Tampa Bay Rays minor league players

Below is a partial list of minor league baseball players in the Tampa Bay Rays system:

Cole Figueroa

Stephen Coleman Figueroa (born June 30, 1987 in Tallahassee, Florida^[1]) is a professional baseball player in the Tampa Bay Rays organization. He was the starting shortstop for University of Florida during his college career, and was drafted by San Diego Padres in the sixth round of the 2008 Major League Baseball Draft.

Figueroa is the son of Cindy and Bien Figueroa. His father Bien Figueroa is a former major leaguer with the St. Louis Cardinals. He played for Joe Vallese at Lincoln High School, where he helped take the team to the District 4A Championship. Figueroa played college baseball at The University of Florida for coach Kevin O'Sullivan while majoring in Sports Management.

Figueroa's college achievements included All SEC Freshman Team the SEC all-academic team. Figueroa was also named freshman All-American by rivals.com, Louisville Slugger, and Baseball America. He was selected to the Dick Howser Trophy watch list.

In 2008, Figueroa was named to the All-SEC academic team. He was named a Golden Spikes Award finalist along with being named to the midseason watch list for the Brooks Wallace Award. Figueroa led the Gators that year in average, home runs, RBI, Slugging percentage and on-base percentage. Figueroa also played two season in the Prestiges Cape Cod League, 2007 (Harwich) where he was named an all star and 2008 (Orleans)>

Figueroa was drafted in the 6th round in the 2008 MLB Draft by the San Diego Padres. Figueroa signed an over slot 400,000 dollar contract with the Padres on July 5, 2008.^[2]

The Padres traded Figueroa to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for SS Jason Bartlett along with Brandon Gomes, Cesar Ramos and Adam Russel on December 17, 2010.^[3]

Hak-Ju Lee

Hak-Ju Lee
Tampa Bay Rays
Shortstop
Born: November 4, 1990 (1990-11-04) (age 21) Jeonju, South Korea
Bats: Left	Throws: Right

Hak-Ju Lee (born November 4, 1990) is a South Korean professional baseball shortstop in the Tampa Bay Rays organization.

Lee was signed out of South Korea by the Chicago Cubs in 2008 at age 18, receiving a signing bonus of $1.15 million. He made his debut in the Cubs system for the Class-A Boise Hawks in 2009 after recovering from Tommy John surgery.^[4]

Lee played for the World team in the 2010 All-Star Futures Game, going 1-for-2 with a single, and making a fielding error.^[5][6] He was ranked by Baseball America as the fourth-best prospect in the Cubs' system going into 2011.^[7]

On January 7, 2011, Lee was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays along with fellow prospects Christopher Archer, Brandon Guyer, Robinson Chirinos and Cubs outfielder Sam Fuld for pitcher Matt Garza, outfielder Fernando Perez and minor league pitcher Zachary Rosscup.^[8][9]

Hak-Ju Lee's estimated time of arrival to the big league is in the year of 2013.^[10]

Josh Sale

Josh Sale is a Minor league baseball player, currently in the Tampa Bay Rays organization. He was the Rays first pick, taken 17th overall in the 2010 Major League Baseball Draft. Sale was drafted out of Bishop Blanchet High School in Seattle, Washington.

High school

During his senior year Sale batted .520 with 5 home runs, 6 doubles, and drove in 20 runs. He walked 27 times due to opposing pitchers fearing he would hit the ball out of the park. Sale led Washington state with 13 home runs as a junior.

Draft

On June 7, 2010, the Rays announced that they had selected Sale in the first round. Sale was one of three Seattle area players selected by the Rays in the first three rounds of the draft, the others being Drew Vettleson and Ryan Brett.

