Rotation decision still pending

If the Rays have made a decision on how to make room on the pitching staff for Scott Kazmir, it's not obvious yet. All the involved candidates are in the clubhouse, so a roster move has not been made. Andy Sonnanstine is starting tonight. Jeff Niemann is scheduled for Saturday and David Price for Sunday. The Rays could send Sonnanstine or Price to the minors, or move Niemann or Sonnanstine to the bullpen. To make room, they likely would part ways with RHP Winston Abreu, who also is present and accounted for. Kazmir will start Saturday or Sunday.

Comments

[WTF]

One thing to consider is although his ERA is high, Sonny has not been getting the run support that the stupid "Most Runs Scored" stat would make you think he is. Here are some numbers...

When Sonny pitched in a loss this year, the opposition scored an average of 6 runs/game, but Sonny only got an average of 3.5 runs/game of support from our offense. When he pitched in a win, the numbers were 3 and 8 respectively.

[DRayJim]

Although I like Sonny's resolve, he just doesn't have that extra late movement or zip that compensates for bad plate location. Throwing 88-89mph is batting practice to most...so if he's missing the corners or is worse...getting squeezed by an umpire, he's going to get rocked! He has options left, so I send him down to Durham and work out a trade if one can be made.

[KT]

Sonny made a nice comeback last night, but he is statistically the worst starter in the league. He is a liability who has put our team in a position to lose on several occasions this year. He has not taken advantage of the run support he's been given and has the worst era on the team. He should ne given an opportunity to relieve, but we already have a proven long reliever (Cormier). What we should do is pool to trade Sonny to an NL team. His style seems to work better in the NL, plus he can handle the bat. We have guys behind him with better stuff that give us a better chance to win.

[Cindi]

Yeah Sonny settled down but I think he should go to the pen as long reliever, although I think Price does still have alot to learn, I'll take my chances with his fastball and nasty slider....

[Robert]

Sonny did a great job in keeping it together, but he has to be the odd man out. Price gave up 6 in 1 inning, but his defense was part to blame. Plus I would rather have the guy who can throw 95-98 rather than 88-90. It just seems obvious.

[mike in tampa]

I have seen enough in 2/3rds of an inning to know that Sonnanstine needs to go. 5 hits, 4 runs. Get this guy out of here.

[Ray]

After tonight's start by Sonny, don't think we have to go any further to know who's being moved.

Time for him to go back to Durham and work on some things, I've seen enough.