7:25pm: The Rays could announce a deal for Webb as soon as tomorrow, writes Topkin in a full column. Moreover, it appears that Webb is in line for a Major League deal with the Rays, as Topkin writes that the the holdup in the deal “could be” related to the determination of a corresponding 40-man roster move (notably, players can officially be added to the 60-day disabled list beginning tomorrow).
12:07pm: The Rays are closing in on a deal with right-handed reliever Ryan Webb, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times (via Twitter). Tampa Bay has been said to be pursuing relief additions in recent weeks, and it seems they’ll likely add at least one new piece as camps open around the game.
Webb, 30, contributed 50 2/3 innings of 3.20 ERA pitching to the Indians last year after joining the team on a minor league deal. Though he averaged only 5.5 K/9 against 2.1 BB/9, he generated an excellent 59.2% groundball rate on balls put in play against him.
That solid effort came in spite of the fact that Webb was caught up in some early-season transactional machinations that somewhat surprisingly left him without a roster spot. Webb has averaged 58 frames of 3.31 ERA pitching annually since his first full season of MLB action back in 2010.
Any additional help to the pulled apart bullpen with benefit the roster.
Pulled apart? McGee’s undoubtedly a stud, but was out for most of last year. Aside from that, it’s pretty much the same pen…
The Rays will also have full seasons from both Colome (1.71 BP FIP) and Romero (2.80 BP FIP) in the bull pen this year.
They also traded Kevin Jepsen last July and elected to outright Brandon Gomes this winter. Can argue that voluntarily shedding Gomes doesn’t really reflect that the bullpen has been “pulled apart,” but that’s three rather important parts to the bullpen at varying times in 2015 that are no longer with the team.
“Brandon Gomes” and “important” are polar opposites.
Whitley will go on 60-day DL. Rays get a reliable relief pitcher, that I wish the Indians had kept. Webb is great addition to the Rays bullpen, wish him success in Tampa Bay.
But will he get a save?
Why would they need him to get saves? They have the AL Saves leader from 2015 on the roster plus some other big arms that close if needed.
His numbers suggest he should have been signed long ago. Clarke has a lot of work to do.
Won’t Alex Cobb be good for the 60 immediately?
Yup, as well as Whitley. I’m thinking there will be another deal…hopefully lonely + cash for another decent pen arm