Emeel Salem

Emeel Salem
Tampa Bay Rays — No. --
Center fielder
Born: February 11, 1985 (1985-02-11) (age 26) Birmingham, Alabama
Bats: Left	Throws: Left

Emeel Badie Salem, Jr. (born February 11, 1985 in Birmingham, Alabama) is an American professional baseball outfielder in the Tampa Bay Rays organization.. He bats and throws left-handed, and primarily plays center field. Salem attended the University of Alabama from 2004 to 2007 and received many awards while playing for the Alabama Crimson Tide baseball team. He was also awarded for his achievements as a student-athlete, including becoming the first college baseball player to win the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award in 2007 after achieving a 3.85 grade point average from his freshman to senior years in college. Salem was drafted as a junior at The University of Alabama in the 10th round of the 2006 Major League Baseball Draft by the Baltimore Orioles, but opted to return for his senior year. Following his final collegiate season, he was drafted in the 6th round by the Tampa Bay Rays, signing a professional contract in June 2007. Salem has played for the Class-A Short-Season Hudson Valley Renegades (2007), the Class-A Columbus Catfish (2008), the Class-A Advanced Charlotte Stone Crabs (2009), the Double-A Montgomery Biscuits (2010), and the Triple-A Durham Bulls (2010) in the minors. Over his career, he has primarily played center field, however, Salem has played left field, right field and designated hitter.

Amateur career

Salem attended Mountain Brook High School in Mountain Brook, Alabama and later the University of Alabama. During his freshman season at Alabama, Salem batted .304 with 16 runs, 21 hits, two doubles, one home run, 11 runs batted in (RBIs) and five stolen bases in 41 games. In 2005, Salem's sophomore season, he batted .277 with 31 runs, 56 hits, four doubles, three triples, 14 RBIs, 13 stolen bases and seven caught stealing in 59 games. On May 1, 2006, during his junior season, Salem won the Louisville Slugger National Player of the Week awarded by Collegiate Baseball Newspaper, and was named Southeastern Conference (SEC) Player of the Week.^[11] At the end of the season, Salem was awarded the Southeastern Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year award as voted upon by the 12 SEC head coaches.^[12] As of May 23, 2006. he was double majoring in marketing and Spanish and sustained a 3.9 grade point average.^[12] From 2004 to 2006, Salem made the SEC Academic honor roll and in 2006 was selected to the coach's First-Team All-SEC team.^[12] On the 2006 season, he Salem batted .356 with 67 runs, 101 hits, 14 doubles, seven triples, two home runs, 32 RBIs, and 36 stolen bases. In the 2006 Major League Baseball Draft, Salem was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the tenth round, but did not sign.^[13] On June 13, 2006, Salem and teammate Wade LeBlanc were named to the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) First-Team All-South Region team.^[14]

Before his senior season in 2007, Salem was named to the Brooks Wallace Award and Dick Howser Trophy watch list.^[15] He was also named a pre-season All-American by the College Baseball Foundation, Rivals.com and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association.^[15] On his academic success, Salem commented, "I really do take pride in my grades...When a lot of guys go out and everything, I'm in the library studying. So, I definitely make the sacrifices."^[15] On his 22^nd birth day, Salem hit two home runs in his first two at-bats in a game against Georgia State University.^[16] In 2007, Salem was nominated by the University of Alabama for the H. Boyd McWhorter Scholar-Athlete Post-Graduate Scholarship and received the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award after sustaining a 3.85 grade point average after his senior year.^[17] He later won the H. Boyd McWhorter Scholar-Athlete Post-Graduate Scholarship, which was awarded to him at the annual SEC spring meeting in Destin, Florida, on May 31, 2007.^[18] On April 17, 2007, it was announced that Salem, along with 30 other college baseball players, were finalists for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award.^[19] Salem was named to the ESPN the Magazine's First-Team Academic All-American Team, making it his second consecutive season to receive that honor.^[20] Salem won the inaugural Lowe's Senior CLASS Award after beating out 29 other finalists.^[21] Salem was named to the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association All-American Team after the 2007 season.^[22] On the 2007 season, his final at Alabama, Salem batted .351 with 61 runs, 81 hits, seven doubles, three triples, seven home runs, 32 RBIs, and 23 stolen bases in 57 games.

