RAYS 8, Blue Jays 3: Victory from the jaws of defeat
By Scott Caruso | May 9th, 2008 | Posted in Game Recap
Let’s not sugar-coat it: when Alex Rios hit that triple to start the bottom of the 10th inning, the Rays should’ve lost this game. Last year’s Rays would’ve. Heck, the Rays from any other year would’ve. But somehow, someway, Dan Wheeler danced out of that jam and gave his bats a chance to win it, which they finally did.
Ed-NoDecision Jackson: If ever there was a perfect example of why Won-Loss record is such a bad metric for judging pitcher performance, Edwin Jackson tonight was just that. The “good” Edwin showed up tonight, throwing strikes and letting his defense do the work for him. He had pretty good stuff, and though the strikeout total was low (3), there were really only a handful of balls you’d say were hit “hard.” Too bad for him that Percy couldn’t hold the lead, because he definitely deserved the win.
Troy Percival: I’m not even the least bit worried. All relievers have a few games where they get knocked around; you just cross your fingers that it never costs you a game. Tonight, it didn’t.
Do you believe yet? After three more hits, including the grand slam that put the game away in the 13th, are you yet a believer in Dioner Navarro? He would be leading the American League in batting average if he had enough plate appearances and he’s really taking some nice swings up there at the dish. Yes, his walk total is down, but he’s also seeing a lot more fastballs (and a lot more strikes) it seems. And, thus, he’s turning them around. I’ve never been shy about my Navi-love; I hope y’all are on the bandwagon soon too.
B.J. Upton Is Smarter Than You: When I saw B.J. get hung up between first and second, I was already getting ready to post about “another stupid running mistake” by B.J. Upton. Turns out he knows better than we do what he’s doing. I stand corrected, Mr. Bossman.
Mixed Bag: So, Carlos Pena hit a nice little opposite field home run in 1 of his 5 at-bats last night. It was, however, the only hit he would have. He also struck out once more in a big spot in extra innings. It’s too early to judge if he and Joe Maddon hugging it out after Wednesday night’s game was any help.
So Much For a Night Off: Evan Longoria’s “night off” included a 1-for-3 performance after replacing Eric Hinske for defense. He bombed in a big bases-loaded spot right before Navarro’s grand slam. Hopefully some home cooking will get him back on track, as he’s at just .225 right now.
Gross. Gabe Gross: I told you he’s a decent player.
Road Trippin’: So at the end of the day, the Rays had a 4-5 road trip, but won 2 of the 3 series they played. Not great, but considering it was a romp through Baltimore (a place we always struggle), Boston, and Toronto, it could have been a lot worse. At least the Rays were able to tread water and didn’t fall prohibively far out of first. We still own second place, and have plenty of games left with the Red Sox to make up that gap.
May 9th, 2008 at 8:01 am
Not only do we have plenty of games against the Sox left, the Sox and Yankees still have plenty of games against each other. Neither team ever really gains ground when those two play each other. That is the great thing about this division. Everyone is so busy beating up on each other that if a team can put together a solid winning streak, they can make a run at the playoffs.
May 9th, 2008 at 8:57 am
Very surprised you didn’t touch on the irony that Camp was the one that finally allowed the Rays to break through in extras. There were plenty of storylines in this game, but the Camp one was especially intriguing. It’s nice to be on this side of his sucking.
May 9th, 2008 at 9:35 am
Do you really think the fact that the Jays screwed up the execution on the run-down gives B.J. a pass for another boneheaded move on the bases? Sure, it turned out well, but it was still another baserunning mistake. The percentage of times he’s made the extra base compared to attempts is horrible.
May 9th, 2008 at 10:24 am
“Camper did his job.” — Joe Maddon
May 9th, 2008 at 10:37 am
What gives with Gomes? Is he not loved? Lots of HRs but too many whiffs? Will he be traded or just continue to dry out on the bench? I am really unclear as to the Rays’ intent.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:49 am
Camp’s outing is an indication of why he is not a good pitcher, but it is not an indication that he is a bad one. On the contrary, it is typical of his ilk, a middle reliever who is often very useful but who is erratic and so unreliable.
Consider that before last night he had appeared 6 times and thrown 5.2 innings in which he had given up 2 hits, 0 BBs, 0 runs (earned or unearned) and gotten 7 Ks. Then in his 7th game, he was terrible. Now I doubt he will be effective in 6 of every 7 appearances, but wouldn’t you say that so far he has been a useful pitcher for the Blue Jays. And if he is effective even in 5 of every 7 appearances, wouldn’t you take that?
Who would you prefer on your team? Camp at minimum or so wage or the multimillion dollar LaTroy Hawkins of the 7.02 ERA and 14 appearances in 5 of which he gave up runs. Once 6 in .2 IP, once 3 in .1 IP and another time 2 in .1 IP? I don’t say this to compare the two or suggest Camp is better than Hawkins; a lot more data is needed to do either. But it does reflect the nature of middle relievers who dot the rosters of every team in the majors.