Rays rotation shuffle; Garza to start Sunday, skipping Niemann
RHP Jeff Niemann will be moved to the bullpen temporarily, as the Rays have shuffled their rotation a bit to take advantage of the Monday off-day.
RHP Matt Garza will start Sunday instead of Niemann, and RHP James Shields will start Tuesday at the Trop against the Jays, followed by LHP Scott Kazmir, LHP David Price and Garza Friday.
Niemann will likely get a start before the All-Star break, next Saturday.
- JOE SMITH
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I question this move. Maddon doesn't push the panic button or rush with anything and it seems as if there is a rush to get to the top of the division right now. The Rays have been on a steady plus .600 winning percentage staying the course and it is putting pressure on the other three teams little by little. For the first time in a long time I think Maddon is making a mistake. Casey Stengel said he wasn't paid to win every game, just 2 out of every 3. The Rays are doing this. If Navarro would just relax at the plate, we would be even stronger.
Posted by: SC-Carl | July 04, 2009 at 08:02 AM
Don't like it either, Niemann thrives off staying on track, and hopefully this doesn't mess him up again. The Rays have won alot of Niemann's starts even when he didn't do well, but that being said, Maddon has a chance to pitch Shields, Kaz, Garza, Price twice each in the next 8 games, that sounds pretty tough for other opponents, as long as it doesn't mess up Niemann. Niemann will be more than a #5 starter in this league, he has composure and that seriousness to stay focused. He gets better weekly, can't wait to see him with a full season under his belt. Go Rays, hope the old KAZ is back. Time for Burrell to snap out of it..Navi just keeps killing us with his attitude, Maddon must see something in him, either that or there just isn't a suitable alternative. 4-2 Mariners over Sox, hope they can help the Rays out...
Posted by: joemaddonsucks.com | July 03, 2009 at 08:07 PM
I don't get this one- Niemann has been pitching really, really well lately. I don't think the rotation needs any tinkering at all, all 5 of our starters have been pitching really well....except Kaz, but only because he just came back. I was at his "return" game, and you could tell he has a swagger and a confidence that he hasn't had in over a year.
MAybe Niemann tweaked a muscle or something? Otherwise I really don't see much reason for this. I would like to see Niemann get more starts, he has gotten his ERA under 4, has consistently been pitching deeper and deeper into games (CG 2-hitter??) and has shown better control.
Really though, I don't think this is that big of a deal. I think we are still in good shape to take over the Spankmee's in about 2 weeks.
Posted by: mike in tampa | July 03, 2009 at 07:47 PM