The Rays designated Leslie Anderson for assignment to create roster space for Manny Ramirez and Johnny Damon, according to Marc Topkin of the St. Petersburg Times (on Twitter). The Rays designated outfielder Justin Ruggiano for assignment in a related move earlier today.
The Rays officially signed Anderson, a Cuban defector, to a four-year, $1.725MM contract in April. At the time, Rays director of international operations Carlos Alfonso said the 28-year-old was appealing “because of his athleticism, and the fact that he can play all three outfield positions, as well as first base.”
Anderson reached Triple-A last year, hitting .302/.359/.442 with 31 extra base hits across three levels. The left-handed hitter split his time between first base and left field.
Projected as a 1B/LF, not needed
White Sox will pick him up
You know your farm system is stacked when you’re DFAing guys who raked in their first taste of AAA ball.
Yes it is very stacked but we did not cut a prospect, we cut a 29 year old that is most likely going to turn 30 in AAA
Most 30 year old’s in AAA have seen some MLB action and failed or perform poorly in low ball…. this guy hasn’t seen MLB action and ranked in AAA ball. He’ll be welcome anywhere.
*Raked at AAA ball with a BABIP of .380 and an ISO under .100. Not exactly what you want out of your OF and definitely not a 1B
Nats might get to him first. They still need to work a deal with TB … lots of good relievers on the Nats depth chart and TB still has a couple of extra starters …
That’s right, they could definitely trade him for some bullpen help. Even though he’s near 30 he could at the very least fetch a decent piece for the pen from the Nats or whoever.
Another thing to remember … international is very useful but the draft is still the richest resource for replenishing talent. The Rays have 11 picks in the first 90 this year. ELEVEN. They are going to have to spend some money on this year’s very rich in talent draft. No room for an almost 30 Anderson.
Very decent line with 32 xbase hits…. and he’s getting DFA’d? I know he’s almost 30 but he hasn’t even seen any MLB action… so to me this guy an old prospect who would be welcome on any team.
Really? Because he lacks power and is a likely DH, terrible at 1B and “decent” in the corners. I guess he makes solid contact but this is not a “every team” type player.
So how is his defense?
Sincerely,
J. Mozeliak
Does Anderson need to clear waivers before he can go to the minors?
Maybe the Braves should trade for this guy , offer Canizares or something. Or make a waiver claim. They’re still looking for a backup OF.
I was thinking the same thing! The Braves could use him as a backup to McLouth and Freeman.
Hell, the Braves are still looking for a STARTING OF.
Would be a good pickup for Padres.
there is real chance to know anderson go and check his number in AAA 328 last year , 2011 427 and improving , he will be a good pickup for any team .