Surgery to end Rupe's season

© St. Petersburg Times
published August 17, 2002

ST. PETERSBURG -- Rather than pitch in pain, Ryan Rupe will have season-ending arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Wednesday.

The right-hander has twice been on the disabled list this season with tendinitis in his right kneecap.

"We're kind of out of alternatives, and the best way to address it is probably surgery," Rays head trainer Jamie Reed said. "It's probably two to three months' rehabilitation."

Team orthopedic physician Koco Eaton will smooth out the underside of Rupe's kneecap to prevent further damage to the cartilage and ease the irritation Rupe has experienced when he pushes off the mound to throw.

Rupe went on the disabled list July 16 after making one start following his first stint on the DL, and he has had four bullpen sessions since.

"It just didn't get much better," Rupe said. "Even if it was tolerable, I think we would've went with it. But it was going to affect my pitching."

After winning a spot on the staff during spring training, Rupe went 5-5 with a 4.88 ERA, 50 strikeouts and 11 walks in the first two months. He is 0-5 with a 7.24 ERA since.

"This way I know if they go in and clean it out, it's just a minor surgery," Rupe said. "It's not something I'm stressed about."

Rupe said he plans to adhere to his normal offseason training regimen rather than play winter ball. Since he made $575,000 this season and is eligible for arbitration, it is not clear if he fits into the Rays' plans for next season.

THE OTHER NEGOTIATIONS: Cam Bonifay, who Friday formally took over as scouting director, has been exchanging proposals with representatives for shortstop B.J. Upton, the Rays' top pick in the June draft.

"We're making quick headway," Bonifay said. "That doesn't mean we'll get a deal quick, so I don't want you to infer that. But we're talking daily and exchanging things, so that's a positive."

The Rays are believed to have offered a bonus of around $4-million, though the sides are said to be far apart on the structure of the payments. Bonifay refused to discuss the specifics.

The next week to 10 days will be crucial. Upton has an offer to attend Florida State and the Rays would lose rights to him Aug. 26 if he starts classes on time. Upton also is considering Riverside (Calif.) Community College and another two-year school. The Rays would retain his rights until just before the next draft if he attends a junior college but he would have the option of being draft-eligible again.

Bonifay said the Rays also have been in talks with the family of No. 3 pick Elijah Dukes, the powerful Hillsborough High outfielder. "We're very hopeful of getting something finalized this weekend one way or another," Bonifay said.

HEAD SCOUT: Bonifay, 50, added scouting director to his director of player personnel responsibilities because he didn't want to disrupt a productive system.

As a result, there won't be many changes.

"I feel like we have a lot of good young scouts and very good cross-checkers in place and I don't want to disrupt the continuity we have going on here," he said.

FALL BALL: Some assignments for the Arizona Fall League have been made. Heading west to play for Grand Canyon will be reliever Steve Kent, who has been with Rays all season, plus minor-league outfielder Rocco Baldelli, infielder Jace Brewer and catcher Pete LaForest.

Infielder Jorge Cantu and three relief pitchers also may be assigned. Baldelli still could be called up to the major leagues before heading west.

MISCELLANY: Royals closer Roberto Hernandez, a former Ray, reached 20 saves for the eighth straight season. ... Until Raul Ibanez's ninth-inning homer, the Royals were 0-for-12 with runners in scoring position. ... The Rays have had 28 games decided in the ninth inning or later (going 11-17) and 61 decided by one or two runs (22-39).