Rays of Light

Game #27: Sonny’s Last Chance

What to watch for: Which Andy Sonnanstine shows up? The one who keeps opposing hitters baffled and works deep into the game, or the one who allows 4 home runs in 5 innings of work? He needs a good outing to help convince Cap’n Joe that he should remain on the roster when Scott Kazmir comes back.

Scouting Report on today’s starters from MLB.com:
Andy Sonnanstine - Sonnanstine is coming off another solid outing and will get his last start before ace Scott Kazmir makes his return. Sonnanstine is in competition with Edwin Jackson and Jason Hammel for the Rays final two rotation spots, and another strong performance could go a long way. The right-hander recorded his third win this season on April 23 vs. Toronto, scattering six hits and three earned runs in 6 1/3 innings.

Matt Albers - Albers has become the swingman of the Orioles’ bullpen and will make his second spot start Wednesday against the Rays. The right-hander has made one other start this season, tossing five innings of one-run ball in a victory over Toronto on April 14. He’s allowed a run in each of his past three appearances.

Check out the Rays’ career numbers against Matt Albers.

View the game preview from Baseball Reference.

Be sure to join us in the chat room for some good Rays talk during the game!!!

Posted in Game Thread | 4 Comments »

Orioles 7, RAYS 4: It wasn’t that close

(Box Score)

RON: Boy, that escalated quickly. I mean, that really got out of hand fast.
CHAMP: It jumped up a notch.
RON: It did, didn’t it?

Not a Good Night for Mr. Hammel: Well, if this was Jason Hammel’s final audition to remain in the starting rotation, he did not endear himself very well at all. Sure, you can’t judge him based off of one start, but you can also argue that this one start was the worst of any of the starting pitchers so far this year. The Rays were lucky - LUCKY - to be only down 3 runs when he left the game. It could’ve - and should’ve - been a lot worse. The Orioles bailed him out by not cashing in on all of their opportunities early. If Sonny comes out and dominates tonight, it’ll be very interesting to see what route the Rays take to make room for Kaz on Sunday.

The Other Shoe Dropped: Look, let’s not kid ourselves. The bullpen was due for a game in which it got hit around a bit, and that’s exactly what happened to J.P. Howell and Scott Dohmann. There was no way we were going to throw to a sub-2.50 ERA all season long, and I wasn’t entirely surprised to see it happen. I’m also glad that a bit of a blowup happened in a game like this - that we really shouldn’t have won anyways - rather than in a game we were up 6-5 in the 7th inning. Hopefully Howell and Dohmann get it out of their systems and come back ready to throw later this week.

Terrible: So the Rays get the first two men on in the 5th inning, and what happens? Pop up, weak fly ball, pop up all in the span of about 5 pitches. Absolutely awful. Down 3-0 at the time, a run or two completely changes the complexion of the game. Instead, Jason Bartlett and Akinori Iwamura continue to infuriate while Carl Crawford was unable to pick up his mates. You can’t let opportunities like that get away without coming away with at least one run. Terrible execution and a sign that this night would not go the Rays’ way. Also further proof that the Rays were lucky to still be in the game late.

Gabe Gross… is making it very difficult to defend him. He needs to start hitting at least a little bit. I love his defense and I love his arm, but the offense can’t carry him right now.

And no, Jason, this is NOT an endorsement for Dan Johnson - I still don’t think he fits.

Eric Hinske… looks like he’s playing with something to prove, doesn’t he? His defense was stellar tonight (what a throw from right!) and he managed to get on base twice even though he can’t hit lefties. It’s hard to overstate how solid he’s been for the Rays thus far.

Bossman Junior… has 20 RBI already. I had no idea.

Posted in Game Recap | 11 Comments »

Game #26: The Battle For First Place

Thanks to the infinite wisdom of the Major League Baseball schedule-makers, the Rays and Orioles are going to play each other again, this time in a 3-game tilt up at Camden Yards. First place bragging rights will be on the line in this series. Let me repeat: the Rays and Orioles are playing in a series that, depending on what the Red Sox do, could determine first place.

