New Hampshire Recap

A day after the primary and a few things to think about. Is Obama able to get the vote out to older Democrats? Is Clinton the powerhouse that wasn’t in Iowa? Can McCain’s victory get enough momentum? Only time will tell. But in the mean time, Obama looked like to be the winner the day before, but as usual media polls didn’t check out right. So I will never take a political poll seriously again.
McCain seems to be a better candidate for the Rupublicans although his age is my only concern. He could be the oldest President ingurated in U.S. history (Reagan was 69-77 in office). If you considered how long people are living on average now, it may not be a big deal, yet.
Michigan next week, Rays post tomorrow.

No More Predictions!

After reviewing my situation in “predicting” the first two caucuses, I have decided not to make predictions of primaries or elections, more go into analyzing candidates and results. The Wyoming Republican Caucus results intrigued me. Mitt Romney won more than 75% in a state far away from Mass. his presence at Salt Lake Olympics may had something to do with it. Duncan Hunter surprisingly actually got a delegate over the other candidates. His “western frontier” idea may take some hold especially if a major candidate bows down before so (I see Thompson go if down in polls). Fred Thompson may have scared the dickens out the Wyoming’s for votes or love Law & Order. Analysis of the New Hampshire primary on Wednesday.

As for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, not an entirely disappointing loss but was looking good the first quarter. Tonight’s BCS championship game should be won by LSU with a “home field” advantage, SEC spirit, and the defense that wins championships. Go Tigers!

A Rays post maybe tomorrow or Wednesday.

X-Rays 2nd Edition

Another batch of former Rays have seem to be moving down south. This team is the seemingly good Florida Marlins who have traded their best and highest paid players to Detroit for some very good prospects. This young team looks to be very good a few years down the road until they trade their players again in a vicious cycle. Anyway the players are those at major league level, infielder Jorge Cantu and right-handers Tim Corcoran and Doug Waechter. These guys are basically wash ups and had promise in their respected positions. Other minor league palyers are on the team including right-handed pitchers Marcos Carvajal, Lee Gardner, Justin Miller, and Chris Seddon. This doesn’t include journeyman catcher Paul Hoover. The Marlins are competing with the Pittsburgh Pirates for the most ex-Rays(see previous former Rays report). It seems weird that Rays players go to other teams in bunches rather individually. Maybe they are scared of being the only ex-Ray on a team.

Iowa Caucus Followup, Wyoming?

Well my bold John Edwards prediction didn’t turn out as Obama wins the state by a good margin. His “alternate choice” slogan is what probably sealed his victory. My prediction of Huckabee’s victory and Joe Biden’s departure came out correctly. Ron Paul won one county as his secret “I will be an independent eventually” campaign might steal some votes from the Republican candidate.
In conclusion, Obama win helps him aganist Hillary in New Hampshire. A win for Huckabee gives some presence on the national scene. He could win the south with a South Carolina victory and the mid-west. This should be an interesting four days till New Hampshire.

As for the hidden Wyoming vote I believe huckabee would win with Romney, McCain, and Thompson rounding out the top 4. Ron Paul could sneak in past fourth.

Iowa Caucus starting up.

The first real non-baseball post for this website (which shouldn’t be sports only, I’ll make another site for that.) The democratic race is down to the wire with Hillary, Edwards and Obama vying for a strong start. The other race may be decided for first place. Mike Huckabee seems to have pulled the win and Romney getting a good portion of votes. If Huckabee doesn’t win by a good margin, his chances of the nomination will be very, very slim.
Anyway enough reporting, a more analytical approach. A list of my picks for tonights caucus.

Needs to win- Hillary Clinton, Mike Huckabee
Strong finish- Barack Obama, John McCain
Will drop out- Fred Thompson, Joe Biden
Going to win the state- An upset for John Edwards and a close win for Mike Huckabee.

Yes a John Edwards upset which I believe Iowans would switch over after their canidate is not viable in caucus rules. Mike Huckabee has seem to won the conservative vote of the Midwest.
Reaction tommorrow from theexp. Happy voting.

Rays Next Move?

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.

X-Rays 1st Edition

Many ex-Rays have been moving leagues and to the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. Infielder Josh Wilson was sent on waivers, pitcher Evan Meek was sent through the Rule 5 draft, former Ray Chris Gomez left Cleveland to become a super utility infielder. And yesterday two Rays signed minor league deals which include infielder Jorge Velandia and minor league catcher Michel Hernandez. The players from worst team in the AL move to the worst team in the NL. Swapping between last place teams must make them feel like they never moved to another team.
Last season the Pirates organization had several ex-Rays including first baseman Josh Phelps, infielders Luis Ordaz ,Russ Johnson, Nick Green, and Chris Truby, and pitchers Dewon Brazelton and Victor Zambrano.
More X-Rays will come out if I deem necessary.

Josh Hamilton Traded

The former overall first draft pick of 1999 of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Josh Hamilton, as been traded to the Rangers from the Reds. The Rangers fill a void in center field. And the Reds get two interesting pitchers (see link below). The Rangers only visit to the Trop is during the last week of May, 26-28, a Monday-Wednesday series.
http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/majors/news/264581.html

Rays in 2008?

The Rays look to be contenders next year for third place in the AL East with the Jays and the Yanks. The Rays and Jays both have young and upcoming rotation as with the Yankees who have young arms trying to push the old geezers away. The Rays bullpen is alot older now with the addition of Percival and Wheeler in he past few months. We will see what happens as the offense looks to improve with Cliff Floyd and Evan Longoria.

• Also Ron Mahey is signing with the Royals and not with the Yanks or Rays.
• Fukudome signs with Cubs.

New Blog

It is a new blog!