Professional career

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays (now known as the Tampa Bay Rays) drafted Salem in the sixth round of the 2007 Major League Baseball Draft.^[23] Salem began his professional career with the Class-A Short-Season Hudson Valley Renegades. With the Renegades, he batted .311 with 41 runs, 70 hits, 11 doubles, seven triples, one home run, 23 runs batted in (RBIs) and 28 stolen bases in 58 games. Salem was tied for second in the New York – Penn League in triples and was third in stolen bases.^[24] He was selected to the New York – Penn League Post-Season All-Star team after the season.^[25] In 2008, Salem spent the entire season with the Class-A Columbus Catfish. During the month of April, the Tampa Bay Rays named Salem the Player of the Month in their minor league organization.^[26] On May 16, 2008, Salem was placed on the disabled list after he broke his elbow from sliding head-first into second base.^[27] His injury was season ending and he spent the rest of the season rehabbing at Naimoli Complex in St. Petersburg, Florida.^[28] In 38 games, Salem batted .301 with 24 runs, 26 hits, four doubles, three triples, seven RBIs, and 25 stolen bases. Salem began the season with the Class-A Advanced Charlotte Stone Crabs. On the season, Salem batted .255 with 54 runs, 91 hits, 12 doubles, seven triples, 22 RBIs, and 24 stolen bases in 99 games. He led the team in triples.^[29] Salem was assigned to the Double-A Montgomery Biscuits.

Other activities

Salem led the Pinnacle Baseball Camp, a camp for baseball players in grades kindergarten to eighth grade.^[30] Along with Salem, other professional players instructed the camp including second baseman Matt Downs and shortstop Greg Paiml.^[30]

Personal

Salem's father, Emeel Salem, Sr., was drafted by the Chicago Cubs out of high school but chose to attended the University of South Alabama where he played baseball under coach Eddie Stanky.^[15] Salem is a concert pianist and speaks several different languages.^[23] Salem is also related to football players Ed Salem, George Salem, Sr., George Salem, Jr. and Jimbo Salem.^[11][15]

Greg Sexton

Gregory (Greg) Sexton, born February 8, 1985, is a third baseman with the Montgomery Biscuits, the Double-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays.

After the 2009 season with the Charlotte Stone Crabs, Sexton batted .244 with 3 home runs, 37 RBI, and 4 stolen bases. Sexton was a 10th Round (305th Overall) selection in the 2007 Amateur Entry Draft.

Full Triple-A to Rookie League rosters

Triple-A

Durham Bulls rosterview · talk · edit
Players				Coaches/Other
Pitchers 15 Christopher Archer * 14 Brian Baker 43 Joe Bateman 32 Jay Buente * 29 Lance Cormier 44 Dane De La Rosa * -- Richard De Los Santos 36 Rob Delaney * 34 Mike Ekstrom * 33 Matt Moore 46 Adam Russell 12 Andy Sonnanstine * 39 Matt Torra 21 Alexander Torres *		Catchers 38 Nevin Ashley * 28 Robinson Chirinos * 30 Stephen Vogt Infielders 24 Leslie Anderson 22 Tim Beckham 37 Russ Canzler  3 J. J. Furmaniak 23 Dan Johnson 26 Daniel Mayora 13 Ray Olmedo Outfielders  7 Matt Carson  9 Brandon Guyer * 17 Justin Ruggiano # *		Manager 25 Charlie Montoyo Coaches 16 Neil Allen (pitching) 31 Dave Myers (hitting) 7-day disabled list * On Tampa Bay Rays 40-man roster ∞ Reserve list § Suspended list ‡ Restricted list # Rehab assignment Roster updated August 31, 2011 Transactions → More rosters

Double-A

Montgomery Biscuits rosterview · talk · edit
Players				Coaches/Other
Pitchers 35 Christopher Archer *  9 Nick Barnese 13 Matt Bush * -- Alexander Colome 34 Joseph Cruz  7 Frank De Los Santos 20 Shane Dyer  4 Sergio Espinosa 16 Marquis Fleming -- Ricky Orta 25 Jim Paduch 21 Paul Phillips 19 Zachary Quate 28 Neil Schenk		Catchers  1 Craig Albernaz  5 David Wendt Infielders 22 Tim Beckham 10 Cole Figueroa  8 Shawn O'Malley 38 Greg Sexton 30 Matthew Sweeney 26 Henry Wrigley Outfielders 23 Kyeong Kang -- Emeel Salem 12 John Shelby 29 Isaias Velasquez		Manager 24 Billy Gardner Coaches 37 Bill Moloney (pitching) 46 Ozzie Timmons (hitting) 7-day disabled list * On Tampa Bay Rays 40-man roster ∞ Reserve list § Suspended list ‡ Restricted list # Rehab assignment Roster updated July 29, 2011 Transactions → More rosters

