MVN - Most Valuable Network

Rays Beat Yanks, Take The Series

That’s more like it.  The Rays beat the Yankees 5-2 last night in front of nearly 20,000 fans to win the series 3-1 and lower the New York to last place in the AL East.  It was the Rays sixth series win in their last seven chances. 

Inside the Box Score:

• Scott Kazmir(W, 2-1): 6IP, 0ER, 3H, 3BB, 3K
• Shawn Riggans: 2-3, 2R, HR(3), 2RBI
• Aki Iwamura: 2-3, 2R, HR(3), 1RBI, 1BB

Scott Kazmir is coming back into form.  He shut down the Yankees for 6 innings, though walking more and striking out less than he had hoped.  Gary Glover came in to start the 7th inning and was knocked around for 4 hits and 2ER in 0.2IP.  Trevor Miller replaced Glover to end the inning.  Dan Wheeler and Troy Percival pitched perfect 8th and 9th innings, each striking out two.  Percival picked up his 10th save of the season. 

The offense was dead besides Riggans and Iwamura.  Out of the teams five hits, they had two a piece, with Eric Hinske getting the only other.  Carl Crawford and BJ Upton each had a Sac Fly.  Evan Longoria REALLY needs to cut down on the strike outs.  He had three more this game.  Maybe playing against the National League, and the hopefully softer schedule, will help the Rays bats come alive. 

Rays Next Game:  Friday, 8:15pm at St. Louis.  Andy Sonnanstine(5-1) vs Braden Looper(5-2). 

Rays Lose Close One To Yankees

 Tommy’s out on personal business today and I’m busy here at work so the Recap is going to be short today.

Well they can’t win them all.  The Rays fell to the Yankees last night 2-1.  It was a fairly unexciting game to watch.  James Shields and Mike Mussina were the stars of the game.  Shields with 7.1IP allowing 6 hits, 2ER and racking up 6Ks.  Mussina went 6.1IP allowing only 1 run on 4 hits.  Evan Longoria scored in the 7th inning on a single by Dioner Navarro.  I’m not putting up any Box Score Stars cause frankly there weren’t any.  Navarro, Carlos Pena and Cliff Floyd all picked up two hits with Gabe Gross getting the only other hit with a double. 

It was a game that could have gone either way.  The Rays got a little unlucky on some bloop hits by the Yankees, but other than that it was a very well pitched affair.  Shields finally allowed some earned runs at home, but did end up lowering his ERA to 3.05. 

Next up on the mound for the Rays is the newly contract-ed Scott Kazmir.  Hopefully he can pitch as well as or better than his last start and the Rays can take the series.  The loss dropped the Rays to 23-17 on the season, but a Red Sox loss kept the Rays in first place.

Rays & Kazmir agree on 4 Yr Extension

UPDATE 7:49 From TBO.com the deal breaks down like this

2009 - $6 million
2010 - $8 million
2011 - $12 million
2012 option - $13.5 million (or $2.5 million buyout)

Here are some quotes on the deal:

“It’s something that we’ve been working hard to do over the past couple of years and it’s something that, as we continue to win games and play in October, we envision Scott anchoring the staff for us,” said Rays executive vice president Andrew Friedman.

“We envision it being a series of contracts that keeps Scott in this uniform for a long time,” said Friedman.

“We envision it being a series of contracts that keeps Scott in this uniform for a long time,” said Friedman.

“It’s not about the money,” Kazmir said. “It’s about me being comfortable and just loving to play the game. I love being here with all the teammates I have, the coaching staff, the front office – everything.”

UPDATE 6:47 Kazmir has agreed to a 4 year extension worth a possible $39.5 Million Dollars. The first three years(2009-2011) are guaranteed. The Rays hold an option for 2012.

The official Press Release can be found here. This means the core of Kazmir, Shields, Longoria, Garza and Upton will all be Rays through at least 2012.  The option year bascially means the Kaz have bought out Kazmir’s first two years of free agency for less than market value. Another excellent deal for the Rays and Andrew Friedman. Can we give him executive of the year before May 15?

UPDATE 6:44: Ive been told Kazmir will resign for three years plus possible options. 

 Hat tip to Cork Gaines of Rays Index who got the Buzz started after hearing Stu Sternberg make this comment on Mike and the Mad Dog.

