TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS

Jace Brewer (SS, 22, ?/?)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 2000 A 37 137 30 7 2 0 10 15 6 28 219 252 299 3 0

Young shortstop with the Devil Rays, has never played above A-ball but was on Tampa's roster for a few days in September. At the moment, there's no reason to expect anything from him for three or four years.

Vinny Castilla (3B, 34, R/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 COL 162 645 206 28 4 46 108 144 40 89 319 362 589 5 9 1999 COL 158 615 169 24 1 33 83 102 53 75 275 331 478 2 3 2000 TAM 85 331 73 9 1 6 22 42 14 41 221 254 308 1 2

Vinny Castilla (3B, 34, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998     COL 162 645 206 28  4 46 108 144  40  89  319 362 589   5   9
 1999     COL 158 615 169 24  1 33  83 102  53  75  275 331 478   2   3
 2000     TAM  85 331  73  9  1  6  22  42  14  41  221 254 308   1   2

The Devil Rays' off-season performance last winter was the worst by any team since... oh, I don't know, the Kansas City Royals in 1990? Castilla turned out to be an especially bad acquisition; he didn't hit, and made three trips to the DL.
His future is up in the air; we don't know if he can stay healthy, and we don't know if he can still hit. I also don't know where he is going to play, or how often. I think there's a good chance he might hit 20 home runs this season, though with what team or in how many at bats or with what batting average I have no idea.

Jesus Colome (21, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 R 2 5 12 11 0 0 0 57 47 16 62 318 1999 A 8 4 31 22 0 0 1 129 125 60 127 336 2000 AA 10 6 23 23 0 0 0 125 117 57 104 396

Colome is a very young pitcher who throws very hard. There's no reason to think that he will pitch well in the majors this year, but I've heard rumours that the Devil Rays are eyeing him as their closer for the near future. He'll more than likely spend the next couple of years at Durham.

Steve Cox (OF/1B, 26, L/L)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 AAA 119 430 109 23 2 13 64 67 56 100 253 339 407 3 4 1999 AAA 134 534 182 49 4 25 107 127 67 74 341 415 588 3 3 2000 TAM 116 318 90 19 1 11 44 35 46 47 283 379 453 1 2

Steve Cox (OF/1B, 26, L/L)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998     AAA 119 430 109 23  2 13  64  67  56 100  253 339 407   3   4
 1999     AAA 134 534 182 49  4 25 107 127  67  74  341 415 588   3   3
 2000     TAM 116 318  90 19  1 11  44  35  46  47  283 379 453   1   2

Cox was the brightest light in the Devil Rays' dismal 2000 season; he was their best player, and he should have been in the lineup every day. He's a good young player, won't be a big star but with any luck will develop into a Rusty Greer-type player. A nucleus of Cox, Grieve and Huff should give the Devil Rays at least a chance of being good someday.

Doug Creek (32, L)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 2000 AAA 0 0 10 1 0 0 0 18 10 14 22 196 2000 TAM 1 3 45 0 0 0 1 61 49 39 73 460

I wish I were left-handed. Creek's career appeared to be over when the Devil Rays' called him up in May. He had a good year, holding left-handed batters to a .170 average while piling on the strikeouts. His control is lousy and he tends to give up home runs, but the Devil Rays aren't picky. As for Creek, he'll probably struggle with inconsistency all season... but he'll make enough money to buy one of those left-handed can openers.

Mike DiFelice (CA, 32, R/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 TAM 84 248 57 12 3 3 17 23 15 56 230 274 339 0 0 1999 TAM 51 179 55 11 0 6 21 27 8 23 307 346 469 0 0 2000 TAM 60 204 49 13 1 6 23 19 12 40 240 280 402 0 0

Mike DiFelice (CA, 32, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998     TAM  84 248  57 12  3  3  17  23  15  56  230 274 339   0   0
 1999     TAM  51 179  55 11  0  6  21  27   8  23  307 346 469   0   0
 2000     TAM  60 204  49 13  1  6  23  19  12  40  240 280 402   0   0

DiFelice is a veteran catcher who looked good when he hit .307 in 1999, but not so good last year. He's a career .250 hitter, doesn't put many runs on the board, is adequate in his role.

