Tampa Bay Devil Rays @ Bare Baseball - Baseball MLB Blog

Rays drop sixth straight to Twins

b2blog@gmail.com (David) — Fri, 21 Jul 2006 16:56:00 +0000

07/19/2006
MINNEAPOLIS -- A different lineup produced the same result for the Devil Rays on Wednesday night.
The Rays tallied just four hits, even though manager Joe Maddon tried to provide his team a fresh outlook when he fiddled with the front end of the lineup, and couldn't find enough production despite a pair of home runs.
A four-run fifth inning was too much for the Rays to overcome as they lost to Minnesota, 7-2, at the Metrodome. It was the club's sixth straight loss -- the longest losing streak of the season and worst second-half start in franchise history.
The Rays, who are a season-high 16 games under .500, have dropped nine of 10 game and 11 straight to the Twins since 2004.
"Before the break we looked wonderful, and now we don't look so wonderful," Maddon said. "We have to get better than that."
Minnesota starter Brad Radke (8-7) tossed seven innings and allowed just four hits, including a pair of solo home runs. After struggling in the first couple of months this season, Radke hasn't lost since June 3.
The Rays' four hits tied their season low, done four times previously, including Tuesday night against Francisco Liriano.
"Sometimes there are extenuating circumstances to your demise, and we'll have to just keep battling until we get through it," said Maddon, noting the team's tough-luck run of facing strong pitching.
The new lineup couldn't beat Radke, but it did end a couple of cold streaks for the Rays.
Designated hitter Jonny Gomes, who hit in the second spot for the first time this season, homered in the sixth inning to snap an 0-for-21 streak. The blast was Gomes' 19th home run of the season and his first hit since the All-Star break.
Third baseman Ty Wigginton, who had missed the last four games with a strained back, collected two of Tampa Bay's four hits. He ended an 0-for-16 streak with a single in the fifth.
"It was definitely nice to get back out there," said Wigginton, who added that his back felt fine, even after making a diving stop at third.
Rays starter Jae Seo (0-4) lasted 5 2/3 innings and gave up 11 hits and seven runs. The Twins took the lead with a four-run fifth inning that began with a leadoff homer by Rondell White, who hit another homer two innings earlier to tie the game.
Down, 2-1, with one out and runners on the corners, Minnesota's Nick Punto hit a 1-2 pitch down the right-field line for a triple. He scored on a sacrifice fly two batters later.
"It came down to the at-bat with Punto," Maddon said. "I can't say it was an awful pitch. He gets a breaking ball and put it right down the line. [The Twins] work good at-bats."
Minnesota tacked on two more runs in the sixth with three consecutive two-out hits -- the last two off reliever Shawn Camp, who replaced Seo after Jason Bartlett ripped an RBI triple.
Right fielder Greg Norton homered in the second inning, giving the Rays an early 1-0 lead. The ball just cleared the wall in left, reaching the first row of seats. Carl Crawford and Rocco Baldelli -- both moved down in the order to third and fourth, respectively -- combined to hit 0-for-8.
The Rays look to prevent a four-game sweep Thursday against Johan Santana and try to win one game on the road trip before returning home for series against Baltimore and Anaheim.
"It's real frustrating," Gomes said. "It's not like no one doesn't want to spark the first [win], it's not like no one's trying. We just have to go out and get them and not sit back and watch."

Source: http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/

Rays get Ruggiano to complete LA trade

b2blog@gmail.com (David) — Fri, 21 Jul 2006 16:55:00 +0000

07/19/2006
MINNEAPOLIS -- The Devil Rays completed their June 27 trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers, receiving Minor League outfielder Justin Ruggiano as the player to be named later.
Ruggiano batted .260 with nine home runs and 45 RBIs with Double-A Jacksonville. Ruggiano, who was selected in the 25th round of the 2004 First-Year Player Draft, has 19 doubles and three triples on the season.
He will report to Double-A Montgomery.
In the trade last month, the Rays acquired starting pitcher Jae Seo and catcher Dioner Navarro in exchange for pitcher Mark Hendrickson, catcher Toby Hall and cash.

Source: http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/

Notes: Snapping the Rays' skid

b2blog@gmail.com (David) — Fri, 21 Jul 2006 16:54:00 +0000

07/20/2006
MINNEAPOLIS -- Manager Joe Maddon says mental toughness will be the key as his team tries to break its offensive funk and current losing streak.
The Devil Rays wrapped up play on Thursday having lost a season-high seven straight games, which also tied a franchise record for consecutive losses immediately following the All-Star break. They were also a season-high 18 games under .500. Starting pitcher Scott Kazmir said earlier this week that the team isn't in panic mode yet, but Maddon said he wants to keep the clubhouse even-keeled.
"[The players] always want to see what you look like when you walk in the door," Maddon said. "They don't need to see a spread overturned and I don't think they need to see anything splattered on the wall.
"I think they need consistency on how you deal with them and how they react to you."
After Tampa Bay's 6-4 loss to Minnesota on Thursday, the Rays have tallied just 45 hits in their last 63 innings, while dropping seven games to the Angels and Twins. The club has scored only 17 runs during that span.
"I think, as a whole, the team just needs to stay positive," third baseman Ty Wigginton said. "And instead of focusing on getting a hit, we should concentrate on our approach in each and every at-bat."
Learning to win on the road: After losing all seven games of their road swing, the Rays' record away from Tropicana Field plummeted to 17-37 -- third worst in the Major Leagues.
Maddon admits the team's youth doesn't help with common problems, like staying at a hotel or dealing with the quirks of a foreign ballpark.
"As you get more experienced in the league, those things bother you less," Maddon said. "I think it's normally a veteran group that's able to do that more easily than a younger group."
The manager said he's already looked into a change of pace for the team's next road swing in New York, July 28-30, but didn't want to reveal specifics. Maddon would only say the new idea goes back to the old days, adding it won't involve a train ride.
"It's kind of hush-hush right now," he said.
Tough pitching during rough stretch: On its 0-7 road trip, Tampa Bay will have faced the American League's three best pitchers with the lowest opponents batting average. Minnesota's Francisco Liriano leads the AL with a .196 average and Anaheim's John Lackey is second with a .205 average.
Thursday's opposing starter, Johan Santana, is third, holding foes to a .220 batting average.
"We had the wonderful pleasure of seeing them all on one trip," Maddon said. "Sometimes there are extenuating circumstances to your demise."
Rays roundup: Second baseman Jorge Cantu returned to the lineup on Thursday, batting fifth, after sitting out Wednesday night's game. ... It's been more than two years since Tampa Bay beat Minnesota, but the last win came against Santana on June 3, 2004. ... The Rays will play 39 of their remaining 66 games at Tropicana Field.
Minor matters: Center fielder Darnell McDonald went 2-for-5 with a home run to extend his hitting streak to a club-record 24 games as Triple-A Durham fell to Scranton, 8-6, on Wednesday. Brian Stokes allowed seven runs -- four earned -- on seven hits and four walks in four innings to pick up the loss. ... Andy Sonnanstine tossed a two-hit shutout, striking out five and walking one as Double-A Montgomery beat West Tennessee, 7-0. ... James Houser allowed one run and three hit in six innings to give Class A Visalia a 4-1 victory over Modesto.

