DRaysBay: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:

Sports blogs for fans, by fans.
Around SBN: Fedor vs Rogers Results and Live Coverage

Rays send down Andy sonnanstine, designate winston abreu. Scott Kazmir will start on Saturday. The Rays had to make room for LHP Scott Kazmir and RHP Chad Bradford to be activated. The decision on who to drop from the rotation was between Jeff Niemann, David Price and Andy Sonnanstine.

Heater

4 months ago Img_0143_tiny P Brady 122 comments 0 recs  | 

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Display:

DOWN GOES SONNY. DOWN GOES SONNY.

Brad Ziegler had a scoreless inning streak. Brad Ziegler had not met BJ Upton.

by P Brady on Jun 26, 2009 11:04 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I feel bad for Sonnanstine

I mean, he wasn’t really as bad as he looked and he had a good season last year

by Transplanted on Jun 26, 2009 11:08 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Poor Sonny

HE’LL BE BACK

by acablue on Jun 26, 2009 11:10 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

A few other things

Maddon’s got a picture of a black family sitting on his desk directly behind him. For no reason whatsoever, I can’t help but think that’s the picture that came with the frame.

Also, That phone he has on his desk is a Cisco 7941, and it’s badass.

I can't wait until we trade him for a reliever.

by kericr on Jun 26, 2009 11:13 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I saw that too...

that’s all I could think of

Boom. Outta Here.

by WillisDaddy on Jun 26, 2009 11:36 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think this was the mistake

Abreu is more valuable to this team than Dillon IMO

by matthan on Jun 26, 2009 11:15 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think Longoria's hamstring unjury is why Dillon is hanging around

They mentioned they thought about an extra pitcher, but opted against it

by Transplanted on Jun 26, 2009 11:18 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

this, sadly

Follow Me on Twitter @FreeZorilla

by FreeZorilla on Jun 26, 2009 11:21 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Disagreed.

Our bullpen has been shit-hot the past month, and we still need valuable right-handed hitters.

by Zach Attack on Jun 26, 2009 11:19 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

How is Dillon valuable? How do we need him?

Jason McEachern watch: 5 ip 3 h 0 er 0 bb 4 so 0.00 ERA
www.raysprospects.com

by Imperialism32 on Jun 26, 2009 11:21 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Brignac is better suited for that spot

but they want Briggy starting so we just carry Dillon around with us

Rotation: 1. James Shields 2. Matt Garza 3. David Price 4. Jeff Niemann 5. Andy Sonnanstine...... Coming Soon: Scott Kazmir but for who?!

by joeybw on Jun 26, 2009 11:18 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

yea and like I and some other predicted, Brignac not seeing any time at 2B in Durham.

I don’t see how him playing SS in Durham is any better than him being in Tampa.

by Dbullsfan on Jun 26, 2009 11:24 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

he can come in for D if Zobrist or Bartlett get hurt

and unlike Aybar or Dillion, he would play great D

He also can do something we dont have anyone to do, pinch fucking run

Rotation: 1. James Shields 2. Matt Garza 3. David Price 4. Jeff Niemann 5. Andy Sonnanstine...... Coming Soon: Scott Kazmir but for who?!

by joeybw on Jun 26, 2009 11:27 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Brignac played 2B like 2 days ago

Jason McEachern watch: 5 ip 3 h 0 er 0 bb 4 so 0.00 ERA
www.raysprospects.com

by Imperialism32 on Jun 26, 2009 11:33 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Only thing I don't like here is keeping Dillon and getting rid of Abreu.

With the flexability of Aybar and Zobrist we don’t really need another infielder. Combine that with not knowing how many innings you are going to get out of Kazmir and Price pitching back to back (or even if Niemann goes in between). I would be much more comfortable with the extra pitcher.

by Dbullsfan on Jun 26, 2009 11:20 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

yeah the next 2 days will use up the pen

Cormier is gonna pitch a lot of innings in 1 of them

Rotation: 1. James Shields 2. Matt Garza 3. David Price 4. Jeff Niemann 5. Andy Sonnanstine...... Coming Soon: Scott Kazmir but for who?!

by joeybw on Jun 26, 2009 11:23 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sad to see Sonny go.

I’ll miss him and his quirky pinch-hitting and pinch-running escapades.

