By MARC TOPKIN, Times Staff Writer
Published July 22, 2005
Wednesday marked one of the worst starting pitching performances in Devil Rays history, as Mark Hendrickson left after facing six batters without getting an out.
But the Rays otherwise go into tonight's opener of a 10-game homestand thinking their rotation may be in the best shape it has been all season.
Seth McClung, who starts tonight against Baltimore, and Scott Kazmir, who goes Saturday, have both been making steady improvement, pitching much better than their 0-5 and 4-7 records would indicate.
And Doug Waechter, who has shown considerable promise at times, is expected to rejoin the rotation Monday against Boston after a short stint in the bullpen and 31/2 weeks on the disabled list.
"Our young pitching is getting better," manager Lou Piniella said. "(McClung) hasn't won a ballgame yet, but he's shown us that he belongs in the rotation as opposed to the bullpen, which is a big advantage knowing that. There were divided opinions about him. But I think from watching his demeanor, watching the way he's adapted to the rotation, I personally think that's where he belongs. He has more fun doing it. He's more relaxed. ... He'll win a few games between now and the end of the year.
"The lefty, Kazmir, he's improved. I thought Waechter, before we made the move to help solidify the bullpen a little bit, I thought he was coming along a little better as a starter also.
"They are three young kids that you can build with."
Because the Rays tend to promote their young players so quickly, it seems as if they have been around a long time.
But McClung and Waechter are only 24, and Kazmir is just 21. The Rays also are impressed with rookie reliever Chad Orvella, 24.
"Our young pitching in general is getting a little better, and that's what you want to see: improvement," Piniella said. "They're young kids that can throw the ball well. We're starting to put together a young pitching staff that you can build with."
PITCHING IN: Assuming no lingering injury problems, Waechter (right index finger tendon) and reliever Jesus Colome (shoulder) are expected to be activated off the disabled list within the next few days.
Rookie infielder Fernando Cortez is likely to be sent down to make room for one, but the Rays may have to decide between Dewon Brazelton (6.75 relief ERA) and Lance Carter (5.16) - who both have minor-league options - to create another roster spot.
WADING IN: The Rays will honor Hall of Fame inductee Wade Boggs this weekend with promotions each day. Tonight the first 5,000 fans get a Boggs fotoball. Saturday, the first 7,500 get a Boggs figurine, and the first 7,500 18 and over also get a DVD, plus Boggs will be at the Trop to throw out the first pitch. Sunday, the first 5,000 kids 14 and under get a Boggs Wiffle Ball bat.
STAND TALL: Hendrickson said his general lack of sharpness may be a result of not pitching like a 6-foot-9 pitcher.
"I'm not using my height to my advantage, and the result is that I'm giving up a lot of hits (135 in 961/3 innings)," he said. "My pitches don't have the good movement I need to have. They're staying flat, and when they're flat they're going to get hit."
HOME BOYS: The Rays tonight open a 10-game homestand, but Tropicana Field has not been a very friendly place lately. After an 18-15 start, the Rays have lost 10 of their past 12 at the Trop.
FOR THE BIRDS: The Orioles have won five of the six games this season and in the process have hit 15 homers against the Rays. Only the Yankees have more (18) off Tampa Bay pitching. The Rays play the Orioles 12 times in their final 66 games.
MISCELLANY: Monday's game was picked up by ESPN as a backup and will be shown in the Baltimore/Washington and Texas markets. ... Jorge Cantu has an eight-game hitting streak, going 12-for-33 (.364) with seven RBIs during the stretch. ... Ten of the Rays' 32 wins have come against the Yankees and Red Sox. ... Outfielder Reggie Taylor and pitcher Jason Roach were released by Triple-A Durham; Trenidad Hubbard was signed. ... Pete LaForest hit his 21st homer for the Bulls. ... Piniella needs seven wins to tie Clark Griffith at 1,491 for 18th place on the all-time list.
