Rays bullpen lacking
Letters to the EditorPublished April 16, 2006
There is a guy who throws over 90 mph and had closer stuff last year. But Rays manager Joe Maddon sent Chad Orvella to Durham. Maybe Jesus Colome was a head case, but he hits 100 mph on the speed gun.
Sure would rather see Orvella and Colome throwing smoke as opposed to the batting practice being tossed up by the present bullpen staff.
There is no left-hander in the bullpen. No power arm - pitching coach Mike Butcher says Scott Dunn is - for late innings. Wouldn't every Rays fan love to see Chad Orvella and his mid-90s fastball in late innings instead of Dan Miceli, Shawn Camp, Brian Meadows and Dunn? The Rays sent Orvella down because he wasn't quick to the plate to hold runners on. Doesn't seem to matter that he can get guys out.
Manager Joe Maddon is on his honeymoon and may be a winner here. But he has assembled an awful bullpen. It could very well be the worst in baseball.
-- Frank Ferreri, New Port Richey
Gomes deserved better play
The hard-working new Rays won their first home game with a dramatic grand slam by Jonny Gomes, and what was the picture and lead story on the front page of the Sports section? Alex Cora, while the fabulous photo of Gomes' home run is buried on Page 6. Shame on you.
-- Cindy Wilkinson McMullen, St Petersburg
Lacrosse story appreciated
Finally somebody at the Times has the vision to write on lacrosse. Major kudos to David Murphy on his article Friday and for placing it on the front page of the Sports section.
-- Fred B. Watkins, Clearwater