DEVIL RAYS- 4/28/02

Team Info:

Infield:

Toby Hall has been a huge disappointment for fantasy owners this season. This is not the player that was drafted high in hopes that he could have a great rookie season. He hasn’t had a hit in 26 at bats and is batting just .200 and has yet to hit a home run. He has plenty of power as last year in AAA he hit 19 homers in 94 games while batting .335 and driving in 72. Expect him to hit well soon. He might just be shaking off some jitters.

After a stint in AAA because of injury, Russ Johnson is back in the infield playing 3B. He’s currently hitting .205 with a homer and 8 RBI’s. Steve Cox has been a bright spot for the Rays so far this year batting .325. Brent Abernathy has been moved to the leadoff spot and is batting .320 at the top of the order.

Outfield

Ben Grieve has slowed down a little bit. He’s only had one homer since April 17th and his average has dropped 32 points in the past week.

Greg Vaughn hasn’t had a hit in his last 33 at bats and is batting .099. He has just 9 hits. He’s always been a fairly slow starter but this of course this is the worst start of his career. Randy Winn has had a hit in 13 of his last 14 games.

Rotation

Tanyon Sturtze has been pitching well as of late. He’s pitched 15.2 innings in his past two starts and has given up just two runs. You may want to watch Paul Wilson. He struggled in his last start and in May he has a career ERA of over 10. Though Joe Kennedy has not been pretty this season, he’s been consistent. He’s never pitched less than five innings this year and only given up more than three runs once.

Injuries:

SP Wilson Alvarez- He was able to throw off of a mound with no pain April 30th. Expect him back in one or two weeks.

On the Farm:

OF Carl Crawford is turning heads down in AAA. He’s got lightning quick speed and is batting .347. He has six stolen bases, 20 runs, and four homers.

Quick View:

Add:

SP Joe Kennedy- His ERA has been gradually going down, and he’s been very consistent. With some run support he should pick up a fair number of wins.

Drop:

CP Esteban Yan- Normally shaky starter is back to his old ways. Last season manager Hal McRae gave him some leeway but his patience won’t be as high this season.

OF Greg Vaughn- No hits in his last 33 at bats and a .099 average. The numbers speak for themselves.

Hold: C Toby Hall, OF Ben Grieve, SP Paul Wilson

Trade: none; you won’t get anything for anyone on the Devil Rays.

A Closer Look at:

C Toby Hall
Height: 6-3…Weight: 205…Throws: Right…Bats: Right…Born: October 21, 1975, Tacoma, WA

Strengths: Has a good eye at the plate and is a consistent hitter who is a tough out. Doesn’t strike out much and walks a lot. A former infielder is good behind the plate.

Weaknesses: Gets behind in the count to often and is too patient at times. He has an average arm and is very slow.

Outlook: Probably the top young catcher in the game and should have a successful season. Many think he’ll be a future all-star.

Fantasy View: He’s a solid fantasy player. He has the potential to have a .300-20-75 season this year. Don’t let his horrendous start fool you.