Rays

Brazelton sees need for move to bullpen

NEW YORK - Dewon Brazelton said being moved out of the rotation and into the bullpen could be a good thing.

"I don't look at it as a demotion," Brazelton said. "I think it's needed. I think I'm probably three or four outs a game from being a good pitcher ... and there's a couple things I need and I want to work on. So I think it's great."

Brazelton, 1-6 with a 6.46 ERA in nine starts, said he will be able to use the extra time - "a week or two" - to work with pitching coach Chris Bosio on small adjustments Brazelton said will make a big difference.

"I don't lack in confidence," he said. "I was right on the verge of having probably my best start of the year against the Yankees (Tuesday) and then I messed it up (with a throwing error on a bunt play).

"There's not been a game where I've came out and got beat to death. There's been games where I've beat myself and things have happened. In order to be a starting pitcher, you've got to have a little bit of luck. And right now, it's like a momentum thing, and it's kind of like they're calling a 20-second timeout."

Manager Lou Piniella wouldn't say when Brazelton will go back into the rotation, leaving open the possibility he'll make his next start in the minor leagues.

RAINY DAYS: Thursday's postponement allowed the Rays to better manage their rotation. They moved Rob Bell back to tonight and Jason Standridge to Saturday, eliminating, or at least delaying, the need to use reliever Jorge Sosa as a starter.

Unless Joe Kennedy makes a quicker-than-expected return from the disabled list, Sosa likely will start Tuesday against the Yankees.

The Rays were appreciative that the Yankees made a quick decision to postpone the game, allowing them to leave for South Florida, though it may not have been the right decision as the light rain subsided shortly after the announcement.

The game will be made up at 7:05 p.m. Sept. 13 as part of a day-night doubleheader during the Rays' final visit to New York.

ORDONEZ OPTIMISTIC: Shortstop Rey Ordonez said his sprained left knee "feels good" after two days of running drills, and he could be back in the lineup as soon as tonight.

Ordonez, out since May 9, will be examined this morning by his personal doctor in Miami. "I'll have him see my knee to make sure," Ordonez said.

CITRUS BUZZ: The intrastate series with the Marlins hasn't created much interest, evidenced by the small crowds and the Rays' willingness to swap the second half of the home-and-home series for three games next weekend with the Braves.

Aubrey Huff, who played at the University of Miami, said it would be more of a rivalry if the teams had better records.

"It's not like it's Yankees-Mets or anything," Huff said. "Who cares?"

WELCOME BACK: Al Martin, released by the Marlins at the end of spring training because of a dispute over terms of his contract, has no ill will toward Florida officials.

"I'm happy where I am," Martin said. "I'd have different feelings if I didn't land here. Everything happens for a reason. (Manager Jeff) Torborg is gone and a bunch of other stuff has happened. I'm happy here and that's all that matters. I don't have any feelings."

TUNING IN: Wednesday's game was the highest-rated Rays game in nearly three years on Fox Sports Net Florida, drawing a 2.7 rating. That means it was watched in about 42,500 bay area households.

MISCELLANY: Wednesday's 12-inning game was the longest 1-0 contest in the AL since July 2, 2001, and the longest at Yankee Stadium since July 26, 1973. ... Pro Player Park is one of the few stadiums Piniella has never been to. ... Seth McClung's elbow surgery is set for June 26 in California. ... Toby Hall remains the toughest AL batter to strike out, fanning 12 times in 221 plate appearances. ... The Rays are 17-23 in a major league-high 40 games decided by one or two runs. ... Talks continue with top pick Delmon Young after the Rays presented their initial offer.