Wednesday, October 31, 2012

The End Of The Line

As the World Series ends, we typically begin the heavy legwork here on the site - ranking prospects, debating tools, wondering what publication X was thinking. But not this off-season. Instead, we've decided to cease further updates. RaysProspects has come to an end.

You've surely noticed the decline in posting frequency over the last year or so. With that in mind, we discussed whether we would be able to do more, and when we decided that we wouldn't be able to bring you the coverage we want to, we felt it right to bring the site to an end rather than continuing on with sporadic updates.

This is a weird post to write for me. I had started two (Devil) Rays blogs a long time ago, and both died in a month. I just simply stopped updating. I'm confident if I had started RaysProspects on my own, it would have met a similar fate. But it was Doug who created the site and graciously brought me aboard, and he was the driving force behind the scenes throughout much of the life of the blog. I'm forever thankful for him giving me the chance to join and create something I'm truly proud of.

It was also Doug who brought Jim aboard, whose contributions to the site are more valuable than I can express here. His daily (and end-of-year) recaps, his excellent photography, and his boots-on-the-ground ability to bring us instructional league rosters and other important information. All of that helped make the site complete and I thank him for that.

Other contributors have also helped make the site what it is during their times here: Andy Leslie and Jake Larsen helped with prospect coverage, Nick Hanson provided photography and local updates from Charlotte, RZ and BurGi covered the stats side of the game.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the readers and commenters. You were the lifeblood of the site, even if we didn't see eye-to-eye all the time (one last Henry Wrigley debate for the road?). So much valuable information came from the commenters, and I know we all loved interacting with the readers. We tallied over 1.25 million page views in our five years here, a number that blows my mind. Thank you so much to everyone who stopped by to read and comment over the years.

Some final updates:
The podcast will be continuing, as will my once-per-week writing at DRaysBay. You can follow me on Twitter @KevinGengler for any updates.

Doug is also on Twitter: @DougMilhoan.

Jim's photography sites to check out: Donten Photography and his baseball galleries.

The @RaysProspects Twitter account may still be updated from time to time.

The website will remain open; we're not taking anything offline. So you'll be still able to access all of our archives.

Thank you, everybody, for five awesome years.

Friday, October 26, 2012

Winter League Update from 10/25

Arizona Fall League
Salt River Rafters 6, Phoenix Desert Dogs 3 
Kevin Kiermaier was 1 for 2 with 2 walks.
Hak-Ju Lee was 2 for 5.
Lenny Linsky allowed 1 unearned run on a hit and 2 walks while striking out 1 in 1 2/3 innings.
Chris Rearick allowed 1 run on 2 hits with 2 strikeouts and a walk in 1 2/3 innings.



Venezuelan Winter League
Tiburones de La Guaira 6, Leones del Caracas 4 
Henry Wrigley was 2 for 4 with a run scored.

Caribes de Anzoategui 7, Navagantes del Magallanes 1
Robinson Chirinos was 1 for 3.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Winter League Update from 10/24

Arizona Fall League
Phoenix Desert Dogs 15, Surprise Saguaros 1 
Tim Beckham was 4 for 5 with a double, triple, 4 RBI’s and 2 runs scored.
Richie Shaffer was 1 for 5 with a walk, RBI and a run scored.
Hak-Ju Lee was 1 for 5 with 2 RBI’s and a run scored.




Venezuelan Winter League
Aguilas del Zulia 8, Cardenales de Lara 7
Ryan Reid earned his third save with a scoreless frame, allowing one hit and one walk.

Bravos de Margarita 3,Leones del Caracas 2
Henry Wrigley was 0 for 4.



 Dominican Winter League 

Aguilas Cibaenas 4, Toros del Este 3 
Omar Luna was 0 for 4 with a run scored.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Winter League Recap from 10/23

Arizona Fall League
Phoenix Desert Dogs 7, Mesa Solar Sox 7 (10 innings)
Kevin Kiermaier was 1 for 4 with a walk, RBI and a run scored.
CJ Riefenhauser pitched 2 scoreless innings with a hit and a strikeout.
 Kirby Yates gave up a solo home run and had 2 strikeouts in 1 inning pitched.



Venezuelan Winter League
Aguilas del Zulia 8, Leones del Caracas 5 
Ryan Reid pitched a perfect frame for his second save.
Henry Wrigley was 1 for 4 with a 2 run homer.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Winter League Recap from 10/22

Arizona Fall League
Phoenix Desert Dogs 5, Scottsdale Scorpions 1 
Tim Beckham was 1 for 4 with a triple and a run scored
Hak-Ju Lee was 1 for 4 with a walk, stolen base and a run scored

Monday, October 22, 2012

Winter League Recap from 10/21

Venezuelan Winter League
 Aguilas de Zulia 2, Cardenales de Lara 1 
 Alex Torres picked up the win, allowing 1 run on 3 hits with 7 strikeouts and a walk in 6 innings pitched.




