There are a lot of questions surrounding the Rays outfield situation. Will Carl Crawford be signed long term? Will BJ Upton be on the team at the start of next season? Can Ben Zobrist give the Rays another outstanding season? Is Desmond Jennings ready? What about Matt Joyce? I would have to say BJ will not be around for too much longer. If he is not traded this offseason, he will be at the deadline. He still has good potential, but unfortunately he is the odd man out for the outfield.
I see the Rays signing CC long term to spend his peak years in St. Pete. CC is the anchor of our outfield, the most consistant player we have. He also is a great guy for the team, a good guy for the community, and just a person you want on your team. The Rays would be stupid not to take the chance to sign Carl Crawford long term if they have the chance. If they do not get a deal done, you can be certain that they will pick up his option for one more year with Crawford in left.
Ben Zobrist has definitely earned himself the right field position after last season. He plays great defense and provides offensively, so there is not much question about the right field position. Now, that leaves the center field position. BJ will have to go soon or take a benching, because you have to believe that Desmond Jennings can’t be kept in the minors for too much longer. He has produced in the minors and plays a good center field, so you have to believe the Rays want him up soon.
That leaves the question of Matt Joyce. He will need a spot soon enough or he can be traded again. The Rays have a log jam in the outfield right now. There are five guys who all should start on a big league team. I think BJ gets traded. That leaves two for center. Desmond Jennings will win out, so then what do you do with Matt Joyce. I think you bring him up and let him be on the bench for a little while. If CC is signed long term and Ben and DJ are doing well, you start shopping Joyce for a relief pitcher of some sort.
What about the Gabes? The Rays will not keep both of them. The Rays may not keep either of them. Matt Joyce has one of the backup outfield spots. Fernando Perez or Justin Ruggiano should have the other. I would lean towards Perez, since he can play center. That leaves the Rays letting go of both of the Gabes. Sorry guys, Gabe squared will be no more for the Rays.
2010 Outfield Depth Charts:
Left Field:
1. Carl Crawford
2. Matt Joyce
3. Fernando Perez
Center Field
1. Desmond Jennings
2. Fernando Perez
3. Matt Joyce
Right Field
1. Ben Zobrist
2. Matt Joyce
3. Fernando Perez
Waiting in the Minors:
1. Justin Ruggiano
2. Rashad Eldridge
3. Emeel Salem
4. Keyong Kong
5. Cody Rogers
