Never too late as closer gets call to Orlando

Evan Rust is right back where he started, and he couldn't be happier.

Rust, the Rays organization's new closer extraordinaire, spent most of spring training working out with the Orlando Rays. He pitched for the O-Rays, had his mind set on playing at the O-Rays' spacious stadium at Disney and was ready for his first Double-A appearance since being signed as a free agent in June 2000.

Then he got sent to Class A Bakersfield.

"I just didn't get the job done for whatever reasons," Rust said. "I just wasn't having a great spring training. Plus, if I went to Orlando, I didn't know if I was going to have the closing role. So, when they told me I was going to Bakersfield, it wasn't a completely bad thing. That is somewhere I could feel comfortable."

Rust is a native Californian and was named pitcher of the year at St. Mary's College in Maraga, Calif., in 2000 despite finishing 1-11.

"We didn't have a very good team but I pitched pretty well, I guess," he said.

The Bakersfield assignment was meant to help him find his rhythm in a familiar setting and allow friends and family to stop by every now and then to watch him play. It worked out perfectly.

Rust, 24, recorded a minor league-leading 23 saves with the Blaze in 25 chances. The performance finally got him that spot on the Orlando roster Friday when he was promoted.

In Orlando, where he joins Nathan Ruhl (second in the organization with 17 saves), Rust said he hopes to continue to build upon the formula that has turned him into one of the most dominating closers in the minors.

That means lots of fastballs followed by the occasional curve followed by the not-so-occasional strikeout (he has 46 in 34 innings).

"I have the fastball and the hard curve," Rust said. "My fastball is 91 mph on average and tops out about 94. I definitely use the fastball as the pitch that sets up the curveball. Most of the games where I've been successful I've thrown 80-90 percent fastballs."

HOMERS FOR DOLLARS: Bakersfield mayor Harvey Hall paid some Blaze players for home runs they hit at Sam Lynn Ball Park during the first half. Hall paid $50 for each homefield homer, spending a total of $2,100. The big winners were Aaron Clark and Jonny Gomes, who got $500 each, followed by Josh Hamilton ($300) and Rocco Baldelli ($200).

NEWCOMER: The short-season Hudson Valley Renegades added right-hander John Beaven to their roster, signing him as a free agent out of Cal State-San Diego. In his first appearance Beaven gave up two runs on two hits and struck out two in one inning.

ROCKIN' ROCCO: Baldelli is in the midst of his second hitting streak of 10 or more games this season and has hit in 21 of his past 22 games.

The Blaze outfielder leads the California League with a .339 average and has hit in 48 of 58 games. His current streak of 13 games, heading into Tuesday night, is one better than his previous best from May 19-31, 2001 and two better than his season high.

QUALITY HURLING: When Jason Standridge takes the mound tonight he will bring with him a four-game winning streak and one of the most successful stretches by a Durham pitcher this season.

Standridge, who was optioned to Triple A on May 17, is 4-0 with a 1.66 ERA in seven games since the demotion.

UP AND DEWON: Orlando pitcher Dewon Brazelton, the Rays' first-round selection last year, is having quite an interesting time.

Brazelton has lost his past four decisions but has a 3.57 ERA during those six starts. Part of the problem has been run support; Orlando has averaged 2.92 runs when he starts. Not part of the problem is Brazelton leading the team in innings and strikeouts and has recorded eight quality starts in 14 games.

SNAPPED AND EXTENDED: Class A Charleston swept back-to-back doubleheaders with Augusta this weekend for its first four-game winning streak of the season. ... Bakersfield pitchers lead the minors with 708 strikeouts, and its hitters lead the California League with 731 hits.