Scott Kazmir's First Playoff Start Reviewed

by R.J. Anderson on Oct 3, 2008 10:15 PM EDT Comment 120 comments

Wow, talk about a tale with two sides. Scott Kazmir was beyond miserable in the first inning and it began with the second pitch of the game, a slider that broke way too much and nailed Orlando Cabrera in the lower leg. Despite what Harold Reynolds spewed there's almost no chance it was intentional. Not only did Kazmir run getting ejected two pitches in, but he also put the leadoff man on.

From there Kazmir would throw 35 more pitches in the inning for 37 overall -- 15 were balls, leaving Kaz with 59% strikes. - with his longevity for the night in question Kazmir escaped a bases loaded situation with only two runs allowed. At one point Joe Maddon had Grant Balfour and David Price warm-up, but elected to stick with his southpaw.

Something funny happened from the second inning on; Kazmir got strikes and outs without much trouble, raising his strike percentage from 59% to 65% overall. Yes, Kazmir still gave up more fly balls than ground balls, didn't strike out as many as you would expect against a hacking team, and threw 72% fastballs, but he threw strikes.

100308kazmirhb_medium

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Congrats on your first post-season victory Scott, and thank you for staying with it when quitting would've been easy.

For those wondering, Kazmir's first:

100308kazmirkzfirst_medium

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kaz went back to being kaz after that 1st inning

i think he finally reliazed it after that 1st inning what he needed to do to be successful again and i really hope IF we advance (good lord willing) that kaz does the same thing against either boston or LA

YOUR 2008 AL EAST DIVISION CHAMPIONS.... THE TAMPA BAY RAYS!!!

by RaysOfHope on Oct 3, 2008 10:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

what does "kaz being kaz" even mean anymore?

by walkoffwalk on Oct 3, 2008 10:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

kaz being kaz means

not walking a crap load of batters and not giving up HRs to guys like ramon santiago and not having a pitch count of over 100 thru 4 2/3 and pitching like he has since he was traded here

YOUR 2008 AL EAST DIVISION CHAMPIONS.... THE TAMPA BAY RAYS!!!

by RaysOfHope on Oct 3, 2008 10:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hated him with a passion when the game began

by the time he was pulled, I loved him. He really turned it around and kept us in the game which we took advantage of, big time.

by joeybw on Oct 3, 2008 11:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

had the same feelings towards him today

i was like shit here he go again, kaz we dont need this today and then during the 2nd he finally reliazed that what he needed to do to be successful again, by the time he was pulled i wish that the 1st inning never happened because he couldve had a 8in game or maybe a CG with the way he was cruising thru innings

YOUR 2008 AL EAST DIVISION CHAMPIONS.... THE TAMPA BAY RAYS!!!

by RaysOfHope on Oct 3, 2008 11:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

In the post-game interviews on radio

someone asked Maddon if he considered bringing in Price in the first inning and what were his thoughts as Kazmir struggled in the first. His answer: no thought to bring Price in then but he needs more time to warm up so he wanted him ready if needed later. As for Kazmir, he repeated over and over that his primary thought was to remain patient, that he thought Kazmir could work through it and settle down.

Gosh. Patience as a virtue. What a concept?

Incidentally, I imagine that given all the story lines (including the wonderful story of Crawford and Baldelli contributing which is so heart-warming) most will overlook that 9th inning double play started by Longoria. It probably was not crucial, but it was really a thing of beauty. I have seen him do it before and am always amazed at how quickly he transfers the ball from glove to hand, decides to go to second and then delivers a laser throw right at the waist so that Iwamura pivots perfectly and continues the throw to first. When Konerko hit the ball, I assumed one out at first and was happy with that, but Longoria upped the ante. Just great!!

by bobr on Oct 3, 2008 11:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I would not have been surprised if he had vomited on the mound when Konerko was up in the 1st. But he pulled it together and for a stretch of 8-9 batters in the middle innings, he was nasty.

by calmer than you are on Oct 3, 2008 11:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Man this team is awesome.

I’ve jumped so deep onto this bandwagon that I’m scraping the paint off the bottom with my teeth.

