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Just the links this morning...We have a plane to catch. But don't worry, we have a couple of posts lined up and ready to go, including the latest from the "Pepper" series. See you guys tonight.

DEVIL DOGS WEBTOPIA...

• In case you missed it yesterday afternoon, we ran a bunch of "Webtopia" links in the evening "Happy Hour" feature. [Rays Index]
• We should point out that we are still updating the Cork-Board in the sidebar during the postseason. Of note, that the Rays did promote Reid Brignac, Elliot Johnson and James Houser to the major league roster prior to the ALDS. This is really just a procedural move. Now, every player on the 40-man roster is on the major league roster and eligible for the postseason should an injury necessitate a move. [Cork-Board]
• In terms of cost-per-win, the Rays paid $452K per win this season, second only to the Marlins ($260K per win). At the other end of the spectrum was the Yankees at $2.3 million per win. The Red Sox were 4th highest in the AL (7th highest overall) at $1.4 million per win. [MSNBC]
• Fine! OK? There would be no baseball in Tampa Bay without Vince Naimoli. Thanks Vince. [St. Pete Times]
  
• The player drawing the most press coverage in the postseason? Aki Iwamura. [St. Pete Times]
  
• Sox and Pinstripes debates the addition of Mike Timlin to the Red Sox ALCS roster. [Sox and Pinstripes]
• John Romano says that the lingering message from the brawl in Boston is not the actual fight, but the pitch that precipitated the brawl. One way that this incarnation of the Rays differs from teams in the past is that the hitters feel protected by the pitchers. [St. Pete Times]
  

Durham 11, Norfolk 9. David Price picked up his first triple-A win, throwin 5 innings, striking out 5, giving up 2 runs on 4 hits and 3 walks...Calvin Medlock gave up 5 runs in 1.1 innings...Jonny Gomes had 4 hits in 6 at bats, driving in 3...Chris Richard drove in 3 runs and Jon Weber was 3-6 and hit his 13th home run.

Jacksonville 10, Montgomery 3. Jason Cromer pitched well, holding Jacksonville to 1 run in 6 innings, but Ryan Reid blew the lead, giving up 5 runs (4 earned) in 1 inning...Rashad Eldridge was 4-5 with a double and a triple. He drove in 2 runs and is now hitting .295...

Daytona 6, Vero Beach 3. Ryan Morse dropped to 2-11 after giving up 6 runs in 7 innings.

Columbus 10, Savannah 5. Jesse Darcy struck out 7 and only walked 1 in 5 innings, but gave up 2 home runs and 3 runs total...Mike McCormick hit his 11th home run...Maiko Loyola stole his 45th base, going 1-4 with a walk and a RBI.

Hudson Valley 6, Lowell 2. Tim Beckham was not in the lineup.

NOTES FROM DOWN ON THE FARM...

• Karma is a bitch...James Houser who avoided the final 2 weeks of his suspension entering the '08 season due to a loophole after the Rays added him to the 40-man roster, will miss yet another start due to injury. This time it is a left forearm strain. Houser just recently returned from minor knee surgery. [Biscuits' Batter]
  
• He only played in 9 games for the Montgomery Biscuits, but David Price was named to the league's post-season all-star team. [OurSports Central]
  
• Here is a video interview of Durham Bulls hitting coach Gary Gaetti, talking mostly about his days in college. [YouTube]
  

Durham 6, Louisville 2. Ben Hendrickson won his 10th game, striking out 7 in 7 innings, allowing 2 runs on 4 hits and a walk...Dan Johnson was 2-4 with 2 doubles and a walk...John Jaso finished 1-4 with a walk and an RBI...Jonny Gomes was 0-5 with a strike out.

Tennessee 1, Montgomery 0. Mike Prochaska allowed only 1 run in 8 innings on 7 hits and no walks. He struck out 3.

Daytona @ Vero Beach (gm 1; ppd rain).
Daytona @ Vero Beach (gm 2; ppd rain). The D-Rays have now had their last 6 games postponed or cancelled due to rain or a wet field.

Columbus 2, Charleston 0 (gm 1). Jesse Darcy pitched a 2-hit shutout improving to 7-3 with a 2.95 ERA. He did not strike out a batter and did not issue a walk...Maiko Loyola finished 2-3.

Columbus @ Charleston (gm 2; ppd rain)

Hudson Valley 10, Oneonta 1.

Princeton 7, Johnson City 0. Tim Beckham did not play.

NOTES FROM DOWN ON THE FARM...

• 5 of the Rays 6 Arizona Fall League participants will be from the Montgomery roster including James Houser, Ryan Reid, Rhyne Hughes, JT Hall and Matt Spring. Houser was originally scheduled to participate last fall, but was unable due to his on-going suspension. No word yet on who the 6th member will be, although it will likely be a pitcher. [Montgomery Advertiser]
  
• The Bulls' magic number to clinch the South Division is now 4 with 10 games remaining on the schedule. [Durham Bulls]
• The Biscuits now trail Mississippi by 3.5 games with 10 to play. [Montgomery Advertiser]
  

Durham 6, Indianapolis 5. Nathan Haynes singled home the tying run in the top of the 9th and then scored the go-ahead run on a sac fly by Jon Weber...Jeff Niemann struck out 6 and walked 6 in 4.2 innings, allowing 2 hits and 5 runs. He also hit a batter. The big blow was a bases loaded double in the second inning after Niemann had walked the bases loaded. Niemann has now walked 16 batters in his last 20.2 innings pitched...Chris Richard was 2-5 with a double and a home run. He drove in 3...John Jaso added his 3rd home run since being promoted from Montgomery...Fernando Perez stole his 39th base. He is 4th in the IL in steals...Dan Johnson was 2-5 and leads the IL with a .969 OPS and .422 OBP.

