DEVIL RAYS- 6/6/02

Local Team Info:
The Devil Rays seem to be drafting for the long run, as 29 of their 50 draft picks came straight out of high school. Most of their players seem to be more than a year or two away from the Majors. So they probably won’t have their first .500 season for years to come. The draft was highlighted in the drafting of SS B.J. Upton with the second overall pick. Out of Greenbier Christian Academy, The 18-year old shortstop has five-tool ability and also has one of the strongest arms in the draft.

Notes: Tampa Bays no. 1 starter Tanyon Sturtze still doesn’t have a win. He’s allowed the most hits and walks in the American League…Top pitching prospect Jason Jimenez made his debut on June 3. He pitched one scoreless inning. For now he’ll be in middle relief…Greg Vaughn has 14 RBI’s in the past 15 games…The Devil Rays are the least clutch team in the major leagues, which is reflected in their 18-38 record, they stranded 51 runners in their recent 4-game series with the A’s…Vaughn batted second in the lineup on Wednesday, marking just the fifth time he’s batted in that slot in his career.

Injuries:

Pitcher Bobby Seay has returned from the 60-day DL and was optioned to AA Orlando…Wilson Alvarez has completed his rehab assignment and has been taken off the DL…Pitcher Jorge Sosa has been placed on the 15-day DL due to a Strained litissmus Dorsi. He is eligible to come off June 10.

On the Farm:

It should only be a matter of time until AAA OF Carl Crawford is called up. He is absolutely dominating for the Durham Bulls, the Devil Rays AAA affiliate, batting .350 with 6 homers, 33 RBI’s, 15 stolen bases, and 39 runs. He has the potential to be a 5-tool player and could be an all-star.

Notes: The Devil Rays sent pitcher Lee Gardner to AAA after he cleared waivers...AA SS Ramon Soler has been designated for assignment due to Seay returning from injury…C Toby Hall (remember him) has had a hit in every game he’s played for AAA Durham.

Quick View:

Add:

RP Jason Jimenez: He made his first career start on Monday and right now he’s in middle relief, but Esteban Yan will more than likely lose his job again, and this guy could be part of the closer-by-committee or, if he pitches really well, be the full-time closer.

Drop:

1B Steve Cox: He’s in the middle of a 7-52 slump, and if you drop him nobody will probably pick him up.

Hold: Ben Grieve

A Closer Look at:

SP Joe Kennedy
Height: 6-4 Weight: 237 Throws: Left Bats: Right Born: May 24, 1979, La Mesa, CA

Pitching: He’s got a great delivery where he hides the ball from hitters, making it tough for them to pick up the ball. His fastball is usually in the 90-94 MPH range, and he has a nasty curveball that will stun hitters because they’re trying to prepare for the fastball that they can’t pick up. He has very good control with a K:BB ratio of 49:17 in 71 innings this year.

Defense: He was a catcher growing up, so he has all around defensive skills. He sometimes gets rattled out on the mound and will throw the ball away because he can’t stay calm. His pick-off move is average at best.

This season: He’s been consistent for how young he is, and if you take away the past two games he has a 3.41 ERA. His 49:17 K:BB ratio is fantastic. His record of 3-5 is a little misleading due to the fact that he plays on the Devil Rays.

Fantasy View: He won’t get you many wins or strikeouts, but if you’re in a deep AL only league he might be a good guy to pick up.