Source: http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/

Rays drop series finale vs. Twins

b2blog@gmail.com (David) — Fri, 21 Jul 2006 16:50:00 +0000

07/20/2006
MINNEAPOLIS -- The Devil Rays simply can't find enough hits right now.
Even when the team jumped out to an early lead against one of the American League's best pitchers, a defensive lapse evened the score and a big inning shut down Tampa Bay's chances of halting its worst losing streak of the season on Thursday afternoon as Minnesota swept the four-game set with a 6-4 win at the Metrodome.
The Rays fell to a season-high 18 games below .500 and lost a franchise-record 12th straight to the Twins.
"There's so much premium on our pitchers right now to not make mistakes because we're not scoring runs," manager Joe Maddon said. "I think that's adding a little pressure to them, so we just have to pick it up on the offensive side.
"When you don't hit, everything else seems to drag."
Despite allowing a four-run fifth inning, the Rays had a chance to get back in the game in the final two frames.
In the eighth inning, second baseman Jorge Cantu hit a two-out home run off reliever Juan Rincon, cutting the deficit to 6-4. Ty Wigginton then walked to bring the tying run to the plate. Maddon elected to use Greg Norton to pinch-hit for Dave Hollins, but he struck out in the eight-pitch at-bat to end the threat.
In the ninth, Travis Lee notched a leadoff single off Twins closer Joe Nathan to again bring the tying run to the plate, but Nathan struck out the last three hitters on 12 pitches.
All in all, four hitters came to the plate in the last two innings with a chance to tie the game with a homer or make things interesting with a base hit. Every one of them struck out.
"That's kind of been a problem for us all year," Maddon said of the untimely hitting. "We're working at it, but we just have to get better. It takes time. That's not been one of our strong points."
Rays starter James Shields (4-4) lasted 4 1/3 innings, allowing eight hits and five earned runs. In the fifth inning, six of the first seven Twins hitters reached base via a hit or walk -- the only out was a sacrifice bunt. Minnesota batted around in the inning, forcing Shields out of the game after throwing just 82 pitches.
"I was just making bad pitches," said Shields, who is 0-4 with an 8.89 ERA in his last five starts. "If I execute my pitches, that doesn't happen.
"My ball was up. If I keep the ball down, I might get some groundouts or even pop outs."
A couple of critical mistakes in the field for the Rays led to the tying run in the fourth inning and a security run in the sixth.
With the Rays leading, 1-0, in the fourth, catcher Josh Paul called for a pitchout with Minnesota's Nick Punto on first base. Punto ran on the play, realized he would be thrown out and stopped 10 feet short of second. But Punto made a sudden cut for the back end of the bag when shortstop Julio Lugo took a wide turn on the front side of the base and was called safe.
Punto scored when Michael Cuddyer doubled to right-center field.
In the sixth, a balk by reliever Chad Harville moved Minnesota's Jason Tyner into scoring position. He came around to score on a two-out double by Luis Castillo, extending Minnesota's lead, 6-3.
Tampa Bay took an early lead with Travis Lee's home run to lead off the third inning -- his second of the series. After Minnesota evened the contest, the Rays regained the lead with a two-out single by Rocco Baldelli that scored two in the fifth. It was Baldelli's fifth multi-RBI game of the season.
The Rays held a lead in three of four games of the series, but never led after the fifth inning.
"Today, we got in the game, we got ahead and I couldn't close the deal," Shields said.
Minnesota left-hander Johan Santana (11-5), on a bad day, was good enough to beat the Rays. Santana tossed just six innings, but allowed six hits and an unprecedented four walks -- he hadn't recorded that many walks in a game in his last 37 starts.
Santana and three Twins relievers combined for 14 strikeouts -- at least one in every inning except the third.
"We strike out way too much," Maddon said. "There's no denying it and there's no tap-dancing around it. That's a big part of your offense, where if you're not even making the defense play, it's a lot easier for the defense and the pitcher."

