September Call-Ups

First, let's get some technicalities out of the way. On Thursday the Rays can expand their "active roster" from 25 players to 40 players — the famous "September Call-Ups". A player must be on the Rays 40-man roster before he can be called to the team.

Bulls who are on the 40-man are:

Pitchers:

• Alex Torres (1)
• Chris Archer
• Jay Buente (2)
• Dane De La Rosa (1)
• Rob Delaney (5)
• Mike Ekstrom (1)
• Andy Sonnanstine (34)

Catchers:

• Robinson Chirinos (60)
• Nevin Ashley

Outfield:

• Brandon Guyer (6)

(Note: If they've had time with the Rays this year, shown are innings for pitchers, plate appearances for position players)

To my surprise only Rays Index and The St Pete Times Heater blog are doing any speculating.

Obviously the Rays are going to promote players they think they need or they think they want to take a look at. Past is not prologue here. Remember that last year the Rays won the American League East and were looking at the playoffs.

Every player on this list except for pitcher Chris Archer and catcher Nevin Ashley has had his "cup of coffee" this year, albeit just a sip or two — not even enough time for one of those little cups over in Ybor City.

And there are a couple of loose ends on the DL, notably catcher Jose Lobaton and outfielder Justin Ruggiano. Lobaton is reported to be close to being ready but hard to tell about Ruggiano.

In addition, the Rays are famously willing to game the DFA/waiver/options/DL rules to their advantage. So who's not on the 40-man that could be a candidate? How about these guys?

• Russ Canzler
• Stephen Vogt
• Matt Moore
• Adam Russell

Here's my guesses/desires pre-playoff, including one non-40 man player

• Rob Delaney and/or Dane De La Rosa
• Andy Sonnanstine
• Brandon Guyer
• Russ Canzler

A coin toss on Lobaton coming to the Bulls for rehab or staying with Rays in place of Chirinos. In any case the Rays will want three catchers. Ruggiano will go to the Rays when they think he's ready, probably with the call-ups.

A non-roster invite to spring training for Vogt and Russell. Moore will obviously go on the 40-man just as soon as the system requires it (surprised he isn't there already, might be some legalistic reason).

What will it do to the Bulls for the playoffs? Pretty sure it won't do much harm assuming that not being called up doesn't get into the heads of the guys left behind. We've seen plenty of talent from Montgomery this year.

Your thoughts?

[Update:  Sep 1, Sonnanstine & Guyer to Rays. (Ruggiano doesn't count, he was just here on rehab)]