The Season's Not Over

by R.J. Anderson on Aug 11, 2008 7:56 PM EDT Comment 118 comments

The math is simple; if the Rays can lose four games less than the Red Sox over the next 40 games they will almost definitely win the American League East. Yet without Evan Longoria (for the next three weeks) and Carl Crawford can the Rays pull it off?

Replacing Crawford offensively will not be an issue. His speed won't be replaced, but he wasn't getting on base or hitting for enough power to match even the average player. I'm fully confident that whomever is thrown into left the majority of the time (Ruggiano? Hinske?) will surpass Crawford offensively. The concern of course is replacing Crawford defensively.

Using Hinske's right field statistics, rather than his small sample of left field stats, he's roughly 16 plays worse than Crawford. Of course left field is theoretically an easier position, so take a play or two off perhaps and that's still a about a win differential defensively. Over about 100 plate appearances Hinske is worth just shy of a half a win difference, naturally it would seem that A) Hinske may get more than 100 plate appearances over the next few weeks and B) Hinske may not get all of Crawford's PA.

With Evan we're looking at three weeks worth of offense and defense. I put the PA at 75. It's a rough estimate, obviously, but it told us that Evan is worth slightly less than a half of a win better offensively over that time. Defensively Longoria is worth about a play and a half more over 30 chances. Combined Longoria is about a half of a win better over three weeks than Aybar.

So for the next three weeks we're looking at losing a full win from both of the injuries, but after that it might just be a half win differential. Let's just hope that the defense isn't hurt too much out in left field.

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I would advise everyone to pray to the heavens that Aybar progresses during these three weeks.

19 LD%
.227 BABIP

by R.J. Anderson on Aug 11, 2008 7:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Should I sacrifice anything?

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

BELIEVE in 08!

by SRQman on Aug 11, 2008 7:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The rest of your self respect?

by R.J. Anderson on Aug 11, 2008 8:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

How?

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

BELIEVE in 08!

by SRQman on Aug 11, 2008 8:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If you have to ask we're hopeless.

by R.J. Anderson on Aug 11, 2008 8:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

if the Rays do end up dropping a few games in the standings, can't we just blame Upton?

my blog // calling BJ Upton lazy is lazy // past results do not guarantee future performance

by Sky Kalkman on Aug 11, 2008 8:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

by the way, you've got to love a division leader with ZERO talk of an MVP or Cy Young candidate

Longoria might get end of ballot MVP votes and a couple third-place votes for James Shields isn’t crazy.

my blog // calling BJ Upton lazy is lazy // past results do not guarantee future performance

by Sky Kalkman on Aug 11, 2008 8:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

good post, by the way, RJ

One player rarely controls a team’s destiny. and one player is almost insignificant over the course of a month. This team still has Upton, Kaz, Shields, Garza, Sonny, Jackson, Pena, Aki, Gross, Howell, Balfour, Wheeler, et al.

This is not good news. But it’s certainly not the end of the world. Let’s go show off the organizational depth and keep winning at the same pace.

my blog // calling BJ Upton lazy is lazy // past results do not guarantee future performance

by Sky Kalkman on Aug 11, 2008 8:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

MUAHAHAHA

by Acadien on Aug 11, 2008 8:13 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

Rec'd

John Paul the Great was that awesome, and made of win and god.

Do not think that what is hard for you to master is humanly impossible; but if a thing is humanly possible, consider it to be within your reach.

by Orlando Rays on Aug 12, 2008 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

What about?

Hinske @ 3rd
Ruggiano in left
Gross in right

will Hinske kill us at 3rd???

by Hazleton Jason on Aug 11, 2008 8:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

He'll kill us if a LHP is starting

.444 OPS against lefties this year.

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Aug 11, 2008 8:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why would he

with Aybar, Ruggiano, and Baldelli available, plus switcher BenZo?

by nyyfaninlaaland on Aug 11, 2008 8:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Unfortunately the game is played on the field

not on an Excel spreadsheet. Stats are less projectable over small samples.

That triviality aside, just gotta hope people step up, not down, Longo is back when projected, etc. Regardless, it’s already been a great season for the Rays.

