Spring Training

Time has come for pitchers to show stuff

© St. Petersburg Times
published February 27, 2003

ST. PETERSBURG -- With the exhibition games beginning, the fun is ending for the Devil Rays pitchers.

"We're looking at picking up the intensity a little bit, staying away from leadoff walks and just getting out there with a purpose every time we take that mound," pitching coach Chris Bosio said. "Now it's time for these guys to start the battle inside the battle.

"There's jobs to be won and everyone has got something to prove; I had a good talk with them this morning about it. They know what's at stake, and now it's up to them."

Because there are so many pitchers in camp (39) and so many jobs open, Bosio said pitchers will be evaluated in many different roles. Pitchers scheduled to close one game could work the middle innings, or even start another.

"We're going to be trying guys in different roles from the first day to the last day of camp," Bosio said. "Right now it's a feeling-out process for the staff, trying to find as close to a perfect fit as we can.

"What guys work well in the middle? What guys work well later? Lefty-righty matchups? How do they warm up? Do they need time? Can they pitch every third day? Can they pitch every fourth day? We're looking at everything, the whole spectrum. We're going to be throwing out all the tricks."

BUSY WORK: Manager Lou Piniella said he will try -- and the emphasis will be on try -- to give all 72 players a fair opportunity before making his first cut around March 6-7.

"We've done the best we can to get as many people in the lineup over the first three days as we can and as many pitchers to pitch," he said. "I'll tell ya, it's a daunting task. We'll be as fair as we can. I believe in giving everyone a chance to show."

LINING UP: Today's 11 a.m. intrasquad game will feature several of the Rays' top young players, including Rocco Baldelli, Josh Hamilton and B.J. Upton.

The lineup for Triple-A manager Bill Evers' squad: Baldelli, cf; Hector Luna, ss; Hamilton, rf; Ryan Thompson, lf; Chris Truby, 3b; Brian Lesher, 1b; Sandy Martinez, c; Gabby Martinez, dh; Antonio Perez, 2b. Victor Zambrano will start, followed by Hans Smith, Doug Waechter and Mike James.

With Dewon Brazelton out with a knee injury, the Rays will add a pitcher to Evers' squad. "We've got 38 guys; I think we should be able to find one," Piniella said.

The lineup for Double-A manager Charlie Montoyo's team: Jason Tyner, lf; Justin Baughman, 2b; Ryan Jackson, 1b; Chad Mottola, rf; Hector Ortiz, c; Jason Conti, cf; Jay Canizaro, 3b; Felix Escalona, ss; Upton, DH. Gerardo Garcia will pitch, followed by Jeremi Gonzalez, Jon Switzer, Leslie Brea and Jorge Sosa.

COMING UP: For Friday's game against Eckerd College at Progress Energy Park, the Rays are scheduled to pitch Matt White, Delvin James, Cedrick Bowers, Wayne Gomes, Dan Reichert, Travis Phelps, Carlos Reyes, John Frascatore and Jesus Colome.

MISCELLANY: Hamilton was fined after being late to practice for the second time in five days. His agent, Casey Close, was in camp and spoke with GM Chuck LaMar. ... Piniella gave the players a short day and the coaches an afternoon of golf. ... White will throw out the first pitch for opening day of the Fossil Park Little League on Saturday morning. ... Ten players are unsigned with the deadline for contract renewals on Sunday.