Source: http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/

Rays inform Bankston he's moving to third

b2blog@gmail.com (David) — Sun, 05 Mar 2006 16:33:00 +0000

02/27/2006
ST. PETERSBURG -- Wes Bankston could have panicked over the weekend when the Tampa Bay brass informed him that he'd be encountering a bit of a detour on his career path. Instead, he embraced the news that he would be moving from first to third base, excited about the opportunity to pad his resume and improve his marketability.
Bankston, a former fourth-round pick (2002), has carved a reputation as one of the organization's top slugging prospects. And until his weekend meeting with the powers that be, he seemed headed directly toward first base at Tropicana Field with an ETA of sometime in 2007.
While his touchdown time in the Major Leagues remains the same, where he eventually lands will be determined over the next few months, depending on how well he adapts to his new position.
The Devil Rays don't anticipate Bankston having much of a problem with the move, though. Andrew Friedman, the club's executive vice president of baseball operations, said on Monday that the switch is something Bankston "can do well enough to be our future third baseman."
Bankston, 22, whom Tampa Bay selected out of Plano East (Texas) High, split last season between Visalia of the Class A California League and Montgomery of the Double-A Southern League and committed only six errors after his promotion, the third fewest among first baseman on the circuit who appeared in at least 50 games. His .991 fielding percentage was also third highest in the league. His soft hands around the base were part of the reason why the switch seemed to make sense. He began taking grounders at third on Sunday.
"It's still the early stages [of the move], but he's a tremendous worker," Friedman said. "And its something he's anxious to try. He converted from right field to play first base, so he has the arm strength. This just adds to his prospect status."
Bankston, who missed the first month of last season while recovering from a torn meniscus in his left knee, has never played third base before. He was an outfielder in each of his first two seasons in the organization before switching to first base during 2004. But growing up in Texas he was a big fan of Rangers infielder Steve Buechele and says he always thought about playing third base. Now he has the chance.
"I have to start learning the position and getting comfortable over there," said Bankston, who combined to hit .309 with 15 homers and 70 RBIs at both stops last year. "This should be fun, though. We'll wait and see what happens. I'll work on my throws, work on moving my feet more. We'll give it a few weeks and see how it goes.
"I'm excited, though, because this is going to be a new challenge. It's one more position to play. Whether it's first base or third base, wherever they need me to play, that's where I'll play. I think it will be a new challenge."
Rebuilding up his arm strength will be an issue for Bankston, at least early on. And seeing the ball come off the bat differently will be an adjustment at third as well. But he's steadfast in his belief, though, that both will be made with minimal difficulty and that the position switch won't hinder his progress toward his ultimate goal -- a spot on the Major League roster. Based on Friedman's assessment of the situation, Bankston has little to worry about.
Not that he had a great deal holding him back prior to the switch. His 68 career homers, including seven grand slams, are the fifth-most ever among Devil Rays Minor Leaguers. He was named Charleston's Player of the Year in 2004 after hitting 23 homers and driving in 101 runs. It all makes for an impressive resume, but this is still his first big league camp and he's content to remain in the background as much as possible.
"This is a totally different atmosphere," Bankston said. "Most of these guys have been up and in the Major Leagues for several years, so I'm just trying to learn things from them, learn how to go about my business. And I'm enjoying that because there's a lot of information out there.
"We have a great group of guys, and right now I'm just sitting and watching. And if they come up to me and give me some suggestions, I'm all ears. Overall, though, I just want to play well and stay healthy and when they feel it's time for me to be ready that I'll be able to contribute."

Source: http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/

Obstacles can't slow down Riggans

b2blog@gmail.com (David) — Sun, 05 Mar 2006 16:32:00 +0000

02/27/2006
ST. PETERSBURG -- Shawn Riggans has made it clear that nothing is going to hold him back.
Not his arm -- a nagging elbow injury in his throwing arm cost the Devil Rays' top catching prospect two months of one season and ended his year with Tommy John surgery in another.
Not his size -- the 6-foot-2, 190-pounder has heard more than once that he's too small to be a catcher.
Not even the fact that he only had 12 at-bats on his high school varsity team.
"All I can control is my effort out on the field. I have the heart to play -- I wouldn't want to do anything else," Riggans said. "I started playing when I was 5 years old, so it's been my lifelong dream to get to the big leagues."
Drafted by the Rays in the 24th round of the 2000 First-Year Player Draft out of Indian River Community College, Riggans has had two seasons of his five-year Minor League career shortened significantly due to injury. But after hearing the energetic 25-year-old encourage teammate Delmon Young during batting practice, and watching him joke around at his locker after Monday morning's workouts, you'll learn it's going take a lot more than a few aches and pains to slow down Riggans.
"I never played any other sport. I always grew up watching baseball, playing baseball, loving baseball," he said. "I just want to come out and play hard. I can't control the injuries, but I can control going out and playing hard every day."
His enthusiasm may be contagious. Riggans' hard-nosed approach to the game already has earned praise from Rays executive vice president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, who says the fiery catcher makes up for his small build with tenacity.
"It's really a direct outcome of how hard he plays," Friedman said. "It's hard to tell someone not to play the game. He's an extremely tough competitor, and he takes the defensive side of the game very seriously.
"He plays huge, and at the end of the day, that's what matters."
Twice named the organization's best defensive catcher by Baseball America, Riggans knows he has a lot to prove and didn't waste any time setting the record straight.
"I think you're undersized if mentally you think that," Riggans said. "Physically, I feel that I can compete with anybody. I'm not going to back down, because what comes around, goes around. I'm going to get my chance, too, and when I do, I'm not going to slide."
Maybe even more impressive than his defense is Riggans' bat. At Double-A Montgomery last season, he led all Rays Minor Leaguers in August with a .433 batting average to finish the season at .310, with 21 doubles, eight home runs and 53 RBIs. Riggans' career average of .293 is also the eighth highest all-time among Rays Minor Leaguers.
"I've seen guys like him with that kind of body build, and I like it, because I see a lot of limberness and looseness, and yet there's still a lot of strength involved," Rays manager Joe Maddon said. "Actually, he's in a good position, I think, to grow into that, and with the training we have, you're going to see him develop into a pretty well-developed [strong player]."
Riggans figures the offseason has given him time to mature as a player mentally. This is the first spring he's reported to Spring Training with no lingering soreness or injuries, and he has plenty of reasons to be excited for the year ahead.
"I'm a little bit smarter now," he said. "Now, I'm a little bit more reserved -- toning it down a little bit. I know I don't need to go out there and kill my arm on every throw.
"My arm finally doesn't hurt, there are no problems and I'm just really ready to get the season going."