 Dominican Winter League
Tigres del Licey 3, Aguilas Cibaenas 2 
Omar Luna was 1 for 3 with a walk and a run scored.

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Future Considerations Podcast (Episode 35: 2nd Base Prospects, BaseballAmerica League Top 20s, DRaysBay Community List Review)


Scott and Kevin continue their off-season positional rundown with second base prospects, run through the Rays who appeared on BaseballAmerica's off-season league top 20 prospects lists, talked about their review of the DRaysBay Community Prospect list from last off-season, and finished up with some majors talk.

Questions or comments? E-mail podcast@raysprospects.com

Music is from Isle of Q

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Winter League Recap from 10/20

Arizona Fall League
Phoenix Desert Dogs 12, Peoria Javelinas 11 
Tim Beckham was 2 for 4 with a home run, 3 RBI’s and a run scored.
Kevin Kiermaier was 2 for 4 with a double, 2 RBI’s and 2 runs scored.
Hak-Ju Lee was 1 for with a triple, RBI and a run scored.
Lenny Linskey allowed 6 runs (2 earned) on 6 hits with a strikeout and a walk in 2 innings.
Chris Rearick pitched 2 no-hit innings with a walk issued.




Venezuelan Winter League
Navegantes del Magallanes 11, Tiburones de La Guaira 5
Robinson Chirinos was 0 for 4 with a walk.

Cardenales de Lara 4, Aguilas de Zulia 3
Ryan Reid was charged with a blown save after allowing 2 unearned runs on 1 hit in 2/3 inning.

 Leones del Caracas 2, Tigres de Aragua 1 (10 innings) 
Henry Wrigley was 1 for 2 with a walk.




Dominican Winter League 

Leones del Escogido 6, Aguilas Cibaenas 4 
Omar Luna was 3 for 4 with a double and an RBI.

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Winter League Recap from 10/19

Arizona Fall League
Phoenix Desert Dogs 10, Mesa Solar Sox 6
CJ Riefenhauser allowed 1 unearned run on 2 hits with a strikeout in 1 2/3 innings.
Kirby Yates allowed a solo home run with 3 strikeouts in 1 1/3 innings.




Venezuelan Winter League
Leones del Caracas 11, Tiburones de La Guaira 4 
Henry Wrigley was 1 for 3 with a walk and 2 RBI’s.






 Dominican Winter League
Aguilas Cibaenas 7, Estrellas de Oriente 3
 Omar Luna was 1 for 4.

Friday, October 19, 2012

Winter League Recap from 10/18

Arizona Fall League
Phoenix Desert Dogs 2, Surprise Saguaros 2 (10 innings)
Tim Beckham was 1 for 5.
Kevin Kiermaier was 1 for 4.
Hak-Ju Lee was 1 for 3 with 2 walks.



Venezuelan Winter League
Leones del Caracas 5, Caribes de Anzoategui 3
Henry Wrigley was 2 for 3 with a double, home run and 2 RBI’s.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Winter League Recap from 10/17

Arizona Fall League
Surprise Saguaros 7, Phoenix Desert Dogs 3
Tim Beckham was 1 for 4.
Kevin Kiermaier was 1 for 3 with a double, walk, 2 runs scored and a stolen base.
Hak-Ju Lee was 1 for 3 with an RBI and 2 walks.
Lenny Linsky pitched 2 scoreless innings with 4 strikeouts and 2 hits.
Chris Rearick pitched a no-hit frame with a walk.
Richie Shaffer was 0 for 4.




Venezuelan Winter League
Leones del Caracas 3, Cardenales de Lara 1
Henry Wrigley was 1 for 4 with a home run.

Aguilas del Zulia 4, Navegantes del Magallanes 1
Robinson Chirinos was 0 for 3.
Ryan Reid allowed a run on 2 hits with a strikeout in an inning pitched.



Dominican Winter League

Estrellas de Oriente 9, Tigres del Licey 8 
Braulio Lara allowed 1 run on 1 hit and a walk without recording an out.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Winter League Recap from 10/16

Arizona Fall League
Phoenix Desert Dogs 3, Salt River Rafters 3 (11 innings) 
Tim Beckham was 0 for 5.
Kevin Kiermaier was 1 for 3 with a walk.
Hak-Ju Lee was 1 for 5.
CJ Riefenhauser pitched 1 2/3 no-hit innings with 2 strikeouts.
Kirby Yates pitched a no-hit inning with a walk and a strikeout.



