Content provided in partnership with

A.L. reports

Sporting News, The, Sept 27, 2004

<< Page 1 Continued from page 2. Previous | Next

TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS When RHP Jorge Sosa throws seven shutout innings, the team thinks he fits in best as a starter. But at other times he looks better as a reliever. The team has RHPs Jesus Colome and Franklin Nunez to set up closer RHP Danys Baez next season, so it likely will consider Sosa insurance in case RHP Dewon Brazelton, RHP Doug Waeshter, RHP Seth McClung or LHP Scott Kazmir isn't ready to start.... After missing 2003 following rotator cuff surgery, RHP Todd Ritchie, 32, made it back last week. He lost 2 or 3 mph off his fastball but has veteran savvy and knowledge of hitters. SCOUTING REPORT: C Toby Hall is improving on defense, even after leading the majors in percentage of runners thrown out last year. He reacts faster to wayward pitches and takes charge of the pitchers and the game..--Paul C. Smith

Most Popular Articles in Sports: The first family: Archie, Peyton and Eli are incredibly famous, immensely ...; The growing gap: driving distances are skyrocketing on the PGA Tour. So why ...; Which pistol caliber for self defense? Four different people come to four ...; Drag racing - National Hot Rod Association; The world's most popular .22: the Marlin Model 60 just keeps on ticking; More »

TEXAS RANGERS 2B Alfonso Soriano's stolen bases are down considerably from past seasons. That's partly because he isn't hitting leadoff as he did with the Yankees. Soriano also isn't forcing the issue with power hitters at the plate.... The team picked up LHP Michael Tejera after he was released by the Marlins. He uses a variety of arm angles and speeds and gives the team four lefties in the bullpen.... 1B Mark Teixeira's smooth defensive play has helped cover for some of Soriano's shortcomings on the right side of the infield. SCOUTING REPORT: Eric Young has been thrust into the DH role recently. Young, a longtime National League player, sought advice from Brad Fullmer, who has carved out a niche as a DH. Young has successfully adopted Fullmer's routine. He entered the week batting .305.--Robert Falkoff

TORONTO BLUE JAYS The club re-signed LF Frank Catalanotto and is counting on him to hit at the top of next year's lineup. He might platoon with Reed Johnson in left field, but if Gabe Gross wins the job, Catalanotto would become the everyday DH, a perfect fit for his studious habits as a hitter.... One of Toronto's young outfielders--Gross, Johnson or Alex Rios--might be traded. The Blue Jays need pitching, and they're deepest in the outfield. SCOUTING REPORT: C Gregg Zaun is known for his fundamental defense and game-calling ability, honed over the past decade. And he blocks the plate well. Zaun has moderate power, with nearly a third of his hits going for extra bases. His main offensive strength is his knowledge of the strike zone--he walks often and keeps his strikeouts under control.--Spencer Fordin

TSNumbers

Losses by the Red Sox's bullpen from August 2 through the end of last week. That is more a testament to the starters than the relievers; the starters have given the team a chance to win nearly every game in that span.

Runs the Angels have scored in RHP Kelvim Escobar's 11 losses this year. Anaheim was shut out in four of those games.

71.8

The Yankees' success rate in stolen base attempts, fourth best in the A.L. SS Derek Jeter is 22-for-26 and 3B Alex Rodriguez is 26-for-30.

.147

White Sex SS Jose Valentin's batting average since the All-Star break. The slump comes at a bad time for Valentin, a potential free agent.

A.L. reports

Sporting News, The, Sept 27, 2004

Find Research Guides for:

Find Featured Titles for: Home & Garden

Most Popular Articles in Sports

Most Popular Publications in Sports