Suddenly, Rays Have Too Many Good Starting Pitchers

BALTIMORE - In years past, the return of the American League's reigning strikeout champion to the starting rotation would have been a great relief for a Rays team looking for something - anything - to feel good about.

And yes, when Scott Kazmir finally comes off the disabled list to pitch in Boston either Saturday or Sunday, the Rays undoubtedly will be better for it.

But when Kazmir enters the rotation, someone must leave it. That someone won't be Opening Day starter James Shields, and isn't likely to be the pitcher acquired from the Twins in the Delmon Young trade, Matt Garza.

Which leaves Jason Hammel, Edwin Jackson or Andy Sonnanstine.

Trouble is, the way those three young right-handers have pitched so far creates the kind of dilemma rarely faced by an organization that, traditionally, has had trouble scraping together enough competent starters to fill out a respectable rotation.

It's a good problem to have.

"We actually have some very difficult decisions to make based on people that are very qualified," Rays manager Joe Maddon said. "Where in the past, honestly, it's been we're just trying to fill a hole once in a while. So, this is a tough one. A real tough one."

What makes it so tough is that all three have made important contributions during Tampa Bay's first-ever winning month of April.

Hammel (2-1, 4.32 ERA in four starts) brings his first career two-game win streak into today's start against the Orioles.

Jackson (2-2, 3.86 ERA in five starts) was brilliant his first two starts, shaky his next two and brilliant again Saturday against the Red Sox.

Sonnanstine (3-1, 5.28 ERA in five starts) had one poor outing in his third start but rebounded from that to pitch a three-hit shutout against the White Sox. He backed that up with a victory against the Blue Jays at Disney.

Because they've pitched well, the decision could be based strictly on the business of the game. Neither Hammel nor Jackson have minor-league options remaining, and either would be quickly snatched off the waiver wire by another team.

Sonnanstine, meanwhile, could be optioned to Triple-A Durham without the fear of losing him. He knows the business side of the looming decision isn't in his favor.

"Either way, I'm going to have to pitch well, under any circumstances, in order to stay here," Sonnanstine said. "I mean, we're talking about the American League strikeout leader Kazmir, and obviously we could use that in the rotation. So, this is a good problem to have. It might not work out for somebody, but it's a good problem for the Rays to have right now."

It might not come down to a demotion for Sonnanstine. The odd man out in the rotation could end up in the bullpen.

It's not a prospect that any of the three would savor.

"Honestly, I don't want to go to the bullpen," said Hammel, who had a 6.11 ERA in 10 relief appearances last season. "I've been groomed to be a starter. I had a little stint there last year and it was a change. But you know, a job's a job, right? I'll do whatever."

Jackson is 0-1 with a 5.67 ERA in 28 career relief appearances. Sonnanstine's professional experience as a reliever is limited to three appearances in 2004 with Class A Charleston.

Maddon said the Rays will hold off making the decision until the last possible moment. The team is expected to announce today whether Kazmir's return from the 15-day disabled list will occur Saturday or Sunday.

Meanwhile, Hammel, Jackson and Sonnanstine each have one more start to make their case to remain in the rotation. Each insists the impending change isn't on his mind.

"If you do that, it's going to mess you up," Jackson said. "You can't start worrying about things you can't control."

Reporter Carter Gaddis can be

reached at (813) 259-8291