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Gomes Making Do With What He's Got

Tribune photo by KELVIN MA

Rays right fielder Jonny Gomes is greeted in the dugout after scoring in the fourth inning against Oakland.

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By MARC LANCASTER | The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 23, 2008

ST. PETERSBURG - Life has been good for Jonny Gomes the past few days. With the Rays set to wrap up a stretch of four consecutive games against a left-handed starter today, Gomes should be in the lineup for the fourth straight day.

To get a feel for how rare an occasion it will be, consider that Gomes last started as many as three games in a row two months ago, when the Rays were in Oakland May 19-21.

Gomes can't help but be frustrated by spending so much time on the bench, pointing to the 129 at-bats he had through 98 games entering Tuesday.

"You can't really hide the fact that that's not good at all - without being on the DL and without being sent down," he said. "I've definitely got to make do with what I've got."

He has the past three days, reaching base twice both Sunday and Monday and stealing a base in each game. Tuesday, he walked once in two trips to the plate.

Much of the pre-trade deadline speculation involving the Rays has centered on their quest for a right-handed hitter who can play the outfield. But there is some sentiment within the organization that Gomes is capable of holding down that half of the right field/DH platoon.

Considering the timing of Gomes' current starting stretch, some have talked about it being an audition. But the lifelong Ray doesn't buy into that notion.

"Whenever I'm out there at this point now, the things I do, no one's going to go, 'Wow, we didn't know he could do that,'" Gomes said. "I mean, I've shown I can run, whether it's this year or in the past. Hit homers, no one's going to be like, 'Wow, he's got power.' Play the outfield - 'Wow, we didn't know he played the outfield.' It's just the opportunity of being able to do it every day at this level."

The Rays appreciate what Gomes brings to the table. Manager Joe Maddon on Tuesday said he considers Gomes second only to Jason Bartlett in terms of his instincts when it comes to stealing bases. His defense hasn't been stellar this season and he's hitting just .192, but his on-base percentage is .307 and he has seven homers in limited playing time. And intangibles count, too.

"There's two things I'm going to bring to the ballpark every day, and that's hustle and respect the game," Gomes said. "Regardless of how many at-bats or how many strikeouts or how many homers, that's what you're going to get when you put me in the lineup. Hopefully that pans out."

We will know by next Thursday, when the non-waiver trade deadline has come and gone. In the meantime, the Royals are scheduled to throw right-handers each day Thursday-Sunday, so Gomes most likely will be back on the bench.

REHAB WATCH: Two days after going on the disabled list with what was described as a left calf strain, RHP Gary Glover threw to hitters Tuesday and had no complaints.

"My leg felt good and we'll see where it goes from there," Glover said.

Among the players hitting against Glover was Bartlett, who remains on track to come off the disabled list Thursday.

FARM FACTS: Durham RHP Jeremy Cummings was named to the U.S. Olympic team. ... 2B Jeremy Beckham was promoted from Princeton to Hudson Valley.

Marc Lancaster

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