Source: http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/

Notes: Lugo's brother trying to make it

b2blog@gmail.com (David) — Sun, 05 Mar 2006 16:30:00 +0000

02/27/2006
ST. PETERSBURG -- Shortstop Julio Lugo isn't the only Lugo in Devil Rays camp this spring as his brother, Ruddy, is a non-roster invitee.
Julio, 30, is five years older than Ruddy, a right-handed pitcher.
"When they told me last year that [Ruddy] would by in big-league camp this spring, I was thrilled," Julio said.
The two brothers are living together this spring.
"We've always spent a lot of time together," said Julio with a broad smile. "Having him here in camp is a dream come true."
Ruddy's face lights up when he talks about his older brother.
"I've always looked forward to playing on the same team he's been on," Ruddy said. "It's fun to be here. [Julio] is like a father figure, a role model, you name it."
The younger Lugo signed with the Rays during extended Spring Training in 2005 and went 0-0 with a 13.50 ERA in one game at Class A Visalia. He finished the season at Double-A Montgomery, where he went 1-1 with two saves and a 1.12 ERA in 26 games. Opponents hit just .169 against Lugo and he struck out 48 in 40 1/3 innings; 22 of his 26 outings were scoreless.
"He's good," Julio said. "He's got a good fastball, changeup and breaking ball."
Ruddy has not pitched against his brother.
"We never faced each other," Ruddy said. "We never played against each other. It's going to be exciting [when I face him]."
If and when it happens, Ruddy will forget Julio is his brother.
"Like I told him before, if it comes down to that, he's got to do his job and I've got to do mine," Ruddy said. "I'll be trying to get him out."
And will there be a little trash talking going on if that happens?
"Always," Ruddy said.
Fossum learning: Casey Fossum has pitched in the Major Leagues for parts of five seasons, but he's still learning.
"I think one thing I learned [in 2005] was keeping the pitch count down," Fossum said. "Just keeping the ball down at the knees."
Any time Fossum got the ball up in the strike zone when he was behind in the count, he said the hitter usually had success. He will strive to be more unpredictable when he finds himself in that situation.
"Throw something the guys aren't looking for," Fossum said. "I think a lot of it for me now will be if I'm able to execute a lot of my pitches. It's just a matter of figuring out what they're looking for. Over time, since I've seen the hitters more, I've gotten better about doing that."
Once the season was over, Fossum had a chance to reflect on the highs and lows.
The low came against the Orioles.
"I distinctly remember Jay Gibbons hit the grand slam off me at Baltimore," Fossum said. "I think I ended up giving up nine runs in that game. It was just a nightmare game for me. That was a good example of the snowball effect. If things go bad in the first inning, I don't want it to snowball it even more."
Working deep, as he did in a game against the Blue Jays, was among the highs.
"The first game after the All-Star break against the Blue Jays, I think we shut out them out and I went almost eight innings," Fossum said. "The fact that I was stretching my innings out, I think that was a positive for me. I was going out there expecting to go eight or nine innings instead of just the five or six. I had the mentality of going eight or nine last year."
State of Major League arms: Former Rays outfielder Dave Martinez had one of the top arms in the Major Leagues during his playing days. This spring, he's a special advisor in camp, and he spoke about why there is a lack of quality arms in the Major Leagues.
"I think it's because they got away from the fundamentals of throwing," Martinez said. "I threw long toss like every other day. And I constantly worked on my throwing during batting practice and worked on catching ground balls and getting in position to throw."
Martinez has been impressed with all the young talented outfielders in camp and has found some eager students.
"They want to work," he said. "I talked to [Carl Crawford] and the first thing he said is, 'I want to throw like you.' I said, 'Why can't you throw like me? All you have to do every day is work at it. You've got a great arm. As fast as you are, as quick as you are, you can get to the balls a lot quicker than I ever could.'"
Crawford, who is already a potential Gold Glove outfielder, was pleased about working with Martinez.
"He's been telling me little things about staying low and keeping a nice little base when I'm ready to throw," Crawford said. "We're kind of doing the basics right now, and hopefully we can work our way up to where I can be just as fundamentally sound as he was."
Manager Joe Maddon answered "absolutely" when asked about the prospect of an outfielder improving his arm.
"I've seen it, absolutely," he said. "Improves with better mechanics and long toss. ... I've seen it work."

Source: http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/

Mailbag: Where should Huff play?

b2blog@gmail.com (David) — Sun, 05 Mar 2006 16:29:00 +0000

02/27/2006
I read that Aubrey Huff is eager to try to play third base again. If so, does that mean that Delmon Young is the front-runner for right field, or would the job go to Johnny Gomes?-- Jason G., Torrance, Calif.
All manager Joe Maddon will say at this point is that he's looking at everyone. Given the way last season went down, I'd have to speculate that Gomes is the favorite to be the right fielder at the start of the season if Huff is at third.
The Devil Rays have four starters -- Jason Hammel, Chris Seddon, Brian Stokes and Jamie Shields -- who will probably start the season in Triple-A. How do you rank them in terms of talent, and do you think any of them will end up in the Rays' bullpen?-- Dave E., St. Petersburg
All are talented, so I think I'll pass on ranking them according to talent. Instead, I'll tell you that Hammel is likely to reach the Major Leagues first and Shields ranks a close second.
As a seasonal visitor and an MLB.com customer when I'm back in the United Kingdom, I am a big Devil Rays fan. Is there any more discussion at Major League Baseball about a more balanced playing schedule or a divisional shakeup that may benefit the Rays? I was thinking something along the lines what the NFL practices: setting a schedule reflecting the previous season's results that allows more teams to have a chance of the playoffs.-- David S., England and Hudson
No. Major League Baseball has no plans for any of the steps you suggest.
In a previous mailbag, you stated that Sammy Sosa was a question mark and not worth $1 million. What is not a question mark is that between designated hitter and outfield, he could be a major contributor. More importantly, there are a lot of Hispanic fans that would definitely go check out the Rays.-- Tom N., Tampa, Fla.
I was simply expressing my opinion about Sosa given the Rays' situation in the outfield. If I were the Rays, I would be more inclined to go with a player of Sosa's stature if he played another position than one where they have so many candidates. I respect your view and I'm sure Sosa would draw a lot of fans to Tropicana Field, because he has quite an impressive body of work.
The Rays have a very talented baseball team. They are one or two players away from contending in the American League East. What is stopping them from picking up that one more legitimate and consistent pitcher?-- Joe O., Gloucester, Mass.
That always sounds good, but where do you go to get this guy? Virtually every team in baseball needs pitching, and no team in baseball wants to part with pitching. So, yes, it would be nice to trade a player or two for a consistent pitcher, but there just aren't any pitchers who are available. The later we move into Spring Training, however, the possibility comes into play that a team will lose a crucial position player. At that point, they are sometimes forced to move a pitcher to fill that sudden void. The Rays have their eyes open looking for pitching, and those eyes never shut.
Why is it being speculated that Gomes will be the club's DH in Spring Training rather than play right field? He is so much better in right that Huff is, so I don't understand why Huff couldn't be the DH and Gomes play right field. Joey Gathright played very well last season, so why did Rocco Baldelli get a big contract when he seems to be very injury-prone? With Gathright in center field, the Devil Rays have the fastest lineup in all of baseball, which they greatly benefited from last season. It just seems like it was a waste to sign Baldelli to such a big contract when we could've just kept Gathright in center and be just as good, if not better, for a lot less money.-- Jonathan E., Tampa, Fla.
Let's go one at a time here. First, the Huff-Gomes issue. That one might get answered before it transpires, given the recent development of Huff wanting to play third base. Next, I like Gathright, too, but Baldelli is a potential five-tool player. He's looking good this spring and everyone expects him to be back at full strength. In addition, he is a team leader and an all-around good egg. As for the big contract/health risk, I'm sure the Rays checked him out thoroughly and they were convinced his health won't be an issue. Otherwise, they would not have gone with the deal.

