Rays get outfielder for unwanted Seay

By MARC TOPKIN
Published April 9, 2005

ST. PETERSBURG - Since deciding last week that Bobby Seay didn't have a place in their bullpen, the Devil Rays knew they were going to lose the left-hander. Friday, with waivers about to expire, they traded him to Colorado for Reggie Taylor, a 28-year-old outfielder who will report to Triple A but could end up a big-league backup.

"We were going to lose Bobby on a waiver claim for $20,000, so we thought in this case we were better off getting our hands on what could be a usable player for us," general manager Chuck LaMar said.

Seay, a Sarasota native, signed with the Rays in 1996 for $3-million and pitched in 45 games over parts of three seasons in the big leagues. He welcomed the new opportunity.

"It's very good news," Seay, 26, said. "I'm happy to be in the big leagues with a team that feels they want me."

Taylor, a first-round pick of Philadelphia in 1995, played 135 games for the Reds in 2002 and 100 in 2003 but spent all of 2004 at Triple A. He has a .233 average in 249 big-league games.

"Reggie has played in the major leagues," LaMar said. "We like his athleticism. If he got called up, it would be as an extra outfielder. He can play all three (positions), especially centerfield, and he can run."

The Rays have veteran Chris Singleton and rookie Joey Gathright as reserves with one expected to go to Triple A on Thursday when Alex Sanchez is reinstated from his suspension for failing a drug test.

NOMO MANIA: The Rays have T-shirts ordered for the occasion, and Japanese media have plans to be at Tropicana Field. What remains to be seen is how Hideo Nomo pitches tonight in his Rays debut.

Nomo, 36, declined to comment Friday. LaMar said he, too, was looking forward to seeing how the one-time ace would do in his 300th career start.

"I'm anxious to see him in a game and in a competitive situation," LaMar said. "You can take it to the bank that he's going to give you everything he's got. He's one of the outstanding competitors. He is a tremendous example for our young pitchers, and I just hope he has enough stuff left to be effective. It's going to be a good night to see him in our uniform."

Nomo, 4-11 with an 8.25 ERA with the Dodgers last season, seemed to get better as the spring went on, though he finished 1-1 with a 5.40 ERA and allowed seven homers.

Manager Lou Piniella expects good things: "I think he's going to throw the ball well. ... You know he will be well-prepared, and you know he'll compete well."

SECURITY CHECK: Major League Baseball security chief Kevin Hallinan came from New York to meet with team officials to assess the situation and make recommendations after two recent incidents of fans running on the field.

Hallinan said the Rays will make slight adjustments in their staffing and positioning, and he encouraged them to be proactive in identifying potential problems. He said he also met with the state attorney's office to let it know MLB wants the individuals prosecuted.

MINOR MATTERS: St. Petersburg's Doug Waechter took the loss for Triple-A Durham on Friday, allowing two first-inning home runs in a 5-3 loss to Toledo. ... Delmon Young made an impressive Double-A debut Thursday, going 3-for-5 with a two-run tying homer in the seventh as Montgomery won 9-8. ... The Class A Visalia (Calif.) and Southwest Michigan teams won their openers.

MISCELLANY: The Rays are 2-0 in their new green jerseys. ... Nick Green made his first start, playing third. ... Toby Hall logged his fourth career sacrifice bunt. ... All upper deck seats are $5 for the season-opening homestand. ... Rocco Baldelli and Kevin Cash are scheduled to sign autographs from 5:45 to 6:15 p.m. today. ... It was the 50th walkoff win in team history.

[Last modified April 9, 2005, 07:10:29]