Mike Duvall (26, L)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 AAA 5 3 32 9 1 0 0 73 74 32 55 322 2000 AAA 6 2 30 8 0 0 0 80 85 44 49 459 1999 TAM 1 1 40 0 0 0 0 40 46 27 18 405

Duvall is an ordinary pitcher who got into some games with Tampa Bay in 1999, but spent most of last season at Durham, where he did not excel. He doesn't have much going for him, but he will surely try to turn his left-handedness into a career.

Trevor Enders (26, L)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 A 10 1 51 0 0 0 1 69 48 15 61 223 1999 AA 8 2 60 0 0 0 1 95 86 33 63 330 2000 AA-AAA 6 4 44 5 0 0 0 94 85 17 57 307 2000 TAM 0 1 9 0 0 0 0 9 14 5 5 1061

Trevor Enders (26, L)

 YEAR    TEAM  WN  LS  GP GS CG SH SV  IP HIT  BB  SO ERA
 1998       A  10   1  51  0  0  0  1  69  48  15  61 223
 1999      AA   8   2  60  0  0  0  1  95  86  33  63 330
 2000  AA-AAA   6   4  44  5  0  0  0  94  85  17  57 307
 2000     TAM   0   1   9  0  0  0  0   9  14   5   5 1061

Enders has pitched very well in them minors to this point. He has moved along slowly to this point, but presumbably will be in someone's bullpen in 2001. He has good control, gets strikeouts, has good endurance, can make a spot start... and he's left-handed. He should stick around a few years.

Tony Fiore (29, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 AAA 4 7 41 7 0 0 1 95 92 52 71 447 1999 AAA 2 1 53 0 0 0 19 67 73 41 51 443 2000 AAA 8 5 53 1 0 0 8 75 62 38 39 228 2000 TAM 1 1 11 0 0 0 0 15 21 9 8 840

Tony Fiore (29, R)

 YEAR    TEAM  WN  LS  GP GS CG SH SV  IP HIT  BB  SO ERA
 1998     AAA   4   7  41  7  0  0  1  95  92  52  71 447
 1999     AAA   2   1  53  0  0  0 19  67  73  41  51 443
 2000     AAA   8   5  53  1  0  0  8  75  62  38  39 228
 2000     TAM   1   1  11  0  0  0  0  15  21   9   8 840

Fiore made his major league debut with Tampa Bay in August, after a decent season at Durham. He's been toiling in the minors for a long time, first as a starter, more recently as a closer. I'm not impressed; though he pitched better last season than usual, he still walks as many batters as he strikes out. No potential.

John Flaherty (CA, 33, R/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 TAM 91 304 63 11 0 3 21 24 22 46 207 261 273 0 5 1999 TAM 117 446 124 19 0 14 53 71 19 64 278 310 415 0 2 2000 TAM 109 394 103 15 0 10 36 39 20 57 261 296 376 0 0

John Flaherty (CA, 33, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998     TAM  91 304  63 11  0  3  21  24  22  46  207 261 273   0   5
 1999     TAM 117 446 124 19  0 14  53  71  19  64  278 310 415   0   2
 2000     TAM 109 394 103 15  0 10  36  39  20  57  261 296 376   0   0

A mediocre veteran catcher, Flaherty usually keeps his average over .250 and hits the occasional homer, but doesn't really put many runs on the board. He's also not a Gold Glove candidate. Most other teams would not make him their regular catcher.

Ben Grieve (LF, 25, L/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 OAK 155 583 168 41 2 18 94 89 85 123 288 386 458 2 2 1999 OAK 148 486 129 21 0 28 80 86 63 108 265 358 481 4 0 2000 OAK 158 594 166 40 1 27 92 104 73 130 279 359 487 3 0

Ben Grieve (LF, 25, L/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998     OAK 155 583 168 41  2 18  94  89  85 123  288 386 458   2   2
 1999     OAK 148 486 129 21  0 28  80  86  63 108  265 358 481   4   0
 2000     OAK 158 594 166 40  1 27  92 104  73 130  279 359 487   3   0

He's not making much progress, and that irks me. Grieve is a talented young hitter, and he does put some runs on the board. But man, I was hoping for more. He doesn't hit for a high average, doesn't get on base a whole lot, doesn't have a lot of power. Worse, he hit into 32 double plays last season, which easily led the league. He's only 25, and could easily burst loose with a big season... but I'm beginning to wonder if he's got what it takes to be a star. Grieve used to be the starting right fielder, but was bumped from his position by Matt Stairs; what does this tell you?

