Apr 19
Chris from Watching Durham Bulls Baseball brought to our attention a glaring weakness in the Rays organizational depth. Not only is there only one active lefty in the Rays bullpen. There are very few lefty options in the minor leagues right now…
RAYS – Randy Choate, (JP Howell on DL)
AAA – (RJ Swindle on DL)
AA – Darin Downs
And that’s it. Two healthy lefty relievers in the majors or upper-level minor leagues.
At some point, the Rays may have to turn to one of their lefty starting pitchers such as Heath Phillips or Carlos Hernandez. Phillips career minor league splits don’t suggest that he is any tougher on lefties while Hernandez does have favorable splits against lefties. Also, both Jake McGee and Alex Torres in AA could be lefty options in the future. But neither figures to be available to the Rays anytime soon.
You can be certain that when Andrew Friedman talks to other GMs, he is asking about lefty relievers. But finding one of those this time of the year will not be easy.
Then again, there is always Brian Shouse.
Sep 22
The GBT – The Good, The Bad and The Telling sandwich, where The Bad is nice and lean and the The Telling is ripe.
click above image for boxscore
DEVIL DOGS WEBTOPIA…
- With the Red Sox loss last night, the Rays tragic number is still 1, with one more Rays loss or Sox win and the Rays will be officially eliminated from postseason contention.
- Wade Davis will start tomorrow on an extra day of rest. More importantly, this means Big Dub will likely start the final game of the season instead of James Shields, in essence shutting down Shields one start early.
- Tony Fabrizio profiles Wade Davis. [Tampa Tribune]
- Darin Downs and Matt Moore were named the MVPs for Charlotte and Bowling Green respectively. Also, catcher Nevin Ashley was named the organization’s best defensive player.
- Triangle Offense previews the AAA championship game. [Triangle Offense]
- It’s September, so let’s start the “Gary Sheffield would like to play for the Rays next year” stories. Of course, the Rays already have $9 million tied up in the DH spot for 2010, so unless the Rays can find a take for Pat Burrell’s contract and Sheff would sign for less than that amount, it ain’t gonna happen. [New York Post]
- Is Pat Burrell done? Actually we think The Bat will have a very good year next season. We have nothing to base this on, but we get the impression that Burrell is the sort of player that doesn’t work very hard unless motivated. Most of his career that has been fine as he has been able to get by on natural ability. But his poor showing in 2009 may be a motivating factor and get him in better shape for the 2010 season. [UmpBump]
- Joey Johnston looks at the bright future of the Rays “young, homegrown depth” in the pitching rotation…Interesting that he only focuses on the three rookies and glosses over James Shields who is also homegrown and only a year older than Jeff Niemann. [Tampa Tribune]
- Jeff Niemann calls the AL Rookie of the Year award “a huge deal,” but says he is trying not to think about it. [St. Pete Times]
Sep 18
Durham 3, Scranton/WB 2 (Bulls win series 3-0). The Bulls won the IL championship in come-from-behind fashion. After getting just 1 hit in the first 7 innings, Durham scored twice in the 8th to tie it on a Desmond Jennings two-out single. And then the Bulls scored the go-ahead run in the 12th on a John Jaso single…Sean Rodriguez dodged a goat-sized bullet when he was ejected in the 7th inning. Rodriguez hit a dribbler in front of the plate and was thrown out. Rodriguez thought the ball was foul. Rodriguez argued and got tossed. Twice in later innings, Rodriguez’ spot in the lineup came up with runner(s) on base. Each time, Chris Nowak, Rodriguez’ replacement, grounded out to end the inning. In the 9th, it was an inning-ending double play. And in the 11th it was a groundball with the bases loaded…Jason Cromer started, giving up 2 runs in 6 innings, but the stars of the game were the relievers who worked 6 shutout innings and survived a couple of late-inning jams.
