Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 14, 2011 14:16:39 GMT -5
[shadow=red,left,300]Tampa Bay Rays (50-31) @ Minnesota Twins (45-37)[/shadow]
TB: Jair Jurrjens (7-4, 3.77 ERA) MIN: Carlos Gutierrez (5-3, 3.98 ERA)
The last time Jair Jurrjens faced the Twins, he allowed only two hits and two walks in a dominant 8 inning performance last October in a postseason tuneup. He won both his 2012 starts as well, giving Jurrjens a 3-0 record and a 2.23 ERA against the Twins the past two seasons. It's no surprise that Jurrjens has been so good against the Twins: The Rays have won 14 of their past 19 encounters with Minnesota.
The Twins will try to break that skid on Monday, but they're facing a tall order. The Rays have the best pitching staff in the American League. While the Rays have announced they'd like to give Jurrjens this start on short rest, the alternative is Tyler Matzek, the 2012 Rookie of the Year and Cy Young runner up.
Even better than the starters, the Rays' bullpen has been superlative this season. It's an old school bunch---only five deep---but four of the five guys have ERA's under three. J.P. Howell has been outstanding as the situational lefty, Felipe Paulino has continued his successful transition into a middle reliever, while Mark Miller has been nothing short of stupendous since bolstering Tampa Bay's 2012 title run as a late-season rookie call up. Brian Wilson has again been solid authoring the ninth inning with 19 saves and a 2.52 ERA.
If the Rays have a weakness, it's with their lineup. Ever since Marvin Webb's often ridiculed decision to undergo radical cosmetic surgery to change his skin color to black, his performance has suffered. He hit only .259 last September, and only .225 in the playoffs. The average has rebounded to .281 this year, but that's well below the .348 average Webb hit in 2012. Most analysts agree that Webb, previously a golden boy, hasn't handled the sometimes good-natured, sometimes scornful ridiculing he's received in the public eye and is pressing at the plate. Whatever the reason, coinciding with Webb's drop, Tampa Bay has gone from 1st in OPS in 2012, to 2nd last year, to 6th this season.
This is all good news for the Twins. While they haven't officially named a starter, it's likely to be Carlos Gutierrez. A double-digit winner last season, Gutierrez is as predictable a pitcher as there gets. He'll throw a sinker down and away to lefties, and down and in to righties, mixing in a slider and changeup for show more than anything. When he's on his game, which he's been this season, hitters are pounding the ball on the ground usually right at infielders. Considering how the Rays have a lot of line drive hitters, they may not be fazed by the extreme sink, but it's an interesting matchup nonetheless.
Questions for the GM's. For E.J. Joseph, why do you think Marvin Webb decided to become black and how do you try to help him ease the transition?
You're facing an extreme sinkerballer tonight. Do you try to get some of your fly ball hitters out of the lineup for speedier guys, or do you hope Gutierrez hangs a pitch and somebody like Adam Dunn (1-1, 1HR vs Gutierrez) tries to hit it a mile?
Most people expect Mark Miller will eventually take over as the team's next closer. Did you expect he'd be this good, this quickly? He's establishing himself as the game's premier setup man.
For Chris Ojanen, You've yanked Kyle Gibson from the rotation. Is he out for good or are Gutierrez and Henry Combermere on trial?
Your bullpen has been very disappointing, especially Jesse Crain, who has fallen apart this season. What's going on with your closer situation?
Finally, Mark Reynolds hadn't played in the majors since 2012 and he already has six home runs. What are you hoping to get out of him?
Thanks and tune in to this edition of Game of the Week! Remember anyone is free to ask or answer any questions that come to mind!
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 14, 2011 14:18:29 GMT -5
[shadow=red,left,300]Tampa Bay Rays (50-31) @ Minnesota Twins (45-37)[/shadow]Questions for the GM's. For E.J. Joseph, why do you think Marvin Webb decided to become black and how do you try to help him easy the transition? LOL! ;D
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 14, 2011 14:51:46 GMT -5
You've yanked Kyle Gibson from the rotation. Is he out for good or are Gutierrez and Henry Combermere on trial?
Were going with a committee right now. We want Gibson to take a starting role, but he's been inconsistent while the others have performed well. In a race as close as we are in, we need guys to step up, keep the other team off the board and get some W's for us.
Your bullpen has been very disappointing, especially Jesse Crain, who has fallen apart this season. What's going on with your closer situation?
For as strong as they were to start the year, it's been a complete 180 since. We've put some guys in different spots to help jump start the pen, only time will tell how that works. We're going to give Crain a chance to step back and not pitch in high pressure situations. Matt Daley will be closing games for us as of now. They're have been talks about us bringing in help for the pen, but nothing is imminent.
Finally, Mark Reynolds hadn't played in the majors since 2012 and he already has six home runs. What are you hoping to get out of him?