Jose Guillen (RF, 25, R/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 PIT 153 573 153 38 2 14 60 84 21 100 267 298 414 3 5 1999 PIT-TAM 87 288 73 16 0 3 42 31 20 57 253 315 340 1 0 2000 TAM 105 316 80 16 5 10 40 41 18 65 253 320 430 3 1

Jose Guillen (RF, 25, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998     PIT 153 573 153 38  2 14  60  84  21 100  267 298 414   3   5
 1999 PIT-TAM  87 288  73 16  0  3  42  31  20  57  253 315 340   1   0
 2000     TAM 105 316  80 16  5 10  40  41  18  65  253 320 430   3   1

Guillen partially recovered his power stroke last year, and that was a step in the right direction. He's still swings at everything, and it doesn't appear that he will ever consistently hit for a good average... so he'll have to increase his power output even more before he becomes a quality player.

Ozzie Guillen (IF, 37, L/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 BAL-ATL 95 280 74 15 1 1 37 22 25 27 264 325 336 1 5 1999 ATL 92 232 56 16 0 1 21 20 15 17 241 284 323 4 2 2000 TAM 63 107 26 4 0 2 22 12 6 7 243 283 336 1 0

Ozzie Guillen (IF, 37, L/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998 BAL-ATL  95 280  74 15  1  1  37  22  25  27  264 325 336   1   5
 1999     ATL  92 232  56 16  0  1  21  20  15  17  241 284 323   4   2
 2000     TAM  63 107  26  4  0  2  22  12   6   7  243 283 336   1   0

Guillen's a veteran infielder, and former Gold Glover, now entering his 17th season. Last year was the fifth time in his career that he managed to hit a home run at both home and on the road.

Juan Guzman (34, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 TOR-BAL 10 16 33 33 2 0 0 211 193 98 168 435 1999 BAL-CIN 11 12 33 33 2 1 0 200 194 86 155 374 2000 TAM INJURED

Guzman was one of the Devil Rays' "big" free agent signings. He made one start, have up 8 runs in 2 innings, then went on the DL with "tightness in his right shoulder" and never returned. Even if Guzman does come back, you're still dealing with a 34-year-old pitcher who has shoulder problems and who has had four straight losing seasons. I'll be surprised if he reaches double digits in wins, not so surprised if he reaches double digits in losses.

Toby Hall (CA, 25, R/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 A 105 377 121 25 1 6 59 50 39 32 321 386 440 3 7 1999 A 56 212 63 13 1 4 24 36 17 9 297 350 425 0 2 1999 AA 46 173 44 7 0 9 20 34 4 10 254 269 451 1 1 2000 AA-AAA 115 455 149 29 0 16 58 85 20 43 327 352 497 3 2

Toby Hall (CA, 25, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998       A 105 377 121 25  1  6  59  50  39  32  321 386 440   3   7
 1999       A  56 212  63 13  1  4  24  36  17   9  297 350 425   0   2
 1999      AA  46 173  44  7  0  9  20  34   4  10  254 269 451   1   1
 2000  AA-AAA 115 455 149 29  0 16  58  85  20  43  327 352 497   3   2

Hall is a young catcher with in the Devil Rays' system. He can hit, for both average and power, and he should be a big part of their team in 2001. After all, they don't need both John Flaherty and Mike DiFelice. do they? If all goes well, Hall should develop into a Darrin Fletcher-type hitter, except that he is right-handed.

Travis Harper (25, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 A 6 2 13 10 0 0 0 56 38 20 81 192 1999 A 5 4 14 14 0 0 0 81 82 23 79 343 1999 AA 6 3 14 14 1 1 0 72 73 26 68 538 2000 AAA 7 4 17 17 0 0 0 104 98 26 48 424 2000 TAM 1 2 6 5 1 1 0 32 30 15 14 478

Travis Harper (25, R)

 YEAR    TEAM  WN  LS  GP GS CG SH SV  IP HIT  BB  SO ERA
 1998       A   6   2  13 10  0  0  0  56  38  20  81 192
 1999       A   5   4  14 14  0  0  0  81  82  23  79 343
 1999      AA   6   3  14 14  1  1  0  72  73  26  68 538
 2000     AAA   7   4  17 17  0  0  0 104  98  26  48 424
 2000     TAM   1   2   6  5  1  1  0  32  30  15  14 478

Harper made five starts with the Devil Rays, and threw a shutout! That must have wowed the socks off the folks at Tampa Bay... he's a young pitcher with good control, though there isn't much else about him that's impressive. He might have just enough goods and guile to get through a decent rookie season.

