Strong relief work earns James a start

© St. Petersburg Times
published September 26, 2002

NEW YORK -- The Rays liked what they saw out of Delvin James on Tuesday.

They liked it so much they decided to have James pitch Sunday's season finale at Boston rather than Dewon Brazelton.

For James, it is a chance to get a head start on the competition for a spot in next season's rotation.

"(Manager Hal McRae) told me there's going to be a shakeup and they're going to be looking for some pitchers," James said. "I guess someone liked what they saw and they want to see more. I'm glad I'll get the opportunity to show them. I never shy away from an opportunity."

James was recalled April 15 after being one of the last players cut in spring training and made five starts, going 0-3 with a 6.46 ERA, before going on the disabled list with right shoulder tendinitis. He worked his way back through Double-A Orlando and Triple-A Durham, sustaining two gunshot wounds in his left shoulder in a Labor Day incident and rejoined the Rays Sept. 13.

Tuesday, the 24-year-old right-hander was impressive, pitching five scoreless innings in relief of Travis Harper.

"He pitched well," McRae said. "I guess he was healthy (the first time he was with the team) and he pitched, but he didn't pitch as well and then he went on the DL. He took the ball but he wasn't at his best. I'd like to see him go."

BRAZELTON BUMMED: Brazelton was disappointed to be bumped from the rotation for the second time in a week.

"They do what's best for the team, and if me not pitching is best for the team, I can live with that, I guess," the 22-year-old rookie said.

The Rays were concerned that his right biceps was sore after his Sept. 19 start against the Yankees, but Brazelton said he was fine. A Tuesday bullpen session went well, but the Rays decided to shut him down for the season anyway.

"He's pitched a lot of innings (158 in the minors and 13 in two big-league starts) and we've sort of seen what we need to see," McRae said.

Brazelton wants to make it clear there should be no question about his health.

"They're being extra cautious and that's fine, but there's nothing wrong with me," he said. "I'm not a baby, and when I'm hurt I'll let them know I'm hurt. But I'm not hurting. And I don't want somebody down the road, if I do get hurt, to say, 'Oh, this is the second or third time Dewon has been hurt.' "

Adding to Brazelton's frustration, friends and relatives had planned to fly to New York, then to Boston to see him pitch.

"It's been kind of a roller coaster," he said.

RECORD WATCH: Randy Winn needs one hit to tie Quinton McCracken's 1998 team record of 179 in a season.

"I've heard some people mention it, but I don't even know how close I am," Winn said. "I talked to Quinton the other day and he said, 'You've had a great season, go ahead and break it.' So I have his blessing."

Winn broke McCracken's club record for doubles in a season when he hit his 39th Wednesday.

MONEY GAME: Chris Gomez hit the final incentive in his contract by playing in his 130th game. By playing 130 games and making 450 plate appearances, Gomez earned a $500,000 bonus in addition to his $1-million salary. If the Rays don't pick up his $2-million option for next season, they have to pay him a $250,000 buyout.

MISCELLANY: McRae and general manager Chuck LaMar met Wednesday to discuss players and McRae said he expects to talk about the coaching staff and perhaps his position today. ... Catcher John Flaherty still is limited by a slight fracture to the middle finger of his left hand, diminishing the chances he will play again this season. ... The Rays on Wednesday hit their 91st batter, two shy of Boston's 2001 major-league record. ... Steve Cox is on alert with his wife, Sara, in California ready to deliver their first child. ... Rocco Baldelli was rated the No. 1 prospect in the Class A advanced California League by Baseball America; Josh Hamilton was ninth.