Jacksonville 7, Montgomery 3. James Houser made his first start in a month and was limited to 1.1 innings, walking 3 and giving up 1 hit and a run...Ryan Reid pitched 2 perfect innings of relief with 2 Ks...JT Hall hit a solo home run.

Jupiter 7, Vero Beach 5. Brandon Mann struck out 8 in 5 innings, but allowed 6 runs on 6 hits and 4 walks. He gave up 3 home runs...Hector Gimenez hit a 2-run home run for the D-Rays.

Columbus 3, Hagerstown 2 (13). Jesse Darcy struck out 5 and walked none in 6 innings, allowing 2 runs (1 earned). He is 12th in the SAL in ERA (3.12)...Henry Wrigley was 4-5 with 2 doubles and a walk, while Maiko Loyola finished 1-5 with a double, walk and his 41st stolen base. He is now 4th in the SAL in steals.

Hudson Valley 7, Oneonta 2.

Bristol 6, Princeton 1 (gm 1). Tim Beckham went 0-3 with a strikeout.

Bristol 15, Princeton 2 (gm 2). Tim Beckham went 0-3 with a walk.

NOTES FROM DOWN ON THE FARM...

• James Houser who missed the last month with minor knee surgery has been activated. [Biscuits' Batter]
  
• The Pirates were able to sign Pedro Alvarez to a minor league deal afterall, with a $6 million signing bonus, just short of Tim Beckham's deal for $6.15 million. [USA Today]
• Buster Posey, another player the Rays apparently considered with the top pick signed for $6.2 million. His deal was also a minor league deal...We could be wrong but the only draftee that we know of that received a major league deal was LHP Brian Matusz with the Orioles #4 pick. [San Francisco Chronicle]
  

Durham 9, Richmond 6. Heath Phillips made his 2nd start for the Bulls and gave up 2 runs in 5 innings...Juan Salas pitched 2 perfect innings with 4 strikeouts and Scott Dohmann got his 17th save with a perfect 9th...6 different Bulls had at least 2 hits including Justin Ruggiano who finished 3-5 with a double and his 10th home run...John Jaso was 1-5 and Reid Brignac was 2-5 with 2 strike outs batting in the 2-hole. Brignac has been hitting in the bottom-third of the order most of the season.

Montgomery 9, West Tenn 4. Mike Prochaska gave up 4 runs in 6 innings...Eddie Morlan pitched 2 perfect innings of relief with 2 strike outs...Gaby Martinez (18), Rhyne Hughes (11) and Matt Spring (6) homered for the Biscuits.

Brevard Co. 3, Vero Beach 0. Brandon Mann struck out 7 in 5 innings, giving up 4 hits, 1 walk and 3 runs (2 earned)...Vero Beach managed only 3 hits.

Columbus 4, Asheville 2. Alex Cobb allowed only 2 hits in 6 shutout innings. He struck out 4 and walked 1 as he improved to 8-7 with a 3.17 ERA...Mike McCormick was 0-4 with the "Golden Sombrero". He struck out 4 times.

Hudson Valley (off-day)

Kingsport 5, Princeton 4. Tim Beckham had 3 hits, including 2 doubles in 5 at bats. He raised his average to .226.

NOTES FROM DOWN ON THE FARM...

• David Price says he approaches every batter as if that batter is standing between him and the big leagues. [Yahoo! Sports]

“I want to be there today. That’s me,” said Price, a hard-throwing, 6-foot-6 lefty. “I have no say in that. It’s just whenever they feel I’m ready.”

• Ben Zobrist was named the IL player of the week...We are guessing here, but we assume that Benny Boo Boo is glad he is not around to collect his prize, which we assume is his very own Wool E. Bull Team Head (kinda like a foam cheesehead). [The Raw Feed]
• James Houser threw his first simulated game after knee surgery and everything went well, throwing only fastballs and changeups. [Montgomery Advertiser]
  

Charlotte 12, Durham 7. Jeff Niemann gave up 2 home runs and 4 runs (3 earned) in 5.1 innings. He struck out 3 and walked 2...John Jaso was 2-4 with a grand slam, his first triple-A home run. He drove in 6 for the game and is 17-46 (.370) in 12 games since being promoted.

West Tenn 6, Montgomery 5 (10). Jeremy Hellickson pitched 6 innings, allowing only 2 runs and left with the lead. However the bullpen blew the game. Hellboy struck out 6 and walked 2...Gaby Martinez hit his 17th home run and drove in 2 while Chris Nowak hit his 15th and finished 3-5. He is hitting .308...Rashad Eldridge went 2-5 with a walk and his 18th stolen base.

St. Lucie 5, Vero Beach 3. Ryan Morse dropped to 2-9 after giving up 4 runs in 6 innings...The D-Rays had 10 hits, but all were singles.

Columbus 9, Asheville 2. Jeremy Hall improved to 7-3 after striking out 7 in 5 innings. He allowed 2 runs on 2 hits and a walk...Greg Sexton keyed a 7-run 4th inning with a grand slam, His 5th home run...Chase Fontaine was 2-5 and is now hitting .256/.371/.353 in 38 low-A games.

Hudson Valley 6, Aberdeen 4.

Bluefield @ Princeton (ppd. rain)

NOTES FROM DOWN ON THE FARM...

• On Saturday, David Price improved to 10-0 as a pro (14 starts), striking out a career-high 10 in 7 innings. [MLB]
• James Houser is closer to his return from knee surgery, with simulated games scheduled this week and next. [Biscuits' Crumbs]
  

Yesterday we presented our updated Trade Value Index (TVI). With a little over a week until next Thursday's trade deadline, rather than take a look at the players the Rays may target we will take a look at the players most likely to be sent packing should Andrew Friedman and Co. decide to pull the trigger on a deal.

