Tampa Bay Rays

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Nicholas Barnese – Tampa Bay Rays RHP

Posted on 05 March 2009

H/W: 6-2 170 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 1/11/89

The Tampa Bay Rays continue to be a tremendous success story, transforming their farm system and major league roster from futility to fortune in just one year's time. Longoria, Price, and Upton, and Garza have become household names, while pitching prospects Wade Davis, Jeremy Hellickson, and Jake McGee loom as potential stars on the imminent horizon. Nicholas Barnese is quite a ways behind them in development but not in talent.

With a lively 91-93 MPH fastball and power slurve, Nicholas Barnese overpowered hitters at short season Low-A Hudson Valley last season going 5-3 with a 2.45 ERA and 24 BB/84 K in 66 innings. Nicholas is a confident and aggressive pitcher with a mean streak on the mound. He goes right after hitters, pounding all quadrants of the strike zone and challenging hitters on the inner half of the plate. A changeup is currently in the works for Barnese and, while hie throws it with a good arm speed, its command and movement lags behind his other two quality offerings. Barnese has some projectibility left in his frame that could build a little more bulk and velocity within the next year or two. If it comes, his overall skill set will closely resemble that of current Ray hurler Matt Garza.

2009 Projection: Barnese will get a taste of full season ball at Low-A Bowling Green. Barnese seemingly came out of nowhere to post his solid numbers last season. Watch to see if he can sustain that success over a full season. His frame is still a bit slender, which could deter from his durability. His changeup is an essential component to his ability to continue progressing as a starter. With so many fine young arms in the Rays organization, Barnese has been able to fly under the radar and exceed expectations. That could come to a close soon. A big 2009 season from Nick should vault him into the same conversation as names like Davis, McGee, and Hellickson.

Key Nicholas Barnese Baseball Cards:

2007 Bowman Chrome Draft Nicholas Barnese
2008 Just Autographs Nicholas Barnese Auto

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Jacob Jefferies – Tampa Bay Rays C

Posted on 10 February 2009

H/W: 6-2 200 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 10/30/87

Selected in the 3rd round last season, the former UC Davis star continued to show off his hot bat at short season Hudson Valley, batting .316 with 2 HR 41 RBI and 16 doubles. Jefferies make excellent contact at the plate by spraying line drives from foul line to foul line and working deep into counts. He has a tall and strong build, but his swing does not produce much loft at this time which mitigates his HR totals. Jefferies is a solid athlete as well with fringe average speed and good mobility behind the plate. He has shown himself to be adept at calling pitches and blocking balls in the dirt, but his arm is iffy and baserunners in the New York-Penn League exploited it by succeeding in 23 of 27 SB attempts. There is still a good deal of projectibility left in this 22 year old's skill set. The Rays believe that with some minor adjustments to his swing trajectory and release time, Jefferies will evolve into a very good big league receiver.

2009 Projection: Jefferies will get a crack at full season ball, probably with the Rays' new Low-A affiliate Bowling Green. There is some promise that Jacob can put up better power numbers in coming seasons. He drove in a good number of runs last season and did hit a good amount of doubles. Currently, Tampa Bay's organizational depth chart is devoid of any considerable catching talent. Jefferies, with a little refinement, has an opportunity to move quickly through the Rays' system, making him someone to watch over the next couple of seasons.

Key Jacob Jefferies Baseball Cards:

2008 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/819

2008 Donruss Elite Rookie Auto Jacob Jefferies 8 819
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08 Elite Extra Jacob Jefferies Aspirtations Auto Rc 50
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08 Elite Extra Gold Status Jacob Jefferies Auto Rc 1 5
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Reid Brignac – Tampa Bay Rays SS

Posted on 08 February 2009

H/W: 6-3 190 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 1/16/86

2008 was a disappointing year for the Rays' top infield prospect as Brignac batted just .250 with 9 HR 43 RBI and 26 doubles at AAA Durham. Things were even tougher for Reid in his brief MLB action, going hitless in 10 AB's with 5 K's. Regardless of his struggles, there are many physical elements to Brignac's game that are quite intriguing. He has a long, athletic body that still projects to produce above average power numbers. Defensively, Brignac has show remarkable improvement from his struggles in previous seasons to the point that his glove, range, and arm collectively make him one of the best fielding shortstops in the minor leagues. Unfortunately, his BB/K ratio regressed significantly last season as Reid managed only 25 BB/98 K's, and his numbers took a tumultuous dive after the All-Star break (.188 2 HR 5 RBI 4 BB/24 K) perhaps due to a lapse of confidence brought on by his inauspicious MLB stint. The Rays are still enamored by the possibility of Brignac and Evan Longoria anchoring the left side of their infield for the next several years, but his '08 travails provide sufficient evidence that more time and patience is needed.