Source: http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/

Branyan looking for right fit

b2blog@gmail.com (David) — Sun, 05 Mar 2006 16:28:00 +0000

02/28/2006
ST. PETERSBURG -- You could tell by his attitude during the intrasquad game Tuesday morning that Russell Branyan was happy to be there. The time left for the recent Minor League signee to prove himself is slowly running out, and he's determined to make the most of every day.
Branyan charged toward first on a routine groundout and didn't hit the brakes until he'd run well past the bag, earning enthusiastic praise and a "good hustle" from manager Joe Maddon. After he struck out in his second at-bat, the eight-year Major League veteran turned and jogged to the dugout without hesitation.
"I'm always playing to open some eyes and hopefully get a shot," said the 30-year-old Branyan. "I'm not really ready to move on to the next chapter of my life. I want to keep playing this game, and I still think I've got some fuel left in my tank. I feel like I can play at the big-league level without a doubt; it's just a matter of finding the right fit."
Branyan has made a career of finding fits, spending time in the Major Leagues with Milwaukee, Cleveland and Cincinnati, at third base, first base and in left field, but his performance at the plate is probably his biggest sales pitch.
Branyan's ability to crush the ball is well documented. In his first start for the Brewers in 2004, he hit the longest home run in Miller Park history, a 480-footer off Cubs starter Greg Maddux. He has a career total of 93 homers through eight seasons, including a combined 24 in 2002 with the Indians and the Reds. Along with the power comes strikeouts -- 597 in 1,464 Major League at-bats, contributing to a career .232 batting average. It's an issue everyone seems to have advice for, but Branyan says he's not sweating it.
"I'm just myself," he said. "People have their different solutions, but it comes down to me putting the ball in play. [Maddon] has some good ideas ... and he's given me some good little pointers, and I'm just going to keep working on it."
As a free agent in the offseason, Branyan chose the Devil Rays over several other teams because he says he felt it was his best road back to playing in the Majors, both on offense and defense.
He was also swayed by the enthusiasm for the upcoming season Maddon and his staff have shown.
"It seems like everybody has a lot more energy," Branyan said. "Joe's real positive, but he also wants things done properly. He has a way about doing that and a manner where he doesn't step on anyone's toes -- he doesn't offend anyone, he makes everyone feel comfortable with the job that they're doing."
Branyan jokes about the age difference between him and his new youthful teammates but thinks his experience might help him find a niche at last. Maddon agrees.
"If [players are] around 30 and take good care of themselves, they might be productive for five or six years," Maddon said. "What's wrong with that?"
Intrasquad game: Shinji Mori looked sharp pitching his first game with umpires in the United States. Mori wasted no time after entering in the top of the third, striking out left fielder Jonny Gomes looking on three straight pitches. The next batter, third baseman Sean Burroughs, fell in four pitches and Mori then coaxed first baseman Wes Bankston into an infield pop fly to end his outing.
Shinji was pleased and said he hopes to continue his success.
"In the Major Leagues, I'm just a rookie, even if I played in Japan," he said through a translator. "I just want to show all my teammates and all the coaches and managers how I do my best, like I did today, and put all my effort into each one."
Maddon was focused on execution on offense and aggressive baserunning and said he was pleased with both. Damon Hollins' defense earned special mention, as did Hollins' hustle to score from third on a grounder.