Notes from Down on the Farm…
- The ball that struck Montgomery pitcher Darin Downs in the head causing a skull fracture was traveling 103 mph. He was told in the hospital that he was lucky to be alive (pitchers wearing some sort of protective helmet is coming). John Romano has Downs’ story. [St. Pete Times]
- Watching Durham Bulls Baseball recaps the Bulls championship victory. [Watching Durham Bulls Baseball]
Sep 17
Durham 4, Scranton/WB 1 (Durham leads 2-0). Durham takes a commanding 2-0 lead in their best-of-5 series. Mitch Talbot struggled with his control, walking 3 and giving up 3 hits in just 3.1 innings, but allowed only 1 unearned run…Rashad Eldridge, provided most of the offense, with 2 RBI doubles and a solo home run…If Durham is to win the Governor’s Cup, they will have to do so on the road. The final 3 games of the series will be held in Scranton if necessary.
Tampa 5, Charlotte 2 (Tampa wins series 3-2). Tampa wins the FSL championship in the decisive 5th game, breaking it open with 3 runs in the 5th inning…Brian Flores making just his 8th start, was limited to 3 innings, giving up 1 unearned run…Drew Anderson drove in both Stone Crabs runs with a pair of RBI singles.
Notes from Down on the Farm…
- Stacy Long has an update on Darin Downs, the Rays prospect that suffered a fractured skull after being hit by a line drive. [Montgomery Advertiser]
- Triangle Offense recaps game 2 of the Governor’s Cup. [Triangle Offense]
Aug 20
Charlotte 8, Durham 1. Andy Sonnanstine got pounded for 5 runs in 6 innings on 9 hits and 2 walks…Desmond Jennings went 3-4 with a double, triple and 2 stolen bases…Jon Weber had the only RBI.
Birmingham 3, Montgomery 1 (gm 1). Rayner Oliveros allowed 3 runs in 6 innings…Jose Lobaton was 0-3 and Cody Cipriano went 1-2.
Birmingham 7, Montgomery 1 (gm 2). Mike Wlodarczyk gave up just 1 unearned run in 3 innings…Cody Cipriano went 1-2 with a double.
St. Lucie 12, Charlotte 2. Jake McGee had his best start since returning from Tommy John surgery, throwing 3 shutout innings, striking out 4. He walked 2 and gave up 2 hits…Mike McCormick went 0-3.
Greensboro 7, Bowling Green 4. Chris Andujar allowed 2 runs in 5 innings, striking out 5 and walking just 1…Tim Beckham had a double and 2 walks…Keyong Kang, hit 2 home runs, hit 4th and 5th of the year.
Mahoning Valley 4, Hudson Valley 3.
Princeton. (no games scheduled)
Notes from Down on the Farm…
- Darin Downs is out of the Intensive Care Unit and is walking around and talking…Downs was hit in the head by a linedrive and suffered a fractured skull. [Biscuit Crumbs]
- Three members of the short-season Hudson Valley Renegades participated in the New York-Penn League All-Star game. Catcher Mark Thomas came in the game in the 5th and grounded out in his only at bat. Alexander Colome pitched the 2nd inning, facing the minimum three batters, walking one. Tyler Bortnick started at shortstop and played the first 6 innings, going 0-3 with a pair of ground outs and a line out. [MiLB]
Aug 19
Durham 5, Charlotte 2. Wade Davis picked up his 10th win with one of his best outings of the season. In 7.2 innings, he allowed 2 runs on 3 hits and 3 walks. He struck out 4, besting Jake Peavy who started for Charlotte on a rehab assignment…Dale Thayer picked up his 17th save…Fernando Perez made his first rehab start and went 1-3 with a double, playing the first 5 innings in center field. He also stole a base…Desmond Jennings subbed for Perez in the 6th and went 1-2 with a double…Matt Joyce was 1-4 with a walk…Aki Iwamura had a single in 2 at bats and Joe Dillon hit a home run.
