Desmond Jennings has started out this season better than most in the Rays organization. He has started the season with a .337 average and has hit three home runs thus far. He has 15 RBI’s, 6 stolen bases, and a .378 OBP. Not that bad to start the season.
Jennings is coming off an injury plagued season, yet another in a career that has seen its fair share of injuries. This is the first time Jennings has been as high as double-A and he is definitely performing like he deserves it.
If he continues on this pace, he will most likely make it to Triple-A before season’s end. If he continues like this, it could raise an interesting question. Could he be a September call-up at the end of this season? The Rays could use him like they used Fernando Perez last year. He would get a few starts and be a pinch-hitter and pinch-runner. He only has more power than Perez.
This pace could also see him in Rays spring training next year, and maybe in the majors before the end of next season. The only problem is, you would need a spot for him. Many say he will be Carl Crawford’s replacement when he inevitably leaves due to wanting too much money as a free agent. Can you picture an outfield of Jennings, BJ Upton, and Matt Joyce? It’s like getting dealt a full hand in online poker. If they all live up to their capabilities, that would be scary.
Jennings is definitely one to watch for in the not to distant future for the Tampa Bay Rays.
April 30th, 2009 at 8:35 AM
[...] Rise of the Rays speculates on what Desmond Jennings hot start means for him and the Rays. [Rise of the Rays] [...]
April 30th, 2009 at 10:14 AM
I’m really liking how this kid is playing right and I’m excited to see what he’ll be able to do in full healthy season. I’m not sure if I’d like to see him come up like Perez this season, but if the Rays fall off I would like to see what he can do at the majors. He’s still so young so waiting till spring training and see how he does there might be the best option, but I trust whatever Friedman does.
April 30th, 2009 at 11:40 AM
He’s 22, so he’s not all that young anymore. Losing most of last year to injury hurt. But, he’s now about the same age that BJ and Carl were when they were brought up by the Rays. Different team and different talent now, but Desmond’s not that far behind.
September 17th, 2009 at 10:05 PM
I honestly think, he’ll pull through, I went to the same high school with him, He would come down and help out with the baseball team, I really think he’ll be go for the Rays in late Septemeber, He’s got the speed trust me.