Spring Training 2012 | Gimenez could be Rays’ next big find
ASSOCIATED PRESS
PORT CHARLOTTE -- Chris Gimenez came to the Tampa Bay Rays unheralded and unnoticed.
As a 29-year-old free agent with less than three years of big league experience and less-than-impressive numbers, it’s not surprising.
But if you are a long shot, the best place to be is under the watchful eyes of manager Joe Maddon and the Rays. That’s where dreams are manufactured and long-odds players are turned into unlikely heroes.
Before he signed, Gimenez received a phone call from Maddon telling him he was wanted and needed. He doesn’t believe the conversation was idle talk. For a franchise known for pulling rabbits out of the hat, the California native could be right.
“My phone rang and I saw this weird area code come up. I pick up the phone and he says, ‘Hello, I am Joe Maddon.’ He told me the competition is wide open with the catchers,” Gimenez said. “He said I would give him the chance to use me in a super-utility catcher kind of role. I’ve played third, first, left and right and could fit in comfortably with that.”
Gimenez was the backup catcher for the Seattle Mariners last season and played in about 60 games. He brings the kind of flexibility Maddon and Andrew Friedman, the Rays’ executive vice president of baseball operations, love.
There are few positions open this spring for the Rays, but catcher is one of them. After unloading Kelly Schoppach and John Jaso, the Rays’ most experienced catcher is 36-year-old Jose Molina, who has averaged 55 games a year over the past three seasons. Jose Lobaton and Robinson Chirinos are the leading contenders for backup roles. Maddon says you can add Gimenez to that list.
“We want Chris because we have Molina, and there is an open battle on the other side for the catcher spot,” Maddon said. “We like guys like Chris. He works good at-bats, is a good receiver and hits the ball well. He can play multiple positions and when you get that out of a catcher, that is really sweet. He is a great makeup guy, is very sharp and handles himself well.
“There is a variety of reasons we wanted him, but primarily to compete for that other catching spot. He’s absolutely in the mix.”
Friedman, who engineered the deal to get Gimenez, said the former University of Nevada player has been on his radar screen for a while.
“Chris is really a good receiver and has some pretty good bat-to-ball skills,” Friedman said. “He has the versatility we like and is someone we admired from afar. When he became available, he was someone we were aggressive to add to our depth and give him a chance to compete for a job.
“He has played the corners, both in the infield and outfield, and has caught, which are things we value.”
Gimenez’s conversation with Maddon and talks with Schoppach, an old friend, bolstered his confidence and belief he can make the club.
“I know nothing is certain, but Maddon sounded like he had plans for me,” Gimenez said. “He told me he would do anything to win and that I might start a game catching, play an inning at third and then wind up at first base. I like the super-utility tag. Whatever I can do to help the team is OK with me.”
Gimenez is a Maddon-type player with his versatility and defensive skills and is a low risk financially. Drafted by Cleveland in the 19th round of the 2004 amateur draft, he played in 97 games in his 2½ years in the big leagues and allowed one passed ball in 376 innings behind the plate.
In 97 big leagues since his career began in 2009, Gimenez has hit .171 with five homers and 21 RBIs. He hit .264 during his four-plus seasons of Triple-A ball.
“Kelly said it’s a lot of fun over here, and he loved Maddon’s unique style of managing,” Gimenez said. “Here you have a chance to win and go to the playoffs, and I’ve never done that. He told me it’s serious here, but it’s fun and there are not a lot of structured rules.
“The best part of being with a pitching staff like the Rays is that you don’t have to face them. And I like playing in the American League East. It is the big boys league. Joe told me the competition is wide open and that is all I can ask for.”
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