Rays/MLB

Feel, not stats, crucial to Kazmir this spring

By MARC TOPKIN
Published March 14, 2006

WINTER HAVEN - In previous springs, Scott Kazmir would have fretted about a rough outing like he had Monday, and his coaches would have been concerned.

But spring training is different for Kazmir this year. After establishing himself last season as one of the majors' top young left-handed starters, he is using the spring to experiment a bit, and his coaches are giving him the leeway to do so.

Given that perspective, both Kazmir and the Rays said what looked to be a bad day - three home runs (two by Aaron Boone ), two other hits and three walks in 55 pitches over three innings against the Indians - contained some good signs.

"Actually," he said, "I felt pretty good out there."

Kazmir said he accomplished two important things, finding the proper release point in his delivery and getting more comfortable throwing his changeup, which can be an important alternative to his fastball and slider if he has confidence in it.

"That's what I'm trying to get to, to use it in any spot, in any count, against any hitter," he said.

Kazmir's control, however, was spotty - especially in the 28-pitch first inning - and he didn't have his usual zip on his fastball. "He maybe didn't have the extra couple inches that he normally has, but he felt good and I'm fine with that," manager Joe Maddon said.

With Kazmir seemingly lined up to be the opening-day starter three weeks from Monday, pitching coach Mike Butcher said he was not concerned.

"I thought it was better than his last outing," Butcher said. "He's still got to get his feel. But overall there's progression going on."

ON THE MARK: After a simulated game Saturday and a bullpen session Monday morning, Mark Hendrickson is tentatively scheduled to make his first exhibition appearance Thursday against Boston.

"I don't see any problem with that," said Hendrickson, who has been slowed since early in camp with a bruised right thigh but expects to be ready by opening day. "I think everything I need to get done, I can get done."

With Hendrickson starting Thursday, Doug Waechter , who has not allowed a hit in five innings over his first two starts, will pitch in relief.

USEFUL UTILITY: Infielder Nick Green 's bid to make the team may rest on his ability to play shortstop, and he has done well so far, including a play Monday when he went deep in the hole and made a one-bounce throw. "He's done fine," Maddon said. "Everything from catching the ball, range, throwing the ball, all that stuff."

GAME DETAILS: The Rays allowed four home runs but came back to have the tying run on third in the ninth before losing 8-7. ... Outfielder Elijah Dukes had two more hard hits, raising his average to .438. "And pretty good swings," Maddon said. "Vicious." ... Speedy Joey Gathright beat out infield singles his first two times up. ... Reliever Travis Harper had a rough day, allowing six hits in two innings. ... Catcher Toby Hall picked Ramon Vazquez off third.

ROCCO ROCKING: Centerfielder Rocco Baldelli , returning from right elbow Tommy John surgery, went through his second infield/outfield practice of the spring with no problems and remains on schedule to play in the field for the first time around March 23.

"Everything feels good," Baldelli said. "It's more about recovery right now."

MISCELLANY: Maddon said he exchanged "great messages" via voicemail with second baseman Jorge Cantu , who is playing for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic. ... Travis Lee , Julio Lugo and Gathright are among the regulars scheduled to play today. ... The Rays still have not heard from pitcher Mark Malaska , who left camp after a rough outing Friday.

[Last modified March 14, 2006, 00:55:10]