Game #77: Shields needs a win for a change
By Scott Caruso | June 25th, 2008 | Posted in Game Thread
I’m a big fan of these Game 2s where the Rays can already win a series without having to take it to a rubber-match. I especially like them when James Shields is on the hill, hungry for another win.
And, before anyone roasts me for saying that Shields “needs a win,” I understand that the Won-Loss record for a pitcher is overrated and not a true indicator of how well he has pitched, but I still think there’s some kind of psychological boost that comes from adding a “W” to that column. 4-5 just doesn’t look that good.
What to watch for: Jamie has been surprisingly mediocre against the Marlins in 3 career starts, going 19 innings with a 4.74 ERA. He’s 1-1, striking out 24 batters in that time. He didn’t face the Marlins during the last series between the two teams.
Scouting Report on today’s starters from MLB.com:
James Shields - Shields is still searching for his first win since May 9, but his record doesn’t do the right-hander justice. Thursday night is a prime example, as he tossed six shutout innings before hitting a glitch in the seventh inning. Shields was charged with three earned runs off seven hits, but the Rays’ bats came alive shortly after to notch the victory. The Rays top right-hander, Shields is at his best when he has command of his fastball as he did in his last outing vs. the Cubs, in which he fanned nine Chicago batters. He will travel to South Florida looking for his fifth win, as Shields takes on the Marlins for the first time this season.
Ryan Tucker - Three big league starts, three decisions, with two wins. Not a bad way for the 21-year-old to break into the league. In his last outing, Tucker worked a career-long six innings, giving up two runs as he beat the Mariners. Showcasing a 96 mph fastball that day, he threw 94 pitches, striking out four while walking two. This will be his second meeting against the Rays. On June 13 at Tampa Bay, Tucker worked five innings, giving up five runs on seven hits in a loss.
Check out the Rays’ career numbers against Ryan Tucker.
View the game preview from Baseball Reference.
| TAMPA BAY RAYS |
FLORIDA MARLINS |
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| LINEUP 2 | LINEUP 2 |
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| LINEUP 9 | LINEUP 9 |
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Tags: Marlins
June 25th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
The Rays scored 2 touchdowns already tonight! CC is leading the charge and even Shields got a hit!
That is a mouth dropping WOW!
June 25th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
Not one first down.
June 26th, 2008 at 9:11 am
Great game last night. The 5th inning was insane to watch. It was like watching batting practice for a while. This is C.C.’s hot streak that we’ve all been waiting for. He’ll be at .300 in no time again. When he gets hot, he is impossible to get out and just absolutely shreds opposing pitchers. How C.C. goes, so goes the offense usually. Maybe Upton can start hitting the ball out of the park again soon too. Anybody else wondering where his power went, and which guy is the real Upton? I don’t know if he’s the .300 hitter who will hit 25 HR and be a run producer, like last year, or if he’s a .280 hitter who hits 10-15 HR, and only drives in 70 runs. Either way, he’s a good ballplayer, but don’t blame me for wanting the guy to get going like he did last year. He can be an MVP-caliber of player, and we do need him to get back to last year’s form.
Also, Evan Longoria seems to be heating up, which could mean bad news for opposing pitchers. This kid is the real deal for sure. I was starting to get concerned about his average, but I think he could turn it around and finish around .270 this year and hit 30 HR, as predicted by many. Nobody will be complaining about that at all. Not to mention that he is playing Gold Glove defense over on the hot corner. If he continues what he’s doing, nobody can make an argument of him not winning the award. He has been simply fantastic with the glove, and I don’t see anybody else making the plays that he has to keep their teams from giving up runs.
June 26th, 2008 at 10:13 am
You have to love Upton’s focus and consistency. I am happy with his performance to date; he is young and will continue to get better. Last year was a “splash” year, this year is kind of a consolidation year and next will see some good bat improvement. Next year, with Longo’s, Navarro’s and Upton’s improvements…this will be fun to watch. Patience, grasshoppers….
June 26th, 2008 at 10:26 am
Bill, I will say that you are wrong about Upton’s focus. I am not trying to knock Upton too much, but if he has a weakness, it is his focus on the field. He does get lazy on plays, but he has so much talent that we sometimes overlook it. I compare him to Andruw Jones when he was with Atlanta-has the ability to make some fantastic plays defensively and can be special at the plate, but also can fall asleep on certain plays in the outfield. I think very highly of Upton’s ability, but he does lack focus on certain plays.