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Rays myths examined

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Posted: Oct 01, 2008 01:34 PM

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And some myths …

1. Troy Percival blows a lot of saves.

Actually, he has only blown four (in 32 chances), which is fewer than 42 other relievers, including Francisco Rodriguez (seven), Francisco Cordero (six) and Jonathan Papelbon (five).

2. Evan Longoria and Carlos Pena are their most clutch hitters.

They are good, but actually it is C Dioner Navarro, who has a .314 average with runners in scoring position that ranks among the top 25 in the American League.

3. Gabe Gross can't hit left-handers.

He didn't get much chance before coming to the Rays, going 5-for-54 (.093) in his first four seasons. This season, he's 13-for-68 (.191) with two homers, including a walkoff shot off Chicago's Matt Thornton.

4. The Rays are good because they're stacked with high first-round picks.

Well, only if three is a lot. The only top-five picks on the roster are CF B.J. Upton (No. 2 in 2002), Longoria (No. 3 in 2006) and LHP David Price (No. 1 in 2007).

5. Scott Kazmir throws a lot of pitches each inning.

He does, and his average of 18 per is the highest of all AL starters. But there are 10 others (who threw at least 50 innings) with more, including Jays closer B.J. Ryan (18.7) and Boston's Clay Buchholz (18.2).