And that’s 25 games into the season. Absolutely crazy. Jason Hammel gets perhaps his final audition to prove that he belongs in the starting rotation when Kid K makes his long-awaited return to the rotation.

What to watch for: After a fantastic 3-game sweep of the Red Sox, the Rays will need to avoid a hangover when playing against the Orioles. Hopefully, Monday’s day off will help with that.

In his brief time in the minors last year, Garrett Olson walked a TON of batters (28 in 32 innings), so the Rays need to stay patient and force him to throw strikes. Take the walks if he’s willing to give them.

Scouting Report on today’s starters from MLB.com:
Jason Hammel - Hammel had a solid outing, picking up his second win of the season vs. Toronto on Wednesday. Although the right-hander allowed two home runs and three RBIs to Matt Stairs, Hammel held the rest of the Blue Jays to two singles through six innings. The righty has been dependable for a Rays rotation that has suffered considerable losses, and it will be interesting to see how Hammel does in his fifth start. With Matt Garza slated to return last Friday, and Scott Kazmir due back the first weekend in May, Hammel must continue to throw well if he has any shot at staying in the starting rotation.

Garrett Olson - The Orioles will likely promote Olson from Triple-A Norfolk to fill the rotation slot vacated by Adam Loewen. Baltimore stopped Olson’s latest Triple-A start at 41 pitches just to prepare him for the possibility. Olson struggled in that abbreviated outing, but before that, he had logged a 1-1 record and a 1.61 ERA through his first four starts.

View the game preview from Baseball Reference.

Be sure to join us in the chat room for some good Rays talk during the game!!!

Posted in Game Thread | 3 Comments »

Lunch Break - 4/29 - An Open Letter to the Umpires

It probably seems like an odd time to do this - during a 6-game win streak in which we’re sitting atop the AL East - but this is something that I know is still top of mind to most Rays fans. This will probably come off as whiny and bitter, but I don’t care. That’s how the umpires have made me feel.

Dear Guys Wearing the MLB Umpires Uniforms,

Who are you, and what did you do with the real umpires? You know, the guys who more often than not get the calls right? The ones who are in position to watch and see if the foot or the ball reaches the bag first? The ones who call the same stike zone for both teams? I’d really like it if those guys could back now, so if you could go ahead and give them their uniforms back, that would be great.

Before you crumple this letter up, let’s look at the facts. B.J. Upton hasn’t REALLY been thrown out on the bases eleventy billion times. It’s actually been more like eleventy billion minus 5. Unfortunately, you all seem to think he’s your own personal test case in which you can test the limits of horrible officiating. Friday night against the Red Sox is the most egregious example of all, I think, as B.J. was safe by a mile yet Rob Drake had already made the call when the ball was half-way to third base. And what about that non-balk call a few weeks ago? Or do we not make those kinds of calls on teams playing the Rays anymore? Perhaps a pair of ultra-cool Joe Maddon specs might help?

Contrary to popular belief, sirs, the Yankees and Red Sox - despite playing a different financial game - are not actually playing by different rules on the field. Just because one of those teams does something doesn’t automatically mean he’s safe (or the other team’s out). They certainly don’t need the extra outs; in fact, no team should get them undeservedly. Moreover, a strike is a strike no matter who is at the plate. The strike zone ISN’T any more different when Shawn Riggans is up there as it is when Derek Jeter’s up. Oh, and just because Kevin Youkilis whines after called strike doesn’t mean you should stop calling them. He’s just a big baby who needs to grow up a little bit. Don’t stop calling strikes just because you are afraid of confrontation. Everyone else might call you a chicken. You don’t want that, do you?

I understand that you have a very hard job to do. Not as hard as, say, someone who wrestles alligators naked while swimming in a vat of barbecue sauce, but certainly harder than my job where I write for 10 hours a day. You’ve had to go through all sorts of special training and whatnot, and I understand that it’s an imperfect science. But you know who else goes through special training? ANYONE WITH A JOB. The only difference is that we’re forced to do our jobs properly. Your gig must be nice.

