Rays’ Long Term Plans Not Altered By Surprising Season

Tampa Bay Senior VP Gerry Hunsicker called in to Eric Sanlnocencio’s Baseball Digest Daily internet radio show, some highlights:

On working with Executive VP of Baseball Operations, Andrew Friedman on personnel decisions and player acquisitions:

Work hand in hand, whilst allowing him to have space and the ability to make decisions.

Has the team’s success this year alter the long term plan?

Players might have changed, but the plan itself hasn’t changed. They wanted to form a core group of young, talented players, that would be the foundation. Also build a sound team of scouts and player development system.

"We’ve always had the commitment from [Rays owner] Stu Sternberg that if and when the opportunities presented themselves, and it made good sound, both business and baseball sense, to increase the payroll, that he would be there for us. And so far that has happened."

On the the Jason Bartlett and Matt Garza for Delmon Young trade:

It came together rather quickly. Bill Smith had taken over as Twins GM over Terry Ryan. That usually means is more difficult to trade. New man trying to get a handle. Smith was with the Twins for a while. Good knowledge with what he had and he wanted to do. The Rays was set on acquiring both players and thus were able to give up Young.

Alejandro A. Leal writes for UmpBump.com and can be reached here: alexo05 (at) umpbump (dot) com.