Tough luck though – hate to see such happen to any player or team, except maybe the BoSox. Pitching’s been mostly carrying the load anyway, so hope it continues.

by nyyfaninlaaland on Aug 11, 2008 8:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

The game's aren't played on Excel spreadsheets?

REALLY?

by R.J. Anderson on Aug 11, 2008 8:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Don't be a smart ass!

I said it was a trivial comment

by nyyfaninlaaland on Aug 11, 2008 8:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I know

But smart assery is all I have left : (

by R.J. Anderson on Aug 11, 2008 8:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

"Stats are less projectable over small samples."

i hate this line. yes, over three weeks, great players can suck and crappy players can be productive. but that doesn’t mean it’s any smarter to play players with bad projections for three weeks than for three months.

my blog // calling BJ Upton lazy is lazy // past results do not guarantee future performance

by Sky Kalkman on Aug 12, 2008 9:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think RF is any harder defensively than LF.

It’s the exact same position in fact. The reason it’s higher on the defensive spectrum is because of the arm strength required to play the position. I wouldn’t give Hinske any extra plays in LF, his girly arm will just be somewhat masked.

Tools Whore

Sign Bonds!

by Tyler on Aug 11, 2008 8:28 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

yup.

and the research backs this up.

if anything, LFs shows slightly better range because teams sometimes settle for good arm/poor range fielders in right.

my blog // calling BJ Upton lazy is lazy // past results do not guarantee future performance

by Sky Kalkman on Aug 12, 2008 9:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Depends on the park dimensions.

9 = 8

by JI on Aug 12, 2008 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

True, but outside of Fenway, most parks LF is bigger than RF, or so it seems to me anyway.

Tools Whore

Sign Bonds!

by Tyler on Aug 12, 2008 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Any chance when Bartlett returns to the field the Rays will demote Zobrist for Dan Johnson given he has been playing 3B of late (although tonight he is in LF?)?

by RATW on Aug 11, 2008 8:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Someone would have to be DFA'd

the 40-man is full now that we picked up Bradford and activated Rocco.

by Vin on Aug 11, 2008 9:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

They could always move Ryuuuuuuuuuu to the 60-day DL.

Looks like he hasn’t pitched in over 3 months.

by RATW on Aug 11, 2008 9:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's an excellent point.

WTF happened to that guy?

by Vin on Aug 11, 2008 9:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Revenge of osprey.

by R.J. Anderson on Aug 11, 2008 9:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Kindness, remember kindness.....

http://tampabayraysprospects.blogspot.com/

by DAM on Aug 11, 2008 9:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hypothetically...

If Ruggs tears it up with his bat, could he possibly steal Crawfords starting job? I would guess an even bigger “if” would be that someone else would have to shore up the RF job first. So thinking while I type, does Ruggs have a shot at being the permanent RF, or wil he end up part of the platoon regardless of his performance?

I don't smoke.

by TBfisherman on Aug 11, 2008 8:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Not really...

Crawford is the type of guy that can’t be replace unless he is traded. I do think the injury hurts the trade possibilities for this offseason. Bummer.

by tallyray on Aug 11, 2008 9:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Am I the only one here

Tht thinks Randy Winn could easily duplicate, and/or surpass what Crawford has done this year?

by GomesSweetGomes on Aug 11, 2008 9:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

except for the triples

Also, I don’t think you can compare Crawford and Winn over several years. Carl is having a bad year. There are a lot of guys out there that could duplicate or surpass his numbers this year (except the triples).

I don't smoke.

by TBfisherman on Aug 11, 2008 9:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think you can

And I think when you consider the Safeco/AT&T effect, Winn has been BETTER over the past several years. Also he would add even more value to this team because play all three outfield positions and hit consistently well from both sides of the plate.

by GomesSweetGomes on Aug 11, 2008 9:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe I shouldnt go that far

As CC definitely has him beat in the stolen base category. But the difference between the two has been minimal at best.

by GomesSweetGomes on Aug 11, 2008 9:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

and OPS

around .810 vs. .750ish. Carl is also a lot younger which it good. All that being said, I get your point.

