Dear God,
Don’t think we’re not hip to your plan. We saw what you did last week by injuring both CC Sabathia and Andy Pettitte, and we’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you. You and I both know that the Rays do fairly well against Sabathia. However, he does make a good portion of the other teams that he faces look crappy. You, in your infinite wisdom, chose to injure two players which gives everyone, Tampa Bay included, a competitive edge…something that helps the Rays immensely. What a guy! Am I right?! Then, you chose (you, not Girardi) to put Freddy Garcia (2-2, 6.39 ERA) on the mound tonight, to go up against Matt Moore (4-5, 4.19 ERA). Thanks bud!
So, Freddy Garcia…Hmm. Garcia has won three consecutive starts against Tampa Bay, posting a 1.32 ERA in the last two matchups, both of which were on the road. And true, he will be facing a team that’s batted .210 and been outscored 39-17 while losing six of seven. However, he was 0-2 with a 12.51 ERA over the first month of the season and didn’t make it out of the second inning in the final two of his four starts. Following those four starts, Garcia was moved to the pen where he did well, posting a 1.56 ERA in 10 appearances.
The Rays are going to need to be aggressive early on, rattling Garcia into a regression of sorts. With a higher than average BABIP of .450 against righties, BJ Upton, Elliot Johnson, Ben Zobrist, and Desmond Jennings have an opportunity to do some damage against Garcia. That’s assuming the EJ and Zo are hitting from the right side. Then again, his BABIP overall is still above average at just under.350. Nevertheless, getting on base alone isn’t going to cut it. With a 1:3 BB/K ratio, working the count will be an absolute necessity. And with a 2:3 GB/FB ratio, there will be an opportunity to get the ball in the air…assuming the Rays batters (I’m looking at you Pena, Matsui, Upton, and Scott) can force Garcia to pitch up in the zone.
Rays 7/2/12 Starting Lineup
Jennings LF
Pena 1B
Upton CF
Matsui RF
Zobrist 2B
Scott DH
Lobaton C
Rhymes 3B
Johnson SS
Moore LHP