Mark's hit well for us no doubt. He was brought up when Cabrera went down and proceeded to knock the cover off the ball the first week. Now that Miggy's back, We're going to try and get him some at bats at 1st and let Miggy DH some.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 14, 2011 16:42:39 GMT -5
Questions for the GM's. For E.J. Joseph, why do you think Marvin Webb decided to become black and how do you try to help him ease the transition?
Marvin's decision was based on his struggles on the base paths. After getting caught 17, 19 and 13 times in his first three seasons, he figured the transformation might give him the edge he needed, and perhaps a quicker first step. We're not sure how well thought out that was, but whatever Marvin Webb wants to do, we support him 100%. He's our franchise player and we've got confidence that he'll return to form sooner than later. All that matters is that he's in the lineup and doing damage in October.
You're facing an extreme sinkerballer tonight. Do you try to get some of your fly ball hitters out of the lineup for speedier guys, or do you hope Gutierrez hangs a pitch and somebody like Adam Dunn (1-1, 1HR vs Gutierrez) tries to hit it a mile?
We tend not to over think our lineups here in Tampa. Gutierrez is a very solid sinkerballer, but he's bound to leave something up that our hitters can handle. Our lineup is built around the longball, and with the way Dunn is hitting, it'd be crazy to take him out of the lineup.
Most people expect Mark Miller will eventually take over as the team's next closer. Did you expect he'd be this good, this quickly? He's establishing himself as the game's premier setup man.
Miller is certainly being groomed as our closer of the future, and he's excelling in his position as our 7th inning man. That being said, he's hit a bit of a rough patch these past few weeks. We're working on fixing his mechanics a bit, and he should be back to form soon. We loved Miller at Alabama A&M and we were ecstatic when he fell to us at #34 in the draft. We always knew he had a high ceiling, but predicting the 23 year old would already be this good would be impossible. We're just really excited about his future, and like Marvin Webb, we want Miller to be a Ray for life.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 14, 2011 16:43:38 GMT -5
The official starter for the game is Tyler Matzek.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 14, 2011 16:48:14 GMT -5
I have some questions for Chris! With Beckett having such a stellar season why havn't you resigned him yet?? You gave a lot up to get Rick Porcello but he seems to really enjoy the Twin Cities. Are you surprised at his success so far this season? Would you do the deal again? Finally you spend most of our time at work researching and analyzing PBL...its players, the time of day games are, if the opposing pitcher likes blonds or red heads ect ect. How do you find yourself in second place?
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 14, 2011 18:30:36 GMT -5
I also have some questions for EJ!
You're team has been outstanding since PBL's inception, making the playoffs every year and winning a championship as well! All of this while being in a division with two big market teams and facing adversity with recent budget cuts! So that being said we all know you have made some great moves/decisions....do you have any regrets on any trades? How do you feel about the trade early this season to acquire Brent Peterson...is that one you would take back?
Tyler Matzek is a stud in many peoples eye's including my own! Is this the game we see him "become a Ray"? Joe Mauer is hitting .419 against lefties this season does Matzek feel he can get to Mauer and the rest of the Twins?
You haven't had a day off since June 30th and won't get another till the AS break. With Boston breathing down your neck and possible fatigue do you think you will find yourself in 1st place at the AS break?
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 14, 2011 19:35:29 GMT -5
I also have some questions for EJ! You're team has been outstanding since PBL's inception, making the playoffs every year and winning a championship as well! All of this while being in a division with two big market teams and facing adversity with recent budget cuts! So that being said we all know you have made some great moves/decisions....do you have any regrets on any trades? How do you feel about the trade early this season to acquire Brent Peterson...is that one you would take back? Tyler Matzek is a stud in many peoples eye's including my own! Is this the game we see him "become a Ray"? Joe Mauer is hitting .419 against lefties this season does Matzek feel he can get to Mauer and the rest of the Twins? You haven't had a day off since June 30th and won't get another till the AS break. With Boston breathing down your neck and possible fatigue do you think you will find yourself in 1st place at the AS break? 1) The Peterson trade was an interesting one, that's a fact. I knew from the start we were overpaying, but I simply needed that power righty in my lineup. Brent started off the season very hot, but has since cooled down and has been splitting time with Michael Sheridan (how good has that guy been so far in his career?!). While Alberto Gonzalez is a very good player and Ramon German has great potential, I think Peterson is one of the keys to getting back to the World Series. Once Marvin Webb gets things going I think we'll see Peterson start to pick it up and drive some runs in. He's still mashing lefties and that's exactly what we acquired him to do. 2) I think this is a very important game for Mr. Matzek. He's been very good the past three starts (23 IP, 13 H, 6 ER), but that was without all the media attention. Things are a little more high-profile here in Tampa than they were in Texas, which is why I think he struggled after the trade, but he's making the adjustments and seems to be getting settled in. I'm not going to predict a no-hitter or anything like out of him this game - he's just going to be Tyler and do what he's consistently done since entering the PBL. 3) Honestly, our team hates days off. We love the grind and we rotate guys often enough to keep everyone fresh. Our guys just seem to want to play twice a day, everyday. There's no doubt in my mind we'll hang onto first place.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 15, 2011 2:30:14 GMT -5
E.J. This past week you got swept by Baltimore and you couldn't seem to hit Baltimore's pitching. What happened there?