Gerry Hunsicker, Rays' Senior VP for baseball operations and Friedman's guru, has made two of the best deadline deals in recent memory. In 2004, Hunsicker landed Carlos Beltran and 6 years earlier he traded for Randy Johnson. While the Astros failed to reach the World Series in either year, both Beltran and Johnson were key figures in Houston's playoff runs.

On the other hand Friedman sounds more like a guy that is willing to sit on the talent in place.

Keep in mind all of the "rumors" in the media recently are 99% speculation. They have a simple formula and the Rays always fit the formula. The media looks at a player and picks the teams still in contention that would view that player as an improvement. Then they decide which teams have the stronger farm system. The Rays will almost always satisfy both criteria.

The problem is the Rays are not like most ball clubs and are in the process of redefining success for small-market clubs. We feel that the Rays are more likely to follow the blueprint of the Angels who rarely make in-season deals and prefer to hold on to their homegrown talent.

That being said, there is still a chance the Rays will swing a deal for a mid-level player such as a middle reliever to add depth to a staff that has suffered a number of injuries. There is also a need for a right-handed hitting outfielder as the Rays have struggled against lefties this season and possibly a utility infielder that is an upgrade over Ben Zobrist and can serve as a backup shortstop.

So if a trade is made, which players are most likely to be used as bait...

Jason Hammel 3:2
Any deals involving pitchers will almost certainly involve Hammel to open a spot in either the bullpen or the rotation (with either Edwin Jackson or Andy Sonnanstine moving to the bullpen). Hammel can still bring the heat with a mid-90s fastball, but do any teams still think he can be a starter?

Jeff Niemann 2:1
While other teams will certainly ask for David Price, Wade Davis or Jeremy Hellickson, Niemann is the piece of value that the Rays would prefer to trade. While certainly Niemann's star shines less brightly these days, he is still young, and very big and he has a lot of upside.

Jonny Gomes 3:1
Like Hammel, any deal for a right-handed hitting outfielder will almost certainly involve Gomes going in the other direction. Nobody doubts Gomes' power or his intensity, and if given regular playing time, he could be a solid DH or outfielder for another team.

Fernando Perez 7:2
Perez has loads of talent but he still struggles with strikeouts. The Rays have no room in center with BJ Upton but could Perez play right field in '09 and be the Rays leadoff hitter? Or is he expendable? Like Niemann, Perez is one player we can see the Rays using as trade-bait.

Ben Zobrist 5:1
Whether as a utility infielder or a starting shortstop, Benny Boo Boo has proven that he can be a major leaguer. He will never be an all-star, but there are plenty of teams out there with worse options plaing short or second.

Mitch Talbot 5:1
Talbot would not be the key player in a trade, but he could be the arm that puts a deal over the top. He is a bit of a tweener. He has shown flashes of brilliance, like his performance in '06 SL playoffs, but he has been very up-and-down since moving to Durham. There is some upside and there does not seem to be a future for him with the Rays.

Dale Thayer 7:1
Thayer who seemed destined to be a career minor leaguer, has blossomed this season in Durham with a 1.43 ERA and 57Ks in 50.1 innings with only 17 walks. With Jeff Niemann and Juan Salas also in Durham as bullpen insurance, Thayer is certainly expendable. He is also Rule 5 eligible this winter, so now may be a good time to move him.

Eric Hinske 7:1
Hinske is a free agent at the end of the year, and with Gabe Gross and a healthy Cliff Floyd, Hinske is certainly expendable. But he has also been one of the Rays better hitters this season. Would the Rays risk moving an offensive contributor with the offense struggling a bit?

Juan Salas 8:1
If the Rays don't trade for a relief pitcher, Salas is probably the next guy up from Durham when somebody is needed. He has pitched well for Durham, with a 2.12 ERA and 38Ks in 34 innings with only 8 walks. Might somebody be enticed by the comparisons of Salas' cutter to Mariano Rivera's?

James Houser 8:1
Like Jeff Niemann, Houser is another name that the Rays will counter with when teams ask for one of the big pitching prospects. He is a tall lefty with some upside. Could be more tempting than a Mitch Talbot.

Justin Ruggiano 8:1
Ruggiano is similar to Mitch Talbot in that he is a bit of tweener. He posts good numbers in triple-A and could be serviceable as a 4th outfielder in the major leagues, but does he have a future with the Rays? Again, would not be the key player in a trade, but he could be the bat that puts a deal over the top.

Joel Guzman 10:1
Won't be 24 until November, and while he has a ton of power and a very good glove with plenty of positional flexibility, he still strikes out way too much (88 in 355 ABs this year) and his OBP is embarassing (.271). He will also be out of options in '09, so a move now or this winter may be necessary. Might somebody else be tempted by the talent?

Shawn Riggans 10:1
To us, this is the most intriguing name on the list. Riggans can hit. He still has plenty of room for improvement behind the plate and he is not that young (even for a catcher; 28 in a few days). The Rays also have Mike DiFeLice in Durham. DiFelice will be on the team in September no matter what happens, but would Maddon prefer DiFelice on a potential playoff roster? There is also John Jaso who was recently promoted to Durham and could make Riggans even more expendable.

Reid Brignac 10:1
Have the Rays soured a bit on Brignac? We can't see Brignac being traded, especially until Tim Beckham shows that he is a major leaguer-in-waiting. And there is also that open right field slot in '09. Could the Rays give Brignac a shot at RF in spring training? Still, no matter what the plans are, teams will ask for Brignac. Will the Rays bite?

Dan Johnson 12:1
Having a huge season since being demoted to Durham. Unfortunately, he has shown little or no power in the majors and has very little positional flexibility for a guy that is better suited for a bench role. Still, he has big league experience which a NL contender might value.

Al Reyes 15:1
A free agent at the end of the year, but has been struggling with injuries which make him more valuable to the Rays than to any suitor.

Chris Mason 15:1
Would anybody want him?

Gary Glover 20:1
Ditto

Grant Balfour 50:1
Another name that is very intriguing to us. If there is any inkling in the Rays front office that this recent run by Balfour is a fluke, then now is the time to trade the power righty and sell high. But everything we have seen indicates that Balfour is the real-deal and maybe he just needed to find some confidence which he has plenty of right now.

Norfolk 7, Durham 5. Mike Prochaska dropped to 2-4 after allowing 4 runs in 6 innings. He struck out 3 and walked 1...Chris Mason was bumped to the bullpen and gave up 3 runs in 2 innings on 4 hits and 2 walks. He did not strike out a batter...Elliot Johnson homered for the Bulls, his 5th and Chris Richard was 1-3 with his 19th double.

Mobile 6, Montgomery 4. Jino Gonzalez walked 4 and gave up 4 hits, which led to 3 runs in 5.1 innings...Matt Spring and Rashad Eldridge each finished 0-2 but had 3 walks apiece...John Jaso was 2-4 with 2 walks and an RBI...Chris Nowak was 2-5 with a walk and an RBI. He is hitting .291.

Ft. Myers 6, Vero Beach 3. Al Reyes started the game as part of his rehab assignment and worked 1 perfect inning...Ryan Morse relieved Reyes and gave up 6 runs in 4.1 innings on 9 hits including 3 home runs...Nevin Ashley finished 3-3 and Ryan Royster and Joey Callender each went 3-4. Royster had an RBI and is now hitting .257.

Columbus 5, Kannapolis 4. Jason Ragan gave up 4 runs in 5.2 innings on 8 hits and a walk...Justin Garcia picked up the win in relief with 4 strikeouts in 2 scoreless innings after the Catfish scored the go-ahead run in the 8th on a balk...Reid Fronk was 1-3 with a walk and his 10th home run, a solo shot...Mike McCormick finished 2-4 with 2 RBI.

Hudson Valley (off-day)

Princeton vs Bristol (ppd)

NOTES FROM DOWN ON THE FARM...

• Columbus starting pitcher Jesse Darcy and Montgomery third baseman Chris Nowak were named minor league players of the month for the Rays' organization. [MiLB]
• Montgomery pitcher Jeff Kamrath is likely out for the season after doctors found a blood clot in his elbow. [Montgomery Advertiser]
• James Houser will have minor knee surgery, which will cause him to miss the SL All-Star game and he could be out a couple of weeks. [Biscuits' Batter]
  

Durham 7, Charlotte 1. Jeff Niemann may have used the motivation of Mitch Talbot's promotion to fuel his best start of the year, a complete game effort in which he allowed 1 run while striking out 12 and walking only 1 batter. Niemann threw 107 pitches, 74 for strikes...Justin Ruggiano was 3-4 with 2 solo home runs, his 6th and 7th...Dan Johnson added his 12th home run...Reid Brignac was 2-4 and struck out twice.

Mississippi 6, Montgomery 4. Jeremy Hellickson's second double-A start went much better than his first, giving up 2 runs in 4 innings. He struck out 3 without walking a batter and gave up 5 hits including a home run...Chris Nowak drove in 2 with 2 doubles in 4 at bats.

Palm Beach 11, Vero Beach 2 (gm 1). Ryan Morse gave up 9 runs (5 earned) in 3 innings. He gave up 7 hits and 4 walks...Wade Townsend came off the DL and pitched 1 perfect inning in relief...The D-Rays made 5 errors in the 7 inning contest and managed only 3 hits including a solo home run from Ryan Royster his 5th.

Vero Beach 4, Palm Beach 3 (gm 2). Chuck Tiffany made his second straight start working 4 innings and allowing 3 unearned runs. He struck out 4 and walked 2.

Hickory 3, Columbus 2. Jason Ragan pitched 5 scoreless innings for Columbus...Chase Fontaine finished 2-5 with his 1st home run, a solo shot...Maiko Loyola was 2-4 with a triple and 2 stolen bases. He now has 33 steals on the season, which is 3rd most in the SALy.

Batavia 12, Hudson Valley 0.

Princeton 9, Bluefield 5.

NOTES FROM DOWN ON THE FARM...

• The Durham Bulls had 4 players named to the IL Al-Star team including Reid Brignac, Chris Richard, Jeremy Cummings and Dale Thayer. [Durham Bulls]
  
• 6 members of the Montgomery Biscuits were named to the SL South All-Star squad. The players include Wade Davis, Jakes McGee, James Houser, Gaby Martinez, Rashad Eldridge and John Jaso. Jaso will be making his second straight appearance on the team, something we assume doesn't happen very often. McGee will obviously not be able to participate due to his injury. Also, Gaby Martinez will not make the game due to a personal matter. [Biscuits' Batter]
  

Pawtucket 14, Durham 7. Jeff Niemann gave up 10 runs in 4.2 innings including 4 home runs. Jon Weber, Justin Ruggiano and Elliot Johnson homered for the Bulls. Reid Brignac was 1-3 with his 20th double.

Carolina 7, Montgomery 6. Chris Nowak and Gabby Martinez homered for the Biscuits. Martinez' shot was a grand slam. Mike Prochaska gave up 6 runs in 5 innings.

Brevard Co. 3, Vero Beach 2. Jeremy Hellickson took his first loss of the season and drops to 5-1 after giving up 3 runs in 6 innings. He struck out 5 and walked 1.

Greenville 6, Columbus 2.

NOTES FROM DOWN ON THE FARM...

