Tag Archives: Matt Silverman

Peralta to Play Ball for the Los Angeles Dodgers

Posted on by
Reply

Joel Peralta is headed to the West Coast…

The 38-year-old Dominican veteran relief pitcher has been acquired by the Los Angeles Dodgers, along with minor league left-hander Adam Liberatore, from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for young right-handers Jose Dominguez and Greg Harris.

Joel Peralta

The move was the first Major League Baseball (MLB) trade under new Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, who spent 10 years in the Rays’ front office.

Peralta pitched 69 games for the Rays last season, going 3-4 with a 4.41 ERA. In 10 seasons with five teams starting with the Los Angeles Angels, Peralta has a 3.92 ERA and 1.18 WHIP.

The Rays recently picked up a $2.5 million option on Peralta for 2015.

“Joel’s significance to the Rays transcended his on-field performance,” Rays general manager Matt Silverman said in a statement. “He was a clubhouse leader who always sought ways to make the organization better.”

Dominguez, 24, was among the hardest throwers in the Dodgers’ organization. He pitched in 14 games over the past two seasons, with a 6.14 ERA.

Harris, 20, was 7-6 with a 4.45 ERA at Class A Great Lakes last season.

Liberatore, 27, was drafted in the 21st round by the Rays in 2010. He went 6-1 with a 1.66 ERA at Triple-A Durham.

The Dodgers invested heavily in their bullpen last winter, but it proved a disappointment in the regular season — ranking 12th in the National League with a 3.80 ERA — and a major liability in the playoffs.

The Rays also designated veteran catcher Jose Molina for assignment.

Ibañez Among Finalists for Tampa Bay Rays’ Manager Role

Posted on by
Reply

Raúl Ibañez may soon be taking on a new role in baseball…

The 42-year-old Cuban-American professional baseball right fielder and designated hitter is among the finalists to replace Joe Maddon as manager of the Tampa Bay Rays.

Raúl Ibañez

Ibañez, a Major League Baseball (MLB) All-Star in 2009, is up against Kevin Cash and Don Wakamatsu for the role.

Dave Martinez, the Rays’ bench coach for the past seven seasons, was among seven candidates dropped Friday. Also cut were Barry Larkin, Doug Glanville, Manny Acta, Craig Counsell, Charlie Montoyo and Ron Wotus.

Tampa Bay said interviews with the finalists will be scheduled for the week of December 1. Maddon left the Rays after nine seasons to manage the Chicago Cubs.

“The decision on Dave Martinez was especially difficult,” Rays president of baseball operations Matt Silverman said in a statement. “He’s played a key role in our organization’s evolution, and he’s done all he can to put himself in position to be a manager. In the end, we determined that our clubhouse would best benefit from a new voice that will add to our already strong and cohesive culture.”

Ibañez has spent 19 seasons in the major leagues with the Seattle Mariners, Kansas City Royals, Philadelphia Phillies, the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Angels and has 305 homers and 2,034 hits. He helped the Royals win this year’s AL pennant.