Brazelton rolls in debut

© St. Petersburg Times
published March 8, 2003

ST. PETERSBURG -- Dewon Brazelton wasn't very happy watching.

Forced to the sideline for a week after tweaking his right knee during a sliding drill, Brazelton finally made his spring debut Friday against Houston.

The 22-year-old right-hander made it a good one -- and a quick one -- throwing nine pitches in one inning of the 1-0 loss.

"I've seen everybody else do well, so I just wanted to do well," Brazelton said. "It's hard not to put too much pressure on yourself. It's pretty intimidating what you've seen everybody else do. Everybody has pitched so well here, and I just want to continue that trend."

Brazelton said he was a bit nervous but otherwise felt fine and the knee was a nonissue.

"It felt really good to be out there," he said.

The Rays -- who are looking at Brazelton to be in the rotation, according to manager Lou Piniella -- were glad to see him pitch. "It was a big reward for him," pitching coach Chris Bosio said. "He worked very hard to get to this point, and it was good to see."

Brazelton threw for about 10 minutes in the bullpen after his inning and likely will pitch three innings Tuesday.

THE Z MAN: Victor Zambrano, who switched from relieving to starting last summer, furthered his chances for a spot in the rotation with another impressive outing, allowing one hit in four innings.

"Crisp," Bosio said.

Zambrano mixed fastballs, sliders and his usually reliable changeup, retiring the first 11 Astros. After a single by Jeff Bagwell, he froze Jeff Kent on a slider to end the fourth.

"Every game is very important because I get more confidence and more trust in what I do," Zambrano said.

GAME DETAILS: The Rays dropped to 1-6 as the offense continued to struggle. The Rays had just five singles and wasted their best scoring opportunity. With two on and no out in the fifth, Damian Rolls bunted into a force play. Rocco Baldelli singled to load the bases, but Marlon Anderson struck out and Rey Ordonez grounded out. ... Jason Tyner, hoping for a reserve outfield spot, made a big play in the ninth, catching a line drive then throwing to first to double off Adam Everett. ... Aubrey Huff had two hits and another smooth game at third base. ... The Astros scored in the seventh off Travis Harper with Henri Stanley doubling in Jason Lane.

PROSPECT WATCH: Baldelli is ranked the No. 2 prospect in baseball in the latest issue of Baseball America. The Rays have four others on the list: shortstop B.J. Upton, 21st; outfielder Josh Hamilton, 33rd; Brazelton, 74th and pitcher Seth McClung, 98th. Only the Braves had more than five players.

OUT IN LEFTFIELD: Anderson made his first appearance -- that would be first lifetime appearance -- in leftfield as Piniella continues to sample different lineup combinations.

Anderson primarily has played second base but said he is open to moving to the outfield if it keeps him in the lineup. Friday, he handled the only chance he had.

"A slow day in leftfield," Anderson said. "I'm just going along with the plan. I'll take some balls and get the feel just in case whatever happens."

PITCHING IN: Likely opening day starter Joe Kennedy makes his second appearance of the spring today with Delvin James, Brian Fitzgerald, John Frascatore, Jon Switzer and Jesus Colome also scheduled to pitch. ... Sunday, Nick Bierbrodt pitches against the Yankees with Luis De Los Santos scheduled for the 10 a.m. B game against the Pirates in Bradenton.

TICKET ISSUES: Reserved seats for Sunday's game against the Yankees are sold out, but several hundred berm area tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Sunday. Not only is Japanese import Hideki Matsui expected to play, Cuban star Jose Contreras is scheduled to pitch in relief. ... The March 15 game against Boston and March 18 game against Atlanta are close to selling out.

MISCELLANY: The first cut is expected by Sunday, and Piniella said it will be "pretty big." ... In seven games, the Rays are hitting .235. Their ERA is 3.71. ... Bosio said the toughest battle in camp is for the left-handed relief spots. ... Players and staff attended a benefit dinner Friday for the All Saints' Academy in Winter Haven. ... The 2003 media guide -- surprise -- features Piniella on the cover.