• Jeremy Hellickson spoke to his hometown newspaper, and said he is hoping for an all-star break promotion. [Des Moines Register]
• James Houser is battling a knee injury and will be skipped the next time through the Biscuits rotation. [Biscuits Batter]
  
• The Sporting News previews the MLB Draft. Gerry Fraley says that one NL Executive says that RJ Harrison is being pressured to select Buster Posey suggesting that the Rays are more concerned about drafting need over talent. This goes against everything the Rays have ever said about the draft process, so it will be interesting to see if the Rays do pass on a more talented player. [The Sporting News]
• However, DRays Bay has a quote from RJ Harrison that suggests that he prefers Pedro Alvarez. [DRays Bay]
• According to Marc Lancaster the Rays have not even narrowed down the top pick, having spent more time trying to figure out who will be available in the second round and beyond. [Tampa Tribune]
  

Durham 1, Pawtucket 0. Who woke up Mitch Talbot? Talkbot had his second straight start without allowing a run. He went 7, giving up 4 hits, striking out 8 and walking none...Grant Balfour struck out 5 of the final 6 batters of the game, for his 3rd save...The Bulls got their lone run on back-to-back doubles by Fernando Perez and Elliot Johnson to start the game. Durham managed only 2 more hits the rest of the way.

Montgomery 2, Birmingham 1.Jake McGee did not allow a run in 6.1 innings. He struck out 3 and walked 3...Rhyne Hughes drove in 1 run with a home run.

Dunedin 9, Vero Beach 4. Matt Walker gave up 6 runs in 4 innings...Garrett Groce drove in 2 with 3 singles...Cesar Suarez added 4 hits including his 4th double.

Columbus 4, Greenville 3. With 1 run in, 1 out and a runner on second, Austin Hinkle came on and got the last 2 outs for his 1st save...Brian Flores allowed 1 run in 5 innings...Henry Wrigley drove in all 3 runs with a double and a triple.

NOTES FROM DOWN ON THE FARM...

• DRays Bay reviews the first month of the minor league season. [DRays Bay]
• James Houser was suspended for 3 games for hitting Matt LaPorta...On a side note, the article mentions that Houser has lost velocity on his fastball this season. [Baseball America]
  

Scranton 6, Durham 1 (game 1). Ben Hendrickson gave up 2 runs in 4.2 innings...The Bulls had 2 hits, both singles. Both came in the 4th when Elliot Johnson scored on a Reid Brignac base hit.

Scranton 4, Durham 3 (game 2). After tying the game in the top of the 7th on a throwing error, the Bulls blew the game in the bottom half of the 7th on a suicide squeeze...JK Ryu allowed 3 runs in 5 innings...Still batting in the 8th hole, Reid Brignac was 0-4...Joel Guzman and Chris Richard were each 2-4.

Montgomery 7, Huntsville 6. James Houser was ejected after the fist pitch of the 2nd inning after hitting Matt LaPorta. LaPorta hit 3 home runs in the first 3 games of the series...Gabby Martinez and Erold Andrus hit home runs for the Biscuits. Andrus' home run tied the game in the bottom of the 8th and then the winning run scored from 3rd base in the bottom of the 10 on a throwing error.

Vero Beach 4, Palm Beach 1. Heath Rollins stretched out his arm a bit, going 8 innings to pick up his first win of 2008 after setting the Rays organizational record for wins last year. He struck out 4 and walked none...Garrett Groce was 2-4 and Ryan Royster was 1-4. Royster is hitting .213...Neil Walton was 3-4 with his 1st home run and he stole his 2nd base of the year.

Asheville 3, Columbus 0. Glenn Gibson took the loss, but had his best outing in the Rays organization allowing only 1 run on 2 hits in 6 innings. He struck out 4 and walked none...The Catfish managed only 4 hits, all singles. Only once did they get a runner to second base.

NOTES FROM DOWN ON THE FARM...

• Jeremy Hellickson comes in at #10 on the latest Baseball America "Prospect Hot Sheet". It sounds like to us that the Rays may have another pitcher in the top 20 overall next offseason. [Baseball America]

As if the Rays need another stud pitching prospect, here comes Hellickson and his 41-2 K-BB ratio in 29 innings...The 6-foot-1 righthander has electric stuff and has had very good control since area scout Tom Couston signed him as a fourth-rounder in 2005 out of an Iowa high school. Hellickson uses his terrific arm action to helps him generate plus velocity on his fastball, which is complemented by a curveball and a changeup.

• The star-studded rotation at Montgomery has struggled a bit as a whole recently. In the last trip through the roation, the starters' ERA is 6.91. [Montgomery Advertiser]
  

Columbus 11, Durham 8. Mike Prochaska was touched for 7 runs (6 earned) in only 4 innings...Reid Brignac and Fernando Perez were both 1-5.

Montgomery 10, Tennessee 5. Richard De los Santos picked up his 2nd win of the year with only 1 run allowed in 7 innings. He gave up 7 hits but did not walk a batter...The Biscuits clubbed a team-record 5 home runs, including Erold Andrus' 2nd, Chris Nowak's 2nd, Gabby Martinez' 1st, Sergio Pedroza's 1st and Patrick Cottrell's 2nd. Pedroza had 3 RBI.

Vero Beach 1, Jupiter 0. Matt Walker pitched 5 hitless innings but did walk 4...Matt Fields provided all the offense needed with a solo home run in the 8th inning.

NOTES FROM DOWN ON THE FARM...

• Both Scott Kazmir and Dioner Navarro will make rehab starts for Vero Beach tonight. Navarro will DH tomorrow and then will catch again on Sunday for Matt Garza in his first rehab start. Kazmir is scheduled to throw 45 pitches, while Garza will throw about 60. [St. Pete Times]
  
• Rays of Light has started a series of profiles of the Rays top prospects. Up first is James Houser, performance enhancing drug-extraordinare. [Rays of Light]
• DRays Bay continues their series on the top candidates to be the top pick by the Rays in the June amateur draft. Up next is Brian Matusz and our personal favorite Tim Beckham. [DRays Bay]
• Columbus pitcher Jason Ragan was names the pitcher-of-the-week for the South Atlantic League. [Ledger-Enquirer]
  

Tampa Bay Devil Dogs (30 days until opening day)

DRG here again to get you through the weekend...

