AL East’s “Blocked” Minor League Position Players: Tampa Bay Rays
Every organization has at least one player that is likely ready for the major leagues in their system, but they have no place to put them. It’s not always the case that the team wants to play the youngsters either. In the case of an organization like the Toronto Blue Jays, for example, Anthony Gose has shown signs that he’s ready for a shot in the leagues in 2013. Chances are he’ll continue to wait going into 2013, because the Blue Jays are in win-now mode, and are likely set in the outfield with Jose Bautista, Colby Rasmus, Melky Cabrera, and reserve Rajai Davis.
In the case of the Tampa Bay Rays, they aren’t known necessarily for their offensive fire power as a strength, but have a number of serviceable starters with intangible skills. GM Andrew Friedman and Co. certainly have a talented roster put together, and likely have more depth up the middle than anywhere else in the organization at the moment. The presence of Elliot Johnson, Reid Brignac, and Sean Rodriguez, as well as new starting shortstop Yunel Escobar, give manager Joe Maddon a plethora of options in the keystone positions. At least until some of those players move on from the organization, it may be tough for middle infielders in the Rays organization to crack the big league roster. One worthy player who may be ready before the call comes is 22 year old shortstop Hak-Ju Lee.
March 7, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays infielder Hak-Ju Lee (66) prior to the game against the New York Yankees during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Lee, a South Korean native, joined the Rays’ organization via the Chicago Cubs as a central piece in the Matt Garza deal, and has the potential to be a big leaguer in the near future if given the opportunity. Last season in AA Montgomery, Lee showed flashes of brilliance and plus skills across the board in the fielding department. What was also exciting for Lee was his offensive game continues to develop as well. Before he had his season ended abruptly by oblique injury in mid-August, Lee was showing that he was ready for advancement in the Rays system. He was sporting a line of .261/.336/,696, with 37 steals at the time of his injury. He did struggle with strikeouts (102 in 475 AB’s), but also managed 10 triples, and 15 doubles, so he isn’t just a “slap-single” type.
Lee currently ranks as the #3 prospect in the Rays system, and most recently ranked #32 in the Top 100 prospects list. He has also made two consecutive Futures Game appearances, so he’s not without some national exposure. Although he’s never going to be a big power guy, with his plus speed and skill set, he projects as a potential offensive weapon, and a potentially valuable big leaguer.
Normally a resume like Lee’s, and the current build of the Rays major league roster, would scream, “Trade Bait!” to rival GMs. However, in the case of the Rays recent history, they aren’t often inclined to trade a talented youngster who could produce in the bigs, and do it at a discount. It’s possible the Rays could look to trade some of their SS/2B depth to make room for Lee in 2013, but at this point it appears likely he’ll spend all of 2013 in the minors. Lee may need time to adjust to the AAA level before making the big leap anyway, but a few dominoes will have to fall either way in order for the talented prospect to see the MLB in 2013.