Well Ray fans this was about a duplicate performance as SP Scott Kazmir’s last outing. Kazmir’s line in this game was 4 1/3 innings allowing 8 hits, 7 ER and 4 free passes while striking out only 3 batters. His last outing against the Tribe last week also netted 7 ER and less than 5 innings pitched. He is not giving the team a chance to win constantly having to fight back from early inning deficits. Clearly Kazmir is a shadow of his former self. The Rays need to figure out the best way to fix this if it is fixable. For the team as a whole it is not to have him stay in the rotation. It may be a trip to the bullpen although personally I think AAA would be a better fit. I cannot imagine the pressure of being called from the bullpen to get an out or 2 in a tight game will help him in any way. A trip to a sports psychologist may also be in order.
The bullpen did an outstanding job keeping the A’s bats quiet after they took over for Kazmir. Four pitchers combined for 4 2/3 innings of work allowing only 1 hit and 2 free passes while striking out 3. These guys kept the team within reaching distance of the victory and the offense almost pulled it off.
The offense was a mixed bag tonight. They did a great job scoring 6 runs after already being down 7. They very easily could have given up. Carlos Pena opened the Rays scoring by belting out his 14th HR of the year, a 2 run shot, deep into the RF seats. This was his first HR and a week and a very welcomed sight! Willy Aybar added to the HR count by belting his 2nd HR in as many games. Both Carlos and Willy were 3 for 4 with 2 RBI’s a piece to lead the offensive charge. Evan Longoria and Pena added 2B knocks with Akinori Iwamura teeing off for a 3B.
That as the good, here is the bad. Again issues with consecutive batters not steeping it up. In our lineup tonight the 1-2-3 hitters were 1 for 13 with 1 run scored, 0 RBI’s and 5 K’s. Granted the Oakland pitcher Anderson was pitching well BUT some of these guys looked ridiculous swinging at some of the strike 3 pitches they were swinging at. They were just flailing with the bat. There was no intent on the swing it was more of a hopeful swat.
Look I hate to second guess a manager’s decision but at this point I think we have to call into question the lineup in general. It doesn’t seem to be a wise idea to bat a .193 hitter #8, a .178 hitter #9 and a .177 hitter first. I understand Joe Maddon is a patient man and doesn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings but what kind of message is he sending to the rest of the team? As a fan I am starting to feel that not hurting someone’s feelings is a bit more important than winning. No one is calling for anyone to be demoted to AAA or benched just shake it up a bit please!
OK gang – Rays going for the split a 4:08 Thursday before heading south to Miami. If they earn the split they will have had a successful home stand at 5-3 but considering the teams we’ve played during this home stand is 5-3 really a success? I guess only time will tell. Go Rays!