I don't smoke.

by TBfisherman on Aug 11, 2008 9:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, but Winns OBP is better

And like I just don’t see CC posting a .460 SLG in San Fran or Safeco

by GomesSweetGomes on Aug 11, 2008 9:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

When you consider we are talking 40 games max

the difference between them is definitely negligible

by GomesSweetGomes on Aug 11, 2008 9:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

only 40 games

over 40 games the difference between Winn and Ruggs should be negligible. I am over my head in projection stats at this point though.

I don't smoke.

by TBfisherman on Aug 11, 2008 10:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

nope

my blog // calling BJ Upton lazy is lazy // past results do not guarantee future performance

by Sky Kalkman on Aug 12, 2008 9:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

have we given up on the Bat Creature?

we need him now more than ever

by daveh33 on Aug 11, 2008 9:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

WTF are you talking about?

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

BELIEVE in 08!

by SRQman on Aug 11, 2008 9:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

this was discussed a month or so ago

when our RF situation was the hot topic…

by daveh33 on Aug 11, 2008 9:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

GOD.

by R.J. Anderson on Aug 11, 2008 9:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOl

I forgot about that.

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

BELIEVE in 08!

by SRQman on Aug 11, 2008 9:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

We need this to save us

This will save our season

Devil Rays World Series 2009

by Japhei on Aug 11, 2008 9:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

"I Have NOT Retired!"

by RayFanNY on Aug 11, 2008 11:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Needs more siringes.

by kericr on Aug 12, 2008 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

in other news

Danks is making the Sox look foolish right now

by daveh33 on Aug 11, 2008 9:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

er, the red sox

the white sox look brilliant for stealing him from texas

by daveh33 on Aug 11, 2008 9:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was going to make a comment

But I have already proven I dont read good once tonight

by GomesSweetGomes on Aug 11, 2008 9:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Perkins doing quite well also.

by Vin on Aug 11, 2008 9:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The season's not over

But you guys better start Ponying up. We need all the good karma we can get.

by GomesSweetGomes on Aug 11, 2008 9:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Good omens lay ahead:

STP: Google Reader just reccomended me to a furry Podcast

by R.J. Anderson on Aug 11, 2008 9:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Sounds like Sheff has worn out his welcome in Detroit...(not sure if Maddon wants a headcase like Sheff, though)

Manager Jim Leyland responded Monday to Gary Sheffield’s complaints that he doesn’t like being “platooned” and isn’t comfortable playing exclusively designated hitter.
Leyland rightly scoffed at Sheffield’s complaint, noting that he’s hardly being platooned while playing 36 of the past 43 games despite offering little production. “Anybody that has a brain knows that’s not a platoon,” Leyland said. “Platoon is when you have a left-hand hitter and a right-hand hitter. One plays against right-hand pitching and one plays against left-hand pitching. That is a platoon.” Asked about Sheffield not liking to be a pure DH, Leyland said: “I tried to play him in the outfield. It didn’t work. He couldn’t throw in from the outfield.”

9 = 8

by websterjtc on Aug 11, 2008 9:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

The best part about going after the steroid guy under indictment (as opposed to Shef)

Is that he is instructed to not talk much…about anything

by GomesSweetGomes on Aug 11, 2008 9:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i really don't think we need

either of them… it’s just not worth it… too many variables… we just don’t need problematic bitches

by daveh33 on Aug 11, 2008 10:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

How many wins does Bradford bring over Reyes?

I know this would be tiny, but it should be considered.

by LeftRight on Aug 11, 2008 10:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

minimal

a quarter win the rest of the way, max

my blog // calling BJ Upton lazy is lazy // past results do not guarantee future performance

by Sky Kalkman on Aug 12, 2008 9:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The injuries

I think Longoria hurts the defense more than Crawford because of his GG status. I was thinking Ruggiano would switch off with Baldelli and Hinske would move to third, as he has experiance with the Jays at third. I think we’ll be fine as long as Pena and Navi keep bringing there best.

by LONGO4PREZ08 on Aug 12, 2008 12:13 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I think Pitching will pull us through this.

