- The Rays open a 3-game series with the Kansas City Royals tonight at the Trop. The Rays send Andy Sonnanstine and his 7.66 ERA to the mound to face right-hander Kyle Davies who is 2-4 with a 5.06 ERA. Davies beat the Rays in his only start against them last season.
- The Royals ended May losing 16 of their final 21 games of the month. They may get a boost tonight as closer Joakim Soria could be ready to return from the disabled list. He has been out since May 8 with a stiff throwing shoulder.
- Rays fans can decide whether this is a good thing or not, but they miss out on the chance to see this year’s top starting pitcher, Zack Greinke during this series. Brian Bannister will throw in game two and Gil Meche pitches Thursday.
- I know we keep asking this, but if Andy has another poor start, are his days numbered in the Rays rotation? With the way the Yankees are playing, you would think the Rays’ patience would need to be wearing thin. Not to mention the fact that Sonnanstine’s next appearance after today would come Sunday in the new Yankee Stadium.
- Coco Crisp will miss at least the first two games of the series to attend the funeral of his great-grandmother. That should get him back in time for Thursday’s series finale. Against James Shields.
June 2nd, 2009 at 9:21 AM
Kazmir said he’s fixed his “big” mechanical issue and is almost ready to come back without any minor league time. If Sonny doesn’t do well tonight, we may see another starting pitcher swap. Otherwise, Kaz may have to go to the bullpen and wait for an opening.
June 2nd, 2009 at 9:58 AM
Anyone who knows me knows I’ve always advocated making Kazmir the closer. To this day, I’d like to see the Rays make him their closer. It’s not like they don’t need one.
June 2nd, 2009 at 1:38 PM
If Kaz were to close for me, he’d need to learn to throw strikes first.
June 3rd, 2009 at 4:47 AM
I hear ya, Corncob. Does that mean you’re not a big fan of Scott “Wild Thing” Kazmir? I prefer Led Zepplin to The Troggs anyway.
June 3rd, 2009 at 1:25 PM
I guess if Mitch Williams can do it, so can Kaz. I like Kaz, but I get frustrated watching him throw so many pitches, BB, HBP. As I’ve heard many times over, the best pitch you can throw is Strike one.
I’ll take Led Zepplin over the Troggs anyday, although I can play a little on the ocarina.