Kazmir to start Game 5
With a 3-1 lead over Boston in the best of seven ALCS, the Rays have changed their pitching rotation and will start LHP Scott Kazmir in Game 5 on Thursday rather than James Shields.
Kazmir has pitched well at Fenway in the past, and Shields has not. Plus, the Rays would have the benefit of Friday's off-day if they have to go deep into the bullpen before a potential Game 6. Shields would start that game on Saturday at the Trop, where he has pitched very well.
"Being in the position we’re in, we like the idea of pitching (Kazmir) with the day off to follow and we also like the idea if it gets down to it that Shields pitches at home. And the fact that Kaz has had some success here,'' manager Joe Maddon said Wednesday morning at the team hotel. "It's our best call at this point. I know you could look at it a whole bunch of different ways.''
Maddon did say that if the Rays had lost on Tuesday and the series was 2-2, they would have pitched Shields in Game 5. "Under those circumstances you have a chance to go back home and you'd be down by one game and you just feel at this particular juncture Shields has been more consistent,'' Maddon said.
Maddon said he, executive VP Andrew Friedman and pitching coach Jim Hickey have been talking about the possibility of the change since before the series started. The final decision was made late after Tuesday's game.
He said they like the way Kazmir has pitched at Fenway (4-4, 3.02), and acknowledged that Shields has struggled (0-3, 10.13).
Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
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 James Shields, we're your source for Tampa Bay Rays scores and schedules.
Undertaker...nice try..but I actually like the change of seasons...a beautiful fall day and an awesome snow storm so...there is that..2...as for ongoing success...ask the 1994 Expos how they worked out...a ballpark not downtown, a small distance from the "center" howd that work out for them...
Posted by: Jeff Sports Vortex | October 16, 2008 at 06:21 PM
Okay, Jeff...lt this go. You are not the expert on Tampa Bay Sports. This part of the world embraces after the skin has been burned on the field. The community will fill the stadium in 2009. Unfortunately, for most mortals, change is difficult. Their vision is quite often impaired in Florida by distracting people, places and events that we in Tampa Bay don't mind. When it is cold as help in Maine, we BBQ and Boat! When it is sunny outside(BTW,that's 98% of the year)we have choices that you and the rest of the contiguous don't have. Trust me, I'm not telling you this so you wish you were here and enjoying the 80 degree weather, trust me when I say it is not about wearing shorts to Thanksgiving feast, really, just let the noreasters in your area know that we'll be okay n 2009 and beyond. Tampa Bay has some of the most dedicated fan base in sports and the future looks evan brighter!
Let's toast the RedSox...BBQ would be a little harsh.
Posted by: The Undertaker | October 16, 2008 at 06:05 PM
See again, you guys can't read.
FACT - The Trop has been EMPTY MOST nott all BUT MOST of the season..and you have the best team in the game. That is not opinion it is FACT. That is my only real criticism. This all started when ur blogger was on WJAB up here in Portland and you jumped ugly ON HIM because he said 50% of fans there for Sox games were Sox fans.If you guys have such an inferiority complex...fill the place...which you have done the last month of the season..that has been my only beef.
I have said time and again ur team DESERVES to be where they are because they ARE the best team this season. They have ben from the start. best pitching overall, best line up best managing..not sure how I haven't given respect, yet I am called names, belittled and overall treated poorly..the same exact treatment afforded in July..shocker
Posted by: Jeff Sports Vortex | October 16, 2008 at 02:46 PM
M... we can turn his abrasive stlye around once we give him what he wants. I believe he is syndicating and anchor texting back to us throgh his channels.
That my friend is progress in spite of this blog we frequent!
Starting in Maine is merely a start, next stop Philadelphia Daily blogs...then, infinity and beyond!
Then, the 1960 Pirates and even more better!
Cheers tonight for our TEAM!
Posted by: The Undertaker | October 16, 2008 at 11:17 AM
Undertaker,
With all due respect, Jeff cannot get respect if he does not extend it himself. Read his first entry and it's obvious he is trolling for blogers. Then he tells people to "GFY".... Please! As far as giving us exposer, HE IS IN MAINE. He should stick with college baseball.
Posted by: M | October 16, 2008 at 10:43 AM
I vote for a shake-up at TBS, immediately! Cal Ripkin, Jr. and Harold Reynolds should be in the booth tonight…kick out the other two boofs!
Cal has such a great attitude and wealth of knowledge that the ordinary fan just loves to hear. After all, that’s what ESPN says is now FOX ‘s target audience! Let Cal and Harold bring some authentic excitement to the booth instead of the disdainful and dreadful announcers that have, now! Actually, as sales people for TBS, they suck!
Cal and Harold could do a great job of getting the mass population energized for what could be a repeat of the 1960 Pirates!
Now, for the pitching duel…can we change the subject?
The game has four phases, not one!
Write this down:
Pitch, Catch, Hit, Run.
Pitching has been decided.
Catching is clearly advantage Rays.
Hitting is clearly advantage Rays.
Running is clearly advantage Rays.
Where is the confusion about who will win, today?
On to Jeff the“Troll”, you newcomers are visually impaired. This guy is our best chance at visibility. So far, TBS, ESPN,FOX and every Times operated publication has lobbied against the Rays and this no-namer offers to help…and you beat him up???
What tha…
Truth is that Mr. Troll has extensive knowledge and wants to help the Rays get the respect and audience they deserve. You may not agree with his style and BTW some of you could use a bump on style points yourself. Engage this guy and we might get an audience in Tampa, St. Pete or Lakeland???
Who knows he might just take someone at the Times' job for lack of performance. How novel a thought!
Stay engage and let’s see if we can beat the 295 Comment record from Tuesday! BTW, 1000 would be a good goal for a World Series bound Team Blog.
We want CAL, WE WANT CAL, WE WANT CAL.!
Posted by: The Undertaker | October 16, 2008 at 10:07 AM
Classic!!!! We are all losers and need to go out and meet some real people.... but please visit my blog. Jeff, this is what you do on a daily bassis and you criticize us??
You have no credibility.
Posted by: M | October 16, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Trolls..I love that word..like these boards are sooooooooooooooooo exclusive..you little boys and your secret internet handshake clubs are too funny...heres a thought...go out and meet REAL people..not some internet world you people creat to be some exclusive velvet rope club...so funny
Posted by: Jeff Sports Vortex | October 16, 2008 at 08:47 AM
C'mon guys, stop feeding the troll. Ignore Jeff and he'll go home in a sulk.
Posted by: SJ | October 16, 2008 at 08:26 AM
Harold..booby...cmon....really..the best you have is criticizing an interview series about a team that my co host is a fan of?!? really...you haven't been nostalgic about ANYTHING?!? Ever..really..see here's the thing...you CAN'T be nostalgic about anything because the Florida teams are..count em 15 yrs old. Nostalgia is lost on your little brain. I don't need to justify my existence to you, I laugh at your attempts to criticize me..pretty funny.
As for the Rays fans..I said every team has yahoos..but for a team that has been the BEST right out of the gate to struggle to fill that stadium all season and they all of a sudden, have all these die hard cowbell toting fans is kinda lame. Just one mans opinion...we welcome yours...
Posted by: Jeff Sports Vortex | October 16, 2008 at 08:16 AM
Jeffsportsvortex
Dude
I didnt go trolling on opposing teams blogs looking for something to spice up my radio show blogspot. I dont have a lead story of the nonexistent Expos as a blog spot. I never said go f yourself. I wasnt the one bustin on readers for being a "phoney baloney" (your words)fan. And Lastly. I dont recall you posting on The Heater, until today. Maybe I missed a day or two. I dont come here everyday. Maybe I'm wrong on that one. But I know I got the rest right. I need help?
Again.....
Not so much.
But Dude
Keep coming back (in between those Really Big Shooows) you are indeed comic relief.
Posted by: harold | October 15, 2008 at 11:45 PM
Maddon is brilliant. He's the reason the Rays are going to the Series.
Posted by: Jack | October 15, 2008 at 11:15 PM
Harold, you really need help don't you?
Posted by: JeffSportsVortex | October 15, 2008 at 11:11 PM
HEEES BACK...
Hey JeffSPORTS VORTEX. Our Loss?
Not so Much...
Posted by: harold | October 15, 2008 at 11:04 PM
Didn't expect anything just thought it would be fun. Guess you guys cant read my posts praising ur team...ur loss we had a great show see ya
Posted by: Jeff Sports Vortex | October 15, 2008 at 10:58 PM
JeffSportsVortex-
You come on these boards talking trash and acting like a pompous jackass and expect us to fall all over ourselves to call in to your show? Really?
Posted by: Amanda | October 15, 2008 at 10:50 PM
..."You'll see. Just sit back and watch the implosion"...
Eric...mortgages and wall street implode...conversely, the Rays are a model of efficiency.
When one parts clanks, five others pick up the slack and ensure successful completion of the mission. There is nothing toxic about the Tampa Bay Rays, except for a few judgemnental posts on this TIMES owned blog (had to do it).
