Tampa Bay has used their expanded roster to bring up a number of prospects and rehabbing players, including RHP Dewon Brazelton, RHP Lance Carter, RHP Jesus Colome, UT-R Paul Hoover, RHP Delvin James, 3B-R Russ Johnson, UT-R Damian Rolls, OF-R Greg Vaughn.

Ryan Rupe underwent season-ending knee surgery due to patella tendinitis in mid-August. He's effectively been out since late June with the knee problem but should recover by Spring Training.

Rather than the hypochondriacal problems of most Rule 5 selections, RHP Kevin McGlinchy missed the first half of the season with shoulder pain and then underwent exploratory surgery in mid-July, forcing him out for the season. The 25-year-old will probably start next season back in AAA.

Tampa drafted Brazelton out of Middle Tennessee State with the 3rd overall pick in the first round of the 2001 draft. Prior to this season he had no professional experience. Brazelton began the season at AA Orlando in the Southern League and compiled 109:67 K:BB in 146 IP with 129 H and 7 HR allowed for a 3.33 ERA over 26 starts. The 22-year-old made one start at AAA Durham in the International League, allowing 5 H with a 6:1 K:BB in 5 IP before joining Tampa this month. He's made two starts in the majors, posting a 5:6 K:BB with 12 H and 3 HR allowed in 13 IP for a 4.85 ERA. However, he's complained of mild shoulder pain and probably won't pitch again this year for precautionary reasons. While Brazelton should spend a full season starting at AAA, by September 2003 he should be ready to permanently join the rotation.

Carter's not quite a September call-up, as Tampa activated him on August 31st and demoted Brandon Backe, who has not rejoined the team despite roster expansion. Kansas City drafted Carter out of Manatee Florida Junior College in the 21st round of the 1994 draft. He became a free agent after the 2000 season, didn't play last year, and signed with Tampa this off-season. The Devil Rays placed Carter with AAA Durham, where he compiled a 90:12 K:BB with 111 H and 15 HR allowed in 132 IP for a 2.80 ERA over 18 starts in 33 appearances. He's made 6 appearances this month for a 10:5 K:BB with 11 H and 1 HR allowed in 15 major league innings. I don't know whether Tampa is currently looking at Carter as a starter or reliever, but he's prepared to pitch in the majors next year in either role.

Backe compiled a 6:7 K:BB with 15 H and 3 HR allowed for a 6.92 ERA in the majors, indicating he really needs some AAA time. Had he finished the season in AAA rather than the majors, Backe might have been ready to pitch for Tampa when they broke camp next year. Now it will likely be late 2003 before he's prepared to join the big league team.

Tampa demoted Colome again in mid-August in order to clear a roster space for Lee Gardner. Colome probably needs to be left alone at AAA for an entire season to determine if he's capable of pitching in the majors, otherwise we can expect further struggles. Gardner spent the year back at AAA Durham, where he posted a 52:15 K:BB with 50 H and 1 HR allowed in 49.2 IP for a 2.36. Unfortunately, he hasn't been able to translate those skills into quality performances in the majors, compiling an 8:8 K:BB with 12 H and 3 HR allowed in 13.1 IP for a 4.05 ERA.

I'm amazed and pleased to see Delvin James pitching and in the majors again within a month after being shot. James performed quite well as a starter in AAA this season but is working only a few innings of relief this month. He should compete for a rotation spot next spring.

Hoover provided the Devil Rays with a third catcher and utility man this month. Russ Johnson left Tampa shortly before the All-Star break under a cloud of mystery. At first, he was placed on the restricted list rather than the DL. The Devil Rays moved him to the disabled list at the start of August, and then midway through the month we learned that Johnson had sought extended medical attention for anxiety and depression. He made a few pinch-hit appearances and then several starts when he was activated a week into September, but he has not played recently. I'm sure his doctors have advised him to find a more positive environment than that of the 54-102 Devil Rays, so I don't expect him back with Tampa next season.

Rolls is starting regularly, spending time at each of the outfield positions. Aside from a couple of at-bats at AA, Rolls spent the whole season at AAA Durham, primarily in the outfield. He only hit .266 with a .322 OBP and .398 SLG on 65 H, 6 2B, 4 3B, and 6 HR with a 21:43 BB:K and 15/15 SB% in 244 AB. Rolls missed a portion of the season with an injury of an undisclosed nature. Now that he possesses this additional positional flexibility, he's a much better bench candidate for Tampa and could break camp with the team in 2003 despite his offensive deficiencies. He offers them speed and a bit of power, though he won't deserve a starting job until he improves upon his plate discipline and on-base ability.

While Greg Vaughn emerged from the disabled list, where he's been since late June, he hasn't even pinch-hit this month. Vaughn injured his shoulder when he crashed into an outfield wall and has been working to strengthen and rehab the problem since that time. He's expected to be fine for next season, though Tampa intends to attempt to trade him during the off-season. I'm inclined to believe that he might have rejoined the team earlier this year had his contract been less expensive. However since they weren't even close to any races, there was little reason not to leave him on the disabled list and perhaps have insurance cover his salary.