Unlike the Yankees who buy talent that is usually over rated (Kevin Brown, Carl Pavano), the Rays are one of the best at finding diamonds in the rough and letting them shine in Tampa Bay. With the signing of Jason Isringhausen to a Minor League deal, the Rays are seeking even more depth for a super bullpen.

 

Remember the Rays signed a “guy” back in February 2007 to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training. That “guy” went on to win the AL Comeback Player of the Year and Silver Slugger Award in 2007.

 

He finished the season with a .282 batting average, 46 home runs and 121 RBIs. His batting average, home runs, and RBIs were career highs, as well as games played (148), at bats (490), runs scored (99), doubles (29), total bases (307), on-base percentage (.411), slugging percentage (.627), walks (103), and strikeouts (142).

 

He was second in the American League in home runs to the pricy Yankees- Alex Rodriguez’s – 54*. His home run, RBIs, slugging percentage, on-base percentage and walk totals also set Rays franchise records. In 2007, he had the lowest range factor of all AL league first basemen, 8.73. His numbers were slightly decreased in 2008 due to a stint on the disabled list but he also won a Gold Glove in 2008.

 

What was this “guy’s” name? None other than one of my favorite Rays – Carlos Pena. He reminds me of Andres Galarraga. Pena plays first just like the “Big Cat” (El Gran Gato). Both Pena and Galarraga are big guys with super quickness and a real powerful bat.

 

Galarraga was a five time All-Star, won two National League Gold Glove Awards and two NL Silver Slugger awards, and won the MLB Comeback Player of the Year Award after his successful return to baseball following cancer treatment

Both Andres Galarraga and Carlos Pena are very giving individuals. Galarraga was the first Rockies’ player to have a field refurbished and named in his honor, when Andrés Galarraga Field opened at the Denver Boys & Girls Club.Carlos Pena today was named the Tampa Bay Rays recipient of the 2008 Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevy.

Pena is one of 30 Major League Club nominees for the national 2008 Roberto Clemente Award, which is given annually to the Major League Baseball player who combines outstanding skills on the baseball field with devoted work in the community.