Scott Kazmir

days before), George Sherrill (the Orioles’ closer, who pitched two and a third innings), and Scott Kazmir (who had also pitched on Sunday, logging six innings and 104 pitches). Webb and Kazmir weren’t supposed to appear at all, with Tampa manager Joe Maddon specifically requesting that Kaz rest his arm, and we have yet to see what the effects might be on them, or guys like Carlos Marmol, who threw an inning in spite of recent struggles and a strong need for rest.

Continue reading "Six Extra Innings of Meaning"

cupy in their team’s rotation—Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon has asked that his staff ace Scott Kazmir not appear in the game. Kerry Wood pulled out to heal a blister, which meant that Carlos Marmol’s now in the Game—even though his manager Lou Pinella recently said he needed the rest afforded by the All-Star Break. Plus there’s the aforementioned unwritten Little League “everybody plays” rule, which must now be balanced with (rather than eliminated by) the desire to win. Oh, yeah, and every team needs to send a representative, even the lowly Royals and Mariners.

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They have some of the best young arms in baseball, including Scott Kazmir, part of The Trade in 2004 that sent him (and Joselo Diaz, currently stinking up the joint in the PCL) to the Mets in exchange for Victor Zambrano (No Longer In Professional Baseball) (NLIPB) and Bartholome Fortunato. James Shields was drafted in 2000, and Andy Sonnanstine in 2004. They traded for Matt Garza—ridding themselves of troublemaker (and extra outfielder) Delwyn Young—and Edwin Jackson, giving up Danys Baez and Lance Carter (both NLIPB). That’s some good swapping and drafting right there, and that’s their current rotation.

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settled into centerfield and Carl Crawford returns as one of the most exciting players in the game. Scott Kazmir and James Shields will anchor a young rotation and will be joined by former Twins prospect Matt Garza. Carlos Pena, Cliff Floyd and Troy Percival should provide veteran leadership to help this young team through the grind of the Major Leage season. The Rays won't contend for the division this year, but could finish around .500 and prove to be problematic for the teams at the top of the division. With more talent from the minors on the way, especially top pitching prospects Wade Davis and David Price, Tampa Bay might be able to contend with the big boys in a couple of years.

Continue reading "American League East is a Beast of a Division"