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Young Arms Join Pennant Race

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By MARC LANCASTER | The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 23, 2008

BALTIMORE - Between David Price's start Monday night, Mitch Talbot getting the call for the nightcap of today's doubleheader and an expected relief appearance by Jeff Niemann sometime today, Rays fans should get a look at three-quarters of Durham's playoff rotation in the heat of a pennant race.

The man who shepherded Talbot and Niemann through the entire season in Triple-A and worked with Price for a few weeks between promotions will be watching closely as well.

"These three kids, they're making strides in the right direction, and we'll see what pans out here at the major-league level," said Durham pitching coach Xavier Hernandez, who joined the Rays over the weekend at home and is at Camden Yards with them this week.

In most other Rays seasons, Talbot and Niemann likely would have had an extended shot in the big leagues far earlier than this. The success - and health - of the Rays' big-league rotation kept that from happening, with Niemann getting a couple of starts in April and Talbot waiting until tonight for his first chance.

"I know it was a little bit frustrating for Niemann and Talbot, who had pretty good, solid years," Hernandez said. "Possibly in years past with shaky rotations, they get a chance to come to the major leagues, but with the five guys they've had here in Tampa all year, they've done a great job, so there just wasn't an opportunity. But they were professionals and prepared themselves to be successful once they got the call, and that's a tribute to them."

Talbot said he is "definitely not going to read too much into" his start tonight. His parents are flying in from Utah for the occasion, but other than that he's going to try to make it seem as normal a workday as possible. Hernandez encouraged that approach in a recent chat with the 24-year-old.

"I believe if he puts too much emphasis on this one start, he may get out of his game and that could backfire on him," Hernandez said. "So you just try and stress to do what you've been doing, and what he's been doing has been successful, and I think it will translate to the major leagues. I'm looking for him to go out there and attack the way I've seen him."

CC GETTING ANTSY: The Rays' medical staff still hasn't cleared LF Carl Crawford to swing a bat since he underwent surgery to repair a tendon problem in his right hand last month, but the outfielder seems eager to take that step.

He dropped in on Joe Maddon before batting practice Monday, prompting the manager to say he might have to check with the trainers and "move this along" a bit.

"It's the first time he really came to me and talked to me like that, which tells me he's feeling pretty good," Maddon said. "We'll see."

IT TAKES TWO: With Baltimore starting a lefty in the first game of today's doubleheader and a righty in the second game, the Rays will go with their usual platoon split when it comes to the lineups, Maddon said.

Beyond that, Dioner Navarro likely will catch the opener and Michel Hernandez the second game.

RAYS DAY: Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio declared Friday "Tampa Bay Rays Day," and is encouraging all city employees and residents to wear Rays gear that day.

In addition, a banner reading "Go Rays, Tampa Believes" will adorn the east side of the Tampa Municipal Office Building.

PENA POW: Carlos Pena became the third Ray to garner AL Player of the Week honors this season after being recognized Monday for his work last week.

Pena hit .368, posted a .500 on-base percentage, homered three times and drove in 11 runs in the week ending Sunday as he helped the Rays clinch a playoff spot.

It's the second Player of the Week nod for Pena, who earned the honors for the final week of last season. Evan Longoria and James Shields picked up the award earlier this season.

NOTEWORTHY: RHP Troy Percival remained in St. Petersburg and will get the second round of epidural injections in his back today. He may rejoin the team Wednesday but will not be available to pitch until Thursday at the earliest. ... Rays Division Series tickets will go on sale to the general public beginning Wednesday at 9 a.m. on raysbaseball.com. ... Saturday's playoff-clinching game drew a 7.6 rating on Fox, beating the 7.4 for CBS' Florida-Tennessee telecast.

Marc Lancaster

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