Rays/MLB

Speedup proves a slow process

By MARC TOPKIN
Published March 27, 2006

FORT MYERS - An effort to get Chad Orvella to quicken his delivery could be part of the reason he has had trouble delivering the ball where he wants to.

The Rays have been working extensively with Orvella to reduce the time it takes him to get rid of the ball, and Orvella seems to be having some trouble making the adjustments.

After allowing two runs (one earned) on two hits and two walks in an inning Sunday, Orvella has some concerning spring numbers: an 8.38 ERA, 11 hits (including three homers) and six walks allowed in 92/3 innings.

"The biggest thing we're trying to do is get him to cut down on his times to the plate and that's probably creating issues with him, and he's thinking a lot out there," manager Joe Maddon said. "He's just thinking a lot. ... And it's probably leaking over to the rest of his game a little bit. He's trying very hard and I know it's difficult, but we have to get him down. ... We'll get it done."

Orvella, who rose quickly to the majors with masterful control, said his mechanics felt off early in the spring and he made several slight adjustments, including staying back on the rubber and using his hands more.

Now that he feels comfortable with his delivery, he is trying to quicken the process to prevent baserunners from getting too large of a lead.

"My last outing at home I felt good. The first inning I felt great. The next inning, some guys got on and I'm trying the quick thing, trying to be quick, and I'm not as quick as I need to be. I might leave some balls up," Orvella said. "But my last two outings I've felt really good. The results haven't been what I'm hoping for or what anybody's hoping for. It is spring training though. ... We're still working on it. The more and more you do something, the more natural it becomes."

INFIELD OUTFIELDERS: Maddon doesn't know yet who will be on his bench, much less his starting lineup. But whoever the reserves are, they are going to have to be versatile, and he is willing to explore all options.

Sunday, that meant starting infielders Ty Wigginton and Luis Ordaz in the outfield, giving them a chance to get comfortable there and Maddon a chance to get comfortable they can do it. Each made several routine plays, though Ordaz failed to throw out catcher Joe Mauer when he tagged on a fly to shallow center.

EVERS IMPROVING: Maddon and several coaches talked by phone Sunday with bench coach Bill Evers , who remains hospitalized in St. Petersburg after surgery last week to remove a benign tumor from his colon.

"He might be out (of the hospital) by Tuesday and then we'll find out exactly when he's able to return," Maddon said. "But everything's upbeat, he sounds wonderful, his voice is much stronger, he's getting his strength back."

GAME DETAILS: The Rays snapped a three-game losing streak with a 7-5 come-from-behind win, scoring three in the eighth with doubles by Greg Norton (continuing his impressive bid for a bench job) and Josh Paul , an error by former Rays prospect Jason Pridie (who was a Rule 5 draft pick by the Twins and could soon be offered back to the Rays) and a sacrifice fly by Ordaz. ... The Rays scored on a squeeze in the seventh, with Paul racing home on Darnell McDonald 's bunt. ... Justin Miller earned his second save, allowing a Jason Tyner single to open the ninth, then getting a popout and a double play grounder.

WHAT'S THE DEAL: The Rays are still talking about outfielder Joey Gathright with several interested teams, including the Marlins, though no deal appears imminent. Even with Rocco Baldelli 's availability to play centerfield unclear, the Rays appear willing to deal Gathright for one premium pitching prospect. Though earlier talks seemed to focus on left-hander Scott Olsen , the Rays are said to have been impressed this spring by right-hander Ricky Nolasco , one of three pitchers the Marlins acquired from the Cubs for outfielder Juan Pierre .

MISCELLANY: The Rays could have some interest in 1B Carlos Pena , who was released by Detroit on Sunday. ... Doug Waechter , competing for the No.5 starter's job, threw 92 pitches over 71/3 innings in an intrasquad game at the minor-league complex, allowing one run on eight hits. Reliever Shawn Camp also pitched two innings.

[Last modified March 27, 2006, 00:31:13]