 “We are exploring something with our other star pitcher as we speak right now”

Now Marc Topkin of the St. Pete Times is reporting the following:

The Rays just said they will a “major announcement” at 6:45 p.m. Greg Genske, the agent for LHP Scott Kazmir, was seen at the stadium this afternoon, so it could be that Kazmir has signed a multi-year deal.
In his first year of arbitration eligibility, Kazmir agreed to a one-year deal for $3.785-million. He missed the first five weeks of the season recovering from a spring training left elbow strain.

If it is indeed what we are thinking that would mean the Rays would’ve signed Kazmir, Shields, Longoria all long term within the past 6 months and have the best record in the AL on May14, I may past out from the madness. Be sure to check back for the updates and check out my post about Jim Hickey below.

Is This The Man Behind The Rays Success?

Far too often coaches in sports receive the blame for the failure of his or her players. It happens to every coach in every league at every level. It is no different here in Tampa Bay, and it’s no different for Rays Pitching Coach Jim Hickey.

As a Rays fan and member of the RaysBB board, Hickey was often criticized for the poor pitching performances we saw in 2007. To some extent a coach should be judged by his players performance, but given a group like he had in 2007 that consisted of names like: Casey Fossum, Jae Seo, Brian Stokes, Ruddy Lugo, Shawn Camp, Tim Corcoran and Jay Witasick, it would be hard for anybody to succeed.

Hickey also brought a bit of heat on himself with an embarrassing DUI in October 2007. However, he later apoligized and called it a “horrible mistake“. The DUI coupled with the historically bad bullpen and an expiring contract had many, including myself, wondering aloud if he was the right fit and if the Rays should retain him. However, the Rays decided to show their faith in him and resign him after the season.  Looking at the situation now, it looks like they made the right decision.

Under Hickey’s tutelage the 2008 Rays boast a staff ERA of 3.73(4th in AL) and bullpen ERA of 3.16(2nd in AL). They are also second the majors with five shutouts, but it could be seven if not for two Troy Percival blown saves in shutout situations.  So how much of the success should we credit to Jim Hickey?

First, lets get some history on Jim hickey. Hickey, a first team All-American at the University of Texas Pan American, was a 13th round selection by the Chicago White Sox in 1983. Hickey would play for three different organizations(White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Houston Astros) over the course of eight minor league seasons. He retired as a player in 1989 while a member of the Astros Double A affiliate.

Read the rest of this entry »

Rays Defeat the Yanks 2-1 in 11; 1st Place in East & Best Record in AL.

 ”I tell you what, It doesn’t suck” Jonny Gomes on being a Rays Player

The Rays are back in first place after defeating the Yankees 2-1 in 11 innings. Edwin Jackson pitched another wonderful game throwing seven shutout innings, but for the second straight start was denied a win because of a Troy Percival blown save. Jackson also had a shutout going last week in Toronto after throwing 8 scoreless innning and handed a 3-0 lead over to Percival, but he couldn’t shut the door. However, this is a different Rays team than the past, and they came back that night and had an even more impressive comeback last night against on of the all time greats, Mariano Rivera. Cliff Floyd lead off the 11th inning with a single and was lifted for pinch runner Jonny Gomes aka The Steal Machine. Jonny stole second(his third steal in two games) and scored the game winning run on a Gabe Gross single of Rivera. The hit looked very Luis Gonzalez-like to me. The Rays have won six in a row overall, 11 straight at “home”, and are a franchise best seven games over .500 at 23-16. Not only are the Rays are in 1st place in the AL East, but they have the best record in the entire American League.

Inside the Boxscore:

• Edwin Jackson: 7IP, 5 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K. Personal 15 inning scoreless streak
• J.P. Howell(W, 3-0): 2 IP,  0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K. No runs in last 8 innings pitched
• Dan Wheeler(H, 9): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
• Aki Iwamura: 2-5, 11 game hit streak(20-51 during the streak)
• Dioner Navarro: 2-3, .375/.416/.458 this season
• Cliff Floyd: 2-4, and 4-8 since coming off the DL

Tommy’s Take: Ok I need Erik to snap me back into reality because I’m starting to think Edwin Jackson may actually be turning a corner. He’s made eight starts this season, five of which he’s allowed 1 run or less, including three where he hasn’t allowed a run at all. He has throw 15 straight scoreless inning and the most important number to me is the two walks is those 15 innings. It seems his control is improving. Last night he threw 72 of 111 pitches for strikes(64.86%).  His BABIP(.274) is lower that James Shields and his BB/9 is a more respectable 3.83. I’d still like to see his 1.62 K/BB rate improve, but while I’m still not convinced that he’s come around, I’m starting to warm up to the idea.