Class A-Advanced

Charlotte Stone Crabs rosterview · talk · edit
Players				Coaches/Other
Pitchers 38 Chris Andujar 39 Alexander Colome 35 Felix Fuentes ‡ 24 Michael Jarman 30 Merrill Kelly 27 Alex Koronis 21 Adam Liberatore 14 Kyle Lobstein 34 Deivis Mavarez 11 Josh Satow 23 Scott Shuman 26 Matthew Stabelfeld -- Albert Suarez * 36 Jacob Thompson  8 Kirby Yates		Catchers 19 Mayobanex Acosta 22 Jake Jefferies  7 Mark Thomas Infielders 16 Tyler Bortnick  7 Orrala Erick 10 Matthew Hall  3 Hak-Ju Lee  6 Omar Luna 20 Michael Sheridan Outfielders 28 Dustin Biell 17 Reid Fronk 25 Ty Morrison  1 Christopher Murrill  5 Brett Nommensen  9 Anthony Scelfo		Manager  2 Jim Morrison Coaches 33 Joe Szekely (hitting) 18 Steve Watson (pitching) -- Scott Smith (strength) 7-day disabled list * On Tampa Bay Rays 40-man roster ∞ Reserve list § Suspended list ‡ Restricted list # Rehab assignment Roster updated July 8, 2011 Transactions → More rosters

Class A

Bowling Green Hot Rods rosterview · talk · edit
Players				Coaches/Other
Pitchers 28 Omar Bencomo -- Jairo De La Rosa  9 Nate Garcia  2 Steve Hiscock 14 Austin Hubbard 36 George Jensen -- Will Kline  1 Braulio Lara 30 Victor Mateo 25 James Patterson 29 Chris Rearick 20 C.J. Riefenhauser 38 Wilking Rodriguez 31 Enny Romero -- Trevor Shull 33 Eliazer Suero		Catchers  8 Lucas Bailey 27 Keith Castillo Infielders 34 Julio Cedeno 32 Derek Dietrich 21 Robi Estrada  3 Hector Guevara 11 Robby Price  6 Steven Tinoco 24 Alejandro Torres 35 Phillip Wunderlich Outfielders  7 Todd Glaesmann 23 Kevin Kiermaier  5 Cody Rogers 15 Nicholas Schwaner		Manager  4 Brady Williams Coaches 12 Manny Castillo (hitting) 18 R. C. Lichtenstein (pitching) 7-day disabled list * On Tampa Bay Rays 40-man roster ∞ Reserve list § Suspended list ‡ Restricted list # Rehab assignment Roster updated July 9, 2011 Transactions → More rosters

Short A

Hudson Valley Renegades rosterview · talk · edit
Players				Coaches/Other
Pitchers 43 Wilmer Almonte ∞ 31 Andy Bass 10 Andrew Bellatti 17 Brooks Belter 40 Roque Colon 50 Ryan Carpenter 31 Charlie Cononie 36 Robert Dickmann 38 Jake Floethe 28 Theron Geith 33 Dave Laufer 29 Drew Leary 18 Roberto Gomez 32 Parker Markel 30 Jacob Partridge 25 Trevor Shull 2 Stayton Thomas 27 Justin Woodall		Catchers 15 Kyle Holloway 14 Gerardo Olivares  9 Matt Rice Infielders 35 Tanner Biagini  5 Raymond Church 39 Diogenes Luis 23 Jeff Malm  1 Juniel Querecuto 11 Leonardo Reginatto Outfielders 24 Brian Bryles 18 Kes Carter 11 Cesar Guillen 16 Craig Lyerly  1 Chris Winder		Manager 22 Jared Sandberg Coaches 47 Jack Giese (pitching) 19 Reinaldo Ruiz (hitting) 7-day disabled list * On Tampa Bay Rays 40-man roster ∞ Reserve list § Suspended list ‡ Restricted list # Rehab assignment Roster updated July 10, 2011 Transactions → More rosters