Still, you can’t stick in the league with an OBA of over .300. Just isn’t gonna happen.

by Zach Attack on Jun 26, 2009 11:22 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Question

Does this decision indicate in any way which pitcher (Sonny/Niemann) is more on the trading block. I would take this as us being more likely to move Niemann because his value would seemingly be higher because he is pitching in the majors.

by Dbullsfan on Jun 26, 2009 11:22 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

This is probably accurate.

It’s likely that Niemann will pull more in a trade. When Sonny isn’t hanging pitches in the strike zone, he’s still an effective pitcher and has a better track record for durability. The only way Sonny makes it back up before September is through an injury or trade.

I can't wait until we trade him for a reliever.

by kericr on Jun 26, 2009 11:25 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I wonder how he takes it

I remember, either last year or the year before Hammel sat out like 2-3 weeks after a demotion refusing to report. I don’t think we will see that out of Sonny but you never know.

by Dbullsfan on Jun 26, 2009 11:29 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Question # 2

What was Maddon referring to when he said, “The reasons we’re moving Sonny is, one, because of performance…and, also, for other issues, which I talked about with him.” What are “other issues”?

by Zach Attack on Jun 26, 2009 11:24 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Niemman out of options

Brad Ziegler had a scoreless inning streak. Brad Ziegler had not met BJ Upton.

by P Brady on Jun 26, 2009 11:24 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

sorry, I'm an ignoramus

but what does “out of options” mean?

by Zach Attack on Jun 26, 2009 11:25 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Minor League Options

Brad Ziegler had a scoreless inning streak. Brad Ziegler had not met BJ Upton.

by P Brady on Jun 26, 2009 11:26 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I would imagine that would be an ideal situation

but we aren’t going to give Niemann up for nothing.

by Dbullsfan on Jun 26, 2009 11:28 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

My mind keeps reverting to the fact

that we yanked Niemann after four innings when he’d only given up two runs in NY, then left Sonny in to pitch 7 (?) last night after giving up four in the first inning…and then Maddon’s nice comments about Sonny before tonight’s game.

I’m very surprised he was sent down, actually. But it makes more sense if they’re planning to trade Niemann by boosting his apparent value.

by Zach Attack on Jun 26, 2009 11:29 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

This was a tactical move...

Rays had an excellent opportunity to take a lead in a game with the pitcher’s spot coming up. If it was an AL park he would have stayed in.

Boom. Outta Here.

by WillisDaddy on Jun 26, 2009 11:41 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

worthless POS?

Good god.

It’s one thing to reasonably disagree with the move based on your valuation of Abreu, but calling a ballplayer who has come in and done his job well a worthless POS is just dumb.

by RATW on Jun 26, 2009 11:47 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

today sucks for sports for me (besides the rays winning)

Rubio may stay in Spain or be traded and the rays DFA Abreu who i really thought could be a real help if given a chance

Ricky Rubio has become my new man crush

by RaysOfHope on Jun 26, 2009 11:31 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

at least you still have jonny flynn

who isn’t going to be what Rubio will be, but at least you’re not with out options if/ when you have to trade the rights to Rubio.

Kaz/Shields/Garza/Sonny/Price/Davis/Hellickson-necessitate a drool cup or a 7 man rotation

by CubFanRaysaddict on Jun 27, 2009 7:41 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Jonny Flynn is going to turn the NBA into his personal bitch

That man can ball, I just wish he would have taken the Cuse to the Final Four this year instead of making all that money.

Rays Win!

by Sandy Kazmir on Jun 28, 2009 5:44 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I wouldn't be surprised to see Sonny in the pen in Durham.

I’m interested to see if he gains a couple of MPH on his fastball and a bit more bite on his breaking stuff. Ala JP Howell.

I’d much rather move Wheeler/Nelson than deal away Sonny/Niemann and if Sonny thrives as a reliever in Durham I don’t see why that would be a problem.

by Vin on Jun 26, 2009 11:32 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Why are we starting this "Sonny to the bullpen" crap again?

I can't wait until we trade him for a reliever.

by kericr on Jun 26, 2009 11:35 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

because he sucks as a SP

Ricky Rubio has become my new man crush

by RaysOfHope on Jun 26, 2009 11:35 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, except it's not true.

I can't wait until we trade him for a reliever.

by kericr on Jun 26, 2009 11:36 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

then why is he getting sent down and not Price who also still has options?