Aubrey Huff (3B, 24, L/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 A 69 265 85 19 1 13 38 54 24 40 321 371 547 3 1 1999 AA 133 491 148 40 3 22 85 78 64 77 301 385 530 2 3 2000 AAA 108 408 129 36 3 20 73 76 51 72 316 394 566 2 3 2000 TAM 39 122 35 7 0 4 12 14 5 18 287 318 443 0 0

Aubrey Huff (3B, 24, L/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998       A  69 265  85 19  1 13  38  54  24  40  321 371 547   3   1
 1999      AA 133 491 148 40  3 22  85  78  64  77  301 385 530   2   3
 2000     AAA 108 408 129 36  3 20  73  76  51  72  316 394 566   2   3
 2000     TAM  39 122  35  7  0  4  12  14   5  18  287 318 443   0   0

Here's an IQ test for Tampa management. They've got this kid named Aubrey Huff, only 24 years old, who has been a great hitter ever since he entered professional ball. He was awesome at Durham last season, and he also hit well with the big club. Do you start the season with him at third, or do you give the job to Vinny Castilla? What would you do in this situation?
At this time, I won't pass judgment on the Devil Rays. I'll only say that I don't think Huff has much left to prove at Durham.

Russ Johnson (IF, 28, R/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 AAA 122 453 140 28 2 7 95 52 90 64 309 424 426 11 11 1999 HOU 83 156 44 10 0 5 24 23 20 31 282 358 442 2 3 2000 HOU-TAM 100 230 55 8 0 2 32 20 27 40 239 320 300 5 2

Russ Johnson (IF, 28, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998     AAA 122 453 140 28  2  7  95  52  90  64  309 424 426  11  11
 1999     HOU  83 156  44 10  0  5  24  23  20  31  282 358 442   2   3
 2000 HOU-TAM 100 230  55  8  0  2  32  20  27  40  239 320 300   5   2

Johnson is a useful utility player, plays all the infield positions and will also take a walk and hit for a little power. He didn't play especially well last year, but he's worth taking a chance on.

Mike Judd (26, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1999 LA 3 1 7 4 0 0 0 28 30 12 22 546 1998 AAA 5 7 17 17 3 1 0 95 98 44 77 456 1999 AAA 8 7 21 21 1 0 0 111 132 47 122 667 2000 AAA 7 6 24 23 1 0 0 142 153 62 92 451

Mike Judd (26, R)

 YEAR    TEAM  WN  LS  GP GS CG SH SV  IP HIT  BB  SO ERA
 1999      LA   3   1   7  4  0  0  0  28  30  12  22 546
 1998     AAA   5   7  17 17  3  1  0  95  98  44  77 456
 1999     AAA   8   7  21 21  1  0  0 111 132  47 122 667
 2000     AAA   7   6  24 23  1  0  0 142 153  62  92 451

Judd's third year at Albuquerque was a disappointment. He pitched better than he did in 1999, but he didn't overpower hitters like he has in past seasons. Time is moving on, and it is becoming less likely that Judd will become a good major league pitcher.

Kenny Kelly (OF, 22, R/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 A 54 218 61 7 5 3 46 17 19 52 280 347 399 19 4 1999 A 51 206 57 10 4 3 39 21 18 46 277 346 408 14 5 2000 AA 124 489 123 17 8 3 73 29 59 119 252 338 337 31 21

Kenny Kelly (OF, 22, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998       A  54 218  61  7  5  3  46  17  19  52  280 347 399  19   4
 1999       A  51 206  57 10  4  3  39  21  18  46  277 346 408  14   5
 2000      AA 124 489 123 17  8  3  73  29  59 119  252 338 337  31  21

Kelly is a young prospect with Tampa Bay, can run but doesn't do many other things well, and isn't a polished base stealer. I would not consider him a good prospect at this point, but he is very young.

