Rays/MLB

Jackson's ugly start not end-all

By DAMIAN CRISTODERO
Published March 26, 2006

ST. PETERSBURG - Manager Joe Maddon said Edwin Jackson 's start against the Yankees was not make-or-break. The Devil Rays right-hander, competing with Doug Waechter for the final spot in the rotation, will be judged on his entire spring.

Good thing, because Jackson looked lost Saturday in a 10-1 beating at Progress Energy Park.

Jackson allowed six runs, four earned, in 32/3 innings, gave up eight hits, including Alex Rodriguez 's home run, and walked five.

"It wasn't good, period," Jackson said. "Even if I wasn't battling for a spot, I wouldn't expect to have a start like that."

"He was off mechanically," Maddon said. "He was pulling off coming out of his delivery."

And that put Jackson consistently behind in the count.

It was his second poor performance in his past three starts. He allowed 12 runs on 13 hits with eight walks in seven innings in those two outings. He is 1-1 overall with a 5.29 ERA, 13 strikeouts and 10 walks in 17 innings.

But Maddon insisted Jackson, who makes his final start Thursday against the Yankees in Tampa, is still in the mix.

"He is in competition for that last spot," Maddon said. "I'm not going to get hot and cold. He was really good last time. He wasn't as good this time. But we'll see next time."

"It's the same team at their place," Jackson said of the Yankees. "There is no pressure."

Even if this time it really is make or break.

ROCCO'S TROUBLES: Maddon said any games Rocco Baldelli misses at the beginning of the season are a precaution, not an admission of serious injury. The centerfielder, who missed 2005 because of knee and elbow surgeries, sat out a third straight game with a sore left hamstring.

"With him I really want to err on the side of caution," Maddon said. "He's come so far. I just don't want to mess with him."

MORI CHOOSES REHAB: He still might have surgery, but right-hander Shinji Mori said he first will try rehabilitating his torn right labrum.

Rays spokesman Rick Vaughn said Mori still will miss the season, but rehab, if successful, will ensure his readiness by next spring. Recovery time is less certain for surgery, which Vaughn said still is an option.

Mori, through an interpreter, said he consulted with orthopedic team physician Koco Eaton .

"I understand the benefits and risks of the two options," said Mori, who added he will remain in the Tampa Bay area during the season. "We're going to start with rehab first."

GAME DETAILS: Centerfielder Joey Gathright threw out Jason Giambi trying to score from second on a single to end the first inning. He also bunted for a base hit in the third but was picked off by pitcher Matt Childers . ... When Jason Childers relieved Jackson, it was the first time he ever pitched against brother Matt. ... Jason Childers pitched 11/3 scoreless innings to raise his spring-long scoreless streak to 91/3. ... Jesus Colome pitched two perfect innings with three strikeouts. "He pitched inside today," Maddon said. "That makes it entirely different." ... Travis Lee hit his third home run and leads the team with 10 RBIs. ... Gathright and Toby Hall each had two hits. ... Shortstop Luis Ordaz twice dived to his right to snag grounders and get forceouts at second.

YANKEE MYSTIQUE: Considering the Yankees train in Tampa and play in the AL East, it seems natural for the Rays to use them as a measuring stick. Maddon disagreed.

"Always compare yourselves to yourself," he said. "I'd rather us compare us to us to see if we're making progress and not worry about what other people are doing."

MISCELLANY: Bucs running back Mike Alstott and Florida football coach Urban Meyer were at the game. ... With no more games at Progress Energy Park, the Rays moved their operation to Tropicana Field.

[Last modified March 26, 2006, 00:26:15]