Rookie

Princeton Rays rosterview · talk · edit
Players				Coaches/Other
Pitchers 27 Jeff Ames 10 Brandon Henderson 16 Lucas Irvine 17 Kevin James  2 Marcus Jensen 32 Ian Kendall 28 David Kubiak 36 Reinaldo Lopez 13 Jose Molina 41 Eduar Quinonez 43 Felipe Rivero 45 Pedro Silvestre 25 Garret Smith 18 Matthew Spann 30 Matthew Swilley		Catchers 22 Jake DePew  6 Justin O'Conner 21 Junior Rodriguez Infielders  3 Ryan Brett  4 Felix Gonzalez 31 Jake Hager  8 Jonathan Koscso  7 Taylor Motter 20 Cameron Seitzer Outfielders  1 Joel Caminero 19 Deshun Dixon  5 Joshua Sale 24 Drew Vettleson		Manager  9 Mike Johns Coaches 15 Josh Arhart (coach) 41 Marty DeMerritt (pitching) 29 Wuarnner Rincones (hitting) 7-day disabled list * On Tampa Bay Rays 40-man roster ∞ Reserve list § Suspended list ‡ Restricted list # Rehab assignment Roster updated July 11, 2011 Transactions → More rosters

Gulf Coast League Rays rosterview · talk · edit
Players				Coaches/Other
Pitchers 15 Ryan Fleckenstein -- Jesse Hahn † 28 Stepan Havlicek  3 Brandon Henderson 34 Kevin James 36 Jacob Faria 39 Marcus Jensen 30 Daniel Johnson 29 Ian Kendall 36 Reinaldo Lopez 40 Parker Markel 14 Jose Molina 41 Eduar Quinonez 46 Robinson Reyes 19 Trevor Shull 45 Pedro Silvestre 26 Matthew Spann 22 Matthew Swilley  9 Cristian Vasquez -- Justin Woodall 32 Pete Woodworth		Catchers  8 Lucas Bailey 31 Jake DePew -- Marco Torres ‡ Infielders 35 Tanner Biagini  5 Ryan Brett 16 Travis Flores 17 Jhonatan Gomez  4 Seth Henry 20 Ryan McCrann  2 Julian Morillo  6 Justin O'Conner 13 Cesar Perez  1 Juniel Querecuto Outfielders 24 Joel Caminero 27 Alexander Diaz 18 Deshun Dixon 23 Edward Dorville 38 Craige Lyerly		Manager 11 Joe Alvarez Coaches 25 Hector Torres (Batting coach) 14 Darwin Peguero (Pitching coach)  7 Dan DeMent 7-day disabled list * On Tampa Bay Rays 40-man roster ∞ Reserve list § Suspended list ‡ Restricted list # Rehab assignment Roster updated 2010-08-27 Transactions → More rosters