Albie Lopez (30, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 TAM 7 4 54 0 0 0 1 79 73 32 62 260 1999 TAM 3 2 51 0 0 0 1 64 66 24 37 464 2000 TAM 11 13 45 24 4 1 2 185 199 70 96 413

Lopez is a competent middle reliever who was given regular starting duties by the Devil Rays and was... competent. He's probably best suited to the bullpen, but it might be worth his while to take another shot at the starting rotation. A pitcher who can go 11-13 on a regular basis can make a surprising amount of money these days.

Felix Martinez (SS, 27, S/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 AAA 51 164 41 8 3 2 27 16 15 40 250 315 370 6 2 1999 AA 87 327 88 22 2 4 57 37 37 43 269 346 385 19 12 1998 KC 34 85 11 1 1 9 7 5 5 21 129 187 165 3 1 2000 TAM 106 299 64 11 4 2 42 17 32 68 214 305 298 9 3

Felix Martinez (SS, 27, S/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998     AAA  51 164  41  8  3  2  27  16  15  40  250 315 370   6   2
 1999      AA  87 327  88 22  2  4  57  37  37  43  269 346 385  19  12

     
 1998      KC  34  85  11  1  1  9   7   5   5  21  129 187 165   3   1
 2000     TAM 106 299  64 11  4  2  42  17  32  68  214 305 298   9   3

Martinez was claimed from the Phillies in May, and became the Devil Rays' regular shortstop. I never thought I would see Martinez back in the majors, and I can't say I am very enthusiastic about him. But I'll say this: he did a hell of a job on defense for the Devil Rays. They don't have anyone who can make as many plays in the field as he can.

Fred McGriff (1B, 37, L/L)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 TAM 151 564 160 33 0 19 73 81 79 118 284 371 443 7 2 1999 TAM 144 529 164 30 1 32 75 104 86 107 310 405 552 1 0 2000 TAM 158 566 157 18 0 27 82 106 91 120 277 373 452 2 0

Fred McGriff (1B, 37, L/L)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998     TAM 151 564 160 33  0 19  73  81  79 118  284 371 443   7   2
 1999     TAM 144 529 164 30  1 32  75 104  86 107  310 405 552   1   0
 2000     TAM 158 566 157 18  0 27  82 106  91 120  277 373 452   2   0

After a fine 1999 season, his numbers fell back to their previous levels. I guess we have to accept the fact that he is getting old, hard to believe for someone like myself who remembers Freddie as the lean rookie with Toronto in 1987 who hit those long, long home runs. He still hits some homers, and draws some walks; he's about an average first baseman. He also has 417 career home runs, but he's got some work to do before he gets 500.

Jim Morris (37, L)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1999 AAA 0 0 18 0 0 0 0 23 21 19 16 548 1999 TAM 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 5 3 2 3 579 2000 TAM 0 0 16 0 0 0 0 10 10 7 10 435

Morris managed to start the year with Tampa Bay, but was sent back to the minors in May. He pitched in one game at Durham, hurt his shoulder, then hung up the spikes and went back to teaching high school. Now all we have to do is wait for the Movie-of-the-Week.

Bill Pulsipher (27, L)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 NYM-MIL 3 4 26 11 0 0 0 72 86 31 51 510 1999 MIL 5 6 19 16 0 0 0 87 100 36 42 598 2000 AAA 5 11 20 18 0 0 0 104 114 52 76 477

Once upon a time, the Mets had three terrific young pitchers named Isringhausen, Wilson and Pulsipher. All three blew their arms out. Isringhausen has made a successful comeback with Oakland; Wilson looked very good last year with Tampa Bay. Pulsipher... well, we're still waiting to see some evidence that he can actually pitch.

Bryan Rekar (29, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 TAM 2 8 16 15 1 0 0 86 95 21 55 498 1999 TAM 6 6 27 12 0 0 0 95 121 41 55 580 2000 TAM 7 10 30 27 2 0 0 173 200 39 95 441

Rekar spent almost the whole year in the Devil Rays' rotation, and was surprisingly adequate. His control, especially, was exceptional. I like Rekar's chances of having another losing season in 2001... but at least he should keep his dignity.

Damian Rolls (3B, 24, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998      AA  50 160  35  6  0  1  18   9   6  28  219 246 275   2   0
 1999       A 127 474 141 26  2  9  68  54  36  66  297 361 418  24  13
 2000      AA  14  51  13  5  0  0   6   3   7   6  255 350 353   1   1

Rolls briefly spent some time with the Devil Rays, but the truth is that he is not close to being a major leaguer. He has never played well above A-ball, and missed most of last season after having shoulder surgery. He is a very mediocre prospect.