If we can get a .500 record through the end of the month we will be fine. Has anyone thought about Zobrist at third when Bartlett comes back. Ruggiano in Left and Platoon as usual in Right?

by PewterPirate55 on Aug 12, 2008 7:22 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

What about Aki back to 3rd till Longo gets back.

Also put Benzo at 2nd when Bartlett comes back.

by PewterPirate55 on Aug 12, 2008 7:27 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Go get Barry!

Now with Longoria & Crawford on the DL, we have to do something! We wouldn’t have to sacrifice anything for Bonds except a few dollars. To me, it’s an absolute no brainer! Why not?!

by drrub on Aug 12, 2008 7:53 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Also, i heard on 620 (i think) that Maddon might go to a six man rotation with Price to alleviate some of the innings.

Did anyone else hear this or can confirm it?

9 = 8

by websterjtc on Aug 12, 2008 8:53 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Not a bad idea at all

by Jason Collette on Aug 12, 2008 9:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i'd prefer to see Jackson/Price get accustomed to the bullpen

my blog // calling BJ Upton lazy is lazy // past results do not guarantee future performance

by Sky Kalkman on Aug 12, 2008 9:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If Jackson goes to the pen...

when do you use his 1.2 K/BB ratio? Does he become the new Jason Hammel who can only be trusted to pitch in blowouts one way or the other? That’s my reservation to put him in the pen unless he only comes in to start an inning. He’s the last guy I want coming in with runners in scoring position.

by Jason Collette on Aug 12, 2008 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think Jackson has a proven track record of being completely incapable of coming out of the bully

He’s got to be starter or nothing at this point. Price will work fine out of the bullpen this year; we can always trade E-Jax during the offseason to get some wood.

by kericr on Aug 12, 2008 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The stats don't back this up

So that means I don’t know what I’m talking about. Should have checked before I posted.

by kericr on Aug 12, 2008 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It’s an uncomfortably small sample for the bullpen (40 IP), but Jackson’s career numbers aren’t much different from starter to pen:

Starter:
K/9: 6.08
BB/9: 4.57
K:BB: 1.33

Reliever:
K/9: 6.81
BB/9: 5.22
K:BB: 1.30

Do we really want that coming out of the pen?

by RATW on Aug 12, 2008 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

am i right that Jackson hasn't come out of the pen in 2007 or 2008

and he’s improved as a starter since 2006? so he very well could be better in the bullpen than his old stats indicate.

my blog // calling BJ Upton lazy is lazy // past results do not guarantee future performance

by Sky Kalkman on Aug 12, 2008 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

This is true, if you accept he has improved as a starter.

by RATW on Aug 12, 2008 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

which is an interesting question

Majors
2003 22 IP, 3 starts, 4G, 19/11 K/BB, 2 HR
2004 25 IP, 5 starts, 5G, 16/11 K/BB, 7 HR
2005 29 IP, 6 starts, 7G, 13/17 K/BB, 2 HR
2006 36 IP, 1 start, 23 G, 27/25 K/BB, 2 HR

Minors
2003 148 IP, 27 starts, 27G, 157/53 K/BB, AA
2004 91 IP, 19 starts, 19G, 70/55 K/BB, AAA
2005 117 IP, 22 starts, 23G, 77/55 K/BB, 20 HRs, AA/AAA
2006 73 IP, 13 starts, 22G, 66/35 K/BB, 7 HRs, AAA

In the minors, 2006 is his best year, but that’s probably some combination of being able to pitch in relief, real improvement, and repeating AAA.

Not sure there’s much to conclude, but there’s the info. Although, just the fact that Jackson maintained his mediocre K/BB ratio from AAA to the majors shows an increase in skill.

my blog // calling BJ Upton lazy is lazy // past results do not guarantee future performance

by Sky Kalkman on Aug 12, 2008 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He had 1 appearance out of the bully just before the ASB in 07, no appearances out this year.