Source: http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/

Gomes: D-Rays will build on success

b2blog@gmail.com (David) — Sun, 05 Mar 2006 16:27:00 +0000

03/01/2006
We're going to take our second-half success into the 2006 season. The guys on the Devil Rays really stuck together and turned things around last year after a difficult start and we feel that strength of character is something we can build on.
What I noticed about this club after coming up to the Majors last season was that after a 10-0 win or a 10-0 loss, everyone came to the park straight-faced, as if nothing had happened at all the previous night. The guys in our clubhouse knew how to go about their business.
We have a talented nucleus of players here. There's no doubt about that. But we also have a lot of strong leaders on this team, even though some of them may not have been around the big leagues for very long. We have a few veteran guys like Travis Lee, but some of the younger players are taking on some of those responsibilities, too. It's good to see.
Coming in as a second-year player myself, I can't be using "rookie mistake" as an excuse any more. We just have to be ready to play because we have the skill and the desire.
We have a bunch of weapons. A few of the guys in this clubhouse can really hit the long ball, we got some guys who can run. No matter what kind of game we get involved in -- a pitcher's duel or a slugfest -- we have the tools to come out ahead.
We're a confident team. That's because we have a lot of guys who have great skills and confidence in their ability. Whether it's Carl Crawford stealing a base or Kaz's [Scott Kazmir] pitching from the left side, that confidence comes through in the way everyone approaches their roles.
I was just glad to get time in the big leagues last season and ride the wave of success that I had. But it was just half of a season. Putting aside the stats, I don't have a lot of time in the Majors and I still have plenty to learn every day I step out on the field.
So I just want to try and continue from where I left off, playing whatever my role is on the club, whether it's in the outfield or as a DH hitting in the middle of the lineup.
The lesson I learned in the big leagues last year was that it's way more than a nine-on-nine game. There are scouts and video and reports. You can't slip through any cracks in the big leagues. If you have a weakness, everyone sees it all over the country and the other team is going to exploit it. Whoever makes their adjustments the fastest is going to be the winner in the long run.
There are some things in my game that I like, but there's always room for improvement. I'm never totally happy with what I'm doing. You can always go North in this game, whether it's with your speed, your power, your arm, your outfield routes or your strength. There's always room for improvement.
So I'm just going keep on pushing and working as hard as I did to get here.

Source: http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/

Rays searching for 'the hombre'

b2blog@gmail.com (David) — Sun, 05 Mar 2006 16:26:00 +0000

03/01/2006
ST. PETERSBURG -- Danys Baez no longer resides in the Devil Rays' clubhouse.
The Rays packaged their closer and right-hander Lance Carter to the Dodgers on Jan. 14 in return for right-handers Edwin Jackson and Chuck Tiffany -- each of whom hopes to be a future starter.
In leaving, Baez took with him his 41 saves and a massive security blanket the Rays enjoyed when they carried a lead into the ninth inning.
Rays manager Joe Maddon is now left to find a closer or the reliever who will become -- in the new manager's vernacular -- the hombre.
"It's a makeup situation, someone who likes to do that," Maddon said when asked what he likes in a closer. "Guys that like to get the last three outs don't mind being the guy to get the last outs. Furthermore, if they don't get it tonight and they get bumped a little bit and lose or give it up, they can come back the next night and get it done."
He also wants a guy who doesn't walk people and also has an above-average pitch.
"Whether it's a fastball, Trevor Hoffman changeup, whatever it is," Maddon said.
If ever there was a true Spring Training competition, the Rays' search for the hombre is it.
"It's wide open," said pitching coach Mike Butcher.
Chasing the closer role this spring are: Shinji Mori, Dan Miceli, Chad Orvella, Jesus Colome and Chad Harville. Each candidate brings his own toolbox filled with the pitch or pitches capable of nailing down a win. Mori has a nasty forkball; Orvella, a changeup; Colome, a 98-mph fastball; Micelli, an assortment of pitches; and Harville, a slider.
The competitive situation sits well in the clubhouse.
"That's the vibe I'm getting from everybody -- this thing is wide open," Harville said. "There are some good guys competing for this job."
Knowing the job is open has added to the vitality of the contenders.
"Coming in last year, with Baez already here, you knew that job wasn't open," Orvella said. "He was the closer, everybody knew that. But with the trade, it's left a lot of opportunity. I'd love to take advantage of it if I could. And we'll see in a couple of weeks."
Colome misses Baez's friendship, but he is excited about the opportunity.
"I want to be the closer, or the big man in the bullpen," he said.
Butcher said it is premature for the competition to be narrowed down.
"I don't think they're going to see anything early, to be honest," Butcher said. "The guys are going out there and getting their work in. There's competition going on. ... I'm just looking for a healthy competition. We're going to go on past history as well. But somebody's going to have to rise up and get it."
If somebody steps forward and wins the job, fine. If not, the Rays will go with a closer-by-committee approach.
"It might be closer by committee," Butcher said. "That's not up to me. [Maddon] is going to make the final decision on that. We're just going to go out there and see who wins the job."
Harville said the closer-by-committee approach worked for some teams.
"It hasn't worked for others," Harville said. "We've got some great arms here and a lot of experience in Miceli. I'm looking forward to the whole battle through spring and to seeing what happens going into the season."
So don't look for an early call on who will become the Rays' closer -- if, in fact, it comes down to one true hombre.
"We've got to see them in the game as Spring Training progresses," Maddon said. "We're actually looking to see the hitters [who are] in better shape. Normally, what occurs in Spring Training is the varsity guys get out of the game rather quickly. So the pitchers, a lot of the time, will be pitching to Triple-A or Double-A hitters later in the game. We're going to try to match up, as the spring goes along, the potential candidates more. Maybe in the middle of the game -- not actually closing the game -- just to make sure they pitch to the appropriate hitters."

