Thin staff makes Sturtze's job safe

By MARC TOPKIN, Times Staff Writer

© St. Petersburg Times
published June 22, 2002

DENVER -- Tanyon Sturtze, winless through 15 starts, will keep his job in the rotation -- at least until the Rays find a replacement.

Manager Hal McRae said he would consider moving Sturtze to the bullpen if he had another starter to take his place. But he also said he doesn't expect that to happen.

"I don't know where to go," McRae said. "Rob Peter to pay Paul? I don't want to do that. It won't be a number (of losses) that prompts my decision it will be something else. I'll know when I get there, but I'm not looking to get there, because where do we go?

"It's a possibility if we had someone to start and possibly I could put (Sturtze) in the bullpen, but do we have that person? Or do we make the situation worse by creating a problem in two places? We've got a fire in one room; I don't want one in another room. The house will burn down too quickly."

Among the current staff, Travis Harper is the only potential starter, but he has been more valuable in a relief role. Rookie Jorge Sosa is starting in the minor leagues on a rehab assignment but probably won't be ready for several weeks, McRae said. Jason Standridge is 5-3 with a 3.06 ERA at Triple A but seems to have fallen out of favor.

"If I have a way to go that I feel will help the situation or solve the situation, naturally I'll explore it and possibly take it, but I don't have a way to go," McRae said. "To do it just to do it doesn't make any sense."

Further complicating the situation, Ryan Rupe also is struggling and Joe Kennedy is facing a seven-game suspension that will force him to miss at least one start.

STAYING PUT: McRae said he thinks it would be best for top outfield prospect Carl Crawford to spend the whole season at Triple A rather than get called up, though he acknowledged that other team officials don't agree.

"I still think he needs to get a full year down there because we've already experienced difficulties with young players when we thought those players were ready," McRae said. "And even though Crawf has a tremendous upside, this is his first year in Triple A and he's only gotten 200 at-bats."

The Rays were believed to be considering a promotion a few weeks ago when Crawford was hitting around .340, but he has dropped off to .311. "Even if he was at .360 I don't think it would be the right thing to do," McRae said. "But that's not to say it isn't going to happen."

SUCKING AIR: The high altitude may affect the flight of the ball, but it shouldn't impact the Rays physically, strength and conditioning coordinator Jason Trott said. "It's easier to play here than in the humidity we had in Miami. That's a lot more taxing."

COME SAIL AWAY: As a sponsor of the Americas' Sail 2002 tall ships race that ends with a festival in St. Petersburg next weekend, the Rays will have players, broadcasters and Raymond signing autographs at the Pier.

The team also will offer a ticket special for Thursday's 2:15 p.m. game against Toronto. Fans who attend the Parade of Sail that morning can get a flier allowing them to get an outfield ticket, hot dog and soft drink for $12, and they can ride a free shuttle from the Pier to Tropicana Field. There also will be coupons in the Times for half-price outfield and lower box seats.

They also are offering a combo ticket, where for $12 fans can get a $10 ticket to the Maritime Festival and a $14 outfield ticket for any game Tuesday-June 30.

MISCELLANY: The 13 hits Sturtze allowed Thursday not only tied the team record but matched the season high in the majors. ... Jared Sandberg will start at third tonight against left-hander Denny Neagle. ... Rupe, bothered by patella tendinitis, was to be examined by knee specialist Dr. J. Richard Steadman late Friday.

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