Archive for May 31st, 2007

May 31

The Hangover: That’s Why We Call Him ‘James The Greater’

BJ Upton, Carl Crawford, James Shields, Robinson Cano, Shawn Riggans 3 Comments »


Devil Rays 5, Tigers 3.
James Shields proved last night that if he wants a W, he just going to have to go out and do it himself. Shields had not won since a May 3rd victory over the Twins. That’s a span of 4 starts including a start in which he threw 9 scoreless innings and another in which he left with a 3-1 lead after 7 innings. It didn’t look like it was going to happen last night after falling behind 3-0 in the first. Shields surrendered 5 hits in the first, and threw 23 pitches. Over the next 8 innings, he allowed only 2 hits and a walk and needed only 82 pitches. He retired 17 of the last 18 batters he faced. According to Baseball Prospectus Shields is now the 6th most valuable pitcher in baseball with a VORP of 24.6.

After taking 2 of 3 from the White Sox, the Devil Rays finally get the Royals after Kansas City was fodder for the rest of the AL East the first two weeks of the season. With the off-day today and a 4-game set, the Rays will be able to throw both Scott Kazmir and Shields in the series. This is a great opportunity to take a step forward and make a run towards the Charlie Hough Line. It is all about winning series and if the Rays want to be taken seriously they must win 3 of 4 against the hapless Royals at the Trop.

DEVIL RAYS WEBTOPIA…

May 31

Down On The Farm: Heath Rollins Latest Prospect To Win Honor

Heath Rollins, Jeff Niemann No Comments »

Durham 11, Ottawa 3. Two hits and two wild pitches led to a run in the first inning, but Jeff Niemann settled down and did not allow a run over the next 4 frames. Still, while Niemann was good, he was not dominating. He failed to record a 1-2-3 inning and allowed 5 hits and 2 walks along with the 2 wild pitches in those 5 innings. Justin Ruggiano is starting to heat up at the plate. He hit his 3rd home run in the past 4 games and 4th in the past 7. He now has 7 on the year and is hitting .290. Joel Guzman added his 7th home run. He hit 15 last year between Las Vegas and Durham.

Huntsville 19, Montgomery 4. James Houser gave up 6 runs on 9 hits and was pulled after 3 innings. As a team the Biscuits gave up 21 hits. Evan Longoria may be breaking out of his recent slump as he homered for the second straight game. He went 2-4 and is now back over .300 (.304). Jason Pridie added his 3rd home run and Reid rignac went 1-4.

Vero Beach 6, St. Lucie 4. Garrett Groce was 2-6 with 2 doubles and is now 6-15 in 4 games since his return from the DL. Jake McGee gave up 7 hits and 2 runs over 5 innings. He did not walk a batter as he struck out 5.

Columbus 8, Charleston 7. Woods Fines got knocked around for 11 hits and 7 runs in 4 innings. Nevin Ashley hit his 4th home run.

NOTES FROM DOWN ON THE FARM…

  • Heath Rollins was named the SAL pitcher-of-the-week. Rollins is the second member of the Columbus staff to win the award. Wade Townsend won the award in April.