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Hammel Stumbles In Bid To Secure Rotation Spot

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By MARC LANCASTER | The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 23, 2009

Updated: 03/24/2009 12:19 am

BRADENTON - Jason Hammel today committed the one unforgivable sin for any Rays pitcher—let alone one fighting for a rotation spot—and he wasn't pleased about it.

After issuing five walks to Pirates hitters (including the leadoff man in three of the four innings he pitched), Hammel was quick to fall on his sword.

"To sum it up in one word, basically: unacceptable," he said. "For a rotation hopeful that's definitely not what you're supposed to [do]. The one good thing is I felt strong, my arm was good, but other than that, the guy I was the first few appearances wasn't there today. I wasn't aggressive, I was nitpicking, trying to pick the corners."

With the days counting down to the Rays' decision on who will hold down the back end of the starting rotation to open the season, this was not what Hammel needed. His main competitor, Jeff Niemann, was coming off a brutal relief outing in his most recent appearance and Hammel had a chance to leave a positive impression that might be enough to put him over the top. It didn't work out that way at all, as he allowed a total of 11 men to reach base in his four frames and surrendered four runs.

Hits and runs will happen, but every pitcher in a Rays uniform knows walks aren't looked upon favorably by the powers that be. Manager Joe Maddon reiterated that sentiment after the game, noting that fastball command has been a constant struggle for Hammel.

"We want guys that throw strikes," Maddon said. "We have a team that plays defense and you want your pitchers to put the ball in play."

Maddon also went out of his way to insist no decision has been made when it comes to the final rotation spot. Niemann will get another chance to state his case Wednesday night against the Pirates in Port Charlotte, and it could be his last chance. Maddon has said he would prefer to finalize everything by the end of this week.

Hammel entered today's game with a 3.94 ERA in five spring appearances and had walked just three batters in 16 innings, so what transpired could be seen as an aberration. Hammel can only hope so.

"Today I wasn't myself," he said. "I felt like I gave them a pretty good showing up to that point and I hope there's a little leeway for one bad game."

HOMEWARD BOUND

The Rays will have all of their regulars in camp for the first time this spring sometime later this week, with the World Baseball Classic coming to an end Monday night.

J.P. Howell and Evan Longoria should be back from California by today, and with the Rays playing a night game Wednesday, Maddon said Longoria could be back in the lineup by then. Akinori Iwamura might be another day or two after playing in the final for Japan late Monday.

Though Iwamura hasn't had as many at-bats this month as he would during a normal spring training, Howell's lack of game work might be seen as a bigger concern. The lefty pitched only 31/3 innings in the WBC.

Maddon didn't seem to think it would be a problem, though, noting the Rays wanted to restrict Howell's innings this spring anyway after he appeared in 76 games between the regular season and playoffs last year.

"He'll be ready," Maddon said. "He'll have maybe three opportunities to get out in a spring game between now and Opening Day and that should be plenty."

UPTON UPDATE
With no rush to get B.J. Upton ready for Opening Day, it sounds like he might not make an appearance in an official Grapefruit League game this spring.

Upton was slated for three innings of defense in a minor-league game Monday, but rain foiled those plans. He'll try again today, adding three at-bats to the mix.

Maddon said "it's a possibility" Upton will appear in a big-league spring training game before the Rays' Florida finale next Wednesday. If not, Upton will be able to get as much work as he needs on the minor-league side.

RETURN TO SENDER
Derek Rodriguez, the reliever the Rays selected from the White Sox in the Rule 5 draft, is headed back to the Chicago organization. It had become clear he had no chance to make the Rays' crowded bullpen and the White Sox took him back for $25,000 when the Rays offered.

Rodriguez made five Grapefruit League appearances for the Rays, allowing 10 hits and five earned runs in six innings. The move opens up a spot on the Rays' 40-man roster, which could come in handy as they look to set the Opening Day roster in the next couple of weeks.

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