RAYS 2, Angels 0: Hey, we’ve actually got some pitching
By Scott Caruso | May 11th, 2008 | Posted in Game Recap
So THIS is what a Major League pitching staff looks like. I kind of like it. We don’t have to give it back, do we?
Top To Bottom: From Kid K’s start to Troy Percival closing, and everything in-between, the Rays are truly pitching better than they ever have in the team’s existence. It’s no surprise that the team’s rise to near the top of the AL East goes hand-in-hand with the improved pitching. I think that the most encouraging thing is that we have reason to believe that it could keep up. We know what we’ve got with James Shields and Scott Kazmir, of course, but Matt Garza looks like he just might be for real as well. Throw in the suddenly-solid Andy Sonnanstine and Edwin Jackson, and you’ve got a staff that could win itself a few games this year.
The biggest difference, of course, comes with the bullpen, and more specifically in its ability to work out of trouble. Last year, if someone had come in and loaded the bases like Wheeler had done, you could’ve bet that at least 2 runs would’ve scored. But now, we’ve got reason to believe that our bullpen can get out of jams like that. It’s a wonderful feeling to see the Rays winning games they wouldn’t have last season.
Getting Defensive: I love this defense. I really do. Great double-play by Aki and Bartlett to close out the 5th inning, and more solid outfield play in the corners. It goes unnoticed lots of the time, but I’m sure we’ve all seen just how good it has been.
Weird: Evan Longoria is hitting under .100 against left-handed pitchers. I can’t figure that out. Anyone have any ideas?
Smallish: I have to admit, when B.J. bunted in the bottom of the 8th inning, I really scratched my head. I hate taking the bat out of your clean-up hitter’s hands, especially when he’s facing a pitcher that he should be able to tattoo. The play worked out brilliantly, though, as Carl then stole third and came home on Carlos Pena’s flyball. A big insurance run played the Rays’ way.
