http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/12/04/thanks-to-early-signings-infield-market-clearing-up/ Baseball. Baseball. And then a bit more baseball. Wed, 22 May 2013 07:10:44 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/12/04/thanks-to-early-signings-infield-market-clearing-up/comment-page-1/#comment-14759 Sat, 05 Dec 2009 06:37:17 +0000 http://localhost/wp/nbchbt/?p=2470#comment-14759 I am not sure why you have the Rays listed as a team that might be looking for a second baseman “if a situation changes or if someone falls into their laps.” Naturally, any team would be happy to upgrade under those circumstances, but what is there about the Rays’ situation that makes them interested in actively seeking out such a circumstance?
As I understand it, one reason they traded Iwamura is that the incumbent is Zobrist. And should Zobrist falter or be moved to RF, Sean Rodriguez is there and after him Aybar (who many felt should have been first in line before 2009). And even Brignac is a possibility. It is not a question of your evaluating the worth of those players, but is there some reason you think the Rays have soured on any, particularly on Zobrist or Rodriguez?
Given the apparent options, and given the Rays’ priorities (catching, relievers probably), I don’t see the Rays in the market unless magically someone like Utley becomes available for $2 million/yr for multiple years, an improbable circumstance not worth considering.

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