2009 Projection: Jason Bartlett's second half hot streak and fine postseason play should make the Rays feel comfortable with letting Brignac have another shot at AAA Durham. Brignac's offensive numbers have been sliding a bit over the last couple of years and this season is key for his continued development as a top infield prospect. Watch to see if he can resurrect his power numbers and improve upon his dismal BB/K ratio. He should earn another shot with the Rays at some point in '08...hopefully with better results.

Key Reid Brignac Baseball Cards:

2004 SP Prospects Auto #/400
2004 Bowman Chrome Draft
2004 Bowman Sterling
2004 Bowman Heritage
2004 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/522

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Reid Brignac 2004 Donruss El Ee Auto 522 Rookie Rays
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Rays Reid Brignac Signed 8 X 10 Loa
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2008 Bowman Chrome Dp Reid Brignac 139 Card Rc Lot
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2007 Bowman Chrome Prospects Reid Brignac Rc
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Reid Brignac Signed Auto Oml Baseball Tampa Bay Rays
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Tampa Rays Reid Brignac Autographed Baseball
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Tim Beckham – Tampa Bay Rays SS

Posted on 19 December 2008

H/W: 6-0 190 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 1/27/90

The Rays used the 1st overall pick of the '08 draft, along with $6.15 million on the best prep baseball player in the country, Tim Beckham. Signing his contract quickly allowed the Georgia native to play in 46 games at short season Princeton where he hit .243 with 2 HR 14 RBI and 30 runs scored. Beckham is as toolsy and projectible as they come, with a lightning fast swing that causes balls to jump off of his bat. A gifted athlete, his speed translates well to running the basepaths and to covering a good amount of range at SS. Given his great athleticism, Beckham is also quite raw in all aspects of the game and will need a few seasons to put everything together. Fortunately for the Rays, there is no need to rush the development of their newest blue chip prospect. Tim Beckham has a bright future and a cozy spot next to 2008 A.L. Rookie of the Year Evan Longoria waiting for him.

2009 Projection: The Rays may opt to keep Beckham at extended spring training before shipping him to short-season Hudson Valley in June, or they may challenge him a bit and give him his first full dose of full season ball at Low-A Bowling Green. Either way, there are many things to watch with the young Rays shortstop. How does the power progress? Is his plate discipline improved? Will he play well defensively at SS? If these questions are answered affirmatively, his future as a top-flight prospect becomes more compelling.

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Desmond Jennings – Tampa Bay Rays OF

Posted on 24 November 2008

H/W: 6-2 180 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 10/30/86

2008 was a lost season for the Rays' top OF prospect. Jennings was limited to just 24 games during the regular season as he suffered a lower back injury and had season ending shoulder surgery. Jennings returned to play in the second half of the Arizona Fall League hitting .231 with a HR 7 RBI and 3 SB in 39 AB. When healthy, Jennings is a bright 5-tool athlete who turned down a scholarship to play WR at Alabama to pursue his baseball career. Jennings has blazing speed and a line drive bat that drives the ball well to the gaps. His long lean frame projects that he could add more power to be a 15-20 HR hitter down the road. Jennings makes good contact at the plate and his advanced strike zone knowledge helps him to draw walks as well. Defensively, Jennings utilizes his eye-popping speed to cover vast swathes of space in CF and his arm strength is solid. The biggest variable to Jennings' game is his inability to stay healthy. Jennings has had knee surgery, shoulder surgery, and back problems within the past two years, hampering his development as a pro. If he can stay healthy for a sustained amount of time, Desmond is a top-tier future lead-off hitter with All-Star written all over him.

2009 Projection: Jennings' involvement in the AFL gives the notion that the Rays would like to challenge him with a promotion to AA Montgomery to start the season. Keep an eye on the injury reports and cross your fingers that he doesn't find his way on the DL next season. If he can reproduce the success that he enjoyed in 2007 at Low-A Columbus, Jennings should move quickly through the Rays' system with an ETA of mid-summer 2010 being a good possibility. The Rays could use a good lead off hitter with base stealing speed to set the table for Upton-Longoria-Pena. Jennings could be just the right fit.

Key Desmond Jennings Baseball Cards:

2007 Bowman Chrome Prospects
2007 Bowman Sterling
2007 Bowman's Best
2008 Donruss Threads Auto #/749

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Wade Davis – Tampa Bay Rays RHP

Posted on 23 November 2008

H/W: 6-5 220 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 9/7/85

Davis had a very fine year that was overshadowed by the likes of David Price and Jeremy Hellickson. Davis pitched at both AA Montgomery and AAA Durham compiling a 13-8 record with a 3.47 ERA and 136 K's in 160 IP. Davis has a lively 92-94 MPH fastball that he can bump up to 96 on occasion. His curveball has a sharp 11-5 break to it and he uses his cutter to bore in on the hands of right handed hitters. Davis has a tough demeanor on the mound and his tall and well-built frame is capable of handling 200 inning workloads at the major league level. Davis needs to continue to pound away at the strike zon with his fastballs. He has a tendency to get too fine with his offspeed offerings which got him trouble with his control while he was at Montgomery. He seemed to work things out, though, at Durham where he held hitters to a .205 BA.