Please understand that this letter is not an endorsement for instant replay to be added to baseball. I’d much prefer if the game weren’t officiated by TV screens and DVRs but real-live people. The second you add replay, though, it becomes like football where every fumble, every incomplete pass, every catch near the sideline, and every sneeze is set through the replay machine to make sure the referee didn’t screw it up. Nobody wants that (I don’t think), nor should we have to have it. I just want a little consistency.

Grazie,

Scott Caruso

Posted in Discussion | 4 Comments »

Kazmir strong in final rehab start; rotation decision looms

LHP Scott Kazmir, who is scheduled to join the Tampa Bay rotation this weekend, cleared the final hurdle in his rehab process with his start for the Durham Bulls on Monday night. Kazmir work 5.0 innings and allowed only 1 ER on a solo homer in the third. Kaz actually came out to start the 6th inning, but he was removed from the game after issuing his first walk of the evening. He added 3 Ks and allowed only 3 hits. All signs point to Kazmir making his debut on Sunday against Boston in Fenway Park where the lefty has had so much success in his young career.

The activation of Kazmir this weekend will finally bring to a conclusion, if only briefly, the ongoing competition for the 5th starter in the Rays rotation. Matt Garza and Jason Hammel appear to be safe in 3 and 4 spots, each for different reasons, with Andy Sonnanstine and Edwin Jackson battling for the last spot. This topic has been hashed and rehashed everywhere in the Rays blogosphere so I will be short in offering my opinion. I believe the most likely scenario, barring a trade, is that Sonnanstine will be optioned to Durham to make room for Kazmir.

Posted in General | 9 Comments »

[MLB] 4/29: Barry Zito to the bullpen

The Giants are putting Barry Zito and the $100 million they still owe him in the bullpen.  Might this possibly be the worst contract ever signed in baseball history?

It’s so funny, because everyone OTHER than Brian Sabean realized this was a terrible deal when it was first signed. You ALMOST feel bad for the G-Men, since they are in dire straights anyways. At least now they’ll get someone out there every day that gives them a chance to win.

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The Minor League Wrap

McGee under the microscope: Eric SanInocencio, writing for Baseball Digest Daily, takes an in-depth look at Jake McGee. The Youtube videos are a very nice touch, and allows readers to get a strong sense of just how electric McGee’s stuff can be. The thought that McGee is only considered a “two-pitch arm” at this point is a bit concerning, but, with his talent, there is no question he can be a star in a featured role at the major league level. It is still to be determined whether that will be from the starting rotation or out of the bullpen. Kudos to Eric for putting together a very informative article about one of top prospects in the organization.

Hellickson has to getting bored. Ho-hum. Another dominant outing from Jeremy Hellickson on Sunday for Vero Beach. In this performance, he pitched 6.0 innings, allowing 1 ER. Hellickson struck out 11 opposing batters and issued no walks. His season stats at this point are nothing less than phenomenal. 29.0 IP, 3 ER, 41 K, 2 BB. The Rays front office has been incredibly patient with Hellickson to this point, but I’m not sure how much longer they can justify leaving him in Vero Beach. I almost feel sorry for Southern League hitters when his inevitable promotion does take place. A starting rotation with the talent of McGee. Hellickson, Wade Davis, and James Houser would almost be unheard of at the AA level.

Niemann back in Durham, kinda: Jeff Niemann was optioned back to Durham on April 20 due to the impending return of Matt Garza from the DL, but he has yet to actually pitch in the game. This seems to be a case of the organization simply giving Niemann a bit of time to get over the disappointment of being sent back down . He should be back on the mound sometime this week.

Davis dominant: Here is a link to a brief summary on another great outing by Wade Davis over the weekend.

As usual, here are some Rays-related thoughts from Baseball America. John Manuel handles the weekly chat this week over at SportsNation.

Steve (Orlando,Fl): What’s your take on Jeremy Hellickson? Is he unfairly looked at because he is not 6′4″?

