Archive for July 26th, 2007

Jul 26

The Hangover: The Ty Wigginton Rumors Start Heating Up

Carl Crawford, Edwin Jackson, Joe Maddon, Steve Henderson, Ty Wigginton Cork Gaines 2 Comments »

Orioles 6, Devil Rays 1.
Just the links today, with limited posts for the rest of the week as we trek back to the Sunshine State for some much-needed R&R and a 3-game set with the Red Sox and the Pink Hat Nation.

DEVIL RAYS WEBTOPIA…

  • Joe Maddon was openly critical of Carl Crawford for letting a routine pop-up fall in front of him that led to 3 runs being scored in the first inning. [TBO]

Both players have to go after it hard and if the outfielder can get there, the outfielder calls off the infielder.” Maddon added: “That’s pop-up coverage 101. We have to make that play 100 out of 100 times; that wasn’t a difficult play. We have to make that play.”

  • Devil Rays hitting coach Steve Henderson was ejected in the 3rd inning for arguing a called strike. [MLB News Blog]
  • Edwin Jackson may have finally turned the corner. The question remains whether or not Jackson can show consistency and start to pitch deeper into games. [Devil Rays]

“I think he’s starting to show signs of consistency,” Maddon said. “The biggest thing to me has been his demeanor. I really do think that’s primary, to go out there with the right kind of mound presence, because his stuff is that good. If he goes out there and is under control with his emotions, he’s going to pitch well again tomorrow. But I am curious to see how he looks. If we can start getting him into the seventh, if he could touch the eighth or ninth inning, that would really be exciting.”

  • Not so fast on the Ty Wigginton for Scott Proctor rumors. More than likely that was leaked by the Devil Rays front office to set the bar for other teams that may be interested, including the Minnesota Twins. [Yahoo! Sports]
  • At least four teams have interest in Ty Wigginton. [tampabay.com]
Jul 26

Down On The Farm: Jeff Niemann Makes Case For Spot In Devil Rays Rotation

Andy Sonnanstine, Chris Mason, Jeff Niemann Cork Gaines No Comments »

Durham 3, Norfolk 0. Jeff Niemann pitched 6 scoreless innings, striking out 4 and walking 1 to pick up his 11th win. Three relievers combined to complete the shutout, with Chad Orvella pitching a 1-hit 9th with 2 strike outs for his 14th save. Jorge Cantu was 2-4 and hit a home run. Jason Pridie was 2-3 to raise his average to .330 since being promoted to Durham.

Montgomery 6, Mobile 5. Gabriel Martinez drove in Reid Brignac with a 1-out single in the 10th inning for the victory. Chris Mason struck out 6 and allowed 1 run in 6.1 innings, but failed to add to his league leading 13th victory when Dale Thayer blew a 5-1 lead in the 9th inning. Evan Longoria was 3-5 with a 3-run home run, his 20th, in the 1st inning. He is now hitting .307. Fernando Perez was 2-4, with his 6th home run and he stole his 23rd base. Reid Brignac was 1-3 with a double.

Jupiter 5, Vero Beach 4. Jake McGee struck out 8 and walked 2 in 7 shutout innings. Rhyne Hughes was 1-5 with a double and 2 RBI.

Columbus 3, Augusta 1. Jeremy Hellickson allowed 1 run in 6 innings for his 8th win in 10 decisions. He struck out 4 and walked 2 while allowing 3 hits. Quinn Stewart was 3-4 and hit his 14th home run. Matt Fields was 2-4 with his 21st double.

Mahoning Valley 2, Hudson Valley 1.

NOTES FROM DOWN ON THE FARM…

  • Princeton was rained out.
  • Chris Mason is 3 wins short of the Devil Rays minor league record set last year by Andy Sonnanstine. [Stacy Long's Riverwalk Talk]