What to do with Bierbrodt?

© St. Petersburg Times
published March 16, 2002

BRADENTON -- The Rays at first said they planned to keep Nick Bierbrodt on his regular throwing schedule in an attempt to help him overcome his recent wildness.

But there seems to be some question about their plans.

Manager Hal McRae refused Friday to say whether Bierbrodt would make his scheduled start Sunday, saying "that's in the I-don't-know category."

That uncertainty seems to raise the question if the Rays instead will opt to give Bierbrodt some time to work through his problems, perhaps having him resume throwing under less scrutiny at the minor-league complex.

The Rays took similar action last spring when Matt White had control problems, and the Cardinals have done the same at times with Rick Ankiel.

Should Bierbrodt not work through his problems in time to start the season, Wilson Alvarez could move into the fourth slot. Candidates for the final position would be Ryan Rupe, who is working to improve on a 5-12, 6.59-ERA performance last season; Travis Harper, who has struggled in limited opportunities the past two seasons; Jason Dickson, who hasn't pitched a full season since 1998 due to shoulder problems; and rookie Delvin James, who has been a surprise of spring camp.

With Rupe and Harper pitching today, either James, who was 3-7, 4.80 at Triple A last season, or Dickson could start Sunday.

SMITH & SMITH: McRae wants to see more of reserve infielders Jason and Bobby Smith over the next week.

"I like both players," McRae said. "I think we're a better club if those guys make the ballclub. Those guys swing the bat well, and there's versatility -- Bobby plays all over and (Jason) can play both (middle) infield positions and swing the bat well.

"Utility men that play good defense and swing the bat are valuable players to me and the ballclub."

Jason Smith's biggest challenge has been getting on the field. The three innings he played at shortstop Friday -- making an error on the first ball hit to him, striking out, then slapping a two-run single -- were his first since March 3, the result of left hamstring tightness. Smith has had persistent hamstring problems, spending time on the disabled list in each of the past three seasons.

"I definitely would like to make this team," Jason Smith said.

So too would Bobby Smith who, after playing third base, second base and shortstop previously for the Rays and all three outfield positions at Triple-A Durham, is getting extensive work this spring at first.

NASH INDICTED: Greg "Toe" Nash's chance to resume his career with the Rays appears slimmer based on recent court proceedings in Louisiana.

Nash, the promising 19-year-old discovered in the Sugar Cane League, was indicted Thursday on more severe charges stemming from the alleged rape of a 15-year-old girl.

Nash, who still is in jail, faces three felony counts of aggravated rape, and had his bond raised from $300,000 to $500,000. He was arrested Jan. 22 on one charge of aggravated rape and another of an aggravated crime against nature, a felony which covers sexual misconduct.

Nash and Delacy Bureau, 19, are accused of breaking a bathroom door in the victim's home and taking turns raping the girl while the other held her down, prosecutors said. They will be arraigned April 1.

MISCELLANY: Joe Kennedy allowed five hits and struck out five in four innings. "Nothing to write home about," McRae said. ... Russ Johnson, trying to win the third-base job from Jared Sandberg, had two hits to improve his average to .368.