Jon Rauch has drawn interest from the Rays, Blue Jays and others, according to Jon Heyman of SI.com (on Twitter). The AL East rivals have also expressed interest in left-hander Brian Fuentes this month.
Rauch posted a 3.12 ERA with 7.2 K/9, 2.2 BB/9 and a 37.7% ground ball rate in 57 2/3 innings for the Twins last year. Rauch, 32, has always been a fly ball pitcher. The Blue Jays play in homer-friendly Rogers Centre, but could use a dependable arm after losing Kevin Gregg and Scott Downs. Rauch has made 50 appearances or more in each of the last five seasons.
The Orioles and Rockies showed some interest in the 6'11'' right-hander earlier in the offseason, but both clubs have added righty relievers since. MLBTR's Mark Polishuk looked at Rauch's free agent stock in October.
METfan201
Rays have interest in everyone dont they! But hes good
TdotsFinest
the jays have been linked to the whole minnesota twins bullpen. i would like rauch
joeybw
I would very much like Rauch as the guy who is at least a decent closer.
Wow, Rauch and Russell, we need to sign Hendrickson and move Neimann to the pen to create the largest pen in baseball history.
JaysFTW
Aren’t the Rays bad?
JaysFTW
Aren’t the Rays bad?
joeybw
That’s what everyone seems to think but we have so much depth to fill in for the guys we lost. We wont win the AL East but we can fight for 2nd if the Yankees don’t get a SP or 2.
johnsilver
Rays had better find an offense before they get past Boston next season, much less NY.
joeybw
That’s what everyone seems to think but we have so much depth to fill in for the guys we lost. We wont win the AL East but we can fight for 2nd if the Yankees don’t get a SP or 2.
okbluejays
I’d rather have Rauch than Fuentes, even though we could use another Lefty. It would cost less (presumably) and at this point at least Rauch can pitch against both righties and lefties without much of a drop off. Also has some closing expierence which is an asset. I could really see TB grabbing him though. I wonder what he’s looking for? 2yrs/8mil maybe?
okbluejays
I’d rather have Rauch than Fuentes, even though we could use another Lefty. It would cost less (presumably) and at this point at least Rauch can pitch against both righties and lefties without much of a drop off. Also has some closing expierence which is an asset. I could really see TB grabbing him though. I wonder what he’s looking for? 2yrs/8mil maybe?
sadp
Is this dude actually 6’11”? ‘cuz…holy crap!
The_Silver_Stacker
he is for real, I got his autograph at YS nice guy but man he towered over me i’m only 5’9
The_Silver_Stacker
he is for real, I got his autograph at YS nice guy but man he towered over me i’m only 5’9
sadp
Is this dude actually 6’11”? ‘cuz…holy crap!
baseballz
Plz Jays stay away from Fuentes and invest in Rauch. All of our pitchers seem to be able to pick up a good changeup in Toronto, so if we can help Rauch improve his to where it was in 06, then Rauch could be huge (literally and figuratively) for us. I’d be happy if they gave him 2yrs 8 mil.
duddy_17
Sign them both… they’re bullpen will go instantly from a concern to a plus.
duddy_17
Sign them both… they’re bullpen will go instantly from a concern to a plus.
baseballz
Plz Jays stay away from Fuentes and invest in Rauch. All of our pitchers seem to be able to pick up a good changeup in Toronto, so if we can help Rauch improve his to where it was in 06, then Rauch could be huge (literally and figuratively) for us. I’d be happy if they gave him 2yrs 8 mil.
FrankTheFunkasaurusRex
Player A: Career FIP: 3.89 xFIP: 4.41
Player B: Career FIP: 3.95 xFIP: 4.30
One of them is Rauch. The other is Kevin Gregg
FrankTheFunkasaurusRex
Player A: Career FIP: 3.89 xFIP: 4.41
Player B: Career FIP: 3.95 xFIP: 4.30
One of them is Rauch. The other is Kevin Gregg
tellrodt
Rafi wasn’t a full time closer until the Rays traded for him so I could see Rauch working out in the same way. Oh and the Rays aren’t bad… the MLB just needs a salary cap.
tellrodt
Rafi wasn’t a full time closer until the Rays traded for him so I could see Rauch working out in the same way. Oh and the Rays aren’t bad… the MLB just needs a salary cap.
tellrodt
Rafi wasn’t a full time closer until the Rays traded for him so I could see Rauch working out in the same way. Oh and the Rays aren’t bad… the MLB just needs a salary cap.
baseballz
hmm,
Player A: BB/9: 2.18 K/9: 7.45
Player B: BB/9: 4.58 K/9: 8.85
One is Kevin Gregg and getting paid over 5 mill a year on a possible three year deal which can be worth as much as 20 mill, so if i can get just as many strikeouts with significantly less walks for half the price, then I don’t care if there FIP’s are similar because one is an expensive guy that will be a closer and the inexpensive guy will be a 6th inning/ septup man.
If we can get Rauch cheap (2yrs 8mil), why not, at least he’s a respectable piece.
duddy_17
I just wish they’d sign some relief help already! What’s the hold-up… do they have to clear room on the 40-man?