Some More Thoughts on the Game

by R.J. Anderson on Apr 9, 2009 6:42 PM EDT

A bit unorganized so excuse the mess.

Carl Crawford's defense is still absolutely stellar. Sometimes you forget just how much room he covers, then he goes and makes some crazy good plays like today and makes them look routine. Take his running stabs from today, or his dive/throw - which showed a remarkably good sense of awareness - or even his plays off the wall. Sometimes I think we take his range for granted, and this season I'm making a conscious effort to notice it more than ever Good defensive series from Carl, real good.
At first, I was against the decision to leave Brian Shouse in against a righty, but after being reminded J.D. Drew flagged Kevin Youkilis, it made some sense. The difference between Shouse and, say, Joe Nelson for one plate appearance against a righty is minimal. Of course, it helped matters that there was a single out and that the Rays held a three-run lead.
Speaking of Nelson, after starting fastball heavy, he ended almost exclusively using his vulcan change. Nelson's first seven pitches were fastballs, followed by a pair of changes and then another fastball. His last 10 pitches featured six change-ups. Nelson only generated one swinging strike, which came on his final pitch - a fastball to Jed Lowrie.
Matt Joyce's homerun was pretty damn awesome. If he looks unnatural in center it's because he is, but he's still held up fairly.
I'm not sure Shawn Riggans is capable of a hit if it doesn't leave the playing field.
Three more games until B.J. Upton returns. Ready yourselves.

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With Joyce doing well I guess

Is he still the better bet to be the man out when BJ returns?

by Ben Tumbling on Apr 9, 2009 7:04 PM EDT reply actions

I would imagine so because he's the only one with options.

by walkoffwalk on Apr 9, 2009 7:18 PM EDT up reply actions

What's your guess when BJ returns?

Zo, Gross or Joyce

by Raymondo on Apr 9, 2009 7:28 PM EDT reply actions

Maybe they can trade Gross for another prospect and keep Joyce up.

by walkoffwalk on Apr 9, 2009 10:07 PM EDT up reply actions

Can we please sign Matt Garza for 6+ years?

I would like to lock that man up for a bit. Upton too, but I doubt we get both.

by raysrule44 on Apr 9, 2009 7:41 PM EDT reply actions

Uh

He’s already locked up for the next 5

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Apr 9, 2009 8:34 PM EDT up reply actions

I'd like to see something with a bit more cost control then arbitration.

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by kericr on Apr 9, 2009 9:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Beej's music should be Tougher Than Leather when he comes back.

Seriously, listen to it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFvYm-i3vls

by Sylar on Apr 9, 2009 9:52 PM EDT reply actions

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 10, 2009 12:05 AM EDT up reply actions

Leaving Shouse in.

I might have gone Howell rather than Shouse just because he fares better against righties. The decision is definitely defensible considering the lead, and the fact that Howell had pitched yesterday and there’s a game tomorrow. The plus side being Howell not pitching 70+ innings going into September.

by rglass44 on Apr 10, 2009 9:11 AM EDT reply actions