Maddon ran him out last year because his bullpen was exhausted and Jackson was slated for like 11 days off with the AYB and him reorganizing the rotation after the break.

by kericr on Aug 12, 2008 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

*ASB, not AYB

they do not belong to us.

by kericr on Aug 12, 2008 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

you would assume his K-rate would increase in the pen

and i’d rather have a high-walk, low-hits pitcher come in with runners on base. it’s the Tom Glavine strategy.

my blog // calling BJ Upton lazy is lazy // past results do not guarantee future performance

by Sky Kalkman on Aug 12, 2008 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sonny would go to the Pen

All along I think that this is the plan, and that it will happen eventually. Why?
1. In Spring Training Hickey stated that among all of the possible choices between starters versus bullpen guys that 2 of them were ideally suited for the pen. The two he named were JP Howell and Sonny.
2. Sonny’s control suits him better for the Pen
3. According to Hickey his arm recovers very quickly so he can be used very often since his rubber arm lets him pitch that way
4. I have not looked at this lately but usually Sonny’s 3rd trip thru the order is his most challenging, and in set-up relief that is usually not a factor.
5. Jax for all the opposite reasons is better suited as a starter and not the Pen
6. Next year our starting rotation to me looks like: Kaz, Shields, Price, Garza and Jax
7. Sonny in the Pen could be alot like the Twin’s Neshek which would be awesome

SC raysfan

by SC raysfan on Aug 12, 2008 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

"2. Sonny’s control suits him better for the Pen"

I’ve read this a lot recently (about control being more valuable in the pen, not about Sonny specifically). Is it true? Has anyone ever shown this?

I would assume the opposite might be true, as pitchers who don’t have a lot of control often throw the ball really hard and only have one or two pitches—which would give them a large advantage moving to the bullpen.

I obviously disagree about #5, then.

my blog // calling BJ Upton lazy is lazy // past results do not guarantee future performance

by Sky Kalkman on Aug 12, 2008 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

#5

5 is about several facts not just about control only. Fact: Hickey likes Sonny better than Jax for the Pen, unless he has changed his mind since ST, Sonny’s arm recovers much faster and suits him perfect for the Pen – Jax’s doesn’t , Sonny gets less effective the longer he pitches whereas Jax sometimes gets stronger the longer he goes (the radio guys reiterate these same observations and reflect apon Hickey’s and Maddon’s comments to these on a regular basis) Jax may be okay as a closer but other roles in the Pen don’t seem to fit him that well, but Sonny can be fantastic in my opinion out of the Pen like a Neshek is for the Twins and I really think that the coaches feel the same way.
In the future (next Spring) I think they will both get looks at possible other roles and maybe Sonny in the Pen in sept.

SC raysfan

by SC raysfan on Aug 12, 2008 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

what do Sonny and Neshek have in common?

Can you find some data that backs up your claims of Jackson being stronger and Sonny being weaker as the game goes on?

my blog // calling BJ Upton lazy is lazy // past results do not guarantee future performance

by Sky Kalkman on Aug 12, 2008 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Jackson being stronger and Sonny being weaker as the game goes on?

Magrane says it alot during the broadcast.

It is strange but Jackson’s best pitches are #91 and later.

Last 3 years: .229/.309/.494
This year: .241/.317/.389

Sonnanstine last 2 yrs: .304/.373/.522
This year: .195/.250/.317

Sonnanstine’s worst numbers are pitches 31-60

this year:

31-45: .314/.311/.430
46-60: .389/.412/.600

Pitches 1-30:

1-15: .278/.294/.532
16-30: .226/.242/.269

RISP + Close and Late this year:

Sonnanstine: .259/.291/.367 ; .250, .235/.313
Jackson: .239/.296/.393 ; .278/.375/.389

Sonnanstine is the better fit for the pen statistically if we have to pick one.

by Jason Collette on Aug 12, 2008 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

this is where i'd love to see what PITCHf/x has to say about maintaining velocity, break, and location

I’d be wary of sample size issues in those splits.

