Howell grows up and gets on track
By MARC TOPKIN
Published June 3, 2007
ST. PETERSBURG - LHP J.P. Howell wasn't happy losing out on the No. 5 starter's job to RHP Edwin Jackson in spring training and being sent to Triple-A Durham.
For the first couple of weeks, "I was just kind of showing up to pitch because that's what I had to do that day to get my check, " he admitted Saturday. "But I learned quick with a 7.00 ERA my first three starts that was not going to get it done. That's when I kind of recircled and recentered and came back to play ball for the right reasons."
Howell reminded himself to pitch because he enjoyed it and not worry so much about the results. With his mind right, his pitching improved as he added a few miles an hour to his fastball and learned to take a little more off his changeup, added a cutter to his repertoire and improved his location. He allowed one or no earned runs in his past three Durham starts, improving to 3-5, 3.96.
And as he takes the mound today for his first start (against his former Royals team), he said he is a better pitcher than when he left in March.
"It helped me a lot going down, " Howell said. "I didn't think I would ever say that, but I think it did help. I think so for sure. I'm a lot more prepared."
DUKES OUT: Manager Joe Maddon said he gave OF Elijah Dukes, the center of recent controversy, the day off, using B.J. Upton in center and Josh Wilson at second. But it seemed an odd time for rest because Dukes hits right-handed, Kansas City started left-hander Odalis Perez, and Dukes hits much better, .261 to .198, against lefties. There have been reports the Rays are seeking to trade Dukes.
AKI ON TOP: Maddon gave into temptation by moving 3B Akinori Iwamura into the leadoff spot and could make it permanent as Iwamura went 2-for-4 before leaving with an eye injury. "He's a catalyst-type player, " Maddon said. "I like the way it looked, and I think he liked it also."
DANDY ANDY: RHP Andy Sonnanstine looked calm but insisted he was thrilled to be called up for the first time and to make his first start Tuesday in Toronto. "I'm very excited, " he said. "Hopefully I can come here and help out. It still hasn't hit yet. I'm still kind of in awe."
MINOR MATTERS: Five Vero Beach Devil Rays were picked to play in the June 16 Florida State League All-Star Game: starters Wade Davis and Jake McGee, closer Eddie De La Cruz, 1B Rhyne Hughes and C Christian Lopez. ... Reliever Tony Peguero moved into the Durham rotation. ... Durham RHP Seth McClung on Friday blew his fourth save but improved his ERA to 2.08. ... Class A Columbus RHP Lewis Rollins is 6-0, 1.09 with 69 strikeouts (and only 16 walks) in 661/3 innings.
MISCELLANY: Wilson's third-inning double ended an 0-for-23 streak by the Rays, going back to the fifth inning Friday. ... Jackson's 0-7 start matches Bryan Rekar (2001) for second worst by a Ray. Tanyon Sturtze was 0-8 in 2002. ... Backup C Josh Paul was moved from the 15- to the 60-day disabled list to open a 40-man roster spot for LHP Jon Switzer, who joined Durham's bullpen. ... The University of Tampa national champs will get to take batting practice and will be honored before today's game. ... The Rays are 6-24 when scoring fewer than five. ... LF Carl Crawford is two hits shy of Aubrey Huff's team record of 870.