Rays Bullpen Delivers

The Tampa Bay Rays began rebuilding their inadequate bullpen during the summer of 2007. Gone were the likes of Shawn Camp, Chad Orvella and many other forgotten names that had struggled frequently. Incoming, from various places, were Dan Wheeler, Trevor Miller, and Troy Percival among others.

The results have been nothing short of phenomenal so far in 2008.

In 2007, the Rays bullpen may have approached the American League's all time worst performance for a collective unit. Blown saves, bases loaded walks, and ill-timed home runs all plagued a bullpen that finished with a season ending ERA of 6.16. Opposing batters didn't need any supplemental help when facing the Rays pen, as they hit at a .295 clip for the year.

The difference in performance for 2008 is off the charts.

Work fast, throw strikes, and keep the ball in play are all themes being executed by this unit. Middle relievers such as J P Howell and Scott Dohmann have been solid performers thus far.

Gary Glover and Trevor Miller have been plus pitchers in most situations they have been thrown into. Last year, the Rays did not even carry a single lefty reliever to start the season. Now, with two, there are options for Joe Maddon to use during games.

Dan Wheeler and Troy Percival have added quality and so far, perfection, to the end of games.

This year, after 22 games, the bullpen ERA has dropped to 2.39 for the season. Opposing batters are hitting just .213 against the Rays relievers. Consistency has been the key for their success.

The bullpen has allowed only 10 hits in 54 first at bats in 2008. Rays relievers are once again reaffirming the point that it is far easier to pitch ahead in the count and without men on base than it is otherwise.

How long this goes on at the current level of performance remains to be seen, but the bullpen is finally pitching at a legitimate major league level. All the while, bailing out a starting staff that has been missing two of it's first three starters for much of April.

As this Rays team begins it's rise through the standings, the success of the bullpen is an absolute for an especially young pitching staff and team. Now, can the starters, when healthy, return the favor?

Time will tell.

Magic take game 1

The Orlando Magic overwhelmed the Toronto Raptors 114-100 in game one of their best of seven series. The Magic came out firing on all cylinders and were deadly from beyond the arc making 9 of their first 11 three pt attempts.

The Magic led 44-23 after the first quarter, shooting 75% from the floor.

Toronto made several second half runs in trying to cut the Magic lead, but were never able to get closer than 5 points.

The Magic were led by both Dwight Howard's 25 points and 22 rebounds, and Jameer Nelson's 24 points. Game two of the series continues tonight at Amway arena. Tip off time is at 7:30.

Ray's young gun showing promise

Learning to be a successful major league pitcher can be a painstaking experience for everyone involved. Having natural talent in throwing ability is only part of the formula for success.

For most young pitchers, learning when and how to use their pitching arsenal is usually the determining factor as to whether or not a good live arm turns into a decent major league pitcher.

Success starts with having command of pitches, varied with change of speed, along with good tempo.

Witness the recent pitching performance of Andy Sonnanstine against the Chicago White Sox.

Sonnanstine, in his second major league season, had struggled in his first 3 starts including a seven run shellacking in less than 4 innings of work last Sunday against the Yankees. Throwing the ball over the middle of the plate will generally end with bad results, and when Sonnanstine lacks command, that is what happens to him.

But Saturday night was different for Sonnanstine however, as he threw a complete game 3 hit shutout against the Sox, giving the Rays a 5-0 victory. The difference?

Command.

During the first few innings, Sonnanstine was able to throw early strikes to hitters with his fastball keeping hitters behind in the count, and getting the ball hit into play. Later, in the middle innings, he mixed in breaking balls along with his fastball keeping White Sox hitters off balance.

The last couple of innings saw Sonnanstine return primarily to his fastball and used the off speed pitches to finish off batters.

Sonnanstine had been relying too much on off speed pitches too early in games in his earlier outings. Last night was hopefully an indicator of a young pitcher maturing.

If so, Sonnanstine likely has a future at the major league level ahead. If not, then return trips to the minors lays in waiting.

Magic face Raptors, series starts today

The Magic will face the Toronto Raptors today, beginning a best of seven series in the NBA's first round. Tip off is at 12:30 pm, and will be televised on ESPN.

The match up figures to be entertaining and likely high scoring. Neither team is shy about taking 3 pointers (the Magic led the NBA in 3 pt attempts) and both teams play at a fast pace.

Dwight Howard and Chris Bosh should provide much of the drama as both players have had strong efforts in earlier games. Bosh averaged 33 points per game in the two previous meetings, while Howard averaged 24 points per game along with 12 rebounds.

Both teams are healthy at this time.

Orlando Magic finish regular season tonight

The Orlando Magic will finish the 2008 season with their best record since 1996. The Magic have been remarkably consistent this season, with the longest losing streak set at 3 games. Currently at 51 wins, this marks just the fourth time that the franchise has recorded 50 plus victories in a single season.

The Magic will face the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the playoffs. The playoffs will begin this coming weekend.

Tonight, the Magic face division rival Washington at home. Tip off is slated for 7:05 pm.

Young guns are producing

The young arms of Edwin Jackson, Jeff Niemann, and Andy Sonnanstine, and Jason Hamel are providing the Rays with much needed consistency and innings so far this season. The four pitchers are a combined 5-2, with each averaging over 6 innings per start.

Jackson has been dominant in his first two starts, giving up only a single run thus far. Command of both his fastball and slider have been vastly improved since last year.

Jeff Niemann made his Major League debut on Sunday going 6 strong innings, allowing only one run. His 93 pitch effort was nearly flawless against the Orioles.

Sonnanstine and Hamel have battled through adversity in each of their starts and have been able to rack up needed innings to help the bullpen.

Meanwhile, the return of Scott Kazmir and Matt Garza looks promising towards the end of April. Kazmir is throwing regularly while Garza is no longer feeling the ill effects of his arm strain. Both players are currently on the 15 day disabled list.

Rays split series with Yanks

Mike Mussina (1-0) pitched 6 innings giving up only two hits as the Yankees beat Tampa 6-1. The victory by the Yankees split the series with the Rays at two games apiece.

Jason Hamel took the loss for the Rays (0-1).

Derek Jeter left the game in the third inning with a quad strain in his left leg. Currently, his status is unknown but is expected to miss his next few games.

Tonight, the Rays open at home against Eric Bedard (0-0) and the Seattle Mariners, in front of a sold out Tropicana Field. Matt Garza (1-0) will be on the mound for the Rays. This is the third straight sold out home opener for the Rays.

Rays lose game 3, series finale tonight

James Shields gave up a 3rd inning, two run homer to Hideki Matsui, which ended all the scoring for the game. Shileds went 5 innings giving up eight hits while taking his first loss of the year. Wang was strong for the Yankees, pitching 7 solid innings.

Mariano Rivera recorded the save.

Tonight has Jason Hamel going against Mike Mussina. Game time is 7:05 pm, and is on ESPN.

Rays hammer Yanks

The Tampa Bay Rays pounded the New York Yankees 13-4 last night. The Rays were led by Shawn Riggans, who came off the bench to replace an injured Dionner Navarro, and belted a bases loaded double in the third inning off of Ian Kennedy. The Rays finished the inning with a 6-0 lead over the Yankees.

Navarro, was strangely injured in a dugout slip and fall cutting his throwing hand. His hand got caught in the protective netting as he fell. Navarro was placed on the 15 day DL after the game. Riggans replaced him behind the plate.

Home runs by Cliff Floyd and Carlos Pena were the back breakers for the Yankees late in the game. Leading 6-4 going into the 7th inning, the Rays capitalized on the Yankee bullpen for 7 runs.

Andy Sonnanstine pitched 6 innings and recorded the win. Rays continue the series today at 1:05 pm. Edwin Jackson is on the mound for Tampa Bay.

Reyes struggles, Rays lose 9-6

Al Reyes gave up 4 runs in the bottom of the 8th inning tonight to Baltimore, paving the way for the Rays first loss of the season. Reyes struggled with command and was unable to finish the eighth inning. The Rays had led 6-5 going into the inning.

Matt Garza made his debut for Tampa Bay tonight, pitching 5 plus innings. Garza left the game after giving up a 2 run homer to former Ray, Aubrey Huff.

The Rays had home runs from Cliff Floyd and Carlos Pena.

The series finale is scheduled for Thursday at 7:05. Andy Sonnanstine will be on the mound for the Rays.

Rays win opener

The Tampa Bay Rays started off maybe their most optimistic season in 11 years with a convincing 6-2 win over the Baltimore Orioles. The Rays used a solid seven inning effort from starter James Shields and a home run by newly acquired Eric Hinske to sink the Orioles.

Defense played a large part in the victory as shortstop Jason Bartlett and second baseman Aki Iwamura made several inning changing plays.

The remade bullpen finished the game with 2 scoreless innings with Dan Wheeler completing the last inning. The Rays continue the series with Baltimore on Wednesday. Matt Garza will be on the mound for the Rays.

Magic lose another close one to the Hornets

The Orlando Magic dropped another close game to a contender last night, losing at home 98-97. The Magic were crushed on the boards by the Hornets as they were out rebounded 52-30.

This is the second consecutive 1 point defeat to a western Conference contender as the Magic dropped a game to San Antonio last week.

For the game, the Magic shot 50% from the floor and held the Hornets to 41%. In the end, the rebounding advantage held by the Hornets proved to be too much to overcome. Keyon Dooling missed a 12 foot jumper with less than 2 seconds remaining.

Hedo Turkgolou led the Magic with 26 points. Dwight Howard added 15 rebounds.