Game Preview: Wednesday (5/31) at Baltimore

I can't take it any longer.  Gathright's defense  and bat is a liability.  Rays need to send a message and send Gathright down.  In Durham, we have two minor leaguers (Dukes and McDonald) that have been playing their butts off and here we are watching Gathright misplay play after play and well, he is clearly not helping the Rays win games.  I know the Rays don't want to risk accelerating the clock on a player but to me we have two players that are ready and one in the bigs that isn't.  Gathright's at-bats aren't any better either.  He is hitting .197 and despite all of the work he has done he is still unable to get bunting down consistently.  I'd rather play Hollins 90% of the time and have Gathright spell him instead of the other way around.  

Another thing that irks me is why isn't one else calling out Rays management on this.  Both of the local papers just give a game recap and that's about it and yet if it were the Bucs, the papers would at least be second guessing the management and moves a bit more.  I know we Rays fans have to be patient but I think it is time for the local media to start questioning a bit more.  

I thought Jamie, err James Shields pitched great last night.  The way he continued to pound the strikezone and come after the hitters was impressive.  He should've come away with a win if not for the misplays by Gathright and Huff that lead to a 4 run inning.  I think when Fossum comes back healthy, I think Waechter should go to the bullpen.  I think Waecther's presence there will help solidify the bullpen thus improving the Rays chances of holding late inning leads and/or keeping the game close. That is not to say that Doug will never be a starter but he needs to go to the pen and earn another chance as a starter.