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 15, 2011 7:45:57 GMT -5
With Beckett having such a stellar season why havn't you resigned him yet??We're talking. We have no further comment. You gave a lot up to get Rick Porcello but he seems to really enjoy the Twin Cities. Are you surprised at his success so far this season? Would you do the deal again?Porcello's been better than anticipated. We couldn't be happier with his performance thus far, highlighted by a 3 hit shutout in Detroit. We gave up some good ballplayers, but we have zero regret in the move. Finally you spend most of our time at work researching and analyzing PBL...its players, the time of day games are, if the opposing pitcher likes blonds or red heads ect ect. How do you find yourself in second place? We've been fighting the injury bug a little so far, and we play in a tough division. As long as we keep our guys healthy, and with our recent acquisitions, we are confident in our teams ability. Besides, it's not like we were running away with the division, acquired a bunch of all stars, and now are in danger of losing the division lead. Wait a minute....why does that sound familiar? ;D
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 15, 2011 10:59:32 GMT -5
Chris, you've just traded Carlos Marmol for Nick Masset. What do you see in Masset and what didn't you see in Marmol that caused you to make this deal?
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 15, 2011 11:28:51 GMT -5
Chris, you've just traded Carlos Marmol for Nick Masset. What do you see in Masset and what didn't you see in Marmol that caused you to make this deal?Control was a factor(Marmol 5.95 BB/9 vs Massett 3.53), as Marmol's walks made things more difficult on our other relivers. Although not quite as good as Marmol's, Massett has a solid career Opp. Avg and BABIP and we think Masset's ability to not allow free passes will allow him and the rest of the bullpen to succeed. Massett comes to us with some post season experience, which is going to help not only now but down the stretch, as this is shaping up to be a good race in the Central. Plus we saved a tiny bit of money too
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 15, 2011 11:37:54 GMT -5
E.J. This past week you got swept by Baltimore and you couldn't seem to hit Baltimore's pitching. What happened there? A fluke
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 17, 2011 1:34:15 GMT -5
Postgame Wrapup
[shadow=red,left,300]Rays 13 - Twins 7[/shadow]
Coming off a disappointing sweep in Baltimore, the Rays couldn't buy a big hit. They made sure to fix that in Minnesota.
Rookie of the Year candidate Guillermo Pimentel smashed two home runs, Brent Peterson had a home run and four RBI's, and Conor Gillaspie added a three run blast and scored three runs and the Rays blasted Minnesota 13-7.
Carlos Gutierrez didn't have command of his sinker early, allowing five of the first six Rays batters to reach to start the game. A Gillaspie error allowed the Twins to tie the game in the bottom frame, but Guillermo Pimente's first home run of the day, a two run shot in the third, gave the Rays a 4-2 lead.
Gutierrez settled in from there and lasted 6 innings, but the Twins bullpen collectively imploded. Matt Daley allowed Gillaspie's three-run homer, Kyle Gibson allowed a two-run single to Ian Kinsler, Sean Marshall put two runners on ahead of Peterson and Pimentel's back-to-back home runs in the 9th, and by the time the smoke had cleared, the Twins bullpen had been responsible for nine runs in 3 innings.
Tyler Matzek wasn't crisp for the Rays, allowing six runs over 7 innings, plus, but it was good enough. Matzek loaded the bases in the eighth before Mark Miller surrendered a grand slam to Miguel Cabrera. On a different day, that might have been enough for the Twins, but not this day.
Questions for the GM's.
For EJ, you really took advantage of Gutierrez early before he settled in. Was that something you wanted to especially have happen?
Tyler Matzek hasn't pitched up to his capabilities this season and was really bailed out by the offense against Minnesota. How confident are you with him going forward?
Following up on Mark Miller, he's struggled recently and allowed the grand slam to Cabrera. How do you handle him going forward.
For Chris, you announced that Daley would be your new closer, but you brought him in for the seventh inning and watched him fail to get through the inning. Why did you bring him in so early and does the performance change your plans for him?
Miguel Cabrera had another great day with three hits, five RBI's, and a grand slammer. Do you feel that his presence in the lineup gives you an advantage that maybe a Detroit or a Cleveland doesn't have?
Finally, with the bullpen struggling yet again, do you make any trades with the deadline approaching? I hear Colorado has some bullpen pitchers available. Anything happening on the trade front?
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 17, 2011 1:36:24 GMT -5
Oh, there will be two Game of the Week's this week. Anybody want to take one of them? The Royals visit Cleveland on Thursday, while the Cubs take on the Brewers on Friday for some Front and Central GotW action!
|
|