Rays sign Matt Bush

The Rays have added former 2004 number 1 pick Matt Bush to their 40 man roster (from Marc Topkin). Bush would have been a free agent unless the Rays had signed him.

Bush is a bust pick from the San Diego Padres. He has a history of bar fights and failed as a hitter before switching to pitcher in 2007. Bush had Tommy John surgery in 2008 and was cut loose in 2009 for another fight while part of the Blue Jays organization.

The Rays signed Bush in January to minor league contract where is posted a 3.29 ERA with 20 strikeouts and 3 walks in 13.2 innings while in Single A Charlotte. No one is sure of he will make the final roster out of Spring.

This signing is very strange, but so are the Rays about their roster moves. Bush will probably be with the team in Spring and will try to make the official roster for the season. The Rays need arms in the bullpen and this might be another attempt to find an arm to fill in the roster spot that won’t cost the team too much. I honestly don’t see Bush making the season roster, too inexperienced and unproven, but he might impress everyone. Bush should spend more time getting his life straight, but hope he does something in Spring.