RAYS 7, Twins 3: Dropping the Hammel on the Twins
By Scott Caruso | April 18th, 2008 | Posted in Game Recap
For a while, the scene was eerily familiar. The Rays take a lead, then give a run back. Then another run is given back. Thursday, though, the script changed and the Rays kept the Twins off the board enough to force a split in this weird 2-game road trip.
Carlos PAIN-ya: This is either the longest episode of PUNK’D ever, or the Rays are now officially snakebit. Thankfully, this one’s not serious… (MLB.com)
Pena was replaced after experiencing tightness in his right hamstring. Pena said he doesn’t know how serious the injury is, but he will have it checked out on Friday.
“I felt some discomfort in the back of my knee, but I’m walking fine,” he said.
According to Marc Topkin, Pena might be able to play on Friday night, so it might not be a big deal at all. Still, even if it is a false alarm, it’s a very cruel one.
Of course, that did lead us to…
Just Wait ‘Til We Get Our Haynes On You: Was it a pretty line-drive? Nope. Does it inspire confidence that Nathan Haynes is a big league hitter after all? Nope. Did it get the job done? You betcha! Haynes’ RBI single in the 5th helped to break this game open and give the Rays a cushion that they were able to comfortably ride through to the end.
From what I heard after the game, Joe Maddon was fawning over the base hit, but really it was just in the perfect spot. Sometimes you get lucky in this game, and tonight the Rays got lucky. (Insert obligatory ‘Doesn’t it always seem like the guy who gets thrown into the game because of an emergency…?’ line here.)
Hammel and Sickle: Eventually, I’m going to run out of punny ways to use Jason Hammel’s name. But until that time, I’m going to milk it for all it’s worth. Another solid performance by Jason. It’s not the kind of game you’re going to look back on in 3 months and say, “Oh yeah! I remember that! He really did his job.” But it was the kind of performance that a professional pitcher delivers – 6 innings of 3-run ball to cruise to a win. He limited the mistakes – only 2 walks to go with 6 hits – and had the ground ball working a little bit. If you can get this kind of performance from him every night, he’ll win himself plenty of games. He’s continuing to give the Rays a hard choice to make once Mott Garzmir* comes back. Do you stick with Andy Sonnanstine and bump Hammel to the ‘pen, or do you reward Hammel for clearly outpitching Sonny to this point? I think with each passing game, it becomes clearer that you need to reward Hammel for his fine performance.
* – Mott Garmir: A term to describe both Scott Kazmir and Matt Garza in tandem because they are so often mentioned together. See: Jolly Guzbar and Jade McDavis for more information.
J.P. Howell… is turning into a money reliever. 3 innings of 2-hit, 0-run ball to get his first professional save? Yes, please! Is there really any debate as to whether or not he’s found his niche in the bullpen? I’m so glad, too, since I’ve never been shy about my desire to see Howell get some innings and get a chance to succeed at the big league level. I didn’t think it would be as a reliever, but you know what? It works, and that’s all that matters.
Eric Hins-key to success: I’m becoming a broken record: dude is an extra-base MACHINE. He’s now got 8 extra base hits (4 2Bs and 4 HRs) out of 13 hits. His average alone, .342, is pretty, but his slugging percentage is now an insane .763! Combine that with the walks that he’s drawing, and you’ve got an OPS of 1.195. 1.195!! No, of course he’s not going to keep that up throughout the entire season, but has Eric Hinske finally recapture his stroke and turned into that AL Rookie of the Year winner again? Only this time, he’s 6 years stronger. So far, this has been a FANTASTIC pick-up for the Rays and one that Andrew Friedman should be applauded for.
Jonny Gomes… went another game without striking out. Very quietly, Gomer has cut down his strikeout rate significantly here in the early-going. He’s got 5 Ks in 34 at bats. Extend that out over 600 ABs, and you’re only looking at about 88 strikeouts. He’s cut down his K/AB % by 20 so far. Could this be a newer, more contact-friendly Gomes? We’ll have to wait and see.
Almost made it a whole game without a mental mistake: And then Carl Crawford got himself picked off first base immediately after a 2-out single.
Evan Longoria… deserves to stay here once Willy Aybar is ready. He plays the position well and is putting up the kinds of numbers that you’d expect to see from a capable big league ballplayer.
April 18th, 2008 at 8:06 am
Sorry I missed you gents last night, I had a baseball-free night with the wife and kiddos and it was just what the Dr. ordered. I monitered the game here and there though. I hate admitting this, but I was wrong about Hammel getting his shot. At this point, you seriously have to see Sonny going to the ‘pen, sending Birkins to Durham. I am guessing they will send Niemann back to Durham after all this too… Maybe there is a spot in the ‘pen for him also??? I don’t think they would do that, but we will have to wait and see…
April 18th, 2008 at 9:28 am
Once everyone his healthy, I would like to see 12 pitchers for now. This is the bread & butter not Hinske, Haynes, Ruggiano, Gomes, Floyd trying to play Right field & DH. You have to send at least two down or out for now. I’m not totally convinced at this point just who. Hinske is the best hitter, Ruggiano the best fielder with the most upside but can be sent down. Haynes the most versatile. Gomes the favorite and showing improvement at the plate. Floyd the veteran with the best clubhouse ethics and still a good hitter but can he stay healthy? Anyone have an idea?
April 18th, 2008 at 10:24 am
I do not think the Rays are going with 12 pitchers. It dramatically limits the options open to Maddon and seriously weakens the bench. My guess is that Ruggiano is only up while needed and that there is probably a trade developing that will clear some space.
The only reason I am guessing Haynes stays is that the Rays want a defensive presence in the outfield, one who can also fill in if necessary for Upton in CF, and Haynes is the only one who can do that. Although I cannot assert it based on observation, every article I have read says Nathan is a superior outfielder with a good arm, and so long as Hinske and Gomes are used in RF, Haynes is the late inning replacement.
April 18th, 2008 at 10:26 am
Rays Planning Press Conference
Baseball Digest Daily reports that the Rays have a press conference and major announcement planned a couple hours from now. No one has any idea what it’s about.
Barry Bonds signing? B.J. Upton extension? Something about the new stadium? Let’s hear your guesses.
April 18th, 2008 at 10:56 am
Looks like they are extending Longoria long term, after 5 games hahaha. Hey, I have no issue with it, but pray he doesn’t get hurt between now and then…
April 18th, 2008 at 11:16 am
bobr – they are already carrying 12 pitchers and have since the season’s start… Shields, Sonny, Jackson, Hammel, Niemann, Birkins, Howell, Glover, Dohmann, Wheeler, Miller, and Percival. You think they are going to stop carrying 12?
April 18th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Do you think it is the contract extension of Longoria? Seems really fast to have it done yet and why would they announce they were attepting?
If it was Bonds it would have already leaked out I think but a man can hope…