OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post - Expansion Revision: 1998 Devil Rays and beyond

Moriarty9 · 03-29-2009, 04:21 PM

Devil Rays eye strong second half
Team sits in third place, hope to make pennant push
July 13, 2000

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The All Star break officially comes to an end tonight as the second half of the season kicks off across the league. For the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, the hope is for a healthier and more productive end to the season than beginning.

The Devil Rays currently sit in third place in the American League East, 14 1/2 games behind the New York Yankees — owners of the best record in baseball. Tampa Bay is 9 1/2 games behind the Toronto Blue Jays, who sit in second place in the East but lead the Wild Card standings.

Mike Hampton, Scott Erickson, and Rickey Henderson are the only players on the disabled list for Tampa Bay, after months of numerous players suffering injuries. Hampton was lost for the season during spring training, while Erickson is out until at least early August with a strained rotator cuff. Erickson is 3-3 with one save and a 7.22 ERA in 13 games with Tampa Bay, including nine starts. Henderson, 41, is on the disabled list with a herniated back, something that will likely keep him on the shelf for a couple more weeks. Henderson has hit .290 with three home runs, 10 RBI, 26 runs, and six stolen bases in 124 at bats.

As for the guys who are healthy and ready to go, there is some reason for optimism. Kevin Millwood will start tonight's game against the Montreal Expos. Millwood, 6-7 with a 5.20 ERA, has been inconsistent but has also shown great ability at various points of the season.

Pedro Martinez (9-3, 3.56 ERA) is on pace for a fine season while Livan Hernandez (1-2, 4.01 ERA) looks to continue improving after missing more than a full year of baseball due to an injury suffered in his second start of the 1999 season.

Bruce Chen has pitched better than his 3-7 record indicates while Chad Ogea (6-5, 5.06 ERA) looks to keep his job with a good second half.

03-29-2009, 04:21 PM	#203 (permalink)
Moriarty9 All Star Starter Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 1,858 Thanks: 10 Thanked 3x in 3 posts	Devil Rays eye strong second half Team sits in third place, hope to make pennant push July 13, 2000 ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The All Star break officially comes to an end tonight as the second half of the season kicks off across the league. For the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, the hope is for a healthier and more productive end to the season than beginning. The Devil Rays currently sit in third place in the American League East, 14 1/2 games behind the New York Yankees — owners of the best record in baseball. Tampa Bay is 9 1/2 games behind the Toronto Blue Jays, who sit in second place in the East but lead the Wild Card standings. Mike Hampton, Scott Erickson, and Rickey Henderson are the only players on the disabled list for Tampa Bay, after months of numerous players suffering injuries. Hampton was lost for the season during spring training, while Erickson is out until at least early August with a strained rotator cuff. Erickson is 3-3 with one save and a 7.22 ERA in 13 games with Tampa Bay, including nine starts. Henderson, 41, is on the disabled list with a herniated back, something that will likely keep him on the shelf for a couple more weeks. Henderson has hit .290 with three home runs, 10 RBI, 26 runs, and six stolen bases in 124 at bats. As for the guys who are healthy and ready to go, there is some reason for optimism. Kevin Millwood will start tonight's game against the Montreal Expos. Millwood, 6-7 with a 5.20 ERA, has been inconsistent but has also shown great ability at various points of the season. Pedro Martinez (9-3, 3.56 ERA) is on pace for a fine season while Livan Hernandez (1-2, 4.01 ERA) looks to continue improving after missing more than a full year of baseball due to an injury suffered in his second start of the 1999 season. Bruce Chen has pitched better than his 3-7 record indicates while Chad Ogea (6-5, 5.06 ERA) looks to keep his job with a good second half.