D-Rays need nothing except pitching (and perhaps a catcher). They are so stocked full of young, cheap talent, it's ridiculous.

Joey Gathright - OF - Devil Rays

 

 

The Dodgers, White Sox, Cubs, Angels and Giants can be added to the list of teams that have asked about Joey Gathright, according to the St. Petersburg Times.

It's believed the Padres and Marlins have expressed the most interest. The Rays are also open to moving closer Danys Baez and catcher Toby Hall, who has received interest from the Dodgers, Mets, Marlins, Rockies and Diamondbacks. Nov. 28 - 3:33 am et

Source: St. Petersburg Times

Gathright=Owens.

 

Huff would be the only intriguing part of this thread to me. If Kong Leaves he would make a decent replacement in the order. Although I would prefer overbay. Both trades are kinda meh to me.

i dug up some good info on gathright from the last few baseball america prospect rankings....

 

From 04 Drays rankings..

 

3. JOEY GATHRIGHT, of       Age: 23 B-T: L-R Ht: 5-10 Wt: 170

Drafted: HS--LaPlace, La., 2001 (32nd round)    Signed by: Benny Latino  

 

 

Background: Gathright’s progression through the system has been as rapid as his world-class speed. He reached the big leagues midway through his third pro season, less than one year after earning rookie-of-the-year honors in the high Class A California League.

 

Strengths: His offensive style evokes memories of Vince Coleman, though Gathright has more hitting ability. Perhaps the fastest runner in baseball, he ranked third in the Triple-A International League in steals despite playing just 60 games there. Gathright possesses the baseball skills to put his speed to use. He's beginning to master the art of slapping the ball on the ground and using his legs to get on base. He also has outstanding range in center field.

 

Weaknesses: To become an effective leader, Gathright must work counts better and draw more walks. He has trouble getting around on inside fastballs. He'll be a better basestealer once he learns how to read pitchers better. His arm strength and accuracy are below average.

 

The Future: Shortly after Gathright got to Triple-A during the first half of the 2005 season, the Rays opened discussions on a long-term contract with him. He's on the verge of starting for the Devil Rays, though he may shift to left field with Rocco Baldelli in center.

 

 

2004 Club (Class) AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB

Montgomery (AA) .341 .399 .397 126 23 43 5 1 0 8 11 30 10

Durham (AAA) .326 .384 .373 236 34 77 9 1 0 8 19 46 33

Tampa Bay .250 .316 .250 52 11 13 0 0 0 1 2 14 6

 

Q:  Joshua Heines from Trenton, NJ asks:

We all know of Joey Gathright's speed and his legend of jumping over cars in a single-bound, but what are some projections for what he can do in the major leagues? Is .300 AVG and 60 SB a reality? or will his lack of power pull those numbers down?

 

A:  Bill Ballew: There are a couple of schools of thought regarding Gathright, and I am not completely sold on his becoming a standout at the major league level. His speed is incredible, and he has the ability to steal 60 bases in the big leagues. But several other aspects of his game must come together in order for him to become an impact player for any significant length of time.

 

 

 

From 03....

 

5. Joey Gathright, of

 

Age: 21. B-T: L-R. Ht.: 5-10. Wt.: 170.

Drafted: HS—Metairie, La., 2001 (32nd round).

Signed by: Benny Latino.

 

Background: The Rays’ 2003 minor league player of the year, Gathright topped the system in stolen bases and ranked second in batting before a dislocated left shoulder brought his season to an early end. The injury cost him a September callup and a possible spot on the U.S. Olympic qualifying team.

 

Strengths: Possibly the fastest player in the minors, Gathright is more polished than most burners. He’s a disciplined hitter with solid strike-zone judgment, and he already shows on-base ability to go with his leadoff speed. With his athleticism, Gathright can leap cars, from front to end.

 

Weaknesses: Though he was successful on 69 of his 85 attempts, Gathright still is learning the nuances of stealing bases. His power is minimal, though he’s adept at making hard contact. His first two pro seasons have been cut short by dislocated left shoulders. That’s his non-throwing shoulder, but his arm is below-average.

 

The Future: After surgery to repair a torn labrum, Gathright resumed workouts in December and should be fine in 2004. He’ll open in Double-A or Triple-A, and should reach the majors by season’s end.

 

Team G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB AVG OBP SLG

Bakersfield (Hi A) 89 340 65 110 6 3 0 23 41 54 57 .324 .406 .359

Orlando (AA) 22 85 12 32 1 0 0 5 5 15 12 .376 .419 .388

 

 

Q:  Sal from La. asks:

Bill, do you think Joey Gathright has a chance to be called up before Sept. 1? The outfield for the Devil Rays seem to be a source of some good young players. Once in the bigs, how do you project him as a player, I’ve seen comparisons to the Marlins Juan Pierre. Do you think that comparison is accurate?

 

A:  Bill Ballew: Gathright could be called up, especially if Baldelli should go down or need an occasional day off. I saw Pierre in 1999 when he was in low Class A and Gathright reminds me a lot of Pierre. Pierre's work ethic is unmatched at the major league level, which is the reason he's had success. If Gathright has a similar approach to the game, he could be a Pierre clone at some point soon.

Edited November 28, 200520 yr by daa84

I say why not go for it all and trade for Crawford and Huff

I say why not go for it all and trade for Crawford and Huff 

Marte+Valido

Marte+Valido

= laughs from Tampa

Forget Gathright. We already have Young, Anderson, Owens, and Sweeney so why trade for another teams OF prospect when we already have some of our own. Develop and give our prospects a chance. If we are going to make a trade it should be for a proven player like Juan Pierre.

= laughs from Tampa

i meant thats all I would give up for those two, as I said before, I think of them as meh

???

 

 

Edited November 30, 200520 yr by SoxFan1