Rays/MLB

Sleeper feels like sure thing

Jason Childers carries a 0.00 spring ERA and a belief he can succeed with guts and guile.

By DAMIAN CRISTODERO
Published March 30, 2006

	[Times photo: William Dunkley]
	Jason Childers, unscored upon in 10 1/3 innings, is a strong bullpen candidate after nine seasons in the minors.

ST. PETERSBURG - Jason Childers doesn't just think he can help the Devil Rays as a right-handed reliever, he knows it.

He said he doesn't just deserve a shot in the major leagues, "It is long overdue."

Quite a mouthful from someone who has never pitched a big-league game, throws 90 mph only occasionally, wasn't drafted and is with his fourth organization in 10 years.

But Childers, a nonroster invitee, was adamant.

"I feel if I stay healthy, I honestly believe I can pitch in the big leagues with success," he said. "Once I get a break and can get there, I can prove to people you don't have to be overpowering to get outs and help a team win."

Is Childers, 31, about to get that break? If nothing else, he has given manager Joe Maddon something to think about.

Childers has pitched 101/3 innings in a spring-long shutout streak and has three saves, struck out eight and walked two.

Considering the Rays bullpen has no true closer and, barring a major move, will be filled with a hodgepodge of arms, Childers might finally have an opening.

"I really like this man," Maddon said. "He's not flustered when he's on the mound. He knows how to pitch. That's from all those years learning his craft."

"I'm just waiting for that day," Childers said. "That's all I can do and hope for the best."

There are no official reasons Childers has spent his career in the minors, only speculation.

His numbers are good: a 2.88 ERA in 288 games, 653 strikeouts in 6871/3 innings, 618 hits, 227 walks.

Last season at Triple-A Richmond, Childers led all Braves minor-leaguers with 16 saves and had a team-low 2.09 ERA in 38 outings.

But as the Statesboro, Ga., native bounced from the Brewers organization to the Expos to the Braves, his job description changed from starter to middle reliever to closer. Not the best way to build a resume.

There also is that sub-90s fastball.

"I think they're scared of my velocity," Childers said. "If I got called up and struggled, maybe they'll feel like they'll look bad."

Childers' father, Terry, drafted by the Yankees and Cubs in the '60s, said the equation is simple.

"Jason knows how to pitch," he said by phone from Augusta, Ga. "All anybody ever looks at is the radar gun."

Childers said he is looking at his future.

He and wife Stephanie have twin 9-month-old girls, Kylie and Laney. If a major-league chance doesn't come soon, Childers said he might play in Japan "to make some money and get some stability."

He said he studied sports management at Kennesaw State College in Georgia and could have a career as an agent or in a front office.

Childers said he considered those alternatives in 2004 when he asked for a trade after he said the Brewers told him he was not in their plans.

Childers' plan: "I know I can pitch. I've spent so long trying to get to the big leagues. I'm so close. To call it quits now would be more of a shame."

Childers makes up for his lack of velocity with guile. His fastball has good movement and his breaking stuff is sharp. He said he also pitches to contact.

"I want them to hit it, otherwise I'm going to be out there all day throwing a lot of balls," Childers said. "Get enough movement late in the zone where they don't get solid wood on it."

It worked perfectly Saturday against the Yankees. Childers got Hideki Matsui to fly out to escape a second-and-third jam inherited from starter Edwin Jackson and three groundouts the next inning.

"He's been hot, hot, hot," Maddon said. "He throws strikes. He makes pitches."

Just not a lot of headway.

"It's been frustrating for him," said younger brother Matt, who pitched Saturday for New York. "But he's always had a positive attitude. He'll treasure it the day he gets to the big leagues."

He is sure of it.

[Last modified March 30, 2006, 02:15:33]