Matt Garza So-So, David Price Dazzles, Pat Burrell Slams

by Tommy Rancel on Mar 10, 2009 3:56 PM EDT

Single, double, double, two runs scored and a runner on second with no outs. This is how Matt Garza's 2009 spring started. Out, wild pitch(scoring a third run), and two ground ball outs is how he survived his first inning. Luckily Garza would settle down in the second inning and retire the Blue Jays without surrendering a hit or a walk. I don't think any of us are surprised to see that he was a little bit amped up in his first live action of the spring; that's just Matt being Matt. Overall the numbers aren't pretty, but clearly Garza understands the deal.

"It's hard to get happy or ahead over the results," Garza said. "But it's about the process." ~ Heater

Final line:

Tampa Bay	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Garza	2.0	3	3	3	0	1	0	13.50

Andy Sonnanstine was next in the debut line, however, because of an offensive explosion in the bottom half of the fifth, Sonny only worked one perfect inning. The Rays scored five runs in the bottom half of the inning and we're guessing Joe Maddon didn't want to send him out there after a long delay. Mitch Talbot also worked a perfect inning for the Rays.

After waiting all spring, we were graced by the presence of David Price. Like Garza, Price was a bit on edge to start the game. He walked his first batter and went 2-0 on the next before composing himself and getting a strikeout. He then got a pop up and another K to retire the side. On the day his line looked like:

Tampa Bay	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Price	2.0	0	0	0	2	3	0	0.00

Fernando Perez was injured in the first inning while diving for a ball in centerfield. He was taken out of the lineup and replaced by Mr. March 2009, Jon Weber. We are still awaiting word on the results from x-rays on Perez's arm.

Pat or shall we call him Bat Burrell came through with his first home run and in grand fashion. Burrell put the Rays ahead for good with a fifth inning grand slam. Reid Brignac went 2-4 with two RBI and two runs scored. I'll go ahead and call it now...BREAKOUT!

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Comments

What about Separate-Spitting-Incidents?

I have high expectations for Garza’s SSI count. Over 20? If he really hopes to take it to the next level, he needs to be in mid-season form by the end of ST.

by Lurch's Lobbyists on Mar 10, 2009 4:00 PM EDT reply actions

You beat me to this

by GomesSweetGomes on Mar 10, 2009 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions

It was a relatively dry day, I'd say 15 per inning.

by Tommy Rancel on Mar 10, 2009 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Right now he's at merely Cobra status.

Hopefully he’ll be at Llama before the season starts.

Sign lady must die.

by EminenceFront on Mar 10, 2009 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions

All Weber does is hit

by Raymondo on Mar 10, 2009 4:19 PM EDT reply actions

Cut Kapler

by Tommy Rancel on Mar 10, 2009 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions

and Gross

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Mar 10, 2009 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions

I'd give Ruggiano 400 PA's before I'd give Weber 200

by GomesSweetGomes on Mar 10, 2009 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Nando

Looks like an MRI and a possible broken wrist. Not good.

Joe

by joedobr on Mar 10, 2009 4:49 PM EDT reply actions

Maybe a blessing in disguise?

This way he’ll definitely not be rushed to the bigs.

Sign lady must die.

by EminenceFront on Mar 10, 2009 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't see that as an issue

He’s no spring chicken, and is probably as polished as he’s going to get. The only reason he’s not coming up is because of lack of room, and the ability to stash him.

by GomesSweetGomes on Mar 10, 2009 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions

It could be

The Rays are now likely down two positional center fielders to start the season. Somebody should tell Crawford about this so he can prepare for the ambush.

Gross, Capler, Zob and Ruggs are not ideal solutions to a hole in CF.

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by kericr on Mar 10, 2009 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Kapler is passable

But he and Gross aren’t very valuable when their weaknesses are exposed.

by GomesSweetGomes on Mar 10, 2009 5:09 PM EDT up reply actions

i.e both are starting

by GomesSweetGomes on Mar 10, 2009 5:09 PM EDT up reply actions

Also

Crawford is fast, but I really don’t like the thought of his arm in center field

by GomesSweetGomes on Mar 10, 2009 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions

Platooning center and right field is going to be a headache.

I guess you’re looking at Ruggiano and Kapler against righties and Zobrist and Kapler against lefties?

Get well soon Upton.

by R.J. Anderson on Mar 10, 2009 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions

You give me too much credit

I think that all four of those guys are moderate to large steps downward defensively when compared to Upton or Perez; I wasn’t considering platoons or their performance at the plate.

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by kericr on Mar 10, 2009 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions