Comments on: RAYS 2, Angels 0: Scintillating, fantastic, wonderful, amazing

By: bobr

bobr — Sat, 10 May 2008 22:37:18 +0000

It may be frustrating, but leave Iwamura alone. He is better than this offensively. As for Aybar, I think he will get playing time, but the consensus I have seen is that he is not outstanding defensively although not a butcher either. While we may not be able to quantify the role of defense the way we can offense, I don’t think anyone doubts it has been crucial to our success and Iwamura is a part of that.

Although not anything more than a solid professional double play, the 5-4-3 DP was simply beautiful. The three men worked like one unit, a silky smooth body in motion, especially the throw to Aki and his pivot and throw. Not a great play, I know, but heart-stopping beautiful to watch.

Incidentally, as for Gross, I imagine his time will be severely reduced, but even while not hitting he has served. Last night, he did walk and his double was served perfectly to the opposite field at the end of a long at bat. In fact, while I may be exaggerating since I did not count pitches at the time, it seemed to me he never saw fewer than 6 or 7 pitches in each AB, working the count full even after 0-2 starts and fouling off numerous pitches. In fact, he has 7 walks with TB in 35 ABs so his OBP is .326 despite a .200 BA. In Milwaukee he did even better with 10 walks in 43 ABs for a .352 OBP on top of a .209 BA. He has been a solid pickup who should continue to contribute as a reserve.

By: Mark

Mark — Sat, 10 May 2008 18:55:22 +0000

Right now, Aki is bad. I agree Scott, but how about Pena or Bartlett? Or even Gross? What do we do with them?? All of them are hitting far below average.

I just don’t see the need to specifically target/panic on Aki right now.

While his average and OBP are pathetic and he seems to be hitting terrible in key situations lately, he does still have; 32 hits in 34 games, 19 runs scored, 11 RBIs, 2 HR, 15 BB and 2 SB..

So as bad as he’s been, he’s still contributing on offense and his defense has been exceptional in shoring up our middle infield (especially coming from a guy who used to play 3B!!)

Judging by the team’s recent success, I would just let things play out right now rather than juggle line-ups or panic on particular players who are underperforming. But that’s just my opinion!!

By: Scott Caruso

Scott Caruso — Sat, 10 May 2008 16:10:35 +0000

You reach a point of diminishing returns though, where no matter how good one’s defense is, if his offense isn’t up to par, you’re still losing out in the long-run. It’s hard to quantify how many runs a defender “saves” with good defense, but it’s easy to see how many he costs you with bad offense. Right now, Aki is bad.

By: Mark

Mark — Sat, 10 May 2008 15:48:28 +0000

First and foremost, GOD DAMN!!! What a performance by Shieldsy. That was a thing of beauty.

Next up, I’ve gotta agree with Brian’s post.

While I know it’s been very frustrating watching Aki bat right now, his defense has been perfect so far this season and is reason enough to keep him in the line-up. Remember, defense including solid middle infielders are key to this team winning!

It’s like Pena. Give them some time. Either move Aki down in the order (which I am not opposed to) or let him work things out on his own. I think he’ll come around.

As for Aybar, I like the notion of him getting playing time as a reserve for the infielders. He could get significant playing time subbing out everyone.

By: Jon Wolfson

Jon Wolfson — Sat, 10 May 2008 15:37:38 +0000

In China there is one state-run English speaking channel that is also probably the only channel you get in hell. Along with endless Asian political coverage dispensed by monotone Brits ad naseaum (this “ad naseaum” should be read with a tinge of rising hostility),they will occasionally throw you a sports update that seldom strays from God-forsaken soccer. And when it does you’ll get field hockey or badmitten or something out of the PE genre. Well tonight for some reason, they did a full recap of the James Shields start. I had previously, a long time ago, seen a Dodger’s game recap on it. That’s the only other baseball I’ve seen on it. Crazy!

So maybe those road trips to Orlando are actually helping the franchise expand eastward? Ol’ Stu should be pleased.

By: Brian H

Brian H — Sat, 10 May 2008 15:33:30 +0000

Dont over react, loved the post until the aybar comment. If you look at any analysis of the rays one of the big reasons the rays are where they are is because of their DEFENSE. The pitcing is as good as it is because of the defense, look at yesterdays game for example. With out Crawfords catch we might not be saying best pitching peformance in Rays history, which it was. But pitching and defense are out their together so they explain the same thing. Aki has bee essential to our winning up to this point. I am not opposed of taking him out of the lead off spot but thats a whole other discussion

By: Hazleton Jason

Hazleton Jason — Sat, 10 May 2008 15:10:05 +0000

Scotty-

Big balling today huh? I actually agree on Aybar and Iwamura… Now I’m not saying Aki should get the pine all the time, his defense is gold glove caliber at 2b, but maybe 2 days a week Aybar should get a look. I also think Aybar would do well in the 1-hole, he has the ability to draw a walk and his k-rate is about half of Aki’s. Nights that Aki starts, he should be flip flopped with Bartlett.

Aybar had done nothing to the point of his injury to lose tons of PT, and I still believe he is a good addition and should regularly be seen playing 2b, SS, and 3b to give those guys a break here and there… You and I are on the same page I think there Scott…

Shields was just fantastic, I feel like I jinxed him with my presence so far this year, I was at Feway last Saturday night and at opening day in Baltimore, and neiher time has been off the hook, however it has also bee cold and rainy those times too…

Hopefully can win the series tonight with our other ace Kid K on the hill… Lets go Rays!!!!

By: Jon Wolfson

Jon Wolfson — Sat, 10 May 2008 14:50:20 +0000

“We’ve seen some games here and there,” said Angels Manager Mike Scioscia, whose team was one-hit for the first time in two seasons. “But that one, certainly, would stick out as one of the best.”