Rays invest in Cash
The Tampa native, a strong-armed catcher, comes from Toronto for pitcher Chad Gaudin.
By MARC TOPKIN
Published December 13, 2004
ANAHEIM, Calif. - This wasn't the Devil Rays' typical cash transaction.
Sunday, they traded away a promising young player but got back Kevin Cash, a 27-year-old Tampa native who is slated to be their backup catcher.
The Rays acquired the Gaither High graduate from Toronto for pitcher Chad Gaudin.
Cash, who has spent parts of three seasons with the Jays but was not certain of a big-league job in 2005, could hardly believe his good fortune.
"I couldn't ask for a better location to end up," he said from his Tampa home. "I can't express how happy I am."
Rays officials were pretty happy, too, having filled the backup catcher slot with a low-salaried young player who has the potential to develop into a starter.
And they expect more good news over the next week or two, heading home from the winter meetings Sunday night with several deals under consideration, some far enough along they could be completed with one phone call.
Among the more likely possibilities are the signings of free-agent infielder Mark Grudzielanek, outfielder/DH Juan Gonzalez and outfielder Danny Bautista.
Gonzalez would be the biggest name, and also the biggest gamble, as he is often injured and occasionally moody. But the Rays wouldn't risk much, probably signing him for close to the $314,000 minimum with incentives.
The Rays have also talked about a trade for Washington first baseman Nick Johnson.
Other free agents they have interest in include Tony Batista, Joe Randa, Travis Lee (a former Ray) and Pokey Reese.
Batista, who has averaged more than 30 homers for six seasons, would be a prime addition but might be too expensive given the reported three-year, $17-million contract Corey Koskie will get from Toronto.
A trade for veteran catcher Charles Johnson also remains a possibility, which would allow the Rays to explore dealing Toby Hall or send Cash to the minors.
With the prices for free agents soaring, the Rays realized they would have to make some trades to fill all their holes.
Though they are willing to consider big deals for top players such as Julio Lugo, Danys Baez and Aubrey Huff, they would rather trade prospects slated to fill lesser roles such as Gaudin, Joey Gathright, Jonny Gomes and Matt Diaz. They could also deal from strength and trade another right-handed reliever, possibly Jorge Sosa.
"I won't be surprised if we make two or three more trades of this type, giving up a young player that we like his ability but, in turn, getting another player that fits a different hole," general manager Chuck LaMar said. "I think this is the kind of business we're going to have to do to make this club better."
In trading Gaudin, they are giving up a gritty 21-year-old who was impressive in 2003 and inconsistent in 2004, compiling a 3-2 record and 4.25 ERA in 41 big-league games. He is slated to open the season for the Jays' Triple-A team.
"He's a young kid with a good arm we've always liked," Toronto GM J.P. Ricciardi said.
In acquiring Cash, the Rays are getting a solid defensive catcher with an outstanding arm and a so-far undeveloped bat. Cash has thrown out more than 35 percent of potential basestealers in the big leagues (and better than 50 percent in the minors), but has a career major-league batting average of .173.
"He's a local kid with good makeup ... young and athletic, and we like him," LaMar said. "We know his offensive deficiencies. To be a starting catcher he's going to have to improve offensively, and we think he has that opportunity.'
Cash, who played at FSU, said he is not content to be known as a defensive-oriented backup.
"I understand organizations label people sometimes, but whatever's said doesn't bother me," he said. "A guy with a year and a half in the big leagues, I'm not quite ready for anybody to decide my fate. Hopefully I'll go to spring training and make some good impressions."