RISP + Close and Late this year:
Sonnanstine: .259/.291/.367 ; .250, .235/.313
Jackson: .239/.296/.393 ; .278/.375/.389

Ignoring sample size issues, doesn’t this favor Sonny in the rotation? And, actually, do any of the numbers you showed favor Jackson? I don’t see many comparisons.

my blog // calling BJ Upton lazy is lazy // past results do not guarantee future performance

by Sky Kalkman on Aug 12, 2008 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

and, of course, we'd ideally like to neutralize things like BABIP

my blog // calling BJ Upton lazy is lazy // past results do not guarantee future performance

by Sky Kalkman on Aug 12, 2008 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agree on sample size

but I still think Jackson’s control issues make him a more risky play for the pen despite his arsenal. IF he could control his fastball, he’d be dangerous in the pen firing heat and then snapping off the slider and scraping his curve. However, Jackson struggles to locate his fastball throughout the game and that is what his problem is. Sonnanstine does a better job of locating his pitches but clearly has problems at times when he cannot bring himself to throw outside the zone with 2 strikes and elevates his pitches.

by Jason Collette on Aug 12, 2008 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

different point

shouldn’t the decision really be “who should stay in the rotation?”—a starter has more value than another reliever. and assuming you agree that Sonny is a better starter than Jackson, that means he stays a starter.

my blog // calling BJ Upton lazy is lazy // past results do not guarantee future performance

by Sky Kalkman on Aug 12, 2008 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Tandem them

Sonny should be the first guy out of the pen for every start Jackson makes :)

by Jason Collette on Aug 12, 2008 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Your starting lineup

Iwamura, 2B
Upton, CF
Crawford, LF
Longoria, 3B
Pena, 1B
Baldelli, RF
Hinske, DH
Navarro, C
Bartlett, SS

Kinda makes you sad looking at it.

by steve-o1285 on Aug 12, 2008 9:27 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I would take that in a heartbeat trollboy

Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.

by Sandy Kazmir on Aug 12, 2008 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

was he saying it's sad because of the injuries?

surely he can’t be saying that our lineup it sad when healthy. he’d have to be retarded. if that’s what he’s saying than i am sad for him.

by stpetelawyer on Aug 12, 2008 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

obviously

It’s sad because it’s never looked like that. Sheesh

by steve-o1285 on Aug 12, 2008 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

agreed entirely

and congrats on not being retarded!

by stpetelawyer on Aug 12, 2008 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Crawford can be replaced

And Longoria won’t be gone for long, since the injury is non-displaced.

Do not think that what is hard for you to master is humanly impossible; but if a thing is humanly possible, consider it to be within your reach.

by Orlando Rays on Aug 12, 2008 11:29 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

i was still holding out hope that pre-2008 Crawford would be back by the time the playoffs came around

my blog // calling BJ Upton lazy is lazy // past results do not guarantee future performance

by Sky Kalkman on Aug 12, 2008 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

In the form of Justin Ruggiano?

"STP is me. He can do everything I can do." - R.J. Anderson

by P Brady on Aug 12, 2008 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

OH HAI GUYZ!

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

BELIEVE in 08!

by SRQman on Aug 12, 2008 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why.

by R.J. Anderson on Aug 12, 2008 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why not?

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

BELIEVE in 08!

by SRQman on Aug 12, 2008 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why.

by R.J. Anderson on Aug 12, 2008 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why not?

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

BELIEVE in 08!

by SRQman on Aug 12, 2008 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

BLB

by matthan on Aug 12, 2008 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Won't happen....

sadly.

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

BELIEVE in 08!

by SRQman on Aug 12, 2008 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Obviously he (SRQ) likes it

Do not think that what is hard for you to master is humanly impossible; but if a thing is humanly possible, consider it to be within your reach.

by Orlando Rays on Aug 12, 2008 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

hey so is rollins moving up to AA to replace price?

if the rays can keep the red sox atleast 2 games away from the rays until evan longoria comes back than i think that we will win this division

Longo=ROY. Friedman=Executive of the year. Maddon=Manager of the year. Rays=WS champs 08! fiddler cat=best way to show your excitement. BJ UPTON IS NOT LAZY! ! ! Gabe Gross=caption clutch.

by RaysOfHope on Aug 12, 2008 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't like it that much

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

BELIEVE in 08!

by SRQman on Aug 12, 2008 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

SHORT SHORTS

"STP is me. He can do everything I can do." - R.J. Anderson

by P Brady on Aug 12, 2008 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Too bad they didn't do hazing like this when Upton was a rookie...

too bad for RJ, I mean.

by Vin on Aug 12, 2008 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like the 6-man rotaiton with Price. Give those guys some extra rest and less innings to worry about...especially with 27 games in 28 days down the stretch.