Venezuelan Winter League
 Leones del Caracas 5, Cardenales de Lara 3
Henry Wrigley was 0 for 4.

Navegantes del Magallanes 9, Aguilas del Zulia 4
Alex Torres was charged with the loss, allowing 3 unearned runs on 2 hits with 8 strikeouts and 2 walks in 3 2/3 innings.



Dominican Winter League
Estrellas de Oriente 2, Aguilas Cibaenas 1
Omar Luna was 0 for 3.

Monday, October 15, 2012

Winter League Recap from 10/14

Venezuelan Winter League
Leones del Caracas 7, Tigres de Aragua 4 
Henry Wrigley was 2 for 4 with a run scored.

Navegantes del Magallanes 3, Tiburones de La Guaira 2
Robinson Chirinos was 1 for 1 with 2 walks.



Dominican Winter League
Aguilas Cibaenas 9, Gigantes del Cibao 5
Omar Luna was 2 for 4 with a double, RBI and a run scored.

Tigres del Licey 7, Leones del Escogido 6
Braulio Lara picked up the win with a scoreless 1/3 inning allowing 1 hit.

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Winter League Recap from 10/13

Arizona Fall League
Mesa Solar Sox 8, Phoenix Desert Dogs 3
Tim Beckham was 0 for 5.
Kevin Kiermaier was 3 for 4 with a double and a stolen base.
Hak-Ju Lee was 0 for 4.
Chris Rearick pitched a no-hit inning with 3 walks and 2 strikeouts.



Venezuelan Winter League
Tigres de Aragua 4, Leones del Caracas 2 
Henry Wrigley was 1 for 4.

 Aguilas de Zulia 9, Navegantes del Magallanes 1
Ryan Reid pitched 1 no-hit inning with 2 strikeouts.

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Winter League Recap from 10/12

Arizona Fall League
Phoenix Desert Dogs 13, Peoria Javelinas 3
Kevin Kiermaier was 1 for 3 with a double and 2 runs scored.
Lenny Linsky allowed 1 run on 3 hits with a walk in an inning pitched.
CJ Riefenhauser pitched 2 no-hit innings with a strikeout.
Richie Shaffer was 2 for 4 with a double and 2 runs scored.
Kirby Yates allowed a run on 2 hits with a walk in an inning pitched.


Venezuelan Winter League
Cardenales de Lara 3, Navegantes del Magallanes 2
Robinson Chirinos was 0 for 4.

Caribes de Anzoategui 8, Leones del Caracas 1 
Henry Wrigley was 0 for 4.

Friday, October 12, 2012

Winter League Recap from 10/11

Arizona Fall League
Peoria Javelinas 6, Phoenix Desert Dogs 0 
Tim Beckham was 1 for 4
Hak-Ju Lee was 1 for 3 with a walk.



Venezuelan Winter League
Aguilas del Zulia 10, Tigres de Aragua 3 
Alex Torres pitched 3 scoreless innings with 4 strikeouts and a hit.

 Caribes de Anzoategui 1, Leones del Caracas 0 
Henry Wrigley was 0 for 4.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Winter League Recap from 10/10

Arizona Fall League
Scottsdale Scorpions 6, Phoenix Desert Dogs 5
Tim Beckham was 0 for 4 with an RBI, 2 walks and a run scored.
Kevin Kiermaier was 1 for 4 with a double, walk, 2 runs scored and 3 stolen bases.
Chris Rearick allowed an unearned run in 1 1/3 innings with a hit and 2 strikeouts to suffer the loss.
Richie Shaffer was 2 for 4 with a walk.
Kiby Yates pitched a no-hit frame with 2 strikeouts.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Winter League Recap for 10/9

Arizona Fall League
Phoenix Desert Dogs 4, Scottsdale Scorpions 3
Hak-Ju Lee was 1 for 4 with a run scored. Lenny Linsky allowed 2 runs on 2 hits with a walk in 2/3 inning. CJ Riefenhauser pitched 1/3 scoreless inning with a hit, strikeout and a walk.

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Future Considerations Podcast (Episode 34: Arizona Fall League Preview, Rays Season Wrap-Up, Playoffs & Awards)

This week, Scott and Kevin preview the Rays prospects heading out to the desert for the Arizona Fall League, give their thoughts on the Rays falling short of the playoffs, then discuss the playoffs and awards races.