Because of recent developments at my job, I will now be having the 2nd half of the world series week off. If this team can make it that far (knocks on wood) I would love to come out to the Trop and see them seal the deal. May I presume correctly that a group of fans from this blog will also be in attendance? I may be able to get my dad to tag along but I’m not averse to flying out solo (from Seattle)…it would be cool to meet up with some guys from here, though.

by Omerta on Oct 4, 2008 12:08 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I would be there.

Top Josh Paul Pornos- Big Navi Stroking, 2pitchers1cup, BJ to the Balls, Riggans Your Thingans

BELIEVE in 08!

by SRQman on Oct 4, 2008 12:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bad assumption

Anybody who doesn’t have tickets to the WS now probably is going to struggle to get them. The only way I will be there is if I get picked in the lottery because there’s no way I’m paying scalper prices to go to a game. I’ll just hold on to getting a season ticket pack next year.

by kericr on Oct 4, 2008 12:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Anybody who doesn’t have tickets to the WS now

Wow that sounds stupid.

What I mean is that most people here don’t have playoff packages; if you did, you’d have WS tickets in that pack, so most of us have to rely on the lotto, which has already proven to be relatively unreliable.

by kericr on Oct 4, 2008 12:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have my sources.

by Omerta on Oct 4, 2008 12:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If you want to point me in the right direction, I'm listening.

by kericr on Oct 4, 2008 12:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If I could I would

I have a friend who will be out of the country on business for the remainder of the play-offs, who otherwise was going to be in attendence. He has assured me that he can get me his usual seats. I don’t know how, but I do know that he has made similiar promises in the past with success, so I have no reason to doubt him now.

by Omerta on Oct 4, 2008 12:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

So after Upton's triple...

After cheering my ass off, I yelled, “What do you think of him now, fuckers?!”

Too much?

by steve-o1285 on Oct 4, 2008 12:42 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

You would think the whole torn labrum thing would register as a reason he strikes out a lot.

But whatever, Upton’s a pussy, BOOOOOOO.

by R.J. Anderson on Oct 4, 2008 12:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's right he's a pussy!

I played hurt in my slow-pitch softball league and did good!!!!!!

by steve-o1285 on Oct 4, 2008 1:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Everyone knows how I feel about booing players, not along good players.

It’s so stupid that some of our "fans"have to do that on the national stage. I sincerely hope a long term deal is reached this off-season between Upton and the Rays.

by R.J. Anderson on Oct 4, 2008 1:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

When he did that one catch

after the booed him, I turned around and yelled “Don’t fucking cheer now you wanna be fans.”

One dude in a game yelled out “BJ Lets see some hustle!” to which I stand up and turn around “He hustles. You see that catch? You see his arm? Shut the hell up.”

It is fun.

Top Josh Paul Pornos- Big Navi Stroking, 2pitchers1cup, BJ to the Balls, Riggans Your Thingans

BELIEVE in 08!

by SRQman on Oct 4, 2008 1:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He's Carlos Beltran part 2.

Maybe his second or third team’s fans will appreciate his talents. I wouldn’t blame him if he didn’t want to play here.

by R.J. Anderson on Oct 4, 2008 1:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

But I want my Super Upton Bros. OF morning wood dream.

Top Josh Paul Pornos- Big Navi Stroking, 2pitchers1cup, BJ to the Balls, Riggans Your Thingans

BELIEVE in 08!

by SRQman on Oct 4, 2008 1:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Uh.

by R.J. Anderson on Oct 4, 2008 1:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

for some reason when I look into the dugout

of the LAA BOS game… I’m expecting Mohawks….. I laughed to myself when I realize my gaffe.

Instead I just see alot of balding, over-hyped, over-payed players who really, really, really don’t want to play in Tropicana again this year.

All things LONGORIA!

by RalphieTheRay on Oct 4, 2008 12:47 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Triple... no outs! YEA

All things LONGORIA!

by RalphieTheRay on Oct 4, 2008 12:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Does anyone else have the same feeling as when the Lightning started their run?

I love this game. I love this team.

I LOOOOOVE THIIIIS TOWWWWWWWWWWWWN.

/bad lip-synch

And Fuck Boston

by ReasonableDoubt on Oct 4, 2008 1:01 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

that would be a blown save Paplebon

All things LONGORIA!

by RalphieTheRay on Oct 4, 2008 1:02 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Does he get a BS for giving up an inherited runner?

by kericr on Oct 4, 2008 1:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

wouldn't think so

by steve-o1285 on Oct 4, 2008 1:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

good question...