SportsNation John Manuel: Not sure exactly what your point is here, but go to baseballamerica.com and search for Hellickson and you’ll see we’ve been writing about him since 2005. He’s been brought along slowly because he’s an Iowa HS product, he had a back issue in high school, and the Rays system is loaded with pitchers so he didn’t have to be pushed. We ranked him No. 1 in the New York-Penn League top 20 so he’s gotten plenty of attention and regard from BA. He’s a pitcher in A-ball so plenty still can go wrong, but his dominance of the FSL so far probably will get him in line for a promotion sooner than later. Players like him made Josh Butler expendable, and I think that Gross-Butler deal was a nice little trade today. Should help both orgs.

Rodney (Minneapolis): Jim, can you tell us anything about the pitching prospect, Josh Butler, involved in the Gabe Gross trade?

SportsNation John Manuel: At his best, Butler has an average fastball that can touch 94 mph and two good breaking balls. With his delivery and frame I always thought he was best suited as a middle guy but he is athletic and could exceed my expectations. I thought it was a good deal for both clubs as I’ve indicated.

Next, we drop in on a chat with Kevin Goldstein, the resident minor league expert over at Baseball Prospectus. He had several thoughts on the Rays along with a comparison of the two Beckhams.

Ryan (Utica, NY): How would your organization rankings look if you included not just minor leaguers, but all players age 25 and under? Would Tampa Bay still be #1?

Kevin Goldstein: Yes, and easily.

herb stencil (jersey city, nj): I sent you this question yesterday not realizing you were going to do a chat. Here it is again. Which of the two Beckhams, Gordon or Tim do you think has the higher upside? Which is more of a sure thing to be a big time major leaguer? Thanks as always.

Kevin Goldstein: Tim has the much higher upside. Gordon is probably a slightly safer bet, just because of the age.

Tommy (OPS,FL): Can we expect other players to get 44 million dollar contracts after a week or do you think Longoria and the Rays are a special case?

Kevin Goldstein: Special talent is special talent. Believe it or not, the Rays almost did a deal like this with Upton while he was still in Triple-A. I still think you’ll eventually see something like that.

John (Tampa): Please tell me the Rays won’t pick Buster Posey according to Gammons because of the dearth of catching prospects in the draft. If they wanted a catcher, why didn’t they draft Matt Wieters? Also do you consider this draft to have better top three talent than last year?

Kevin Goldstein: They probably won’t pick Posey, but they are playing it VERY close to the vest, and their pool of players to select at No. 1 is still quite sizeable; They didn’t draft Wieters because they thought Price was a better prospect, period; This draft does not in any way whatsoever have better top talent than last year. It has less elite talent, but probably more good talent.

Posted in Minor League Wrap | 2 Comments »

Who stays and who goes???

As we all know, our beloved Scotty Kaz (Kid K) is coming off the DL circa Sunday, and we have 6 pegs for 5 holes after that…
I, of course have an idea, and of course will probably get panned for my idea, but isn’t that the american way =)

We are all in agreement mostly that everyone has carried thier own weight in the bullpen and in the rotation. No one deserves to be relieved of thier duties as of yet. So, what’s a team to do??? We know that the Rays aren’t going to risk shipping the pitchers without options to the minors, seeings how they are all pretty valuable right now, someone would claim them. That eliminates Jack and Hammel, Dohmann, Glover, others…
That leaves Shields (Ya right…) Sonnanstine, and Garza. Sonny has gotten rocked once, and then there was that masterful 4 hit (or was it 3) shutout he had 2 weekends ago against Chicago… Garza has walked in a run with the bases loaded in 2 games has pitched to a tune of 7+ era… I think you know where I am going with this… I know he was the crown jewel of the offseason, but has not pitched well, and is coming off injury. Why not let him work things out a few weeks in the minors, until he is desperately needed again in TB??? Can we really say anoyone else other than Garza has not pitched well, or even great at times so far??? I think Garza temporarily is the answer…

Posted in Diaries | 2 Comments »

Pitch Counting

Tony La Russa is a dying breed:

“We don’t get caught up in that pitch-count stuff,” he said. “I think it’s overplayed. It’s a measure of conditioning. You watch the game sometimes, a guy is worn out after 70 or 80. Some days, it’ll get up around 130, 140. But this is April, and you don’t want to.”