9 = 8

by websterjtc on Aug 12, 2008 2:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Are you sure we wouldn't be better off replacing Ejac or Sonny?

Do not think that what is hard for you to master is humanly impossible; but if a thing is humanly possible, consider it to be within your reach.

by Orlando Rays on Aug 12, 2008 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sonny has given up more than 3ER in just 8 out of his 23 starts and just 5 in his last 20.

So after his first 3 starts of the season Sonny has given up 4ER or more in 20% percent of his starts. Thats 3ER or less in 4 out of every 5 starts.

Edwin Jackson is pretty much the same deal. More than 3ER in 8 out of his 23 starts. He did have a stretch of 4 starts in a row in which he gave up 4ER or more spanning from May 29 to June 15th. Since then he’s given up more than 3ER once.

There is absolutely no reason to replace either one of these guys until the offseason.

by Vin on Aug 12, 2008 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

But runs given up in the past is not predictive of runs given up in the future.

As such, a smart front office (which the Rays have) would recognize that other components have more predictive value than ERA – and, thus they wouldn’t wait for the inevitable regression from Edwin Jackson.

by Peter Bendix on Aug 12, 2008 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nah, I know.

Trust me. Regardless of Jackson’s impending regression, there’s no way the FO is going to yank him from the rotation when he’s just a handful of starts away from completeing a very decent season (on the surface, at least) and establishing some concrete trade value going into the offseason.

Given that the 4 game stretch I talked about was his only streak of lousy games this year, he’s a good bet to have a “strong” finish, IMO.

by Vin on Aug 12, 2008 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I somewhat agree.

I think that the FO may determine that it is worth it to keep Jackson in the rotation in order to build his trade value for the offseason.

However, he is NOT a good bet to have a strong finish. Every time he goes out there, he takes his True Ability of a 5.00-5.50 ERA with him.

by Peter Bendix on Aug 12, 2008 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Every time he goes out there, he takes his True Ability of a 5.00-5.50 ERA with him.

I can’t disagree. And I won’t defend Jackson.

So I have nothing more to add.

by Vin on Aug 12, 2008 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rays

SKY can you please stop thinking so negative because the Rays need all the support they can go with the tragedy. I would sacrifice more than just my self respect for World Series. Honestly, I dont see them not winning the wild card if some how Boston gets hot. We dont want to mess up Price like Matt Garza in college He will probably come up at expansions but I would take R.J. guess better than anyone’s.

by LONGO4PREZ08 on Aug 12, 2008 3:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

"I would sacrifice more than just my self respect for World Series."

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers say your argument is crap.

by kericr on Aug 12, 2008 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

you talking to me?

I might seem negative because I take a rational approach. Players I’m high on go relative unnoticed, while players I’m down on earn tons of responses.

Overrated:
Edwin
Wheeler
Percival

Underrated:
BJ
Gross
Gomes (to a small degree)
Sonnanstine
Howell (in the sense that he should really be a starter. he won’t, just because he’s already in the pen and the Rays don’t need starters)

my blog // calling BJ Upton lazy is lazy // past results do not guarantee future performance

by Sky Kalkman on Aug 12, 2008 4:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Remake

Overrated:
Wheeler
Percival

Underrated:
Gross
Bartlett
Jackson
Howell ( We already tried him as a starter and that didn’t work so he went to Durham)

The Only Team That Tears Up The AL East With Out A big Payroll

by LONGO4PREZ08 on Aug 12, 2008 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Jackson is overrated.

by R.J. Anderson on Aug 12, 2008 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Jackson and Sonny didn't really work as starters last year

but they’ve been fine this year. and Howell’s been fine in the bullpen. all three guys are better this year than last year for the same reason: fielding and better luck. Howell would be a fine starter, about league-average.

my blog // calling BJ Upton lazy is lazy // past results do not guarantee future performance

by Sky Kalkman on Aug 12, 2008 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs