Baldelli must show something soon; Kazmir has
Manager Joe Maddon said there was "nothing new" on the status of OF Rocco Baldelli, but also said the team probably needs to know something about his availability by the end of this week.
Baldelli's legs have not recovered well since he last game appearance on Tuesday. Maddon said the Rays will continue to evaluate Baldelli on a daily basis, though he didn't play Saturday and "probably" won't on Sunday.
"It's not like we're not worried about it right now (but) over the course of the next week something's probably got to give in a positive direction to know that he's going to be able to to get out there with any kind of regularity,'' Maddon said. "You're looking to get nine innings, whether it's as a DH or an outfielder so I'd say the next week is going to be very vital or important to determine that.''
Maddon gave the same report as Baldelli did, that there has been no setbacks or new injury, but "it's just how he feels right now, and it hasn't felt as well as he would like it to feel to play in the game. That's just how it is.'
On the positive side, ace Scott Kazmir will move to the next phase of his recovery from an elbow strain on Monday when he throws a bullpen session. That news came after Kazmir had another impressive day playing catch Saturday with head athletic trainer Ron Porterfield.
"His instructions to Kaz were to throw easily, and that didn't happen,'' Maddon said. "He just feels very good. It's very loose and free. He feels good.''
Kazmir had made such good progress since being sidelined Feb. 26 that the Rays are mapping out a schedule that could have him pitch the March 31 opener. After the Monday bullpen session, he likely will throw another light bullpen, or a batting practice session, midweek and make his exhibition debut on March 14 or 15.
Follow Tampa Bay Rays baseball from spring training to the World Series with Marc Topkin, Joe Smith and the St. Petersburg Times sports staff. From Evan Longoria to B.J. Upton and Scott Kazmir, we're your source for Tampa Bay Rays scores and schedules.
Rocco should have been let go of a long time ago. Should have traded him instead of Delmom Young. Now we gotta search for another outfielder. Pay Rocco and say goodbye. Take the loss. If he's kept it's gonna cost twice as much and for what? 10 games maybe??? I sure wouldn't go for Barry Bonds. He's just more trouble.
Posted by: Karl Ormsby | March 12, 2008 at 10:14 AM
Has Rocco tried a low salt diet? Worked for me. I also avoid sugar as much as possible.
Posted by: johnsonroberte | March 09, 2008 at 10:20 PM
Time to pick up Kenny Lofton. It doesnt look promising
Posted by: DannyD | March 08, 2008 at 10:39 PM
there is something other than his hamstring that is wrong.I hate to speculate,but it must be some rare circulatory,tissue or bone disrase.What else could it be,after all this time??????????????? We need to pray for a class act.
Posted by: DannyD | March 08, 2008 at 10:37 PM
Maybe Rocco shouldn't have been a regular @ The Undertow on St. Pete Beach all last season... More time in the gym and less time doing 12oz curls! Priorities my man...
Posted by: Shane | March 08, 2008 at 08:12 PM
Rocco was done 2 years ago, he is at best good competition for spring training.
Posted by: Rodger | March 08, 2008 at 08:01 PM