Ben Zobrist News

We already know that Ben Zobrist was awarded the Rays' 2009 MVP Award, but where will he finish in the AL MVP vote? If you can tune into the live show on mlb.com at 1:30pm ET today, here is the link .

We live in Florida so we are experts at voting, right? Anyhow, MLB has put up the online ballot for the This Year in Baseball Awards and 3 Rays are up for nomination.

Nevin Ashley is a 25-year-old catcher for the Rays originally drafted in the 6th round of the 2006 draft out of Indiana State University.

Jaime Cevallos is a well known man around these parts. As co-star of the Zobrist code , he is widely credited for being part of the process that turned Ben Zobrist into Zorilla.

I know the Rays are all about bringing up talent through their system, but do you see them making any significant free-agent signings this offseason? -- Ron R., Naples, Fla.

View full size photo>> When I first started following the Rays back in 2001-2002, there were only a couple of bright spots on the team.

One of Jeter's intangibles: drop-kicking the competition. At least in this MLB.com article detailing some of the American League MVP candidates.

While Major League Baseball's award season is in full bloom, it is only appropriate that Rays fans be reminded of the players voted as the team award winners in 2009.

Do you think Jake McGee will see some time in the Major Leagues next year? I know he had Tommy John surgery, but a lefty who throws mid-to-high 90s is always a good commodity.

I thought one of the key moments that led to the Tampa Bay Rays' demise came in late May, when Akinori Iwamura hurt his knee in a game at the Marlins.

As previously, noted the Rays have 4 pitchers throwing for the Phoenix team in the Arizona Fall League, along with middle infielder Shawn O'Malley and catcher Nevin Ashley .

The Rays have traded Akinori Iwamura to the Pirates for right-handed reliever Jesse Chavez.

The Baltimore Orioles elected not to pick up the 2010 club options on third baseman Melvin Mora and catcher Chad Moeller among several moves announced by the team on Thursday.

The Rays moved quickly to re-sign OF Gabe Kapler because they could. The Rays liked how he hit , how he played defense, how he ran, how he prepared, how he hustled, how he set a good example for the young players.

In the last thread, GomesSweetGomes raised a good point about Gabe Kapler 's plate appearances versus right-handed pitchers.

According to an AP report, the Tampa Bay Rays have re-signed one half of their Double-Gabe right field platoon, welcoming back Gabe Kapler.

Today is the deadline for submission of MVP ballots at the Baseball Bloggers Alliance .

Drivers Cat Manzi and Jason Bartlett were injured Saturday in an accident during a race at Freehold Raceway.

There were possibilities elsewhere, but Derek Shelton said he couldn't pass on the chance to coach a Tampa Bay Rays lineup that led the majors in stolen bases and set club records for home runs, walks and runs this season.

Ben Zobrist looks to be part of a three way platoon in 2010 One of the more interesting story lines of this offseason, to me at anyway, will be the competition for the last remaining bench spot*. *This is barring any major trades or signings before opening day The Rays came into 2009 with a fairly strong bench consisting of Ben Zobrist , Gabe ...