2009 Projection: Davis is ready to pitch at the major league level, but there is no room in the young and highly talented Rays lineup. Davis may get a look as a late inning reliever at some point for Tampa Bay, or he may be dangled as trade bait at some point during the season. Expect Davis to start at Durham as the Rays are loaded with a glut of young spectacular pitching prospects. Watch to see if the Rays move both Edwin Jackson and Andy Sonnenstine at some point this season. If both are moved, a vacancy will open up in Tampa's rotation, a spot that Davis is ready to fill. Once he does, the values of his 2004 SP Prospects and Bowman Chrome Draft cards will experience added market attention.

Key Wade Davis Baseball Cards:

2004 Bowman Chrome Draft
2004 SP Prospects Auto #/600

2004 Bowman Draft Lot 3 Wade Davis W Chrome
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2004 04 Wade Davis Bowman Chrome Refractor Rays Rc
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2004 Ud Sp 38 175 Draft Duos Auto Wade Davis Brignac
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David Price – Tampa Bay Rays LHP

Posted on 21 November 2008

H/W: 6-6 225 lb. B/T: L/L DOB: 8/26/85

You would be hard pressed to find a prospect that had a better 2008 season than David Price. Price made his debut after missing the first month of the season with elbow soreness. When he returned, Price rocketed through three levels of the Tampa Bay Rays system winning his first 11 decisions before losing in his debut at AAA Durham. Price then earned a September call up where he was dominant in 14 innings, holding hitters to a .176 BA. Price's dominance continued during the playoffs where Rays manager Joe Madden used him strictly in relief. Price pitched 5 games during the post season going 1-0 with a championship clinching save in Game 7 against the Boston Red Sox.

Price has a wicked mid-90's fastball that he throws with a three-quarters arm slot that is difficult for left handed hitters to pick up. His slider is a plus-plus strikeouts pitch that has a wide sweeping break similar to Randy Johnson's. Price also has a third plus pitch, a changeup that has a heavy fade late in the strike zone. In addition to his arsenal of top notch pitches, Price is a tough competitor with good makeup and a real feel for pitching. He adds and subtracts velocities to his pitches effectively. One area of work for Price will be to become more consistent with locating his pitches, especially his fastball. Price struggled a bit with his control at AAA and at times during the playoffs, though with his considerable talent, this should not be a long term concern.

2009 Projection: Price is a shoe-in for a spot in the middle of Tampa Bay's 2009 rotation. He will almost certainly be one of the front runners for the A.L. Rookie of the Year. The Rays should be vying for another post season berth and Price's contributions in that talented young rotation will be integral. Expect the values of his 2007 Bowman Sterling and Donruss Elite Extra autographs to remain strong throughout the season.

Key David Price Baseball Cards:

2007 Bowman Chrome Draft David Price
2007 Bowman Sterling David Price Auto
2007 Donruss Elite Extra David Price Auto #/500
2008 Bowman Chrome David Price Auto

2009 Bowman Chrome David Price Superfractor 1 1 Rc
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David Price True Rc 2007 Bowman Magenta Plate 1 1 Rays
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David Price 2009 Upper Deck Rc
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2009 David Price Heritage Chrome Rc Refractor 560
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2005 Ud David Price Drew Stubbs Auto D 75 Rare Rc
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2009 Topps T 206 Sp Variation Rc David Price Rays
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Jeremy Hellickson – Tampa Bay Rays RHP

Posted on 18 November 2008

H/W: 6-1 185 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 4/8/87

Hellickson pitched at two levels including a dominant early season stint at High-A Vero Beach where he went 7-1 with a 2.00 ERA and a Greg Maddux-like 5 BB/83 K in 76.2 IP. Hellickson struggled initially at AA Montgomery losing in 4 of his first 5 outings before going on a hot streak where he struck out at least 5 hitters in each of his last 10 starts. Hellickson has a 92-94 MPH fastball and a big breaking curve ball that keeps hitters off balance. His control is the best in the Rays' system and his delivery is clean and consistent. Hellickson threw 152 innings this year which should put to rest questions about his durability. He does still need to keep his fastball down as he allowed 22 HR this year and a .292 BA against AA hitters.

2009 Projection: Hellickson will likely begin the '09 season at AA Montgomery again in hopes that he gets off to the same hot start that he did at Vero Beach last season. If all goes well, he should get a promotion to AAA. Much like fellow prospect Wade Davis, Hellickson may find himself having to wait for an oppportunity to pitch in the talented Rays rotation. When he does, Hellickson has all the makings of a #1 or #2 starter.

Key Jeremy Hellickson Baseball Cards: