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No Decision: Jeff Niemann and Jason Hammel Make Final Spring Appearance; B.J Upton Homers

Jeff Niemann, Fifth Starter? Maybe(Photo By SRQman)

Jeff Niemann, Fifth Starter? Maybe(Photo By SRQman)

There are no games today, but it is a very important day around the Bay Area. With less than three hours left before today's 3 pm opening day roster deadline, we still don't know who the Rays fifth starter is or what league Jason Hammel will pitch in. What we do know is both pitchers threw in intrasquad minor league games this morning and came out healthy. Here is Joe Smith's update.

The two candidates for the Rays fifth starter job each pitched in a minor league intrasquad game Sunday morning, and said they left the field still not knowing their fates.

Niemann's line was six innings, giving up four runs on seven hits. Hammel threw six innings, giving up four runs on five hits.

Smith also reports that a Rockies scout was in attendance. Reports out of Denver still say the Rays and Rockies have agreed on the parameters of a deal, but nothing is official. Hammel admited this whole situation has been "rough" while Niemann described the experience as "crazy." Either way we'll have our answer soon.

Also on the back fields today, B.J. Upton went 4-12 today with a home run, two doubles and four RBI. The home run came off of Andy Sonnanstine, who was getting some work in. Upton participated as the DH in a few games as he was looking to rack up as many at-bats as he could. He will play in the season opener for the Port Charlotte Stone Crabs on Thursday and still has his eye on April 13th for his major league return.

In other news around the majors, Jonny Gomes was cut by the Reds in what he called a "surprise" move. Just last week it seemed as if Jonny had made the club. He is undecided on if he will accept a Triple-A assignment with the Reds. Looking  at our Durham roster with names like Chris Richard and Jon Weber, I think we could make some room for Gomes especially if he can play some first base. Basiclly, anything to get Jonny back in the organization would work for me.

0 recs  |  Comment 13 comments |

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What if we picked him up for Durham, but didn't let him play

Just go wherever DP goes and makes sure no one messes with him.

Do what you love to do and give it your very best. Whether it's business or baseball, or the theater, or any field. If you don't love what you're doing and you can't give it your best, get out of it. Life is too short. You'll be an old man before you know it.

-Al Lopez

by Sandy Kazmir on Apr 5, 2009 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Bring back Jonny.

Maybe he will pull a Dan Johnson this September.

by bobr on Apr 5, 2009 12:41 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Which .gifs?

The player ones are usually made here/LL and everything else is taken from somewhere else. I think.

by R.J. Anderson on Apr 5, 2009 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

i figured the rays specific ones where made here

but are there any particular sites that have a good selection of .gifs

by Sveet on Apr 5, 2009 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Troll NeoGaf.Com

That’s where I get mine.

by Sylar on Apr 5, 2009 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well less than 2 hours until they have to decide

This has the same feel as the trade deadline

Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart

by joeybw on Apr 5, 2009 1:12 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Also

Unless another asshole pitcher hits him, Upton looks sure to be ready for the home opener now I just hope they keep Joyce around….Maddon loves him, maybe he can get Friedman to keep him up

Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart

by joeybw on Apr 5, 2009 1:42 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Done Deal.

Hammel traded to Rockies; Niemann fifth starter

After the long wait, RHPs Jason Hammel and Jeff Niemann finally have closure.

Hammel said he was told Sunday afternoon he has been traded to the Rockies. Though he was appreciative the Rays gave him opportunities, he’s looking forward to a fresh start in Colorado.

Niemann was informed he’ll be the Rays fifth starter, and was elated by the news. He said he’ll board a flight tonight for Boston and join the team.

- JOE SMITH

http://blogs.tampabay.com/rays/2009/04/hammel-traded-to-rockies-niemann-fifth-starter.html

by ReasonableDoubt on Apr 5, 2009 1:45 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

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