Ryan Rupe (26, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 A 7 1 13 13 0 0 0 70 41 11 80 207 1999 TAM 8 9 24 24 0 0 0 142 136 57 97 455 2000 TAM 5 6 18 18 0 0 0 91 121 31 61 692

Rupe pitched badly for most of the season, then went on the DL in September with a blood clot in his pitching shoulder. That's not a recipe for success.

Bobby Smith (2B, 27, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1999     AAA  57 225  75 15  3 14  52  47  27  61  333 409 613  13   4
 2000     AAA  66 261  76 20  2 17  48  58  23  61  291 351 579  15   2
 1998     TAM 117 370 102 15  3 11  44  55  34 110  276 343 422   5   3
 1999     TAM  68 199  36  4  1  3  18  19  16  64  181 244 256   4   4
 2000     TAM  49 175  41  8  0  6  21  26  14  59  234 293 383   2   2

Smith plays really well at Durham. In fact, he plays so well that he just might win an MVP Award there one day. Problem is, if he doesn't start to play well with Tampa Bay soon, he just might spend the rest of his career at Durham.

Paul Spoljaric (31, L)

 YEAR    TEAM  WN  LS  GP GS CG SH SV  IP HIT  BB  SO ERA
 2000     AAA   1   2  43  0  0  0  7  51  44  19  56 282
 1998     SEA   4   6  47  6  0  0  0  83  85  55  89 648
 1999 PHI-TOR   2   5  42  5  0  0  0  73  85  39  73 626
 2000      KC   0   0  13  0  0  0  0  10   9   5   6 652

Spoljaric's career started well with Toronto, but the past three years have been disastrous. He spent most of 2000 at Omaha, where he pitched fairly well. He's probably still capable of having a decent season, if he has a manager who spots him carefully, and can avoid putting him in the starting rotation.

Tanyon Sturtze (30, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1999 AAA 9 4 33 14 2 1 3 104 83 41 107 405 2000 CHW-TAM 5 2 29 6 0 0 0 68 72 29 44 474

Sturtze began the year pitching horribly for the White Sox, and ended it pitching especially well for Tampa Bay. He'll be back with the Devil Rays', either as a starter or a reliever or both. He's probably better suited to the bullpen.

Billy Taylor (39, R)

 YEAR    TEAM  WN  LS  GP GS CG SH SV  IP HIT  BB  SO ERA
 2000     AAA   4   0  42  0  0  0 26  45  47  17  47 417
 1998     OAK   4   9  70  0  0  0 33  73  71  22  58 358
 1999 OAK-NYM   1   6  61  0  0  0 26  56  68  23  52 495
 2000     TAM   1   3  17  0  0  0  0  14  13   9  13 856

Taylor pitched a few games with Tampa Bay, was roughed up, and spent most of the season as the closer at Durham. He'll get a look with someone in spring training, but given his age and his performance the past two seasons, I don't expect him to be on a roster in September.

Ozzie Timmons (OF, 31, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 2000     AAA 137 506 152 32  1 29 100 104  73 105  300 393 540   5   4
 1999     SEA  26  44   5  2  0  1   4   3   4  12  114 188 227   0   1
 2000     TAM  12  41  14  3  0  4   9  13   1   7  341 357 707   0   0

Timmons had a big year at Durham, then made the most out of 12 games that he played with Tampa at the end of the season. At his age, he's not likely to get too many more chances, but I wouldn't mind having Timmons on my bench. He could probably hit .250 with good power, and he's cheaper than Jose Canseco.

Jason Tyner (OF, 24, L/L)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998       A  50 201  61  2  3  0  30  16  17  20  303 361 343  15  11
 1999      AA 129 518 162 19  5  0  91  33  62  46  313 387 369  49  15
 2000     AAA  84 327 105  5  2  0  54  28  30  32  321 380 349  33  14
 2000 NYM-TAM  50 124  28  4  0  0   9  13   5  16  226 261 258   7   2

Tyner is a young player whom the Devil Rays acquired from the Mets during the summer. He is fast, and has consistently hit .300 in the minors. On the other hand, he is strictly a singles hitter; he has never hit a professional home run, and he hardly ever hits doubles or triples, either. To have a career, he will have to improve his other skills a great deal, like hitting for average and getting on base and running the basepaths and playing good defense. He's young enough to get better.

Greg Vaughn (LF, 36, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998      SD 158 573 156 28  4 50 112 119  79 121  272 363 597  11   4
 1999     CIN 153 550 135 20  2 45 104 118  85 137  245 347 535  15   2
 2000     TAM 127 461 117 27  1 28  83  74  80 128  254 365 499   8   1

Vaughn didn't match his big homer totals from previous years, though for the most part he played about as well as he usually does. He was slowed down during the summer by a sore hamstring, but even at age 35 he continues to run the basepaths astonishingly well. He's a good player, does a number of things well besides hitting home runs; he may have one more big year left if he can stay healthy.

Dan Wheeler (23, R)

 YEAR    TEAM  WN  LS  GP GS CG SH SV  IP HIT  BB  SO ERA
 1998       A  12  14  29 29  3  1  0 181 206  29 136 443
 1999  AA-AAA  10   5  23 23  2  1  0 140 159  33 111 423
 2000     AAA   5  11  26 26  0  0  0 150 183  42  91 563
 1999     TAM   0   4   6  6  0  0  0  31  35  13  32 587
 2000     TAM   1   1  11  2  0  0  0  23  29  11  17 548

Wheeler is very young, and has lots of time to improve. That's a good thing, because after posting a 5.63 ERA at Durham, he needs to improve a great deal. He has excellent control, and he might be the Devil Rays' best pitching prospect, but he has some work to do before he's ready to face major league hitters.

Gerald Williams (CF, 35, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998     ATL 129 266  81 19  2 10  46  44  17  48  305 352 504  11   5
 1999     ATL 143 422 116 24  1 17  76  68  33  67  275 335 457  19  11
 2000     TAM 146 632 173 30  2 21  87  89  34 103  274 312 427  12  12

Williams is a veteran outfielder who filled in for the Devil Rays in centre field, and set a career high in almost everything. He's not an especially good player, is better suited to coming off the bench than playing every day, but he is a safe, reliable alternative for any team that doesn't have a better option.

Paul Wilson (28, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 2000 A 2 0 5 5 0 0 0 26 22 4 19 140 2000 AAA 5 5 15 13 0 0 0 83 85 25 56 423 2000 TAM 1 4 11 7 0 0 0 51 38 16 40 335

You may remember Wilson, he was a very highly-touted young pitcher with the Mets a few years ago. He hurt his arm, had major surgery missed most of 1997 and all of 1999. Last year he was attempting another comeback with the Mets, but was dealt to the Devil Rays in July. They tried him out in their rotation... and he was simply brilliant.
It would be a wonderful story if Wilson could come back and develop into an outstanding pitcher. Chances are he will hurt himself again, but I wish him well. Baseball needs good pitchers... and God Knows, the Devil Rays need to catch a break.

Randy Winn (OF, 27, S/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 2000     AAA  79 303 100 24  5  7  67  40  48  53  330 425 512  18   5
 1998     TAM 109 338  94  9  9  1  51  17  29  69  278 337 367  26  12
 1999     TAM  79 303  81 16  4  2  44  24  17  63  267 307 366   9   9
 2000     TAM  51 159  40  5  0  1  28  16  26  25  252 362 302   6   7

Winn was back in the minors last season; he played very well at Durham, however, and returned to the Devil Rays late in the year. Winn's biggest problem is that he is a fast guy who doesn't steal bases. He's probably a better hitter than Brian Hunter or Tom Goodwin, but those guys use their speed. The one good thing you can say about Winn is that he was more patient at the plate last season; his ability to get on base might help him get a job as a fifth outfielder.

Esteban Yan (27, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 TAM 5 4 64 0 0 0 1 88 78 41 77 386 1999 TAM 3 4 50 1 0 0 0 61 77 32 46 590 2000 TAM 7 8 43 20 0 0 0 138 158 42 111 621

I seem to recall that the Devil Rays' were putting a positive spin on Yan's performance, saying that he pitched much better as a reliever than as a starter. This may be true; I don't have those numbers in front of me. I'm of the opinion that it is difficult to put a positive spin on a 6.21 ERA, especially when it comes on the heel of a 5.90 ERA. Yan has some ability, and it might be worth the while of a team like Tampa Bay to invest another year in him. Just remember that he has pitched badly much more often than he has pitched well.