Infact the entire starting staff has been incredible. If you take out Andy Sonnanstines start, the Rays starters have thrown 37 straight scoreless innings over the last five games.

Joe Maddon named J.P Howell one of his unsung heroes for the Rays and he’s right. After failing as a starter, it seems J.P. has found his role as a long reliever with the Rays. Howell has a 2.67 ERA, 1.074 WHIP this season. He has allowed 19 hits and eight ER in 27 innings.

How bout that Jonny Gomes!!! He’s like David Eckstein with talent and skill. Joe Maddon has given Jonny the green light on the bases.

Erik’s Take:  Holy crap.  That’s all I can really say.  I know everyone is saying it, but it’s amazing to see the Rays get a game winning hit against Mo Rivera to move into first place and secure the best record in the American League.  It’s like a dream.  I feel like someone is going to punch me and it’s I’m going to snap out of it and see the Rays in last place again.  Hopefully this dream lasts the whole season.

 I’m with Tommy, I’m hoping Jackson can prove me wrong.  I’ve been his biggest detractor, and right now it looks like I’m going to have to eat crow.  I really hope he can keep this up.  I doubt his ERA stays this low, but if he can be in the 4.00-4.20 range I’ll be happy.  Having everyone else in the rotation pitching well has to have had some effect on Jackson’s success.  When your 4 rotation mates are going out and pitching gems it makes you want to keep up with them and not be the weak link.  Keep it up Jackson.

The Rays have won six straight and they have Shields and Kazmir starting the next two games?  Does it get better than that?

Rays Next Game: James Shields(4-2, 3.14 ERA) goes against Mike Mussina(5-3, 4.36 ERA). Shields is coming off a 2-Hitter and a 1-hitter at home, so there is only way to go from there…no hits.  He has not allowed a run in his last 18 innings at Tropicana Field. Overall, he has a 0.75 ERA, 0.50 WHIP, and .125 BAA in three starts at the Trop this year.

OPS Notebook:

• Tommy Rancel was quoted in Will Carroll’s Under the Knife column yesterday for a comment he made to Will in a conversation about Matt Garza.

Matt Garza (0 DXL)
Tommy Rancel, who writes for Outs Per Swing, nailed it in an email: “Ever since he found his arm in that third inning against Boston he’s been lights out.” Sometimes, pitching is as simple as getting comfortable. After coming back from radial nerve irritation, Garza took a bit to feel not only comfortable and confident, but pitching coach Jim Hickey convinced him that he could let it go. That worked, and since then Garza has been what the Rays thought they were getting when they traded Delmon Young away. Even as good as the Rays have been this season, getting both Garza and Scott Kazmir into that zone–and Kaz doesn’t look like he’s quite there—is the key to keeping them good.

• In some extremely encouraging news Rocco Baldelli took about 50 swings in batting practice before yesterday’s game. Here are some quotes from TBO.com:

“I did a lot of tests when I had the last muscle biopsy done,” said Baldelli. “They found some things out, but it’s not worth me discussing because they have to do confirmation tests on all the tests they’ve already done. They’re running all the secondary tests now, so that’s what I’m waiting on.”

“Oh, yeah – I’m still trying to come back and play,” said Baldelli. “I’m hoping that some of the medications that I’m taking are going to help me get on the field for an extended period of time without having the problems that I had. That’s kind of the next step, is just trying new things and experimenting. It’s like trial and error, and hopefully one of them works.” 
 

• Al Reyes is feeling fine after playing catch and could be activated before tonight’s games.
• The St. Pete Times reminds us The Rays Magic number is 122 for those who are counting down.
• Hank Steinbrenner is mad again at the Yankees, but the shocker is he wants them to be more like the Rays.

“These players are being paid a lot of money and they had better decide for themselves to earn that money.” 

He pointed to the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays, who have taken two straight from the Yankees, as an example of a team playing the game with passion, saying his team has “got to start playing the way the Rays are playing,” according to the Post. 

As for the Rays, Steinbrenner said, “I’m happy for them, but I wish they were in the National League.” He said he wishes more fans would see the improved ballclub. “They only had 13,000 there (Monday) night,” Steinbrenner said. “That place should be packed. They’re an exciting young team.” 

• The Baseball Analysts pose the question, A’s and Rays here to stay? They run through the gamut of stats. Here is their conclusion

As you can see, both teams look entirely legitimate with regard to keeping runs off the board. Their peripheral numbers look great and they both appear to play very good defense. Keep in mind, too, that Scott Kazmir has made just two starts for the Rays while Rich Harden and Justin Duscherer (ok, maybe to nobody’s surprise) have both missed time. One potential regression area for Oakland may be their bullpen (do yourself a favor and have a look at the season Santiago Casilla is having).

It’s hard to imagine but it looks to my eyes at least that both Oakland and Tampa are entirely legitimate. They will both have tough fights on their hands in order to qualify for post-season play in the highly competitive American League but they have started the season on the right foot and both sure seem to feature the make-up of clubs capable of fighting through to the end.

Rays Beat Yankees, Win 5th In A Row

Led by Matt Garza’s seven shut out innings the Rays defeated the Yankees 7-1 to improve to 22-16. The Rays have won five straight overall and 10 straight “home” games.  Garza allowed just five hits and one walk over seven scoreless. He struck out three batters and lowered his ERA to 3.86 in the process. Since allowing three runs in the first two innings of his initial start off of the DL, Garza has allowed just 1 run in his last 16.2 Innings of work. He seems to have found his “arm” and comfort zone. I’m not the only one who’s noticed it which is great news.

Inside the Boxscore:

• Evan Longoria 2-4, 2 runs scored 
• Aki Iwamura 2-5, 10 game hitting streak
• Dioner Navarro 3-3, 2 RBI
• Jonny Gomes 2-4, 3 Runs scored, 2 steals
• Trever Miller 1 IP, O H, 1K

On a side note, I think Jonny should be playing 3-4 times a week, but that’s me.

OPS Notebook:

• Ben Zobrist was activated off the DL. Andy Cannizaro was DFA’d to make room for Benzo. Zobrist has missed all 38 of the Rays games and will assume the “super utility” role for now.
• Al Reyes wasn’t activated just yet, but could be after tonights game. As we speculated Scott Dohmann is in line for the DFA.
• The Rays are 16-11 against the AL East. They are the only AL East team with a winning record against their divison foes.
• From Stats, Inc. The Rays are tied for the best record(19-0) when leading after 8 innings. If you were around the bullpen past few year watching I can’t tell you how much that stat means.
• Rays Index wants to you vote or die for Carl Crawford. Please do so and also make sure Dioner Navarro is on your ballot.
• Plenty of Rays vs. Marlins chatter on ESPN. Jayson Stark picks the Rays

Much as I admire the Marlins’ thump and hustle, this is still a team winning with a very shaky formula. Florida’s rotation just nudged its ERA under 5.00. The Marlins have committed the most errors in the league (33). And they had been outscored for the season by their opponents until they bludgeoned the Nationals, 23-7, over the weekend. So I’ll take Tampa Bay — a team with superior pitching, an offense that has outscored the Yankees and has had the look of a team Team On The Rise since the first day of spring training. 

• More ESPN love, but from Buster Olney who is a certified member of the Rays bandwagon since early this year.  He breaks down 12 things that have made the Rays the team that they are including this.

No. 2: Delmon Young racked up 186 hits and 93 RBIs in his rookie season with Tampa Bay in 2007, and yet the Rays traded him in the winter in a deal for pitcher Matt Garza and shortstop Jason Bartlett — an extremely bold move, because Young was seen as a rising star, and because there had been so much early discussion about how Young is destined to be a Hall of Famer, with his spectacular eye-hand coordination and ability to hit the ball with the fat part of the bat.

But it is evident that in their internal evaluations of Young, the Rays also looked at other factors: Young’s willingness and ability to make adjustments; his uncomfortable and sometimes stifling clubhouse presence, borne out by his threats to walk out at the end of the 2007 season; and the frustration he engendered in other teammates. “He just doesn’t work very hard,” said one Ray. 

There has been little doubt about Young’s talent, and even the possibility that he will go on and have a career of many hits and RBIs. But the Rays seem to have made a very sound judgment that he would not reach his full potential with them, a savvy decision that takes courage. 

Super late and Super Short Recap today due to some scheduling issues me and Erik had today.

