More photos » by Ben Margot - AP about 1 month ago: Colorado Rockies' Jason Hammel works against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning of a baseball game Sunday, Aug. 30, 2009, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Ben Margot) Browse more photos » Entering Spring Training this past season, the Rays found themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place in the battle for the 5 th spot in the rotation. The team had 2004 4 th overall pick Jeff Niemann , and 2002 10 th round pick Jason Hammel fighting for one rotation spot, with the loser competing with free agent Lance Cormier for the final spot in the bullpen. Both, Niemann and Hammel were out of options, so if the Rays were to keep Cormier it was doubtful the Rays could retain the loser of the rotational battle. Niemann had long been full of potential, but injuries had...
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