Source: http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/

Notes: Cantu eager to join Team Mexico

b2blog@gmail.com (David) — Sun, 05 Mar 2006 16:25:00 +0000

03/01/2006
ST. PETERSBURG -- Jorge Cantu leaves on Thursday for Arizona to represent his native Mexico in the World Baseball Classic, and the Devil Rays' second baseman is thrilled for the opportunity to be included on a roster with names such as Texas' Erubiel Durazo, Oakland's Esteban Loiaza, Baltimore's Rodrigo Lopez, Pittsburgh's Oliver Perez and free agent righty Ismael Valdez.
"It's the Dream Team from Mexico, so I want to play with everybody. That's the bottom line," Cantu said. "Everybody's getting ready for the season, and everybody is excited to see the best baseball in the world."
The 24-year-old Cantu is nearly 15 years younger than Padres third baseman Vinny Castilla, a 15-year veteran third baseman from Oaxaca who Cantu watched while growing up in Reynosa.
"He was like one of my idols growing up," Cantu said.
Cantu said his decision to join the inaugural event was an easy one, and though many players declined invitations due to the possibility of injury, his philosophy on the matter was simple.
"You can get hurt later, or you can get hurt now," he said, "So, you know, it happens."
Devil Rays right-hander Shinji Mori will stay and work through Spring Training rather than play for Japan, but he said folks back home are tuned in and anxious for the Classic to begin.
"It's a big event in Japan," Mori said. "Everybody is talking about [the Classic] every day."
Cantu will spend Friday in training camp with his temporary teammates before a Saturday exhibition against the Diamondbacks. Mexico faces the United States squad at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday in Phoenix.
Rays ready for opener: The Devil Rays play their first exhibition game on Thursday and left fielder Carl Crawford is champing at the bit.
Hampered since October with a bone bruise in his left wrist, Crawford has been limited in Spring Training and bunted twice in Wednesday's intrasquad game. After testing his limits in batting practice during the past two weeks and experiencing encouraging results, Crawford wasn't surprised to see his name appear on the roster for Thursday's game against the Blue Jays.
"Everybody's been upbeat [about the injury], and it seems like things are going as planned right now," he said. "I just can't wait to get back on the field and get into a real-live game and see where I stand. I've been looking forward to it all spring.
"I know the guys around here have been looking forward to it, too. We're finally getting our wish [on Thursday]."
The game, set for 1 p.m. ET at Knology Park in Dunedin, Fla., is manager Joe Maddon's first with the Devil Rays. If Tuesday was any indication, he's just as eager as Crawford -- if not more.
"It's a great day," Maddon said. "I've had a lot of those. This whole offseason, until now, has been a lot of those kinds of days, and I'm very excited."
Maddon said rather than focusing on wins and losses, he'll look for hard play, awareness and executing fundamentals such as bunting, backing up bases and pitching under pressure.
"They reveal a lot of what needs to be worked on now, that's what we're going to see probably as much as anything," Maddon said. "That's a good thing -- especially this early on."
Hollins earns praise: Rays outfielder Damon Hollins, a 31-year-old rookie last season, is making a strong case for keeping a spot in what is quickly becoming a crowded outfield.
Hollins had two hits, three RBIs and two runs scored in four at-bats from the leadoff spot during Tuesday's intrasquad game. He caught Maddon's attention with alert baserunning that allowed him to sneak home from third on a grounder.
"I love this man's heart. I don't know him that well, but I can see it. I can see the way everybody else responds to him," Maddon said. "He's a very impressive man, and I can see him with the good baseball players also.
"He's got a joy for life, not just a joy for baseball. He's got a face and a way about him."
Last season, his 13th in professional baseball, Hollins played each outfield position for the Rays, with a combined .979 fielding percentage. At the plate, the veteran hit .249 with 13 home runs, fifth most on the team.
Rotation, rotation: Casey Fossum, Chad Orvella, Jason Hammel, Wayne Franklin, Tim Corcoran and Travis Harper are scheduled to pitch on Thursday. Scheduled for Friday at Dunedin are Scott Kazmir, Chris Seddon, Chad Harville, Bart Miadich, Mark Malaska and Jesus Colome.

Source: http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/

Rays set tone early to top Blue Jays

b2blog@gmail.com (David) — Sun, 05 Mar 2006 16:22:00 +0000

03/02/2006
Devil Rays at the plate: During a four-run first inning, Rocco Baldelli and Josh Paul each had an RBI, and Travis Lee added a two-run single to right field. Tampa Bay added a run in the second and three more in the seventh.
Blue Jays at the plate: Shortstop Sergio Santos hit a three-run double to cap off a five-run seventh inning for the Blue Jays.
Devil Rays on the mound: Starter Casey Fossum pitched two scoreless innings and gave up just one hit, a single by Lyle Overbay.
Blue Jays on the mound: Starter Roy Halladay surrendered four runs on four hits and walked one in the first inning. Gustavo Chacin pitched the next two innings and allowed one run on two hits.
Grapefruit League records: Devil Rays 1-0; Blue Jays 0-1.
Up next: The Blue Jays will host Team Canada in a split-squad game at 1:05 p.m. ET on Friday at Knology Park. The other group of Jays will head to St. Petersburg to face Tampa Bay in a 1:05 p.m. ET contest at Progress Energy Park at Al Lang Field.