Questions or comments? E-mail podcast@raysprospects.com

Music is from Isle of Q

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Saturday, October 6, 2012

2012 Year in Review: Durham Bulls (Pitching)

This week we will continue our look back at the 2012 season by taking a look at the pitching leaders of each affiliate. Today we will focus on the pitching stats of the Durham Bulls.


ERA
1. Kyle Farnsworth (0.00)
1. Jimmy Patterson (0.00)
3. Adam Liberatore (1.29)
4. Frank De Los Santos (2.18)
5. Dane De La Rosa (2.79)

Wins
1. Matt Torra (12, tied fourth in INT)
2. Lance Pendleton (8)
3. Chris Archer (7)
4. Jim Paduch (6)
4. Ryan Reid (6)

Saves
1. Dane De La Rosa (20, third in INT)
2. Brandon Gomes (9)
3. Bryan Augenstein (3)
4. Josh Lueke (2)

Holds 
1. Frank De Los Santos (11, second in INT)
2. Brandon Gomes (7)
2. Ryan Reid (7)
4. Cesar Ramos (6)
5. Bryan Augenstein (4)
5. John Gaub (4)

Strikeouts
1. Chris Archer (139, first in INT)
2. Lance Pendleton (104)
3. Alex Torres (91)
4. Dane De La Rosa (87)
5. Ryan Reid (79)

WHIP
1. Jimmy Patterson (0.60)
2. Kyle Farnsworth (1.00)
3. Brandon Gomes (1.05)
4. Dane De La Rosa (1.15)
5. Matt Torra (1.18)

Friday, October 5, 2012

2012 Year in Review: Montgomery Biscuits (Pitching)

This week we will continue our look back at the 2012 season by taking a look at the pitching leaders of each affiliate. Today we will focus on the pitching stats of the Montgomery Biscuits.


ERA
1. Zach Quate (0.00)
2. Frank De Los Santos (2.06)
3. Kirby Yates (2.65)
4. Jimmy Patterson (2.70)
5. Shane Dyer (2.85)

Wins
1. Alex Colome (8, tied tenth in SOU)
1. Merrill Kelly (8, tied tenth in SOU)
1. Kyle Lobstein (8, tied tenth in SOU)
4. Matt Buschmann (7)
4. Jake Thompson (7)

Saves
1. Kirby Yates (16, tied seventh in SOU)
2. Adam Liberatore (8)
3. Frank De Los Santos (4)
4. Jim Paduch (2)
4. Chris Rearick (2)

Holds
1. Marquis Fleming (9, eighth in SOU)
2. Neil Schenk (7)
3. Frank De Los Santos (3)
3. Adam Liberatore (3)
3. CJ Riefenhauser (3)

Strikeouts
1. Kyle Lobstein (129, second in SOU)
2. Matt Buschmann (111)
3. Kirby Yates (94)
4. Jake Thompson (90)
5. Alex Colome (75)

WHIP
1. Jim Paduch (1.13)
1. Matt Nevarez (1.13)
3. Shane Dyer (1.21)
4. Chris Rearick (1.22)
5. Frank De Los Santos (1.25)
5. CJ Riefenhauser (1.25)

Thursday, October 4, 2012

2012 Year in Review: Charlotte Stone Crabs (Pitching)

This week we will continue our look back at the 2012 season by taking a look at the pitching leaders of each affiliate. Today we will focus on the pitching stats of the Charlotte Stone Crabs.


ERA
1. Zach Butler (0.00)
2. Matt Nevarez (0.57)
3. Chris Rearick (1.79)
4. Kyle Farnsworth (2.25)
5. Jimmy Patterson (2.82)

Wins
1. Jimmy Patterson (8)
2. CJ Riefenhauser (7)
3. Braulio Lara (6)
3. Victor Mateo (6)
5. Albert Suarez (5)
5. Eliazer Suero (5)

Saves
1. Chris Rearick (20, fourth in FSL)
2. TJ Geith (2)
2. Lenny Linsky (2)
2. Jimmy Patterson (2)

Holds
1. TJ Geith (7)
2. Jimmy Patterson (5)
3. Eliazer Suero (3)
4. Nate Garcia (2)
4. Lenny Linsky (2)

Strikeouts
1. Enny Romero (107, sixth in FSL)
2. CJ Riefenhauser (103, seventh in FSL)
3. Braulio Lara (82)
4. Victor Mateo (72)
5. Albert Suarez (62)

WHIP
1. Matt Nevarez (0.38)
2. Kyle Farnsworth (0.75)
3. Jimmy Patterson (1.00)
4. TJ Geith (1.09)
5. Chris Rearick (1.10)

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

2012 Year in Review: Bowling Green Hot Rods (Pitching)

This week we will continue our look back at the 2012 season by taking a look at the pitching leaders of each affiliate. Today we will focus on the pitching stats of the Bowling Green Hot Rods.


