Scouting Report on todays starters from MLB.com
Scott Kazmir - Kazmir pitched well while getting a no-decision in Tuesday night’s 6-4 win over the Yankees. The Rays’ ace allowed one earned run in 6 2/3 innings, striking out five and walking two. When Kazmir keeps his pitch count down he generally has a good outing and keeping his pitch count down normally is a matter of how well he locates his slider. Kazmir is 2-1 with a 3.71 ERA in five career appearances against the A’s.
Dallas Braden - Braden, who missed much of 2006 while recovering from surgery to unwrap a ligament around his humerus, opened the 2007 season at Double-A Midland and dominated in two starts before being promoted to Triple-A Sacramento. After throwing six shutout innings in his only start there, he was called up to make his big-league debut against the Orioles on Tuesday and allowed a run on three hits and a walk while striking out seven over six innings. Praised throughout the A’s clubhouse for being poised beyond his 24 years, Braden has an excellent sinking two-seam fastball and will throw his changeup in any count. His fastball tops out in the high 80s.
View the Rays career numbers vs. Dallas Braden - ESPN Splits
Notable Performances From Down on the Farm
Wes Bankston (AAA) 3-4, RBI, 2R, (.279avg)
Andy Sonnanstine (AAA) 7IP, 1ER, 3H, 2BB, 11K, WIN (2.70ERA)
Reid Brignac (AA) 1-5, (.312avg)
Evan Longoria (AA) 0-3, BB, (.299avg)
Jacob McGee (High-A) 5IP, 0ER, 2H, 2BB, 7K, (1.52ERA)