Honoring the 100 pitch limitation has drastically changed the expectations of starting pitching, and a pitcher must be near perfect to complete a game under this criteria. Shields certainly was on Sunday, needing just 99 pitches to shut out the Sox and shut up the ever-difficult-to-shut-up Sox fans.

But is 100 unrealistically low? Is it nothing more than an arbritruary number that can restrict access to quality pitching? Does it neccessitate using inferior pitchers? Does it put teams in postion to lose more often than if starters were allowed to go deeper?

Or does it add years to careers?

Had the Rays not assembled such a fine pen for 2008, I would be much more inclined to agree with La Russa, as the 100 pitch rule certainly cost the Rays plenty of games in the last few years. (Remember the days of the lead getting handed off to Camp or Stokes? We should all have PTSD.)

Still, even with a pen that does not cause one to sink into fetal position and sob, it may be beneficial to see starters’ leashes extended a bit this season in an effort to preserve the effectivenes of the pen: Even though it ranks among the league’s best, it’s a bit creaky with age and has kiddie-pool depth.

Perhaps this is more of a July thought, and Madden has already indicated he is going to be stingy with Percival, but it’s still worth a mention. And with the way things have been going, can you blame a man for daydreaming that the pen’s services may be desperately needed in a month that starts with ‘O’? (For the record, I do not speak that month’s name in April in relation to baseball. I will mention it if you want to talk about Halloween. But then I’d think you were weird to want to talk to a stranger about Halloween.)

(Random thought placed carlessly at the end because this is a diary and they are cool like that: Relief pitchers can certainly thank the adherence to pitch counts for making there services rise from neccessary commodity to expensive, elite luxury.)

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RAYS 3, Red Sox 0: Absolutely brilliant

(Box Score)

Is it possible to over-state how good James Shields was today? What about how great the Rays were over the weekend? The answer to both, of course, is no.

There has NEVER been a bigger series win, a bigger sweep, or a bigger week than the one that was for the Rays. Ladies and gentlemen, we have arrived and we are a contender in the AL East.

I repeat - WE ARE A CONTENDER IN THE AL EAST.

James The Better-Than-Great: How about “James the Fabulous”? “James the Outstanding”? “James the Near-Perfect?” This was the best I ever remember Shields looking. He had ALL of his pitches working today - great movement on the fastball, a nasty breaking pitch, and the Red Sox never had a chance against him today. A truly “ace” performance by Shields. He barely broke a sweat out there, either. He was that good.

He was efficient, too. Completing the game and tallying the strikeout in 99 pitches. There were very few wasted pitches in there. And of his 20 batted outs, 12 of them were of the ground-ball variety. By any measure, this was a fabulous game thrown by Jamie.

Making Your Own Breaks: I don’t think I’ve ever seen a runner score all the way from first on a botched pickoff throw, but that’s exactly what happened in the 3rd inning today. Bartlett really motored around the bases, too. Great job by him of recognizing that J.D. Drew’s throw was junk, because he could’ve easily just held up at third base. He may not be hitting great right now, but his defense and baserunning is superb.

The Longoria and Short of It: For 2 1/2 at bats, Evan Longoria was horribly over-matched by Josh Beckett. That all changed with one swing. Beckett came with the curve, and Evan told it goodbye. A tremendous adjustment by Longoria to recognize the pitch that Beckett had gotten him out with before. When he connects with one, that ball sure does jump off of his bat.

And, oh yeah, his defense is fantastic. I have such a man crush…

3…2…1… no contact: Okay, so it wasn’t all puppy dogs and lollipops out there. The Rays really struggled to make contact today. A lot of it, of course, has to do with the filthy stuff that Beckett had, but you’re not going to win a lot of games when 15 of your 24 outs are made via the strike out. The biggest offenders: Aki and Upton with 3 of them apiece. As long as it doesn’t become a trend, we can chalk this one up to just a great performance on the other side.

How Does It Feel? And by that I mean first place. Because the Orioles are about to lose, which will put the Rays in a three-way tie atop the AL East.

Take Back the Stadium: There were still too many Red Sox fans in attendance at the Trop. I beg the Raysverse to take back Tropicana Field the next time the Crimson Hosers come to town.

Posted in Game Recap | 8 Comments »