Lineups; Rays Replace Floyd With Hinske
Before Game 4, the Rays deactivated veteran DH Cliff Floyd because of a shoulder injury, and have replaced him with veteran Eric Hinske. Floyd apparently hurt himself while running the bases in Game 2 and had trouble sleeping that night. He was available in a limited role during Game 3, but the injury worsened overnight, forcing the move.
On its surface, the move actually helps the Rays the next two nights, as Hinske, who can play either corner infield and corner outfield position, gives them more late-inning options in Games 4 and 5 than would Floyd, who is almost strictly a DH at this point in his career. Hinske could see action as a pinch-hitter or in double-switches. Despite hitting 20 homers during the regular season, he was not put on the Rays' roster for either the ALCS or World Series, until now.
Game 4 lineups:
Rays:
Akinori Iwamura (L) - 4
B.J. Upton (R) - 8
Carlos Pena (L) - 3
Evan Longoria (R) - 5
Carl Crawford (L) - 7
Dioner Navarro (S) - 2
Ben Zobrist (S) - 9
Jason Bartlett (R) - 6
Andy Sonnanstine (L) - 1
Phillies:
Jimmy Rollins (S) - 6
Jayson Werth (R) - 9
Chase Utley (L) - 4
Ryan Howard (L) - 3
Pat Burrell (R) - 7
Shane Victorino (S) - 8
Pedro Feliz (R) - 5
Carlos Ruiz (R) - 2
Joe Blanton (R) - 1
By
Dave Sheinin
|
October 26, 2008; 6:25 PM ET
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Posted by: jca-CrystalCity | October 26, 2008 6:59 PM | Report abuse
Yep, two outs deep into the top of the 2d, sure does look like Sonnanstine is Mr. Control and this Blanton guy is gonna get roped. Someday.
Posted by: jca-CrystalCity | October 26, 2008 8:57 PM | Report abuse
A control artist without control is a meatball artist.
Reverse lock time.
Posted by: jca-CrystalCity | October 27, 2008 8:42 AM | Report abuse
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here is a nice profile on Andy Sonnanstine from the Tampa Tribune. Notes that while he is a soft tosser, he has picked up a bit on his fastball after the All Star break, getting better separation for his breaking stuff and his change. He is a strike-thrower.
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/oct/26/260023/cb-sonnanstine-picks-up-speed/sports-rays/
Blanton was hit his one start this year against the Rays. 4 runs in 6 innnings. Career ERA of 6.05 over 8 games, 41+ innings.