Sonny is garbage this year

Ricky Rubio has become my new man crush

by RaysOfHope on Jun 26, 2009 11:37 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

im not that big of a fan of Sonny

last year i came around on him, and actually i became a big fan of him last year, but this year i dont like what i see from him, too many big innings and too many HR

Ricky Rubio has become my new man crush

by RaysOfHope on Jun 26, 2009 11:40 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Home runs can be fixed a lot easier then pitch efficiency.

Especially with him, all he has to do is stop throwing the ball up. And since Navarro for some reason really likes to call the high fastball for him with 2 strikes, some of that blame falls on him too.

I can't wait until we trade him for a reliever.

by kericr on Jun 26, 2009 11:42 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

ya i hope your right, i would love to see him rebound

there is a good chance he will be shopped around next offseason, since Wade Davis will be ready and more time in AAA probably wont be needed

Ricky Rubio has become my new man crush

by RaysOfHope on Jun 26, 2009 11:44 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

With Percival and Bradford both being FAs at the end of this season, Sonny might be prime for a bullpen spot then.

That, or Niemann then. I don’t think the Rays like Niemann in the rotation as an extended-term solution due to his injury history.

I can't wait until we trade him for a reliever.

by kericr on Jun 26, 2009 11:46 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

This is where I'm coming from.

Nelson’s also a FA.

Sonny’s not going to lose his ability to eat innings by moving to the pen for a while. He’s definitely the type of pitcher who could step back into the starter role without a problem.

by Vin on Jun 26, 2009 11:50 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

so kinda like Cormier this year?

Ricky Rubio has become my new man crush

by RaysOfHope on Jun 26, 2009 11:51 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

With any luck.

He had some hefty hittable/home run issues before being moved to the pen too.

Its just something we won’t know til its tried.

by Vin on Jun 26, 2009 11:59 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

because Price isn't going to be any worse than Sonny and has a much higher potential of being better.

my guess is Sonny won’t be in Durham for more than 4 starts. Someone will get moved/hurt from either the rotation or pen.

by Dbullsfan on Jun 26, 2009 11:38 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

he is this years Jason Hammel

There are a lot of teams out there that would love to have the tough decision we have.

by Dbullsfan on Jun 26, 2009 11:40 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

yea I wish we could use him like last night, 1 inning and than thats it.

forget the other 6. While I’m not a huge Sonny fan one of his strengths is grinding out a start and going 6-7 innings.

by Dbullsfan on Jun 26, 2009 11:37 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's just it. Sonny is good with pitch counts.

All year long, he’s been getting lit up by the long ball, but if you’re giving up 6 runs in 7 innings and only pitching 100 pitches, you’ve got to be doing something right. It’s not like early Niemann or Kaz going 4+ with 110 pitches.

I can't wait until we trade him for a reliever.

by kericr on Jun 26, 2009 11:41 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think if people went with their guts

they’d admit that seeing Price and Niemann lose control of their game is much scarier than seeing Sonny give up a couple of homeruns.

Sonny goes right back to work like nothing happened. Price and Niemann go into chaos mode and blow the whole game open. They’re more talented, I think, but way more unpredictable.

by Zach Attack on Jun 26, 2009 11:42 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Niemann's been quite a bit better with this as of late.

But on concept, I agree. If people really got bent out of shape about the occasional homer, people would have been screaming for Shields to get DFA’d by now.

I can't wait until we trade him for a reliever.

by kericr on Jun 26, 2009 11:45 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Niemann looked atrocious in that game agains the Mets last weekend.

His control just disappeared and he was looked totally flustered and out of control on the mound.

by Zach Attack on Jun 26, 2009 11:46 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

True, but he had like 5 or 6 starts before that where he didn't have that problem.

Sometimes, pitchers just have bad games.

I can't wait until we trade him for a reliever.

by kericr on Jun 26, 2009 11:47 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I would be shocked if we don't trade a pitcher by the deadline.

I’m assuming and hoping we will be buyers so this may be for our young corner OFer of a Catcher but even if we are sellers I would imagine that either Niemann or Sonny get moved. We have some qualified options in AAA if we have to because of injuries.

by Dbullsfan on Jun 26, 2009 11:49 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

why is it retarded?

if he pitches poorly over the next month or so, he should be sent to the minors to work out somethings.

