Rays debate whether to carry extra player, pitcher

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ST. PETERSBURG — Rays officials will up the discussion over the shape of their 25-man AL Championship Series roster where they left off for the division series — whether they are better off to have an 11th pitcher or a 15th position player.

They went with 10 pitchers in the first round and used only nine in the four games (and with Trever Miller facing only one batter). The ALCS is longer, as a best-of-seven, but there are also three off days for relievers to recuperate.

If the Rays decide to go with the extra arm, either Troy Percival, who has been working his way back into the shape, or Edwin Jackson, the 14-game winner who was left off for the ALDS, could be added at the expense of an extra outfielder, such as rookie Fernando Perez.

Executive VP Andrew Friedman said the Rays would talk about numerous possibilities but the primary topic will be the 11/15 issue.

"I think we'll definitely debate it again, just like we did before the division series," Friedman said Tuesday. "I think there's pretty good arguments to be made both ways."

Manager Joe Maddon said "there could be a change but not anything dramatic."

Friedman said the Rays got "good reports" on Percival's two instructional league outings over the weekend and "I think he's healthy enough right now where it's going to be part of our conversations in setting the roster."

Backup C Shawn Riggans has made a quick recovery and "a lot of progress" since September right knee surgery and is a candidate to be added (in place of Michel Hernandez), but Friedman said "he's not quite where he needs to be yet," and it's not clear if Riggans could be by Friday.

MADDON HONORED: Maddon appears the clear favorite for the AL Manager of the Year award presented after the season by the Baseball Writers Association of America.

Tuesday he was named the second winner of the Chuck Tanner award, which was created last year by the Pittsburgh Rotary Club in honor of the former Pirates manager. Joe Torre won the inaugural award.

The award, given to "the manager that best exemplified Chuck Tanner's managing and leadership qualities," will be presented at a Nov. 15 banquet in Pittsburgh.

NO TEARS: The Rays weren't exactly saddened to hear that 3B Mike Lowell won't be on Boston's roster due to a lingering hip injury. "He's a tremendous player whose certainly not afraid of the big moment and it certainly affects them some to not have him … but they've got a bunch of talented guys and they've got depth," Friedman said.

PITCHING IN: The Rays are lined up to have RHP James Shields and LHP Scott Kazmir again pitch the first two games, but Maddon said he wanted to talk to the pitchers today before announcing anything.

MISCELLANY: The Rays took Tuesday off, then will work out at Tropicana Field today and Thursday. … The Sox will arrive Wednesday after working out in Boston, then work out Thursday at the Trop. … Even with the familiarity between the teams, Friedman said the Rays will do "just as much" work with their three-pronged advance scouting reports (in-person, video, data) as they did for the White Sox. … There will be a Beach Bash 5-8 p.m. Thursday at the Tradewinds Island Resorts on St. Pete Beach with live music, fireworks and appearances by the Rays' street team and Raymond. … It was probably good there is no official MVP award for division series, because Maddon said no one player stood out: "Typical Rays."

Comments on this article

by JSP	Oct 8, 2008 4:03 PM
It has actually changed from 9=8 for regular season to 9=4 for the LDS to now being 9=2...

by Guy	Oct 8, 2008 3:08 PM
The math has changed. It is not 9=8 anymore. Now it is 9=4!

by Andy	Oct 8, 2008 2:39 PM
I break out in hives just seeing Percival warm up anymore...leave him off and keep Jackson. If a starter gets shelled early, it will be good to have him around for long relief.

by Tone	Oct 8, 2008 2:38 PM
No Troy please, Perez had better be on the roster. Gross, Perez, and Rocco switching in right is amazing. I like Hinske but maybe he is the one to consider leaving off, his defense is kind of a liability compared to those guys.

by Bobby	Oct 8, 2008 2:37 PM
They should bring back Percival and keep Perez over Hinske.

by Mark	Oct 8, 2008 2:37 PM
Move to a 3-man rotation and put Kaz in the pen. Game #1 10/10 Shields Game #2 10/11 Garza Game #3 10/13 Sonnanstein Game #4 10/14 Shields-3 days rest Game #5 10/16 Garza-4 Game #6 10/18 Sonnanstein-4 Game #7 10/19 Shields-4 Keep Perez

by Ken	Oct 8, 2008 1:06 PM
Jackson would be a disaster in the bullpen. This season has proved he needs to remain a starter. He always starts slow, and gets better as the game goes on-his last 20 pitches are always his best. That's the opposite of what you need from a reliever

by TC	Oct 8, 2008 12:38 PM
Where are the Yankees and Red Sox fans NOT trash talking? 1) Yankees fans got their tails between their legs whimpering back to their den 2) Red Sox fans...pick up your jaws.

by WS	Oct 8, 2008 11:56 AM
Ed Jackson is a closer waiting to happen anyway. And as he deserves to be activated, put him in the pen.

by Nate	Oct 8, 2008 10:54 AM
Personally, I'd like to see Jackson move back to the bullpen for more support. I know he's not the most consistent pitcher, but I'd rather have him on the mound than Trevor Miller. Experience or no experience.

by md	Oct 8, 2008 10:53 AM
I've bashed Upton all year, but BJ, glad to see you back swinging!

by Alex	Oct 8, 2008 10:53 AM
Since Riggans can play outfield, he would make more sense than Hernandez. Prefer to see a better reliever than Jackson- probably Percival.

by Ken	Oct 8, 2008 10:53 AM
JP Howell was my pick for MVP of the ALDS too, with Balfour a distant second. Our pen has been awesome.

by Ken	Oct 8, 2008 10:52 AM
I agree Percival should not close -- I like the closer-by-committee approach better, especially the way Maddon seems to be making all the right calls as to who to pitch when. Plus I think we'll need Fern Perez' defense or wheels at some point.

by David	Oct 8, 2008 10:52 AM
Even as a Rays fan I'll miss Lowell. He is a gutsy, talented man who always made you hold your breath when he came to bat. He just "feels" like the word "character" sounds. I hope he heals quickly.

by Again?!?	Oct 8, 2008 10:50 AM
Perez has done a great job, I would leave him on and Percival off. Even Edwin Jackson would be a better pick.

by Rafael	Oct 8, 2008 10:49 AM
Congratulations players,ecutives,best TV broadcasters in in all baseball. For next year, let us send Nieman, Hammel & Guzman to Colorado for (a signed)Mat Holiday, thus enhancing our dinasty. A slam dunk in the face of NY Yankees/Red Sox nation.

by Mike S.	Oct 8, 2008 10:05 AM
I'd say, leave Percival off again. I believe each game is going to be close and I don't see Percival as being able to close down the offense. Way too much drama when he pitches.

by Rich	Oct 8, 2008 8:00 AM
My pick for ALDS was J.P. Howell.He was terrific against the White Sox.