Swell Start

by R.J. Anderson on Apr 1, 2008 12:23 AM EDT

Well that was fun. It’s always nice to start the season off 1-0, even if it doesn’t guarantee anything. Obviously the most encouraging aspects were the Rays battling the conditions to defeat an inferior team in a dismissive fashion. Let’s glance over some points I’d like to cover on the off day.

I'll hand it to James Shields. He didn't look great yesterday, but he persevered some iffy control and an ambiguous strike zone to finish the game with seven strong innings despite a 2:3 strikeout to walk ratio. I'm sure his performances will pick up, however, I can't be the only one encouraged that we're actually talking down a 7 IP, 2 ER, 89 pitch outing. In some regard this was an original Shields performance (although the line scores are usually prettier) and Shields showed what makes him so valuable. His maturity level is unmatched on the staff, and his adaptations as the games progress shows he's able to change on the fly based on variables out of his control.

Joe Maddon made two moves that caused my eyebrows to rise. First attempting a double steal with Dioner Navarro and Jason Bartlett and then bringing in Trever Miller only to face righties. Neither should be executed again this season as far as I’m concerned.

For all of the talk about how poor the bottom of the order could be I was impressed with the patience exhibited by Cliff Floyd, Willy Aybar, and Eric Hinske. For a day at least it felt like the Rays had a legitimate offense. It’s far too early to dictate the three acquisitions as successful, but so far so good.

Finally I’d like to thank you, the readers, for making opening day on DRB a resounding success. Let’s keep this going tomorrow night with Matt Garza debuting.

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The Magic Number is now down to 161!!!

If you're not having fun, what are you having? There's already WAAAY too many serious moments in life.

by Manny Stiles on Apr 1, 2008 2:08 AM EDT reply actions

In today's paper, Maddon is quoted as saying that double steal is in their arsenal but was not called on that play. I think Miller was in to pitch to the weak hitting shortstop who was pinch hit for and then left in so as to get Roberts to bat right-handed.

Exactly how I feel about Shields. He adjusts within games. I was always impressed by the fact that after a terrific start in the majors he went into a bad slump but recovered and finished strong. And watching him pitch, you see that he keeps adjusting as the game goes on.

My favorite moment last year was the Minnesota game in which he hit a batter and allowed two bunt hits to load the bases. He then struck out Mauer and got Morneau to hit into a DP. Wow!

by bobr on Apr 1, 2008 7:29 AM EDT reply actions

I remember that Twins situation

Not many could've done that.

by R.J. Anderson on Apr 1, 2008 9:42 AM EDT up reply actions

Trever Miller

While I can't defend the double steal, nor will I try, it is worth noting that the guys Trever Miller was brought into to face (Luis Hernandez and Brian Roberts) were both switch hitters. Jay Payton ended up pinch hitting for Hernandez, but Miller was left in so he could face Roberts who hits significantly worse versus left handers as a right-handed batter.

But after all that, Miller got out Payton and gave up a hit to Roberts so what are you going to do?

by FanDisplaced on Apr 1, 2008 9:46 AM EDT reply actions