Ricky Rubio has become my new man crush

by RaysOfHope on Jun 26, 2009 11:50 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

we should have demoted BJ a few weeks ago too.

we didn’t draft Price #1 and back up the truck to send him back to the minors. He isn’t Ian Snell.

by Dbullsfan on Jun 26, 2009 11:52 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

no BJ has proven himself and was still kinda fighting back from surgery

Price hasn’t proven that much in the majors. i would hate for Price to be sent to the minors, if it might have to happen if he continues to be ineffective

Ricky Rubio has become my new man crush

by RaysOfHope on Jun 26, 2009 11:54 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I kind of agree

I didn’t think he was ready when they called him up. He hadn’t proven that he could keep his pitch count down and work deep into games. That being said, the decision was made to bring him up and I don’t think that sending him back to the minors will do him any good. He needs to pitch with confidence and I think a demotion would hurt that.

by Dbullsfan on Jun 26, 2009 11:58 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't think sending him back and forth to durham would hurt him that much

Certainly not as bad as moving him back and forth to the bullpen

I could be wrong though

by staplemaniac on Jun 27, 2009 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not that it matters much now, but I would agree that sending him back to the minors under the same conditions he was in (75 pitch count limit) would be beneficial at all.

I would have thought that sending him back down unrestricted though might have had some effect. In my eyes, it’s the difference between training and development. At the pitch count, he wasn’t developing anything. He wasn’t really too responsible for what was going on in the games, he was coming out after 3 or 4 innings anyway, all he needed to do was work on his 3rd pitch and try not to blow his arm out. He was just going in every five days to get work in; essentially training.

You send him down there to actually pitch games though, and you’re putting him through a development process; placing him in situations where his performance matters. He has to manage his pitch counts so that he isn’t getting pulled in the 3rd inning of games because he’s getting lit up. He has to learn when he should and shouldn’t use appropriate pitches, and he works on his 3rd pitch.

I was not/am not in favor of shuffling him up and down 3 or 4 times either, just to clarify. It would have been a more “send him down and don’t call him back up until he’s ready” thing.

I can't wait until we trade him for a reliever.

by kericr on Jun 28, 2009 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm going to miss Dark Balfour.

Like Balfour last year, here’s selfishly hoping Darkness clears waivers.

by RATW on Jun 26, 2009 11:56 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

OT: anyone see The Hangover?

the funniest movie i have seen

Ricky Rubio has become my new man crush

by RaysOfHope on Jun 26, 2009 11:58 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

he should lead the majors in wins

the guy gets over 8 runs per game.

by Dbullsfan on Jun 27, 2009 12:00 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

That isn't the angle I took

He didn’t get any benefit for getting more run support than other Rays pitchers in this analysis. It has more to do with the volatility of his games. Hes had some major clunkers, but given the Rays average RPG (for every pitcher) Sonny should have the 2nd most wins on the team

by matthan on Jun 27, 2009 12:02 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Niemann gets like 11.

It’s patently absurd how much run support he gets.

I can't wait until we trade him for a reliever.

by kericr on Jun 27, 2009 12:05 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I agree

In my analysis I’m assuming an equal run support for each pitcher and an equal distribution of those runs within the game itself. Basically what it comes down to is I’m mainly looking at the game by game volatility of our pitchers

by matthan on Jun 27, 2009 12:10 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

With all due respect...

why didn’t we DFA that Fat Fuck Percival?

Has there even been a peep about his return from injury?

Maybe I’m just an old fashioned BJ suck-off-er. (Good call Sandy)

by Lurch's Lobbyists on Jun 27, 2009 12:17 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Comments For This Post Are Closed

Search

User Tools

Founded in 2005. DRaysBay is home to "progressive statistical analysis and reasoned argument."
Start posting about the Rays »

Join SB Nation and dive into communities focused on all your favorite teams.

