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Out of contention a fine place for rookie

© St. Petersburg Times,
published October 4, 2001

ST. PETERSBURG -- Nick Bierbrodt is not bitter.

He knows he could be in Arizona right now, pitching in the thick of a pennant race, looking at a chance to play in the World Series.

You won't find him sitting in the Rays clubhouse lamenting the fact that the only score relavent to the Rays' season is whether or not Pittsburgh lost so Tampa Bay has a chance to avoid the worst record in baseball.

Despite all that, he's happy heading into what will be his final start of the season today against the American League East champion Yankees.

"I've learned a lot," said Bierbrodt, who was acquired from Arizona on July 25 in a trade that sent Albie Lopez and Mike DiFelice to the Diamondbacks. "I've learned what I can do in certain counts to what hitters. Who I can throw in when I'm behind or who not to throw a ball in when you're behind. There's all kinds of stuff like that. Next year will be a learning experience, too."

Since becoming a Ray, Bierbrodt is 2-4 with a 5.04 ERA in 10 starts. Despite owning the dubious distinction of allowing the most hits (13) in a game by a Ray, he said his time out of the heated National League West race has helped his young career.

"I've had the luxury of not having every pitch matter," he said. "(The trade) took a lot of pressure off."

Bierbrodt, 23, still has reason to read the standings every morning. The Diamondbacks will pay him a share of whatever postseason money they earn, and he would be in line for a World Series ring should Arizona win the title.

"I have a bunch of friends over there. They'll still give me some playoff money, so I want them to win the World Series. No doubt about it, give me a ring," Bierbrodt said. "There's definitely no hard feelings over there. They gave me a shot. It wasn't the best situation for them."

PLAYING AROUND: At least one Rays prospect impressed in his first Arizona Fall League action Tuesday night.

Carl Crawford was 4-for-5 with a double and a triple and scored Maryvale's run in a 6-1 loss to Mesa. Delvin James started for Maryvale, taking the loss after allowing two runs on four hits in three innings. He struck out two and walked one.

Josh Hamilton, one of the other four Rays on the Maryvale roster, did not play.

STEALING A RECORD: When Jason Tyner slid into second base safely in the third inning Wednesday, it marked his 29th stolen base of the season, a Rays record.

The high was 28 by Miguel Cairo last season.

SUPPORTING THE SURVIVORS: Several Rays players will join athletes from around the bay area Saturday in a charity campaign called "Sports Supports Survivors" at Countryside Community Park and Recreation Center (2640 Sabal Springs Drive, Clearwater).

The free event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will benefit the New York Police and Fire Widows and Children's Fund.

Hitting coach Wade Boggs, pitchers Ryan Rupe and Doug Creek and infielder Russ Johnson will join Tampa Bay Buccaneer Mike Alstott, former Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Phil Esposito and former pitcher Dwight Gooden, among others, in a fundraiser that will feature a baseball clinic, autograph session and silent auction.

For more information or to make a donation, call (727) 244-1194 or (727) 797-9090.

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