Jason Bartlett injured himself sliding into 3rd yesterday, and since there are no pure SS's on the Rays roster, The Rays sent down Talbot to bring up Zobrist, and the Cajun God of Baseball, Reid Brignac. Very interesting that they called him up, I'm interested in seeing if Reid gets the significant amount of playing time.

I'm sad to see Talbot was only in the Major Leagues for a day without even getting to throw a pitch. I'd be very disappointed if I were him.

We'll see if Brignac starts on friday.

The Rays put Percival on the DL, and decide to go with Talbot to take his roster spot. This move is very interesting, as they plan on using him as a reliever, when he has only started in the minors. I believe they are just showcasing him for a trade, but who knows, maybe the Rays get another stud reliever converted from a started like the few there already. (Howell, Wheeler)

In other Ray news, Niemann pitched a hell of a game tonight. 9 IP, 1 ER, 7 H, 12 K, 1 BB. Looks like he was pissed that Talbot got the call and he didnt.

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/unfiltered/?p=893

Kevin Goldstein is reporting that Buster Posey is looking for up to 12 million dollars in a signing bonus, and unless that number dips drastically in the next 12 hours or so, the Rays are going to either take Tim Beckham or Pedro Alvarez.

Interesting how this has played out, I wonder if Beckham will have any signing issues has well. I'm sort of glad this is happening, as I would love to have Tim Beckham in our system.

EDIT:

"The Rays will take Griffin (Ga.) High SS Tim Beckham with the top pick in today's draft.

The Rays on Wednesday said they had narrowed the field to Beckham and Florida State catcher Buster Posey.

Here is what Rays scouting director R.J. Harrison said about Beckham at last week's media session:

"A really good player at a premium position. Middle of the field player, very good athlete, an advanced bat, had a real good awareness on the field. He plays the game with a great deal of enthusiasm, and then when you spend time with him away from the field, he's the same guy. He's a fun guy to be around.''

The draft starts at 2 p.m. and Rays officials will discuss the decision shortly after that. One question is likely to be about rumors, reported by Baseball Prospectus and other web sites, that Posey was seeking a package of $12-million."- Topkin from St. Pete times; http://blogs.tampabay.com/rays/2008/06/beckham-is-the.html

http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=20599

Jayson Stark does a chat on who will end the season with more wins, Rays or Marlins? Good Chat, read it all. Go ahead and look before it becomes only available to insiders.

(Filler)Good Chat, read it all. Go ahead and look before it becomes only available to insiders.Good Chat, read it all. Go ahead and look before it becomes only available to insiders.Good Chat, read it all. Go ahead and look before it becomes only available to insiders.Good Chat, read it all. Go ahead and look before it becomes only available to insiders.

I have given up on being a Ray's Blogger, but at the same time becoming a blogger for my own purpose: To track my progress in becoming a perfect baseball player. It's sort of a corny title: "Becoming a Perfect Ballplayer", but I needed a title and that's the first thing that popped into my head.

I just posted this in case anyone was interested to join me on my road in becoming better. I accept all comments, advice, tips, etc. Anything that is constructive and not totally insane is welcome.

Man, I feel like R.J., with all this self-promotion.

http://perfectballplayer.blogspot.com/