Rays manager Kevin Cash burned by top-notch Players' Weekend prank

Dan Bernstein

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Rays manager Kevin Cash burned by top-notch Players' Weekend prank image

Kevin Cash was not in on the joke that poked at his long-term status as Rays manager.

During a reveal of Players' Weekend jerseys that will sport nicknames instead of last names this weekend, Cash's nickname was announced to be "Rocco's Seat Warmer." That's a reference to recent Rays assistant and former player Rocco Baldelli, now the manager of the Twins. The indication there, of course, was that Cash is in place on the Rays' bench only until Baldelli becomes available to take over the franchise in the future.

Cash wasn't sure who submitted his uniform name, but he thinks it may have been clubhouse manager Ryan Denlinger or video operator Chico Fernandez, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

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“I don’t know where that came from," Cash told reporters. "I won’t be wearing it so I’m not overly concerned.”

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It's unlikely either Cash or Baldelli will be on the move soon, though. Each is leading a team currently in a playoff position with their respective front offices likely pleased with their recent work.

It's possible, however, that members of the Rays organization have lodged behind-the-scenes jabs at Cash's potential insecurity for several years. This doesn't seem like the kind of prank that comes entirely out of nowhere, and Cash had a clear idea of potential culprits.

In any case, this is yet another reason why Players' Weekend is a fun new tradition that promotes the kind of humor baseball could use more.

Dan Bernstein