Interview With Jeff Pearlman

Outs Per Swing is proud to bring you another interview with another fantastic sports writer.  Last time it was Joe Posnanski, this time it’s Jeff Pearlman of ESPN.com

Jeff is currently working on an upcoming book on the 1990’s Dallas Cowboys titled “Boys Will Be Boys” which is scheduled for an August 2008 release.  He was born and raised in Mahopac, NY home of 25 pizza joints, a big ‘ol lake and Henry Winkler’s mother.  He attended the University of Delaware, graduated in 1994 and landed a job at The Tennessean.  In 1996 Jeff was hired by Sports Illustrated as an entry-level reporter.  He spent 6 1/2 years there and advanced to senior writer.  He’s best known for his 1999 profile of John Rocker, but is more proud of his covering of the game as a whole.  He has written two books, “The Bay Guys Won” which is a biography of the 1986 New York Mets and “Love Me, Hate Me” which is about Barry Bonds. 

We had Jeff on because he’s also covered Josh Hamilton since Josh was in High School.  Josh, who’s having a monster season, is an interesting figure to all Rays fans and we thought you’d all like to hear some insight into the man from someone who truely cares. 

EH: You’ve covered Josh since High School.  What kind of player did you expect him to become then? 

JP:   Well, based on everything the scouts were saying, he was an ARod type of talent … and he threw 96 mph as a lefty. So clearly there was a tremendous upside. At the least, I thought he’d be a star. 

EH: If not for his addiction issues where do you think Josh would be in baseball right now?  Meaning would he be a several time All Star at 26?  One of the best players in the game?  One of the most popular players? 

JP: He’d be Ken Griffey, Jr., age 26. All the talent in the world, all the charisma, etc. He’d be huge. And think how it would have impacted the Tampa franchise to have a true 5-tool star to build around.

TR: If Hamilton were still with the Rays organization where do you think he’d fit? 

JP: Hitting third, centerfield, part of the best young lineup in baseball. There’s no reason to believe otherwise.

TR: Do you think it would be a bad thing, bringing back old scenery and maybe old friends, if Josh ever came back to play for the Rays? 

JP: Hmmm … good question. I definitely think it’s good that the Rays left him unprotected in the Rule 5. Anyone who kills the franchise for that doesn’t get it. His history with the Rays was long, deep and troublesome. He needed a fresh start, and the team did, too.

EH: You recently wrote about the abuse he’s gotten from fans this season about his past addictions.  Are you surprised that he’s gotten that kind of abuse?  He says it doesn’t bother him, but no man can not be bothered by some of the taunts he’s receiving, can they?

JP: It doesn’t surprise me, but it saddens me. So pathetic. This is a man who deserves nothing but standing ovations; who is a true role model for so many people in recovery and heading toward recovery; who have battled addiction and are looking for an example of success. So anyone who mocks his efforts is simply a fool.

EH: This 2001 St. Petersburg Times article quotes Josh’s parents talking about him getting six tattoos before spring training.  His mother is quoted as saying “It’s just him trying to say, “This is me,’ ” Linda said. “If it was rebellion, he’d be out drinking and partying and whatever the other guys are doing. So far, knock on wood, we don’t have anything to do with that. He might get crazy and dance or something. He still kind of has that boyish shyness to him.” And his Father: “Put it this way,” Tony said. “If this is the worst thing he ever does, I’ll be happy.” Those are chilling quotes.  Could anyone have seen his addiction problems coming?

JP: Impossible for me to answer, to be honest.  I didn’t see it, but I’m just a writer.

EH: Is his comeback story the best we’ve ever seen in baseball, and maybe in all of professional sports?

JP: Without question, and it staggers me that more people don’t get it. Let’s say a ballplayer returns after a year away with an injury. He’s praised. Two years? Even more praise. Josh Hamilton missed four years of organized baseball to become a coke and crack addict. Not only that, but he never played above Double A. It’s 100% unheard of

TR: Who has a better chance at the hall of fame Barry Bonds or Roger Clemens

JP: Bonds. Because writers say he was a Hall of Famer even before the drugs. Had Clemens retired after his last season in Boston, he’d be Dwight Gooden, stats-wise. 

TR: Can you give us any details on the upcoming Dallas Cowboys book?

JP: Lots of football and hookers. Not in that order. :) 

TR: Its election year, if these were the final four candidates for President who would win; Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds, John Rocker or Josh Hamilton?

JP: Oh, Hamilton, easily. It’s the American Dream personified. No matter how much one suffers; no matter how far one falls, he can always get a second chance to excell. Hell, I’d vote for him right now. Well, maybe not.

We want to thank Jeff for agreeing to the interview.  Everyone make sure you check out all of his writing on ESPN.com and go out and buy as many books of his as you can.  Look out for “Boys Will Be Boys” coming out in August.  For more information on Jeff and his book, go to his MySpace at www.myspace.com/sedrictony . 