Just the links for now. I have a few things coming up later.

DEVIL DOGS WEBTOPIA...

• The Rays are at home today against the Jays. One surprise in the lineup as Cliff Floyd will be in right field. The game will be aired on AM 1250. Not sure if that will be blacked out on the internet. [The Heater]
• James Shields will make the start for the Rays. Although it is certainly early and changes could be made, Shields is now on pace to be the opening day starter is Maddon sticks to a spring rotation of 4 days rest for Shields. [MLB]
  
• Edwin Jackson said his plan for 2008 is to throw strikes and make batters get themselves out. He got off to a good start, striking out two and walking none in his first spring appearance. [Tampa Tribune]
• To hear Joe Maddon speak about Edwin Jackson one would think there really isn't much of a competition for the rotation, or at the very least Jackson is going to have to fall on his face before he loses the job. [Tampa Bay's 10]

Joe Maddon: "He's got one of the best arms in the American League, maybe in all of baseball. Velocity on his fastball, consistently 95 plus, he's got one of the better sliders in the American League right now. Then the pitch nobody talks about is his changeup, he's got a really good, straight changeup."

• After finding out his suspension would not carry over into 2008, James Houser picked up the victory in his first games wearing a major league uniform in front of numerous friends and family. [Herald-Tribune]
• Baseball Digest Daily takes a closer look at Dioner Navarro's 2007 numbers and wonders what we can expect from the catcher in 2008. They are predicting a .770 or .780 OPS. This is lightly higher than most mathematical projections which have Navi between .670 and .720. [Baseball Digest Daily]
  
• Baseball Crank names Evan Longoria as the third worst name in the minors. [Baseball Crank]
  

Tampa Bay Rays (31 days until Opening Day)

The Rays and James Houser have found a loophole in his suspension.

The Rays added the Sarasota native to their 40-man roster in November to protect him from being taken in the Rule 5 draft, and that move apparently trumps the suspension, even when Houser is eventually sent to the minors—which he will be at some point in March.

Houser was originally suspended for 50-games with 17 games remaining in the 2007 season. He was also suspended for the Montgomery Biscuits' playoff run. He had approximately 26 games remaining on the suspension. However, Houser was suspended as a minor leaguer. He is now technically a major leaguer (even if he is in the minors) and no longer subject to minor league roster rules. If Houser is ever out-righted off of the 40-man roster, he will be forced to finish serving the suspension.

Houser's suspension evaporates [Rays Report]

DEVIL RAYS WEBTOPIA...

• Dioner Navarro will not see action until at least Monday. Navarro, who missed the beginning of camp late to be with his ailing mother, feels his arm is not quite ready to let loose. [Tampa Tribune]
• In the same piece we learn that Rocco Baldelli's 2008 outfield debut is now being pushed back to the end of next week. We know the team is just being cautious, but this sort of news makes us hang our head and cry a little. This is starting to sound eerily familiar. Last year it was "Rocco's minor league rehab is being pushed back". Then it was "Rocco should be able to join the Rays next week. Nope. Make that the week after. Nevermind. Rocco isn't coming back." We are hoping this is just some watered-down baseball version of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. [Tampa Tribune]
• Rays of Light thinks the loophole that got James Houser out of his suspension for Performance Enhancing Drugs is a slap in the face of baseball's drug testing system, and yet another sign that baseball is dropping the ball on this issue. [Rays of Light]
• This is not the most flattering image of Evan Longoria we have ever seen. [Art of Beast]
  
• While most of the roster spots are spoken for, there are still a number of decisions that Andrew Friedman and Joe Maddon will have to make prior to opening day. Edwin Jackson who is battling for a spot in the rotation, says he is ready to go today in today's spring opener. [Tampa Tribune]

"I'm ready to go," Jackson said. "I know it's not the season, but spring training's still pretty important to me. Unless you have a roster spot on lock, you pretty much have to be in game mode if you're trying to battle for a spot."

• The Bradenton Herald takes a look at the Rays Spring Training. With so few roster battles, the Rays will concentrate on fundamentals. At this point in the Spring batters are just trying to comfortable in the box, recognizing pitches. [Bradenton Herald]

"At this point, as a hitter, you try to get as comfortable as you possibly can in the box," Pena said. "You focus on seeing the ball and recognizing pitches and getting to that comfort level that you want...The most important thing at this point is to get comfortable in the box. See the ball. See the ball, see the ball, see the ball, see the ball. Get that trust back with your eyes, trust in your hands. Pretty soon you start feeling that swing. Right there. Right there. Right there."

• Remember when we mentioned that PECOTA projected that the Rays would win 88 games? WEll, Bugs & Cranks did their own math and they are projecting the Rays to win 118 games. B&C said it, so it must be true. [Bugs & Cranks]
• Yankees Chick takes a look at the 2008 Rays and their increased payroll. The tone of the piece is very...Ahhhh, how cute. [Yankees Chick]
  
• We have mentioned this before, but it is worth mentioning again. The Rays will be partnering with the Moffitt Cancer Center to offer free skin cancer screenings at select Spring Training games. Tomorrow's game versus the Jays will be the first game on the schedule. Follow the link for a full schedule of games. [Tampa Bay's 10]
  

Devil Rays
Since the we embarked on our Thanksgiving shenanigans, the Rays made several changes to the 40-man roster.

Dropped from the 40-man roster

• Chris Snelling (traded to Phillies)
• Jon Switzer (DFA'd)
• Brian Stokes (DFA'd)

Added to 40-man roster

• John Jaso, C
• Jason Pridie, OF
• Fernando Perez, OF
• James Houser, SP

The only real surprise of the group is James Houser. Certainly any team would take all necessary precautions to protect a big left hander that is a major league prospect. This is especially true when a left handed pitcher is a common selection in the rule 5 draft because it is easy to hide a young inexperienced pitcher in the bullpen. However, James Houser is not any left hander.

