Interview with MLB.com's Bill Chastain

This is my 2nd interview and had just as much, if not more, fun talking with Bill Chastain, he covers the Tampa Bay Rays for MLB.com.


Baseball-Rumors: How good of an acquisition is Cliff Floyd for this ballclub?

Bill Chastain: Floyd will fit in very well with this team. It, essentially, gives them 3 players (Floyd, Baldelli, Gomes) for 2 positions so it gives them good flexibility.

Floyd says he's completely healthy, and he's shown that when he is, he can put up good numbers.


Baseball-Rumors: Speaking of Baldelli, how bad is his current injury?

Bill Chastain: They've done numberous tests to find out why these injuries keep occuring, mainly the pulled mucles and hamstring. They're trying to make sure there aren't other contributing factors to his injuries.


Baseball-Rumors: How about Jonny Gomes, how does he figure into the plans?

Bill Chastain: Gomes is actually a better right fielder than left fielder, it could be that he sees the ball coming off the bat beffer in right than he does in left, so he'll definetely get a shot.


Baseball-Rumors: Tim Lahey was acquired by the Rays via the Rule 5 draft, and then dealt to the Chicago Cubs. Had the Cubs had told Tampa of their interest in Lahey prior to him being drafted?

Bill Chastain: You know what, I don't remember. I imagine that could be a possibility, but I just don't recall what the situation was.

Jenkins to decide between Phillies, Padres

According to Ken Rosenthal, veteran free agent oufielder Geoff Jenkins has narrowed his choices down to the Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres and should have a decision soon.

The Rays took themselves out of the race after signing Cliff Floyd.

Cliff Floyd signs with Tampa

According to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN, the Tampa Bay Rays are close to an agreement with free agent outfielder Cliff Floyd and they could finalize the deal by Saturday.