As a matter of fact, I would say the opposite is true for the Rays and their leader...more like Infectuous. Too bad the nation has not awakened to the Underdog of modern day sports.
Here's hoping we break all the World Series ratings records and FOX short-sells their ads out of ignorance.
Now, there's a good implosion for you!
Best wishes!
Posted by: The Undertaker | October 15, 2008 at 10:43 PM
One more quick note. If there is a game 6, I will be truely disappointed if I don't get to read the same rhetoric and STUFF if Boston switches Lester and Beckett.
"Beckett did, after all, get an injection of a painkiller and an anti-inflammatory the last weekend of the regular season"
source: By Amalie Benjamin
Globe Staff / October 13, 2008
Posted by: Mike/Denver | October 15, 2008 at 10:41 PM
Hey Harold...sorry to bring it to this level but GFY! Hail Fitzy
Posted by: JeffSportsVortex | October 15, 2008 at 10:39 PM
Kaz has done so poorly lately...but I agree with any move Maddon makes - who knows what is going on with Kazmir. Maybe he worked the funk out. I do not think they will leave him in if he starts to frazzle on the mound, I want to WIN in Boston.
Posted by: terri | October 15, 2008 at 10:22 PM
Ahhh the stuff on here is too funny. Why is switching the #1 in the rotation with the #2 in the rotation such a huge deal? Comments made for some good laughter, thank you. If Kaz is so bad, according to posters here it's an automatic loss, why is he even active and pitching in the ACLS? If you look at history he has the better win/loss record in Fenway. If he's so bad please send him out here to Denver. We could use him. Whether it's game 5 or 6 or 7 the Ray's will pull it off. Beckett is the one hurt and burned out. HIS season is done! Nice to see the media can stir the pot and even cause doubt. Next thing you know they will be running a story about "Shields must be hurt" based on the STUFF posted here.
Posted by: Mike/Denver | October 15, 2008 at 10:14 PM
Good stuff Undertaker! But it reeks of the stuff Sox fans used to say in 1949,67,78,86,88,90,95,99,03, and the first half of the 04 ALDS. Now they just point to games 5-7 of the last 3 ALDS they have played. 6-0, and on the way to 9-0.
You'll see. Just sit back and watch the implosion
Posted by: Eric | October 15, 2008 at 10:04 PM
Jeff Sports vortex STILL trolling For SOMEBODY ANYBODY TO Please Please Please come and play with us and Give us something topical to talk about. I guess they wrung every ounce out of the Showstopping Expos Appreciation gig.
I wonder if any notables from the Washington Nats signed on to his blog-o-Phonic spectacular. That would have been SO SO cool.
Posted by: harold | October 15, 2008 at 09:56 PM
Mike SAID: " WOW! I was just reading the Boston Globe online and was shocked to see how many people up there actually think this was a move for the Ray's to win at home!!!! "
Mike...what do you expect from a publication owned by the NEW YORK TIMES...and supported by ESPN baseball jockeys! The crying won't stop until the Rays finish them off tomorrow with a big nasty beating...14 runs wasn't enough to shut them up..maybe the Rays' will score 20. Either way, Francona has head in hands again!
Eric SAID and Quoted Maddon at 04:31p:
"We like the fact that Scotty is pitching with an off day behind him (on Friday) because that gives us the opportunity to use a lot of our bullpen if we need to and we like the idea of James pitching at home." "This is a manager who has completely lost his mind"
Eric...you missed it, dude! Your inhaling to deeply, son.
Mr. Maddon was stating that Shields would be ready and available to start the WORLD SERIES AT HOME, not preparing for a game 6 in this part-little league championship series they are forced to play.
Boston has proved themselves eligible for first round in Williamsport next year, not FOX Television in October.
The Rays are prepared to SWEEP the Red Sox at home...it is the only reason they got on the plane.
Take your loser attitude to Boston and keep it there!
A speedy cessation to this series is in order.
Posted by: The Undertaker | October 15, 2008 at 09:50 PM
Bottom line......of the potential remaining six starters, the biggest mismatch in the Rays favor is Becket vs. Shields at home with Shields having an extra three days rest. If it were game 7, I would have a problem with it. But this is a no brainer. It's called a knockout punch!
Posted by: M | October 15, 2008 at 09:26 PM
Will @ 11:59am hit it perfectly.
The news media is basicly making it seem like Kaz is being thrown to the wolves in order for Shields to close it at home.
I disagree completely. If Shields and Kaz had equal success at Fenway, I think Shields would pitch and Kaz would go Sat. if needed. I think the move has more to do with the fact that he has better success against Boston @ Fenway and it gives the team the best statistical chance at winning.
If they were planning on losing game 5, why not let Jackson start and have a Shields/Kaz 1-2 punch for 6 and 7???
Oh yeah... because it doesn't make sense.
Posted by: Ray F | October 15, 2008 at 09:15 PM
Kazmir just needs to come into the game with the right gameplan. He should be very careful with Pedroia, Youk and Bay (they've hit him well) and go after everyone else in the lineup (esp. Papi, Drew, Kotsay, Ellsbury, etc.). The numbers tell the story:
Kamir vs. righties: 3.97 ERA and 22 HRs
Kazmir vs. lefties: 1.96 ERA and 1 HR
He has dominated lefties and the Red Sox are lefty heavy with Lowell being out. This is the type of thinking that Mr. Maddon does. If Kazmir pitches smart and goes after the lefties while being careful with the righties, he will cruise. Walks could be an issue, but that's where the "challenge the lefties" comes in. I like our chances.
Posted by: 9equals8.com | October 15, 2008 at 08:58 PM
I like the move. I think Kaz will be fine. He's always been a big game pitcher. The problem I see is when the team gets the Dicer on the ropes they don't let him off. If they would have done that the 1st game we wouldn't be having this discussion because Sonny would have wound every thing up last nite. Just would like to see Kaz work faster, get the ball and pitch. Keep time between pitches short, no time to think. JUst let his natural talent do it's job and pitch for strik outs and get off this pitching to contact. He's a strikeout pitcher.
Posted by: Richard | October 15, 2008 at 08:42 PM
just for fun, I went to the Extra Bases blog at boston.com to see what they have to say about this. About 1/3 Joe's a genius, 1/3 Joe's a moron, 1/10 "he's looking past tomorrow's game, and towards his WS rotation". I like the "even if Kaz has a bad night, Shields or Garza will nail it at the Trop" idea. Regardless, Rays are on a roll, Sox have been rolled, and the Rays will take it in five, or maybe six. I'm guessing six, but willing to see the Rays shock and surprise me yet one more time, tomorrow night.
Posted by: MikeD | October 15, 2008 at 08:39 PM
Eric - the numbers speak for themselves. Argue with the numbers if you are going to challenge. The Rays definitely have a loser's mentality (knucklehead comment) and they are winning in spite of themselves (andother idiotic idea). I am sure you, Carol and the other Sox fans on here called the Lester shelling, too, huh? Go Rays!!! Let's dance at Fenway tomorrow night!
Posted by: 9equals8.com | October 15, 2008 at 08:23 PM
Bob...laughingstocks...hmmm..you must be a 20 something new to baseball with no idea about baseball history...quic quiz..Yaz...Dewey,Jim Ed, Gold Dust Twins, Boomer, 1967, 1975, 1978, 1986, 1999...and so on and so on...hysterical..cmon bring it 9PM www.centralmainesportsblog.com
Find the Talkshoe Widget on the right for the LIVE show...feel free to call 603-397-3559
Posted by: Jeff Sports Vortex | October 15, 2008 at 07:48 PM
Well, here is a loss FOR SURE with Kazmir pitching. Man oh man ..., I bet the Red Sox are lovin' this decision. Kazmir STINKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There is NO DOUBT the Rays will be losing Game 5 now... They have absolutely no chance with Kazmir pitching - barring being spotted 20 runs.
Watch it happen...
Posted by: Carol | October 15, 2008 at 07:39 PM
why not pitch someone who might throw a good game for the first time in a month like maybe price or jackson kaz hasn't looked good at all lately
Posted by: craig k | October 15, 2008 at 07:35 PM
FACT: Shields ERA @ Fenway 21.21 2008, 10.13 career
FACT: Kaz ERA @ Fenway 4.50 2008, 3.02 career
OPINION: Shields isn't hurt, Joe, Andrew, Jim and Stuart know what they're doing
FACTS: 2-0, 9-8, 9-1, 13-4
Posted by: MikeD | October 15, 2008 at 06:58 PM
Eric & Dawes, a couple of bozo's from the Sox Nation who have come out from under their rocks to talk trash. Am I missing something guys?
Act like you've been there clowns. The funny thing about the Sox fans is before 2003 they were the laughingstocks of baseball for what, about 100 years. Again I say, clowns go back under that rock.
Posted by: Bob | October 15, 2008 at 06:56 PM
"There are lots of reasons that this switch makes sense:
1) Kaz has been really good at Fenway -- FACT: His ERA at Fenway this year is 2x his home ERA
2) Shields has been really good at the Trop -- FACT: HIs ERA at the Trop is almost identical to Kazmir's
3) Kaz has enough on his mind and he doesn't need the added issue of Cousins behind the plate
OPINION: This is a loser's mentality. Has anyone ever heard of a rotation being juggled so that a pitcher can avoid an ump? This says to me Kaz is soft.
4) If Kaz struggles, the entire bullpen is ready and available
FACT: Just as they would be in Game 6 with an off day on Friday.
5) If Kaz can pitch well and find a way to win, he'll have his confidence back AND the Rays will be very fresh for the WS.
If this move is about Kaz's confidence and not about winning the damn series, the Rays have already lost
Posted by: ERic | October 15, 2008 at 06:33 PM
There are lots of reasons that this switch makes sense:
1) Kaz has been really good at Fenway
2) Shields has been really good at the Trop
3) Kaz has enough on his mind and he doesn't need the added issue of Cousins behind the plate
4) If Kaz struggles, the entire bullpen is ready and available
5) If Kaz can pitch well and find a way to win, he'll have his confidence back AND the Rays will be very fresh for the WS.
On another topic, I was at Fenway last night and IT WAS SILENT!! And, the fans were leaving the park as early as the 5th inning! It was a beautiful sight, I assure you. Tomorrow will be very interesting to watch. Go Kaz and Go Rays!!!
Posted by: 9equals8.com | October 15, 2008 at 06:04 PM
If the RAys game is the only one left, it will be at 8:00, if LA-Philly is playing, it will be at 4:30
Posted by: Brad | October 15, 2008 at 06:00 PM
slightly offtopic question - does anyone know, for sure, whether the game time Saturday will be changed if the Phillies and Dodgers aren't playing? I.e. if the Phillies wrap it up today or Friday?
Posted by: MikeD | October 15, 2008 at 05:53 PM
I got 4 tickets in the 220 section for Saturday.I got them at 5:25. I hope I don't need them, but I have been able to get tickets every try.Go Rays
Posted by: Brad | October 15, 2008 at 05:46 PM
Wouldn't this move look awesome if Kazmir wins tomorrow night, pitches his rear end off and then enters into game two/three of the world series as kazmir of old? Maybe I have just been brainwashed by the way the rays have played the past three nights that they can do no wrong, but how can you not expect it anymore????
Posted by: George | October 15, 2008 at 05:37 PM
Maddon's 1st mistake of the series. This MIGHT I say MIGHT come back to haunt them...don't forget we are here for you Rays fans...www.centralmainesportsblog.com...look on the right for the Talkshoe Widget. or call us at (603) 397 3559 9 - 11PM TONIGHT
Posted by: Jeff Sports Vortex | October 15, 2008 at 05:31 PM
"Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life son ... just ask Amanda!"
Geez, what did I do to you?
Posted by: Amanda | October 15, 2008 at 05:28 PM
Not true Chuck. I got some, lower level, 10 minutes into the presale. And, that was AFTER I had passed on some tickets right behind the visitors dugout. So, maybe it's just luck, and I'm sorry it didn't work out for you.
Posted by: MikeD | October 15, 2008 at 05:27 PM
Isn't there going to be gorgeous women Rays girls at Ferg's during any of the series? Yeah baby !!!!!Go Rays !!!!!
Posted by: Brian | October 15, 2008 at 05:23 PM
Eric & Dawes - you both are wicked rihtoddid!
Can Dice-K beat Shields at Fenway? Yes.
Can a gimpy Beckett beat Shields at the Trop? No.
Maddon just ensured that this series doesn't go past Game 6.
Plus, the Red Sox have been absolutely dominated the past 2 nights in Boston. The Rays are clearly the superior team.
Posted by: Tuck | October 15, 2008 at 05:15 PM
More bullsh!t ticket witholding from the Rays. Face the truth, it wasn't possible to buy a pair of lower level seats. Somehow they're all gone four seconds into the presale.
Greed.
Posted by: Chuck | October 15, 2008 at 05:07 PM
That was another fake nova. Some rays fan who can't debate actual arguments is posting under my name to weaken my points. I guess that gets him off.
Game 5 is going to be a tough battle. I'm out of here until Thursday - good day all.
Posted by: Novangelus | October 15, 2008 at 04:56 PM
Dawes nailed it. I had given up on this series until this news. Now I honestly think this may happen. Thanks Mr. Maddon! See you in the Bill Buckner wing of the Hall of Fame
Posted by: Eric | October 15, 2008 at 04:55 PM
Okay the full Maddon quote is better. I'm hyper and reactive today.
Posted by: Helene | October 15, 2008 at 04:54 PM