On August 17 of this past season, Houser tested positive for a performance enhancing drug and was suspended for 50 games. Houser missed the final 17 games of the regular season for the Montgomery Biscuits. As a result, he will be forced to sit out for the first 33 games of the 2008 season.

One could argue that Houser would have been more attractive in the Rule 5 Draft since he would not take a roster spot for the first month of the season. However, once the suspension was lifted, his new team would have to make a roster spot for a young pitcher that had been out of action for nearly 9 months and with no experience above AA.

In the end Rays management decided the risk of losing a young left handed starter was too great and decided to protect Houser on the 40-man roster at the risk of losing another player that may be more likely to be taken. At the top of that list are two of Houser's Montgomery teammates, Nick DeBarr and Dale Thayer. DeBarr was a Rule 5 selection of the Red Sox in 2007, but was returned to the Rays at the end of Spring Training. Thayer, the Biscuits closer, holds the Southern League record for saves in a season. Both players fit the ideal Rule 5 selection...A mid-level pitching prospect that has yet to live up to their potential, that a team can take a flyer on and hope for the best. If the player works out, their new team has an extra arm in the bullpen and only had to give up the drafting fee of $50,000.

Rays tweak roster to hang onto prospects [tampabay.com]
Down On The Farm: James Houser Suspended 50 Games [Rays Index]

DEVIL RAYS WEBTOPIA...

• With the changes that have been made to the 40-man roster, our 40-man roster and 25-man roster projections have been updated in the sidebar. One change we have not made yet is the 5th spot in the rotation. A very strong argument can be made for the team giving the spot to Jeff Niemann without any further time at AAA and moving Jason Hammel to the bullpen to be the long reliever and spot starter.
  
• A report came down that Carlos Pena turned down a 3 year/$30 million offer from the Rays. Pena's response when asked was that the report was that the report was "a straight lie". He also laughed when breaking the news to his wife, which suggests that Pena would not have turned down such an offer. In our 40-man roster projections, we have Pena listed with a 2008 salary of $5 million. This is assuming that Pena and the Rays settle on a 1-year deal to avoid arbitration. Our feeling is that the Rays would not offer more than $8 million per year on a multi-year deal. [tampabay.com]
• Rays of Light is up to #8 of their list of off-season ideas. This one is a no-brainer..."Sign Scott Kazmir to a longterm contract". However, we disagree with the contention that the Rays should be tossing around numbers such as 6-years and more than $70 million. While $12-13 million per season might be the price for Kid K in free agency, there is no need to give him that money in his arbitration years, nor is there any reason to give him that type of money for his free agency years, three years before he reaches them. The best comparison could be Jeff Francis of the Rockies, another left hander, who signed an extension in 2007 (prior to his third season), that covered all three of his arbitration years and his first free agency season. His arbitration years were bought out at an average of $4.25 million and his first free agency year will cost the Rockies $7 million. Add a year of inflation plus consider the talent level of Kazmir and a comparable contract would fall in the range of a $6 million average for his arbitration years and $10 million for his first free agency season or a total of $28 million over 4 years. [Rays of Light]
• Another trade rumor that refuses to die: Delmon Young to the Twins for Matt Garza. For those that are not familiar, Garza was the Twinkies first round pick in 2005 (25th overall). He is a 24 year old, big (6-4, 205) righty that split time between AAA and Minneapolis in 2007 going 5-7 with a 3.69 ERA and a 67:32 strikeout to walk ratio in 83 innings. In the minors, he was consistently around 10 K's per 9 and less than 2.5 walks per 9 innings. [TwinCities.com]
• Like every other team that needs an outfielder, the Rangers have inquired about Rocco Baldelli and his legs. [MLB]
• John Herbert has written a column critical of the Rays plan to invest $150 million in a new stadium along the St. Pete waterfront. His two biggest gripes are 1) The Rays are willing to invest $150 million in a stadium but will not invest in the product that will play in the stadium, and 2) he believes that there will not be any parking available in the new location and all fans attending the game will be subject to parking tickets from meter maids running around in modified golf carts. [Hernando Today]
• DRays Bay warns that JK Ryu's performance with the Korean national team may cost him a spot on the Rays' 40-man roster. We are not sure how much weight the performance will have, but we have Ryu on the roster bubble, so it can't help. [DRays Bay]

Durham 5, Norfolk 2. Jae Seo allowed 1 run in 6 innings. He struck out 3 and walked none to pick up his 8th win. Evan Longoria was 1-4 with a strikeout. Jason Pridie was 1-5 with a double and 2 RBI. He is hitting .314.

Montgomery 9, Carolina 1 (game 1). Chris Mason picked up his 15th win, striking out 9 and walking none in 5 innings. He allowed 1 run on 7 hits. Chris Nowak was 3-3 with 2 doubles. Reid Brignac was 2-4 with 2 RBI and a run scored. John Jaso was 3-4 and is now hitting .320.

Montgomery 2, Carolina 1 (game 1). Fernando Perez and Brooks Badeaux hit back-to-back home runs to lead off the game. The Biscuits managed only 4 more hits the rest of the game.

Brooklyn 3, Hudson Valley 2 (game 1). Alex Cobb gave up 3 runs in 5 innings.

Brooklyn 4, Hudson Valey 0 (game 2). The 'Gades were shutout on 1 hit.

NOTES FROM DOWN ON THE FARM...

• Columbus and Princeton were postponed. Vero Beach had the night off.
• With six games remaining, the Biscuits have won 10 in a row and now own a 4-game lead in the SL south division. [Montgomery Advertiser]
  
• The remaining Montgomery Biscuits regular season games will be streamed live and archived through the Biscuits website. [Montgomery Biscuits]
• James Houser, suspended by baseball for testing positive for a banned substance, was originally told he could participate in the Arizona Fall League. MLB has reversed themselves and now say that he is ineligible. [Montgomery Advertiser]
• Gabriel Martinez was named the hitter-of-the-week in the SL. [Stacy Long's Riverwalk Talk]
  
• Justin Ruggiano was named by the International League to their post-season all-star team. [Durham Bulls]
• Sergio Pedroza, who was acquired along with Joel Guzman in the Julio Lugo deal, was named to the FSL post-season all-star team along with Jake McGee who is currently playing for AA Montgomery. [Vero Beach Devil Rays]
  

Louisville 8, Durham 7. Mitch Talbot was touched for 6 runs in 6.2 innings. He allowed 9 hits and 2 walks, while striking out 6. Shawn Camp entered the game with a 7-6 lead, getting the final out of the 7th inning, but blew the lead in the 8th giving up 2 runs on 5 hits. Justin Ruggiano hit a 3-run home run in the 7-run second inning. Evan Longoria was 1-3 with a walk and a strikeout.

Montgomery 12, Jacksonville 2. Gabby Martinez was 2-4 with a double and a grand slam, his 13th home run. Reid Brignac was 3-5 with a double and an RBI. Patrick Breen added a 3-run home run.

Vero Beach 7, Brevard County. Greg Dupas made just his fourth start of the season giving up 3 runs in 4 innings.

Columbus 16, Asheville 7. Heath Rollins picked up his 15th win, striking out 7 in 6 innings. He gave up 3 runs on 5 hits and a walk. The Catfish hit 6 home runs including 2 by Matt Fields who now has 17. He drove in 5. Ryan Royster hit another home run to give him 26 on the year. He was 4-5 and is now hitting .327.

Hudson Valley 9, Aberdeen 2 (game 1). Stephen Vogt was 2-4 with 2 doubles an 4 RBI.

Hudson Valley 13, Aberdeen 5 (game 2). Cody Cipriano had 3 hits including his 4th home run. Stephen Vogt added 2 more hits in the nightcap.

Princeton 9, Danville 0. Nick Barnese, the Rays' third round pick this year, improved to 2-2 with 6 shutout innings. He struck out 6 and walked none.

NOTES FROM DOWN ON THE FARM...

• In a shocking revelation, James Houser denies using steroids, but does admit to a "mistake". Stacy Long speculates that he may have been suspended for amphetamines, but that would not be possible as a first positive for amphetamines is no suspension. A second positive is a 25-game suspension and a third positive is 80 games. [Stacy Long's Riverwalk Talk]
  

Turns out it was disciplinary and not a trade, with the discipline coming from Major League baseball and not the team. James Houser was suspended for 50 games for testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug.

Pitching prospect Houser suspended [tampabay.com]

Durham 3, Indianapolis 0. Jae Seo pitched 7.2 shutout innings. He struck out 4 and walked none. Elliot Johnson (10) and Wes Bankston (12) each homered for the Bulls. Johnson, who hit .281 with 46 extra-base hits last year for Montgomery, is only hitting .200 with 30 extra-base hits this season. Jay Witasick retired the final four batters to pick up the save. With the win, the Bulls remained 1 game behind in the division, but stretched their wild card lead to 2 games.

Jacksonville 11, Montgomery 4. Sure enough, we praise Reid Brignac for not committing an error in the month of August and one day later, he commits an error. His 21st on the year. He was 2-5 at the plate and is now hitting .251. Rhyne Hughes hit a 2-run home run, his second since being promoted to AA. The loss drops the Biscuits 2 games behind Jacksonville in the division.

Vero Beach 7, Brevard County 3 (game 1). Josh Butler worked only 3.2 innings before being pulled after giving up 2 runs on 2 walks and 5 hits.Jackson Brennan went 3-4 and drove in 3 while Garrett Groce was 2-3 including his 5th home run.

Brevard County 5, Vero Beach 3 (game 2). Garratt Groce and Christian Lopez both went 2-3. Groce had 1 RBI, while Lopez added 2 RBI, including a solo home run.

Asheville 3, Columbus 0. Will Kline struck out 4 and gave up 1 run in 4 innings. The Catfish managed only 3 hits on the night. The loss drops the Catfish division lead to a half game over Asheville.

Burlington 5, Princeton 4 (17 innings). Burlington first tied the game with a 2-out single in the top of the 9th. They then added 2 more in the top of the 16th only to have Princeton come back and tie the game in the bottom half of the frame with the second run coming on a Justin Reynolds RBI single. But a leadoff triple in the 17th followed by a sac fly proved to be the game-winner in the 17th. Omar Luna went 4-8 and Jeremy Hall gave up only 1 run in 8 innings.

NOTES FROM DOWN ON THE FARM...

• David Price will report to Columbus for workouts only. He is still not expected to see any live action until the fall instructional league. [TBO]
  

The Devil Rays' 2003 second round pick, James Houser, was scratched from his scheduled start for the Montgomery Biscuits on Friday night. This comes one night after he was involved in a lengthy closed-door meeting with Biscuit's manager Billy Gardner, pitching coach Neil Allen and field coordinator Jim Hoff. The meeting occurred after the Biscuit's game Thursday night during which Houser tracked pitches from the stands.

Gardner stated that the Devil Rays would release a statement regarding the situation on Saturday.

Houser was in uniform and in the dugout on Friday night.

At first this sounded like a disciplinary action, but when we heard that Houser was in the dugout, it now sounds like the Devil Rays are working on the final details of a trade that would involve Houser.

Starter change for BirdZerk! Friday [Stacy Long's Riverwalk Talk]