I think so…

All things LONGORIA!

by RalphieTheRay on Oct 4, 2008 1:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

From Wikipedia

A blown save (abbreviated BS or B) is charged to a pitcher who enters a game in a situation which permits him to earn a save (a “save situation”), but who instead allows the tying run to score. Note that if the tying run was scored by a runner who was already on base when the new pitcher entered the game, that new pitcher will be charged with a blown save even though the run will not be charged to the new pitcher, but rather to the pitcher who allowed that runner to reach base.

by kericr on Oct 4, 2008 1:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It may not matter soon

All things LONGORIA!

by RalphieTheRay on Oct 4, 2008 1:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Instead... He'll get the win.

that pisses me off

All things LONGORIA!

by RalphieTheRay on Oct 4, 2008 1:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That was a horrible horrible call.

That glove got nowhere near his arm.

by kericr on Oct 4, 2008 1:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Umps r good @ stuff

by steve-o1285 on Oct 4, 2008 1:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Umpires have a new thing to hate.

The Aybars.

by kericr on Oct 4, 2008 1:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

THAT WAS A PICK OFF

by ReasonableDoubt on Oct 4, 2008 1:09 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Damn it K-Rod...you suck!

by steve-o1285 on Oct 4, 2008 1:11 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Collision course.

by R.J. Anderson on Oct 4, 2008 1:12 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

This will get nasty.

by kericr on Oct 4, 2008 1:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

This will all end in tears

by ReasonableDoubt on Oct 4, 2008 1:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

OK

so we may have home field advatage for our next two series……
Things could be WORSE.

All things LONGORIA!

by RalphieTheRay on Oct 4, 2008 1:12 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

K-ROD IS THE BEST CLOSER EVER!!!!!

by R.J. Anderson on Oct 4, 2008 1:14 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

SAVES!!!!!

by steve-o1285 on Oct 4, 2008 1:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

THEY MEAN EVERYTHING!!!!!

by R.J. Anderson on Oct 4, 2008 1:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

AAAAND HE HAS 2 WINS!!!

by steve-o1285 on Oct 4, 2008 1:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

JUST LIKE BATTING AVERAGE WOOOOOO

Top Josh Paul Pornos- Big Navi Stroking, 2pitchers1cup, BJ to the Balls, Riggans Your Thingans

BELIEVE in 08!

by SRQman on Oct 4, 2008 1:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

AND SAC BUNTS

by steve-o1285 on Oct 4, 2008 1:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

BUNTING IS THE WAY TO SCORE!

Top Josh Paul Pornos- Big Navi Stroking, 2pitchers1cup, BJ to the Balls, Riggans Your Thingans

BELIEVE in 08!

by SRQman on Oct 4, 2008 1:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

WINS = BUNTS.

by R.J. Anderson on Oct 4, 2008 1:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

IF YOU BUNT + HUSTLE = WORLD SERIES CHAMPS!

Top Josh Paul Pornos- Big Navi Stroking, 2pitchers1cup, BJ to the Balls, Riggans Your Thingans

BELIEVE in 08!

by SRQman on Oct 4, 2008 1:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

SEE.

by R.J. Anderson on Oct 4, 2008 1:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

9=8 in very large quantities of 8.

by kericr on Oct 4, 2008 1:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Down to your last three outs, down by two: let's bunt!

by R.J. Anderson on Oct 4, 2008 1:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mike Scocia thinks outsider of the box.

by kericr on Oct 4, 2008 1:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Make 'em make a play!

by steve-o1285 on Oct 4, 2008 1:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

TBS Ratings this weekend are gonna suck bad

All things LONGORIA!

by RalphieTheRay on Oct 4, 2008 1:21 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Do you really think football is going to draw away from the playoffs that much?

by kericr on Oct 4, 2008 1:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

no... I mean SWEEPS.. only those like us will be watching our teams

All things LONGORIA!

by RalphieTheRay on Oct 4, 2008 1:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Aah, true that.

by kericr on Oct 4, 2008 1:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

but you are right about football...

that’s what I would typically be watching now… Imagine the Bucs v Rays again on a Sunday… What do you think TB will be watching? Hopefully some historic SWEEP, huh?

All things LONGORIA!

by RalphieTheRay on Oct 4, 2008 1:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs