The Rays need to upgrade at the utility position and add an actual left handed reliever to the bullpen. The internal options would be slim and mainly consist of young and low high-level experience. The two pitchers competing for a spot in the bullpen would be former Oriole Kurt Birkins, who has started in the minors, acquired in October and Jeff Ridgway who has been in the Rays organization for eight years mainly as a reliever.
After losing Brendan Harris, Josh Wilson, and Jorge Velandia this off-season, the Rays have gotten rid of their most experience utility infielders. The Rays only move they have made at that position would be ex-Yankee Andy Cannizaro who has played at short most of his career but can play at second and third. then th einternal options would be Joel Guzman who came a shortstop but has played at third, first, and the corner outfield. Not a defensive player but has a power bat which hasn’t show up yet but he is still only 23. Next would be Ben Zobrist like Guzman brought up as a shortstop but has rarely played another position. Joe Maddon is willing to try Zobrist at third and second. He is tall at 6′3 and might be moved to first eventually in his career as a backup most likely. Depending on if Evan Longoria starts on opening day, the Rays will have to decide on who plays third most likely Joel Guzman and keep Akinori Iwamura at second for most of the year.
The Rays have only a few utility players and left handed relievers available. They are listed here.
Utility Players
- Miguel Cairo-Plays all four infield positions; former Ray.
- Tony Graffanino-Plays all four infield positions; former Ray.
- Jeff Cirillo-Plays third and first base.
- Jerry Hariston Jr.-Can play all infield positions and all outfield positions. Mainly an outfielder.
- Ramon Martinez-Plays all four infield positions.
- Abraham Nunez-Plays all infield except first.
- Neifi Perez- Still has to serve 26 games of his 80-game suspension last year. Plays all infield position except first.
- Luis Rivas- Former Ray; plays both middle infield positions but mainly at second; minor league contract.
Left-handed Relievers
- Eddie Guardado- 37 years old; former closer.
- Ron Villone- 38 years old; named in Mitchell report.
- Jermey Affeldt- One of the best on the market.
- Trever Miller- Maybe the next best after Affeldt; former Ray.
- Mike Maroth- Ineffective last season with Cardinals; used sparingly as reliever.
- Mark Hendrickson- Used last season by Dodgers as long-reliever and spot-starter; former Ray.
- Mike Meyers- Submarine style, faced Rays several times with Red Sox and Yankees.
- Arthur Rhodes- Didn’t throw a pitch last season, may be signed only on a minor league contract.
