Role Reversal

August 7, 2008   ·   Paul Raymond   ·   Jump to comments

My how the times have changed. It’s been talked about how year how refreshing it is to see a team like the Tampa Bay Rays leading the American League East. If that isn’t enough to blow most minds, this will. The Rays have done the unthinkable and made a trade to make their team STRONGER! Yea, that’s right they’ve added a player for the stretch drive. The Rays placed and won their waiver claim on Baltimore Orioles’ pitcher Chad Bradford, and in return have sent the Orioles the famous player to be named later. This move should help bolster an already strong bullpen and shows that the Rays are intent on staying around in the AL East.

The Rays already have a pretty good bullpen but Bradford gives them playoff experience. Bradford is a proven winner in the playoffs, appearing in 15 and 1/3 innings over 17 games giving up ZERO runs. No pitcher has logged more innings before giving up his first playoff run. His post season appearances have come with the Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics, Boston Red Sox and the New York Mets. Bradford is by no means a flame thrower and definitely won’t rack up strikeouts but he will be a solid addition. This year he’s sporting a 2.45 era over 40 and 1/3 innings with only 13 strikeouts.

I’m glad to see the Rays making moves like this, it shows this team truly is serious about winning. It only took 11 seasons, but hey greatness takes time. If you live in the Tampa region you should definitely head out to Tropicana Field for a game.

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