No Shut Out, but Rays Complete the Sweep

A few streaks came to an end yesterday, but the winning streak did not. Andy Sonnanstine allowed three Angel runs with two outs in the third, bringing an end to several streaks. It was the first run the Rays had allowed in 24.2 innings, the first run at home in 33.2 innings and the first run given up by a Rays starter in 25.2 IP. Sonny wasn’t sharp, throwing just 5IP and giving up five earned runs on eights hits and two walks. The offense, however, was enough to bail him out. The Rays won 8-5 and are a franchise record five games over .500. They are also riding a 9 game “home” win streak.

Inside the Boxscore:

• Aki Iwamura 3-5, 2 Runs Scored, 9 game hit streak
• Carl Crawford 3-5, 3 RBI
• BJ Upton 3-5, 3 Runs Scored
• Cliff Floyd 2-4, 2 RBI
•  J.P. Howell(W) 3 IP, 1 hit, 0 Runs
• Troy Percival(S) 9th Save, Perfect 9th

Tommy’s Take: SWEEP!!!. The Rays are rolling right now and even though common sense is telling me it can’t last all season long, I’m just going to enjoy the moment.  The Rays are a franchise best five games over .500 and with the sweep moved percentage points ahead of the Angels to top the “wild card race.”

The offense woke up yesterday due in part to the addition of having Cliff Floyd back in the lineup. Cliff had two RBI and picked up right where he left off before he hit the DL. Floyd brings a great veteran presence to the lineup and should add some stability to the middle of the order.

Speaking off offense, the top of the lineup really sparked the Rays on Sunday. All three hitters(Iwamura, Crawford, Upton) had a trio of hits a piece. They were a combined 9-15 with four RBI and seven runs scored. Any time you get that kind of production from the top of the lineup you’re in a good spot to win the game.

Erik’s Take:  It’s a little strange expecting to win every night.  In years past you’d HOPE the Rays would win, but wouldn’t be confident unless Kazmir was on the mound.  Now I get disappointed if the Rays don’t come out victorious.  After the Rays fell behind to the Angels yesterday I was pretty confident that BJ or CC or Pena, etc would get a big hit.  It’s a good feeling.  Dan Wheeler continues to be the MVP of this team.  He keeps holding down the 7th and 8th innings, bridging the gap between the starters and Percival.  Hopefully the Rays can continue the hot streak against the banged up Yankees. 

Rays Next Game:

The schedule doesn’t get any easier for the Rays. The Yankees come to town for 4 games lead by Andy Pettitte(3-3, 3.77 ERA). The Rays counter with Matt Garza(1-1, 4.91 ERA) , who is coming off of his best start on the season. Garza is 0-1 with a 6.75 ERA in 2 previous appearances.

OPS Notebook:

• Gary Glover was activated off the DL and Kurt Birkins was sent down to Durham.  Birkins sported a 0.90 ERA in six games this season.
• Ben Zobrist will have the pins removed from his broken thumb this morning. If all goes well he can be activated any time from that point on. Andy Cannizaro will be sent packing to make room for Benzo.
• Is a no-hitter in James Shields future? According to Shields “Anything’s possible”

“Anything’s possible. Any pitcher can do it on any given day,” said Shields, who has beaten the Red Sox and Angels with two-hit and one-hit shutouts, respectively, in his past two starts at Tropicana Field. “But the bottom line is, one, you’ve got to have defense. Two, you’ve got to have luck. Three, you’ve got to be able to make your pitches. If you do all those things, it’s definitely possible that it’ll happen.”

• Al Reyes will participate in extended spring training today. Reyes said he felt good after a bullpen session on Saturday.
• Willy Aybar will also get some action in extended spring training this week. He will play 1B, 3B and DH. The plan is to get him some action at 2B next week. No word if the Rays play on trying Aybar at SS.
• The back to back shutouts for the Rays on Friday and Saturday were the first since 2003 when Doug Waechter and Jorge Sosa blanked the Mariners.
• Eric Hinske was named to ESPN’s page 2 “unsung stars of this baseball season, so far.” Former Rays and now Marlin 3B, Jorge Cantu also made the list.

Eric Hinske, RF, Tampa Bay Rays
The AL Rookie of the Year in 2002, but a scuttling .246 hitter just two years later. Is he back? The early numbers — 7 HR and 16 RBI; .271/.375/.583 — make you wonder, and make you hope.