References

1. ^ Draft Report milb.com
2. ^ [1]
3. ^ http://www.signonsandiego.com//
4. ^ http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/futures-game/2010/2610231.html
5. ^ 2010 All-Star Game: Futures Game Rosters | MLB.com: Events
6. ^ http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/minors/news/2010/2610340.html 2010 Futures Game Box Score: BaseballAmerica.com
7. ^ http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/rankings/organization-top-10-prospects/2011/2611106.html BaseballAmerica.com: Organization Top 10 Prospects: Chicago Cubs Top 10 Prospects
8. ^ Source: Cubs agree to Garza deal | ESPN
9. ^ http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110105&content_id=16392484&vkey=news_chc&c_id=chc
10. ^ http://www.minorleagueball.com/2011/7/7/2263375/2011-mlb-all-star-futures-game-roster-review-world-team-hitters
11. ^ ^{a b} Kirk McNair (May 1, 2006). "Salem Honored". 'BamaMag.com. Scout.com. http://alabama.scout.com/2/526787.html. Retrieved July 26, 2010. 
12. ^ ^{a b c} "Tide All-Stars". University of Alabama Media Relations. Scout.com. May 23, 2006. http://alabama.scout.com/2/533673.html. Retrieved July 26, 2010. 
13. ^ "10th Round of the 2006 MLB June Amateur Draft". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference, LLC. http://www.baseball-reference.com/draft/?year_ID=2006&draft_round=10&draft_type=junreg&query_type=year_round. Retrieved July 26, 2010. 
14. ^ "LeBlanc, Salem Named to ABCA All-South Region". University of Alabama Media Relations. Scout.com. June 13, 2006. http://alabama.scout.com/2/539203.html. Retrieved July 26, 2010. 
15. ^ ^{a b c d e} Will Barry (January 26, 2007). "Alabama's Salem focused on the present". The Crimson White. CBS College Sports. http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/uwire/012607aac.html. Retrieved July 26, 2010. 
16. ^ Barry Allen (February 11, 2007). "Salem Has Two-Homer Birthday Bash". University of Alabama Media Relations. Scout.com. http://alabama.scout.com/2/618158.html. Retrieved July 26, 2010. 
17. ^ "And The UofA Nominees Are". University of Alabama Media Relations. Scout.com. March 20, 2007. http://alabama.scout.com/2/628348.html. Retrieved July 26, 2010. 
18. ^ "Tide Baseball’s Salem Honored". Southeastern Conference Media Relations. Scout.com. April 6, 2007. http://alabama.scout.com/2/633270.html. Retrieved July 26, 2010. 
19. ^ "Emeel Salem Senior Finalist". University of Alabama Media Relations. Scout.com. April 17, 2007. http://alabama.scout.com/2/636315.html. Retrieved July 26, 2010. 
20. ^ "Tide's Salem gets ESPN the Magazine award". Associated Press. Gray Interactive Media. May 30, 2007. http://www.wtvy.com/sports/headlines/7744757.html. Retrieved July 26, 2010. 
21. ^ "Salem Is First Winner Of Award". University of Alabama Media Relations. Scout.com. June 25, 2007. http://alabama.scout.com/2/654350.html. Retrieved July 26, 2010. 
22. ^ "Emeel Salem gets All-America honors". The Tuscaloosa News. The Tuscaloosa News. June 16, 2007. http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=nWk1AAAAIBAJ&sjid=66cEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1468,73643&dq=emeel+salem&hl=en. Retrieved July 26, 2010. 
23. ^ ^{a b} Marc Topkin (June 9, 2007). "Scouts see potential at position spots". St. Petersburg Times. St. Petersburg Times. http://www.sptimes.com/2007/06/09/Rays/Scouts_see_potential_.shtml. Retrieved July 26, 2010. 
24. ^ "2007 New York-Pennsylvania League Batting Leaders". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference, LLC. http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/leader.cgi?type=bat&id=13046&sort_by=SB. Retrieved July 26, 2010. 
25. ^ Maury Brown (December 5, 2007). "Topps Names Rays MLB Organization of the Year". The Biz of Baseball. Business of Sports Network. http://www.bizofbaseball.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1753&Itemid=42. Retrieved July 26, 2010. 
26. ^ "Tampa Bay Recognizes Salem as Minor League Player of the Month". OurSports Central. OurSports Central. May 9, 2008. http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3637848. Retrieved July 26, 2010. 
27. ^ "Salem, Ragan Placed on Disabled List". OurSports Central. OurSports Central. May 16, 2008. http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3641789. Retrieved July 26, 2010. 
28. ^ Kathy Gierer (June 16, 2008). "Salem Looks To Come Back Strong In 2009". RaysDigest.com. Scout.com. http://alabama.scout.com/a.z?s=14&p=2&c=762517. Retrieved July 26, 2010. 
29. ^ "2009 Charlotte Stone Crabs". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference, LLC. http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/team.cgi?id=41627. Retrieved July 30, 2010. 
30. ^ ^{a b} "Registration continues for Pinnacle Camp". Sand Mountain Reporter. Sand Mountain Reporter. February 19, 2009. http://www.sandmountainreporter.com/story.lasso?ewcd=4dc750b91d221167. Retrieved July 26, 2010.