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recommended FanPosts

Srq2_small
The Ice Cream Paint Job

by SRQman 8 days ago

16 comments | 5 recs

Zorilla_small
OTTOTD 10/29: Raymondo's Cliff Lee Poo Sandwich Edition

by FreeZorilla 10 days ago

435 comments | 12 recs

Small
Fitting in

by Go Rays! 12 days ago

13 comments | 7 recs

Recent FanPosts

Remer_small
The Greatest (Devil) Rays to Ever Wear... #36

by thebaddancingraysfan about 20 hours ago

2 comments | 0 recs

Mushroomray_small
OTTOTD 11/06/09: Dicktowel Weekends

by Top Gun Numba 1 1 day ago

287 comments | 0 recs

Remer_small
The Greatest (Devil) Rays to Ever Wear... #37

by thebaddancingraysfan 1 day ago

0 comments | 0 recs

Pic
Top 30 Starts of 2009 - Part 5

by Andy Hellicksonstine 2 days ago

3 comments | 0 recs

Remer_small
The Greatest (Devil) Rays to Ever Wear... #38

by thebaddancingraysfan 2 days ago

8 comments | 0 recs

Charzissou_small
OTTOTD 11/5: Back to Normal Edition

by PlayOnWords 2 days ago

356 comments | 0 recs

Remer_small
The Greatest (Devil) Rays to ever Wear... #39

by thebaddancingraysfan 2 days ago

1 comments | 0 recs

Small
Time for a little bullpen de ja vu

by raysfaninminnesota 3 days ago

3 comments | 0 recs

Crsgsm1_small
Pitch f/x ideas

by therayspartyleader 3 days ago

11 comments | 4 recs

Remer_small
The Greatest (Devil) Rays to Ever Wear... #40

by thebaddancingraysfan 3 days ago

2 comments | 0 recs

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

Recent Posts

FanShots

Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.

Recent FanShots

MLB Network to televise AFL's Rising Stars Game

by thebaddancingraysfan about 19 hours ago 0 comments | 0 recs

Topps honors Desmond Jennings and Alexander Colome

by thebaddancingraysfan 2 days ago 2 comments | 0 recs

Dan Sileo is suspended!

by thebaddancingraysfan 5 days ago 6 comments | 0 recs

Former All-Star 2B Freddy Sanchez signs 2 year, 12M extension with the Giants

by kericr 6 days ago 0 comments | 0 recs

FanShots - Raw Charge - the static cling that brings Tampa Bay Lightning fans together

by terp12 12 days ago 0 comments | 0 recs

One year ago Today

by raysfan81 19 days ago 2 comments | 0 recs

Want AFL Scouting Reports?

by R.J. Anderson 19 days ago 4 comments | 0 recs

The Rangers have announced that hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo has declined...

by R.J. Anderson 24 days ago 13 comments | 0 recs

Just got back talking to former manager John McLaren, who is in the stands...

by R.J. Anderson 24 days ago 0 comments | 0 recs

Not all hits are created equal.

by R.J. Anderson 26 days ago 1 comment | 0 recs

+ New FanShot All FanShots >

MLB Postseason Coverage

The Good Phight
Chase Utley, World F***ing Champions (AUDIO NSFW)

by WholeCamels on The Good Phight about 1 year ago

14 comments | 0 recs

The Good Phight
The Good Phight World Series Prediction Contest

by David S. Cohen on The Good Phight about 1 year ago

34 comments | 0 recs

The Good Phight
FINALLY! Your 2008 World Champion Philadelphia Phillies!

by WholeCamels on The Good Phight about 1 year ago

10 comments | 0 recs

The Good Phight
Listen to Harry Kalas Call the Last Three Outs

by David S. Cohen on The Good Phight about 1 year ago

12 comments | 0 recs

Camden Chat
Unbiased WORLD Series Recap: Game Five

by SC on Camden Chat about 1 year ago

2 comments | 0 recs

More SB Nation Postseason Coverage Carrot-mini

SBNation.com Recent Stories

FILE - In this May 4, 2009 file photo, Los Angeles Dodgers' Manny Ramirez grimaces after being hit by a pitch during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Los Angeles. Major league baseball says Dodgers' Manny Ramirez is suspended 50 games for drug violation. (AP Photo/Hector Mata, File)

Manny Ramirez Exercises Option With Dodgers, Will Play In L.A. In 2010

Photo

Twins Acquire SS Hardy From Brewers For CF Gomez

Philadelphia Phillies' Cliff Lee works against the San Francisco Giants in the fifth inning in San Francisco, Friday, July 31, 2009. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Phillies Pick Up Option On Cliff Lee

More from SBNation.com >

VPs of Baseball Operations

Nando_small R.J. Anderson

Raysring1_small Tommy Rancel

Zorilla_small FreeZorilla

Price_small Erik Hahmann

Ticket Account Executive

Rays_small Steve Slowinski