Rays Reads: Reid Brignac, Kyle Farnsworth, and the Rays' Bullpen

by Steve Slowinski on Apr 21, 2011 2:45 PM EDT

Photo from the St. Pete Times. So awesome!

Oddly enough, there have already been some trade rumors buzzing. First, there were some very weak rumors floating out of Washington yesterday concerning B.J. Upton (which I covered at SBN TB, since I didn't think it was serious enough to deserve a full write up here), and now Beyond the Boxscore is idly speculating about Sam Fuld generating some trade interest. I tend to doubt anyone is going to overpay for Fuld, so I wouldn't hold your breath for that.
Chasing Reid Brignac: Tommy takes a look at Reid Brignac's season to date, and suggests some things he should adjust to improve his results going forward.
Early Impressions on Joel Peralta-Kyle Farnsworth End-Game Combination: I love this duo; they've been lights out so far this season.
Tampa Bay Bullpen Keys Dramatic Turnaround: Rob Neyer takes a look at how the Rays' bullpen is performing this season, noting how they've been one of the best in the majors despite all the preseason talk of doom and gloom.
Wade Davis Trading Velocity For Command: A mainstream look at Davis' success so far this season. I found the quotes from Davis and Maddon quite interesting; it definitely shows speed reduction is a conscious choice. There are also some good notes in there on Niemann's mechanics.

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Starters, starters, starters

Sure, the bullpen has been good of late, but the turnaround is really due to strong and consistent starting pitching from the Rays. In all seven games this past week, the Rays’ starter went at least seven innings, allowing the bullpen to be fully rested in each appearance. The starters’ ERA this week was a paltry 2.08, and they had a filthy 3.50 K/BB. Those numbers allow the offense to relax and the bullpen to pitch from a position of strength. That’s a winning formula in Tampa. Check out the stats:

http://sportstatistics.blogspot.com/2011/04/nhl-playoff-update-western-conference.html

by Andrew Leff on Apr 21, 2011 3:24 PM EDT reply actions

Ummm....nhl playoff update?

I love Casey Fossum. Now try and take me seriously. -- @steveslow

by Steve Slowinski on Apr 21, 2011 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions

Kind of feels like he pasted from the wrong tab.

Or is a terrible spammer.

A DRaysBay and FanGraphs writer from Cubs Stats and Twitter @BradleyWoodrum

by BWoodrum on Apr 21, 2011 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Hellos sir

I am millionaire rich Egyptian Prince. I do have got great offer for you. Rays recent Winning in a row has been due to startings pitching, but Ofense still need help. I need help. I have many billions stores away and would like to help Rays make trade. You may have some but because the end time for a trade is July 31, I require our transaction done soon (international bankings can be tricky, you understand). Please send to me banking infortmations so I can release funds for new offense for Rays

Vroom vroom party starter
www.raysprospects.com

by Imperialism32 on Apr 21, 2011 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions 6 recs