Rays acquire Yunel Escobar

[GA16Angels]

Good deal for the Rays. You would think that given the low amount of SS talent on the free agent market and the fact that so many teams have a need at SS that the Marlins could have gotten something more than a 23 year old high A balll player.

[Jays Claw]

Really nice pickup for the Rays. I could see Escobar having a bounceback year.

Agreed.

The familiarity he has with the AL East will be a contributing factor to his bounceback season along with his natural skills as a SS. Good pickup for the Rays.

[ciaban]

the marlins could have gotten a lot more had they waited for the trade deadline. Jesus it's like this management group looks for ways to rip themselves off.

[Dol-Fan]

the marlins could have gotten a lot more had they waited for the trade deadline. Jesus it's like this management group looks for ways to rip themselves off.

but then they would have had to pay him that money stuff during the year

[ciaban]

why would they trade for a SS prospect? Isn't that what hechavaria is?

[ciaban]

but then they would have had to pay him that money stuff during the year

only like 2.5 mill if they trade him by mid season, that's not that much.

[LakersA's49ers]

why the marlins told nolasco they wont trade him defies logic. may as well get rid of him as well

[Halladay]

They just got a major league SS for nothing.

[Leandres_sf]

why would they trade for a SS prospect? Isn't that what hechavaria is?

Because, they're the Marlins.

[penuch]

Marlins will know open the season with the lowest payroll in Baseball at 38mill. If I was a florida tax payer I would be absolutely pissed, they got swindled by the Marlins organization.

[Jeffy25]

Rays, once again, assembling a very nice team.

This was a necessary addition for them, hopefully Maddon can help Escobar 'grow up' in his one year in Tampa.

[Jeffy25]

So now the team

C - ?/Lobotan
1B - Loney vs righties, need a vs lefties option
2B - Zobrist/Rodgriguez
3B - Longoria
SS - Escobar
LF - Joyce/?
CF - Jennings
RF - Zobrist/Joyce

Rotation

1. Price
2. Shields
3. Moore
4. Helly
5. Cobb/Torres/Neimann, etc etc etc


They are likely to move a starter it sounds like, and they could use a catcher, and power hitting right handed 1B/LF (like Michael Morse).

I think if they strike out on the trade options, it wouldn't be a horrible idea to looking to sign AJ and Mark Reynolds (assuming price of course).


The ever changing lineup:

1. Jennings
2. Escobar
3. Longoria
4. Zobrist
5. Joyce
6. Rodriguez
7. Loney
8. Lobotan
9. ?

Still a fairly weak lineup overall, but the rotation is good enough that 4 runs will often times be enough.

I still think they need a solid right handed bat that can play first/leftfield, and they obviously, still need a catcher.


I doubt Escobar is a Ray beyond 2013. I think this is a one year stint for him in Tampa, regardless of how he does.

[metswon69]

Marlins trading guys off right away, not surprising!!!

With Hech there, they'll always go with the younger guy.

[GrumpyOldMan]

Very nice upgrade for the Rays. I find it hard to believe The Marlins couldn't get more for him from a team like Boston or the Yankees. Still a good move for the Rays.

[Zmaster52]

Good pickup for the Rays. Leadership from Maddon and Longo will definitely make Escobar grow up. I expect him to have about a 3 WAR with the Rays.