pitchers during instructional league, where he reminded veteran scouts of Magglio Ordonez.

24. LHP Chris Seddon - Five years into his pro career, Seddon reached Triple-A at the age of 21.

25. RHP Carlos Hines - Hines has a fast arm that produces a powerful 92-97 mph fastball.

26. RHP Brian Stokes - Stokes' best pitch is a mid-70s curveball, and his 89-92 mph fastball can feature heavy sink when he keeps it down in the zone.

27. RHP Juan Salas - He consistently showed an 80 arm on the 20-80 scouting scale at the hot corner, but his power never developed as expected.

28. OF John Matulia - One Devil Rays coach describes Matulia as "tougher than a one-dollar steak."

29. RHP Derek Feldkamp - Feldkamp's stuff plays very well when he's used in relief, a role in which he shows a 91-95 mph fastball and an 82-84 mph slider.

30. OF Francisco Leandro - Managers rated his strike-zone judgment the best in the Midwest League last year, and he didn't miss a beat after a midseason promotion to high Class A, where he quickly put together a 24-game hitting streak.

Some future Rays:

Arizona Diamondbacks #8 RHP Matt Torra - He became a supplemental first round-pick who signed for $1.025 million after leading NCAA Division I with a 1.14 ERA for a 16-33 Massachusetts team.

Colorado Rockies #17 OF Jeff Salazar - Salazar needs to learn to stay back on pitches and use the opposite field if he wants to reach his potential.

Detroit Tigers #27 OF Matt Joyce - Joyce has average tools across the board to go with a quiet approach that lets him make consistent contact while using the whole field. His arm might be a tick above average.

Houston Astros #15 OF Luke Scott - He's an incredibly streaky hitter, and he'll sometimes get himself out when he's going good, needlessly making adjustments because he fears pitchers will do the same.

Houston Astros #16 SS Ben Zobrist - A switch-hitter who excels at handling the bat, Zobrist has solid-average tools across the board, with the exception of power.

Los Angeles Angels #23 SS Sean Rodriguez - His best tool is his plus arm, but between the organization's depth at shortstop and Rodriguez' lack of pure shortstop actions, he won't play there much longer.

New York Mets #13 2B Jeff Keppinger - Though he homered twice off Southern California ace Mark Prior in a 2001 College World Series game, Keppinger's contact approach means he'll never hit for much power.

San Diego Padres #11 LHP Cesar Ramos - Ramos was drafted in the sixth round by the Devil Rays out of high school, but decided to attend Long Beach State, where he became the winningest lefty in school history... He'll need to keep an eye on his weight and work habits. He doesn't offer much projection, but his feel for pitching should carry him.

San Diego Padres #13 SS Matt Bush - He's a potential Gold Glove shortstop with plus range to both sides, an excellent double-play pivot and a powerful arm that ranks as a pure 80 on the 20-80 scouting scale.

Thursday Spring Training Notes

The Rays four-inning intrasquad game today ended with a 2-0 score. In the 2nd inning 2B Jeff Keppinger tripled and scored on an RBI groundout by 1B Matt Mangini, and SS Reid Brignac led off the 3rd with a homer off RH Marquis Fleming.

3B Evan Longoria sustained a bruised right hand when he was hit by a pitch from RH Matt Bush in the 4th inning. Precautionary X-rays came back negative and he is day-to-day. "It’s just a bruise, it’s sore, but getting hit by a pitch is part of the game," said Longoria. "The x-rays were negative and that’s good. Now it’s day to day and we will see how it feels tomorrow. At this point, we just need to get the swelling out of there."

LH Cesar Ramos started and tossed 1 perfect inning with 2 strikeouts. RH Alex Cobb relieved him and also threw 1 perfect frame with 2 strikeouts. The other starter, RH Josh Lueke, worked a perfect 1st inning with a strikeout.

Friday is the annual Rays Charity Golf Classic, held at the Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club in Bradenton. There will be a short morning workout from 9:00 to 10:30 am and then golfing the rest of the day.

Saturday Spring Training Opening Game: March 3rd at Minnesota, Hammond Stadium at 1:05 pm (radio WDAE 620 AM). LHSP David Price is scheduled to start, followed by RHSP Chris Archer, RHSP Alex Colome, RHRP Dane De La Rosa, RHRP Jhonny Nunez, RHRP Ricky Orta, RHSP Ryan Reid, RHSP Wilking Rodriguez, and RHSP Albert Suarez.

Sunday Spring Training Home Opener: March 4th vs. Minnesota, Charlotte Sports Park at 1:05 pm (radio WDAE 620 AM). RHSP Jeremy Hellickson is scheduled to start, followed by RHRP Fernando Rodney, RHRP Joel Peralta, LHRP J.P. Howell, LHRP Jake McGee, RHRP Josh Lueke, RHRP Burke Badenhop, and RHRP Romulo Sanchez.

The pregame schedule will be: 10:20 - Rays batting practice, 11:20 Twins batting practice, 12:20 Rays infield, 12:30 Twins infield.