ERA
1. Nick Sawyer (0.00)
2. Roberto Gomez (2.48, second in MID)
3. Jacob Partridge (2.51)
4. Jason McEachern (2.80)
5. Andrew Bellatti (2.97)

Wins
1. Ryan Carpenter (11, tied fourth in MID)
1. Parker Markel (11, tied fourth in MID)
3. Jake Floethe (10, tied ninth in MID)
4. Roberto Gomez (9)
5. Felipe Rivero (8)

Saves
1. Austin Hubbard (23, second in MID)
2. Andrew Bellatti (5)
2. Charlie Cononie (5)
2. Jacob Partridge (5)
2. Stayton Thomas (5)

Holds
1. Andrew Bellatti (8, tied eighth in MID)
2. Jason McEachern (6)
3. Jacob Partridge (4)
3. Stayton Thomas (4)
5. Shay Crawford (2)
5. Justin Woodall (2)

Strikeouts
1. Ryan Carpenter (113)
2. Andrew Bellatti (99)
3. Felipe Rivero (98)
4. Parker Markel (96)
5. Jacob Partridge (93)

WHIP
1. Nick Sawyer (1.00)
2. Jake Floethe (1.10, third in MID)
3. Andrew Bellatti (1.14)
4. Ryan Carpenter (1.18, eighth in MID)
4. Jacob Partridge (1.18)

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

2012 Year in Review: Hudson Valley Renegades (Pitching)

This week we will continue our look back at the 2012 season by taking a look at the pitching leaders of each affiliate. Today we will focus on the pitching stats of the Hudson Valley Renegades.


ERA
1. Alex Moshier (0.00)
2. Taylor Guerrieri (1.04)
3. Jose Molina (1.41)
4. Jeff Ames (1.96, third in NYP)
5. Ryan Garton (2.00)

Wins
1. Eduar Quinonez (7, tied third in NYP)
2. Jeff Ames (6, tied eighth in NYP)
2. Marcus Jensen (6, tied eighth in NYP)
4. Brandon Henderson (5)
4. Matthew Spann (5)

Saves
1. Ryan Garton (7, tied eighth in NYP)
2. Marcus Jensen (6)
3. Shay Crawford (3)
3. Jose Molina (3)
5. Dylan Floro (2)

Holds
1. Ian Kendall (4)
1. Reinaldo Lopez (4)
3. Kris Carlson (3)
3. Rob Finneran (3)
3. Brandon Henderson (3)
3. Jose Molina (3)

Strikeouts
1. Jeff Ames (70, fourth in NYP)
2. Jesse Hahn (55)
3. Eduar Quinonez (52)
4. Taylor Guerrieri (52)
5. Brandon Henderson (41)
5. Ian Kendall (41)

WHIP
1. Alex Moshier (0.40)
2. Taylor Guerrieri (0.77)
3. Brandon Henderson (0.88)
4. Jeff Ames (0.99, ninth in NYP)
5. Ryan Garton (1.00)

Monday, October 1, 2012

2012 Year in Review: Princeton Rays (Pitching)

This week we will continue our look back at the 2012 season by taking a look at the pitching leaders of each affiliate. Today we will focus on the pitching stats of the Princeton Rays.


ERA
1. Nick Sawyer (0.37)
2. Blake Snell (2.09)
3. Zach Butler (2.20)
4. Kevin Brant (2.25)
5. Alex Keudell (2.28)

Wins
1. Blake Snell (5, tied third in APP)
2. Randy Davis (4)
2. Bruedlin Suero (4)
4. Zach Butler (3)
4. Jacob Faria (3)
4. Alex Keudell (3)

Saves
1. Zach Butler (7, fourth in APP)
2. Nick Sawyer (5)
3. Alex Keudell (3)
4. Jonathan Weaver (2)
5. Pedro Silvestre (1)

Holds
1. Nick Sawyer (4, tied second in APP)
2. Jonathan Weaver (3, tied eighth in APP)
3. Zach Butler (2)
3. Randy Davis (2)
3. William Gabay (2)

Strikeouts
1. Blake Snell (53)
2. Nick Sawyer (50)
3. Bruedlin Suero (44)
4. Kevin Brandt (43)
5. Alex Keudell (42)

WHIP
1. Nick Sawyer (0.66)
2. Alex Keudell (1.06)
3. Blake Snell (1.08)
4. Kevin Brandt (1.11)
5. Zach Butler (1.19)