Montgomery @ Birmingham. (ppd. rain)
St. Lucie 3, Charlotte 2 (10).Brian Flores allowed just 1 hit in 5.1 shutout innings, walking 3 and striking out 5. Flores did not give up a hit until the 6th inning…Mike McCormick was 0-2 with a walk.
Greensboro 15, Bowling Green 3. Matt Moore struck out 6 and walked 3 in 5 innings, allowing 3 runs (2 earned) and 2 hits…Tim Beckham went 2-5 with 2 strikeouts…Jake Jefferies was 1-5 with a double.
Hudson Valley. (no games scheduled)
Kingsport 5, Princeton 2.
Notes from Down on the Farm…
- Darin Downs remains in the hospital one day after being struck in the head with a line drive. Downs suffered a fracture to his skull, but never lost consciousness. He will not return this season. [Montgomery Advertiser]
- 10 of the 13 players that took the field for Durham yesterday have Major League experience.
- Joe Dillon won a steak. [Watching Durham Bulls Baseball]
Aug 18
Scranton/WB 9, Durham 3. Jason Cromer allowed 7 runs (6 earned) in 5.1 innings. He struck out 5 and walked 4…Aki Iwamura went 0-3 with a walk as the DH…Desmond Jennings went 1-5 with an RBI and his 6th steal…Matt Joyce went 0-2 with 2 walks while Chris Richard hit his 21st home run…Catcher Craig Albernaz pitched a perfect 9th inning.
Birmingham 3, Montgomery 0. Darin Downs‘ second double-A start didn’t go so well. Downs was struck in the head with a line drive and had to be taken from the game after giving up 3 runs in just 4.1 innings. He struck out 5 and walked 2 giving up 6 hits. Downs never lost consciousness and was taken to a local hospital…Jose Lobaton was 0-3 and Cody Cipriano went 1-4 and is hitting just .175 since being promoted.
Charlotte 3, St. Lucie 1 (gm 1). David Newmann improved to 7-6 with 6 innings allowing just 1 run on 3 hits and 1 walk…Ryan Royster’s 5th home run tied the game in the final inning and Matt Hall’s 2-run double proved to be the game-winner…Shawn Williams had a pair of doubles in 3 at bats and John Matulia went 3-3 with 2 doubles.
Charlotte 5, St. Lucie 2 (gm 2).Austin Hinkle made just his second start of the season in the nightcap, giving up 2 runs (1 earned) in 3 innings on 1 hit and 2 walks…Mike McCormick went 0-3.
Bowling Green 6, Greensboro 5. Nick Barnese gave up 3 runs (2 earned) in 5 innings on 3 hits and 2 walks. He struck out 5…Tim Beckham went 3-5 with 2 doubles and 2 RBI. However, he also committed his 35th and 36th errors.
Hudson Valley. no games scheduled
Kingsport 7, Princeton 0.
Notes from Down on the Farm…
Aug 11
Gwinnett 6, Durham 3. Jeremy Hellickson picked up his first triple-A loss, allowing 4 runs (2 earned) in 6.1 innings. He struck out 5 and walked none. He did retire the first 10 batters he faced, only to begin unraveling in the 5th…Desmond Jennings was 2-5 and Reid Brignac had 4 singles in 5 at bats…Matt joyce went 1-4 with a double and a walk…Elliot Johnson hit his 9th home run.
Mobile 7, Montgomery 1. Darin Downs allowed 3 runs in 7 innings in his first double-A start. The FSL ERA leader, struck out 4 and walked 2…Cody Cipriano was 1-4 with a triple, one of just 5 hits for the Biscuits.
Palm Beach @ Charlotte. (ppd. rain)
Bowling Green 8, Greenville 4. Juan Santana allowed just 1 run on 2 hits and 2 walks in 4 innings. He struck out 3 in his first start since being promoted from Hudson Valley…Tim Beckham went 1-5 with 2 strikeouts…Jake Jefferies was 2-4.
