Rays find a way to fit in Bubba

By MARC TOPKIN

© St. Petersburg Times, published July 8, 2000

MIAMI -- With Greg Vaughn going back to leftfield, Bubba Trammell seemed headed to the bench. Rightfield proved a better destination.

Trammell played well offensively and defensively during Vaughn's three-week absence, and manager Larry Rothschild said Trammell earned the chance to stay in the lineup and will be the starting rightfielder, "I'd say the majority of the time."

Trammell takes the place of Jose Guillen, who has been in a lengthy slump, going 9-for-58 since mid June. But Rothschild said the decision was based more on what Trammell has done, at the plate and in the field, than what Guillen has not.

"Bubba has taken some steps forward," Rothschild said. "He's really earned the playing time. That doesn't mean it's going to stay set or anything else, but I think it's become a more clear-cut decision, certainly in the last couple weeks."

Trammell hasn't homered since June 15, but he has hit .308 (24-for-78) with 10 RBI over 22 games. Friday, he went 2-for-5 with three RBI.

"Getting an opportunity to play every day is all I can ask for," Trammell said. "It's a whole lot easier to show up knowing you're in the lineup without having to look at the lineup card. I feel like I've played pretty well, but I feel like I can play better."

SMITH SUSPENDED: Adding insult to his injury, Bobby Smith was fined an undisclosed amount and suspended one game for his fight Saturday with Yankees catcher Jorge Posada. Smith's suspension won't be served until he returns from the disabled list; he injured his right knee Wednesday and likely will be out until at least September.

Posada received the same punishment. Rothschild, who said previously he didn't think either player should be suspended, did not agree with both players receiving apparently equal discipline. "I don't think Bobby precipitated it. ... I would assume the person that precipitated it gets the heavier suspension or fine or whatever, but I don't know if that was the case here fine-wise," he said. ... Smith was placed on the 15-day disabled list.

MEDICAL REPORT: The Rays plan on having Jose Canseco in the lineup when they open the second half of the season Thursday, but that is not a sure thing. Canseco, out since late May, still has pain in his left heel and has developed soreness in his shoulders. "I've learned not to expect things, but I expect (to have him back)," Rothschild said. ... A sore left hip has limited Gerald Williams to two outfield starts in the past 22 games, but he could be back today or Sunday. ... Dave Eiland is scheduled to make what is supposed to be his final rehabilitation start Sunday for Triple-A Durham.

FOR STARTERS: Esteban Yan might start Sunday's game. Or Cory Lidle might. Or the Rays could call up Dan Wheeler or Ryan Rupe to do so. Rothschild said Yan and Lidle will be available for relief work through tonight's game and a decision will be made then on whom to start. "With three days off, we have a lot of options," Rothschild said.

MINOR MATTERS: Charleston right-hander Jim Magrane didn't lose in June, and now he has won the organization's pitcher of the month award. Magrane, nephew of Rays broadcaster and former major-leaguer Joe Magrane, went 5-0 with a 0.72 ERA in five starts. Charleston outfielder Josh Hamilton was named player of the month for the second time. He hit .400 with six homers and 18 RBI in 22 games. ... Orlando reliever Lee Gardner was named Southern League pitcher of the week after throwing three scoreless innings and recording three saves. ... St. Petersburg's Adam Flohr was named Florida State League pitcher of the week.

RAYS BITS: Albie Lopez had swelling on his already large right calf after being struck by a ball. "It was supersized tonight," Lopez said. ... The Rays struck out 13 times, their second-highest total of the season.

© St. Petersburg Times. All rights reserved.

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