Source: http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/

Notes: Kazmir looking forward to start

b2blog@gmail.com (David) — Sun, 05 Mar 2006 16:22:00 +0000

03/02/2006
DUNEDIN, Fla. -- Scott Kazmir will be the Devil Rays' starter in Friday's home Spring Training opener against the Blue Jays at Progress Energy Park at Al Lang Field. Despite the fact that it's just an exhibition game, the 22-year-old left-hander is excited about the start.
"We've had a great [fan] turnout so far [this spring]," Kazmir said. "I have a feeling it's going to be a great atmosphere.
"It's pretty cool, yeah. It's the first game people get to see in St. Pete. I have a little bit of jitters just because it's the first time I'll be out there in a while. It's going to be fun."
Kazmir finds himself in a different situation than last spring, when he was simply trying to pitch well enough to make the team.
"I think I've made a giant leap from Spring Training last year to Spring Training this year," Kazmir said. "I mean, I wouldn't even put it in comparison. I have a lot more of a clue about what to do to get ready."
Much of that comes down to having a better understanding of his body.
"You go through it over and over, starting back up and realizing what you've done before," Kazmir said. "You know your body a little better."
Kazmir said he would be limited to approximately 24-30 pitches during Friday's outing and will keep things simple.
"[I want to] get a feel for the mound, being in the stadium, with the hitter at the plate," Kazmir said. "Just something you're going to work your way up to for the season. Don't put any pressure on you or anything like that, just go out there and work on hitting your spots."
Kazmir said he will throw all of his pitches, but added, "Mainly I'll throw fastballs, just trying to get my location down."
Kazmir established a club record with 174 strikeouts in his rookie season en route to posting a 10-9 record with a 3.77 ERA in 2005. He has a good chance at being the Rays' Opening Day starter April 3 in Baltimore.
Lugo not back: Julio Lugo had not returned to the team Thursday after going home to the Dominican Republic to deal with a personal matter. According to the Devil Rays, the team's shortstop will be back in uniform Friday. Nick Green started at shortstop Thursday.
This and that: The Rays added a "B" game for Saturday vs. Aguilas de Vera Cruz of the Mexican League at 10 a.m. ET at the Raymond A. Naimoli Complex. "B" games are less formal and are not included in league statistics. ... Carl Crawford will play in Saturday's "B" game and will play again Monday against the Red Sox on Monday in St. Petersburg; Josh Beckett is slated to start for the Red Sox. ... St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at Friday's home opener. ... Kazmir will throw out the ceremonial first pitch Saturday at Bayshore Little League in Tampa and Mark Hendrickson will do the same at Seminole Little League in Seminole. ... Tickets are available for the Rays Grand Slam Gala Saturday, March 25 at Tropicana Field. There will be a reception at 6 p.m. followed by dinner and the program at 7 p.m. All Rays players and coaches will be in attendance. There will also be silent and live auctions, gourmet food stations and music by the group Southtown Fever. The evening benefits the Florida Chapter of ALS Foundation and the Rays Field Renovation Program. For more information call 727-825-3471. ... The Rays' flagship, 1250 WHNZ, will carry 11 Rays Grapefruit League contests, beginning March 4 against the Twins. Fox Sports Net will air two games, both at Progress Energy Park -- March 16 vs. the Red Sox (1:05 p.m. ET) and March 25 vs. the Yankees (1:05 p.m. ET).
Coming up: The Rays will play their 2006 Spring Training home opener Friday at Progress Energy Park at Al Lang Field against the Blue Jays at 1:05 p.m. ET. Kazmir will start for the Rays and will be followed by Chris Seddon, Chad Harville, J.B. Miadich, Mark Malaska, Shinji Mori and Jesus Colome.
Of note will be Mori's first appearance in the United States after coming over from Japan. In addition, the selection of pitchers will offer an early look at the Rays' closer candidates in Mori, Harville and Colome.

Source: http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/

Maddon likes result of first game

b2blog@gmail.com (David) — Sun, 05 Mar 2006 16:20:00 +0000

03/02/2006
DUNEDIN, Fla. -- Sure, it was only an exhibition game -- and the first one of the season, at that -- but a lot of good things happened. And as new Rays manager Joe Maddon might say, good things are good.
Maddon set the tone for his first day on the bench by listening to Bruce Springsteen on the bus ride from St. Petersburg to Dunedin.
"I had to get prepared mentally, [listening to] 'Thunder Road,' 'Jungleland' -- things like that," Maddon said.
But the new manager didn't impose his music selections on the team.
"Headphones," he said. "That's part of our policy."
Maddon clearly took some time to smell the roses and to have a little fun along the way, which is something he preaches to his team. He also wants his team to know how to get down to business.
Prior to the Rays' first game of the Grapefruit League season, Maddon said that he wanted his team to play like it was June 2.
"Some guys might not be in shape, but go out there mentally and play the game as hard as you can today based on how your body feels," he said. "We know that it's early in camp, but you still slide hard, you still run hard to first base, you still hit the cutoff man -- all those things -- even though it's the first day.
"And you might strike out twice because your timing is not good," Maddon added. "A pitcher might throw a couple of more balls because he's not ready yet, quite. But that's OK. I look for intent. If the intent is there in regard to what we're trying to get done, I'm happy."
Maddon probably wished that the calendar said June 2 the way the ball bounced the Rays' way on Thursday during a 9-5 win. But it wasn't so much the way the ball bounced their way as the initial positives that went on during the contest.
Nothing that took place on Thursday afternoon could have brought a bigger smile to the Rays than Rocco Baldelli's second at-bat. After missing all of the 2005 season due to knee and elbow surgeries, Baldelli was the DH on Thursday. He grounded out in his first at-bat against Roy Halladay -- but drove home Joey Gathright -- before his next turn against Gustavo Chacin in the second. Chacin got ahead 0-1, then Baldelli stroked a double to left-center field.
"It's tough for me to go on and on about [the hit]," Baldelli said. "I'm just relieved to be back and be playing. Everything feels fine. I don't have any problems physically. It was just getting out there and breaking the ice and playing a game."
But Baldelli wasn't close to being the only positive for the Rays.
Take Gathright.
The speedy Rays outfielder led off the game and reached base on an error before showing off his wheels by stealing second and later scoring. Gathright, whom the Rays would like to see bunt more often, also laid one down. He got thrown out on the play -- which he called a bad bunt -- but it was a start.
"I'll bunt a lot this year, I'll bunt at least 40 or 50 percent," Gathright said. "That's a lot of hits for me. I'm going to practice and get it down."
And there was Aubrey Huff starting at third base. If the Rays start the season with Huff playing third base as opposed to another position, they will have a much more potent offense. Everyone knows that Huff can hit. The question is whether he can do the job with his glove.
Huff had two chances, and he successfully fielded both. The first came in the second inning, when he backhanded a Bengie Molina shot down the line, then made a long throw across the diamond to complete the play.
"It's funny -- the first ball I got was the easiest backhanded ball, and the crowd stood up and cheered like it was unexpected," said Huff with a chuckle.
Huff then made a nice play on a Troy Glaus fourth-inning chopper.
"It's a play where you either get him or you don't," Huff said. "It's a bang-bang play -- it just happened to hop into my hand. I feel pretty good over there right now."
Huff then added some perspective: "[I've] still got a long way to go."
Nick Green, who is in competition for the utility infielder slot, started at shortstop and served as the pivot man on a 4-6-3 double play in the third inning. Green then showed some versatility when he flip-flopped with second baseman Luis Ordaz in the fourth. Green also hit the hardest ball in the Rays' four-run first, lining out to center field.
"It's a nice day," Maddon said. "We had a good workout this morning. ... [We] got some things accomplished, then we came over here, and I wanted the guys to be ready to play."
And they were.
Good things happened for the Devil Rays and Maddon on Thursday. And the tunes on the way home?
"The best of Don Zimmer," Maddon said.

Source: http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/