Hudson Valley. (no games scheduled)
Danville @ Princeton. (ppd. rain)
Notes from Down on the Farm…
- Darin Downs took the loss in his double-A debut, but Stacy Long says he looked impressive in defeat. [Montgomery Advertiser]
- Matt Joyce is hitting .272/.363/.473 overall with 12 HR and 49 RBI. Against lefties he is hitting .256/.310/.444 with 3 HR in 90 ABs.
Aug 07
Durham 5, Syracuse 3. Carlos Hernandez did not allow a hit but was pulled after 4 innings having given up a run on 3 walks. The one run came in the first on a sac fly…Desmond Jennings went 2-3 with a walk a stolen base and he scored twice…Justin Ruggiano was 2-4. The big blow was a 3-run double in the 5th that made the score 5-1. He had 4 RBI on the night.
Montgomery 7, Mobile 4. Brandon Mann gave up 3 runs in 6 innings..Cody Cipriano was 0-2 with 2 walks…Matt Spring was 2-4 and hit his 7th home run.
Ft. Myers 5, Charlotte 4. David Newmann allowed 2 runs in 5.2 inningss…Shawn O’Malley went 2-5, scoring 3 times and Mike McCormick was 2-4.
Asheville 6, Bowling Green 1 (gm 1). Nick Barnese dropped to 5-5 after giving up 3 runs (2 earned) in 4.2 innings. He gave up 7 hits and 2 walks. He struck out 8…Tim Beckham was 0-3 with a strikeout and Jake Jefferies went 1-3.
Bowling Green 2, Asheville 1 (gm 2). Matt Moore struck out 9, walked 3 and allowed 1 run on just 1 hit in 5 innings. Moore now has 141 strikeouts in 100.2 innings. Not bad…Tim Beckham went 2-3 and is hitting .270.
Lowell 2, Hudson Valley 1.
Princeton 6, Danville 2 (gm 1).
Danville 3, Princeton 2 (gm 2).
Notes from Down on the Farm…
- Baseball America provides a scouting report of Wade Davis from his last start. [Baseball America]
- Darin Downs, who leads the FSL in ERA has been promoted to double-A. He will take Heath Rollins spot in the rotation. [Rays Prospects]
Jul 26
Durham 5, Norfolk 3 (gm 1). Carlos Hernandez picked up his 6th win holding Norfolk to 1 run on 6 hits and no walks in 5 innings…Reid Brignac was pulled in the 3rd inning for either not hustling or with a sore leg depending on who you talk to. The latter does not seem to jive with fact he played in the second game…Matt Joyce went 0-2 with a walk and an RBI.
Norfolk 8, Durham 4 (gm 2). James Houser got torched for 7 runs in just 3.1 innings…Matt Joyce went 2-3 with a pair of doubles a walk and an RBI. He is hitting .267…Reid Brignac went 1-5 with a double.
Birmingham 4, Montgomery 1. Brandon Mann gave up 3 runs on 10 hits and a walk in just 5 innings…Desmond Jennings did not play.
Charlotte 2, Clearwater 1. Darin Downs pitched 7 shutout innings, giving up just 3 hits and walking 1. He struck out 4 and lowered his FSL leading ERA to 2.07. This may have been Downs last start for Charlotte as Montgomery may need a starting pitcher on Thursday…Shawn Riggans went 2-3 and played the entire game behind the plate.
Hagerstown 6, Bowling Green 2. Matt Moore allowed 2 runs in 4 innings on 4 hits, 4 walks and a wild pitch. He struck out 3 and drops to 6-4…Tim Beckham went 0-4 with a strikeout.
Aberdeen 2, Hudson Valley 1 (gm 1).
Hudson Valley 1, Aberdeen 0 (gm 2).
Johnson City @ Princeton. (susp. rain)
Notes from Down on the Farm…
- Stacy Long speculates on Darin Downs possibly moving to double-A. [Biscuit Crumbs]
