Sternberg still backing Maddon

By MARC TOPKIN
Published July 21, 2007

NEW YORK - Manager Joe Maddon seems to get most of the criticism for the Rays' struggles. But he got a strong endorsement Friday from his boss, as principal owner Stuart Sternberg said he likes what Maddon is doing and how he is doing it.

"Joe's doing a good job," Sternberg said. "It's not easy to be upbeat and positive with all this, and he has been. The players seem to be playing for him, and they seem to be responding, and guys are hustling. If and when, and when and if, that doesn't happen, it becomes a real issue. But that hasn't been on the radar screen at all from what I've seen and I don't think from what anybody else has seen."

And Sternberg endorsed Maddon's style of not criticizing players publicly.

"There's no question what's been said in the press is a little bit different than how the guys are approached behind closed doors, and I'm fine with that," Sternberg said. "I don't want or expect him to be getting on guys in the press."

Maddon's contract expires after the season, and the Rays have to decide soon (thought to be Sept. 1) on a two-year option. Sternberg said there was "no time frame" for a decision before the deadline.

Sternberg said the recent struggles illustrate a lack of depth.

"It's not one person's fault here. ..." he said. "Really, we just don't have that room for error like other teams do. We lost a few pieces. I think we're back on track."

RELIEF COMING? The Rays have been talking to the Yankees about setup man Scott Proctor and, according to the New York Post, are moving closer to a potential deal in exchange for INF Ty Wigginton.

Proctor, 30, would be a good fit for the Rays given his experience (186 games in four years), past success (3.52 ERA in 2006-07) and reasonable salary ($445,923, and arbitration-eligible next year) and service time (under team control for three more seasons). Plus, he is a Stuart native and resident and a Florida State product.

But Sternberg said, "I don't think anything is close."

DOUBLING UP: Today's day-night doubleheader requires some special handling. Maddon will give each catcher one game, is considering playing B.J. Upton in both and will decide when best to use closer Al Reyes, who is all but limited to one or the other.

And there will be a between-games roster move as the Rays will activate LHP J.P. Howell from the disabled list to start the second game. To make room, they are expected to send down a pitcher, most likely Jae Kuk Ryu, who joined them Friday to provide depth.

DOHMANN THE MAN: The Scott Dohmann who joined the Rays bullpen Friday from Triple-A Durham (where he was 4-1 with a 2.03 ERA) is throwing much better than the one who struggled for much of spring training (when he had a 9.00 ERA).

The primary differences are the addition of a split-finger fastball as his third pitch, significantly better command, slightly increased velocity and a new, aggressive approach.

MISCELLANY: Agent Steve Canter said unhappily demoted INF Jorge Cantu will join Durham today and be in uniform Sunday. There are rumors Colorado might be interested. ... OF Delmon Young's 12-game hitting streak ended. ... The start of Tuesday's game in Baltimore has been pushed back to 7:25 for a ceremony sending Cal Ripken to his Hall of Fame induction. ... LHP Mike Prochaska was promoted from Montgomery to Durham. ... Yankees OF Johnny Damon snapped an 0-for-20 skid.

[Last modified July 21, 2007, 01:25:55]