The Tampa Bay Rays finalized the signing of Kyle Farnsworth and Kelly Johnson today which meant two roster spots would have to be made. That led to Reid Brignac and Elliot Johnson being designated for assignment. Brignac , 27, was once a top prospect in the Tampa Bay organization. Brignac hit .227/.268/.317 with 10 home runs and eight stolen bases in 716 plate appearances for the Rays over five seasons. Brignac spent most of 2012 at Triple-A Durham, where he hit .231/.323/.353.
Brignac said, “I’m not really surprised. I pay attention to what’s going on and they’re signing infielders, signing infielders, signing infielders. I just knew I possibly could be one of the guys that gets designated. I’m not bitter, I don’t have any animosity toward the Rays, I have nothing but praise and respect for those guys. They gave me the opportunity to live my lifelong dream and play in the big leagues.”
Johnson started 68 games at shortstop for Tampa Bay last season and batted .242 with six homers and 33 RBI while stealing 18 bases and like Brignac was not surprised by the move.
“I dont think I’m too terribly surprised. I guess it’s just a matter of this team, the Rays are one of the best teams in baseball, and things like this happen. … I feel good about how I played, it was a big improvement over 2011 offensively, so I’m looking forward to 2013 and getting the chanace to do it in the big leagues with somebody else.
