Rays Release Cory Wade, Rays Fans Weep

This news comes from Adam Sobsey of Indy Week:

Cory Wade, who has pitched pretty well for Durham this year-victimized, though, by a tendency to give up home runs-had a June 15 opt-out clause in his contract. Apparently he or his agent informed the Rays that he intended to invoke that clause; the Rays, who had Lance Cormier at the ready, went ahead and released Wade three days early.

Wade is a 28-year-old relief pitcher and while he's no longer a "prospect", he looked like a player that could help in the Rays' bullpen this season. After having shoulder surgery last season, Wade was doing very well in Triple-A this year, striking out 8.4 batters per nine, while walking a miniscule 1.5 batters per nine. He'd allowed four homeruns over his 36 innings pitched, but still, he had a 1.23 ERA and 3.34 FIP -- he was darn good. Not only that, but Wade had frequently worked two innings at a time, making him a prime candidate to serve as a long man for the Rays.

I'm beginning to wonder what sort of compromising pictures Andy Sonnanstine must have in his possession in order to stick on the roster instead of Wade. Sonnanstine is getting lit up every time he takes the mound, posting a 6.06 ERA and 7.52 FIP, and he simply doesn't look like a major-league caliber pitcher anymore.

Why, Friedman, why? Do you enjoy subjecting your fans to the horrors of watching Sonny pitch? Are you afraid of those pictures from the playoff celebration last year getting out? Because man, I would have liked to see Cory Wade get a shot.