Triple-A International League: Durham Bulls 3, Norfolk Tides (BAL) 2 (7 innings- rain)

Add more insult to the ignominy of blowing a 6-4 lead in the 9th to the Rays for the Orioles organization as the Bulls also beat the Orioles-affiliated Tides at Triple-A. This game was much different as Alex Colome was the star, going 6 innings allowing 2 runs on 7 hits, striking out 8 while walking none. It was the first time all year that he didn’t walk a batter in a start, although he did allow 2 home runs. The Rays’ Triple-A pitching depth has come to spotlight since the Price injury, and rest assured, Colome is right in the thick of that. Jason Bourgeois went 2 for 4 with a 2-run homer to account for most of the Bulls offense but the most exciting thing may be that Wil Myers went 0 for 2 but with no strikeouts and a walk.

Double-A Southern League Game 1: Huntsville Stars (MIL) 7, Montgomery Biscuits 5 (7 innings)

We saw in the Rays game how a valiant relief effort by Alex Torres kept the Rays in the game after allowing 6 early runs. The Biscuits had a late run of their own after allowing 7 runs in the first 5 innings, but don’t try coming back from that at home, especially when you’re only playing seven innings in a minor league doubleheader. Jacob Thompson got destroyed again, going 4.2 innings allowing 7 runs, 6 earned, on 9 hits, striking out 5 while walking 3. He also managed a 6-0 groundout to flyout ratio and you want to say that he’s pitching better than the numbers, but he just keeps getting shelled, as evidenced by his 7.09 ERA on the year. Cameron Seitzer went 2 for 4 for the Biscuits while Mayo Acosta went 2 for 2 with a 2-run home run.

Game 2: Stars 6, Biscuits 1

All good things must come to an end, and that’s exactly what happened in this one for Matt Buschmann. In his last four starts entering Saturday, Buschmann had gone 3-0 with four quality starts, a 3-0 record, a 1.33 ERA, and a 29-7 strikeout to walk ratio in 27 innings pitched. This one did not go as well. Buschmann went just 5 innings allowing 4 runs, 3 earned, on 9 hits, striking out 3 while walking 2. You can certainly do worse than that, but you also definitely won’t win such a game if your offense is quiet.  The Biscuits managed just 3 hits in the game, although they were able to push a run across in the 9th. Shawn O’Malley went 2 for 3 with a double in the loss.

High-A Florida State League: Fort Myers Miracle (MIN) 9, Charlotte Stone Crabs 2

Mike Montgomery‘s first rehab start went outstanding. This one? Not so much. Montgomery went just 4.2 innings allowing 7 runs, 6 earned, on 7 hits, striking out 4 while walking 2. His groundout to flyout ratio was 5-2. It was good that Montgomery was able to extend himself a little bit and he didn’t allow a single home run, but he has to pitch better than this. This game was bad enough that backup catcher Ryan McChesney tossed the 9th and did a good job, working around 2 hits with a strikeout in a scoreless inning. On the offensive side, Ryan Brett continued his hot start since getting reinstated to the team by going 2 for 4.

Low-A Midwest League: West Michigan Whitecaps (DET) 8, Bowling Green Hot Rods 1

Sometimes the Hot Rods seem like the Baby Rays. This game, a little bit too much. They were down just 1-0 before a starting pitching collapse then a bullpen implosion put this game out of reach. Eduar Quinonez went 5 innings allowing 4 runs, 3 earned, on just 3 hits, walking 2 while striking out none. He didn’t allow a hit until the 3-run 5th (although he still managed to allow a run in the 1st). Tommy Coyle went 1 for 3 with a walk for Bowling Green while Andrew Toles stole his 21st base already this season.

Second Base

Ryan Brett, who turned 21 in October, was the Rays’ 3rd round pick in 2010 and was having a good season for the Hot Rods before it all came crashing down when Brett was suspended 50 games after testing positive for a banned substance, a suspension he will continue to serve at the beginning of 2013. Allowing that positive test to happen was a major mistake on Brett’s part and it will put the pressure on him even more to perform- and especially as a player previously known for his character, Brett will have to rebuild his relationship with teammates and coaches from the bottom up.  On the season, Brett posted a .285/.348/.393 line with 20 doubles, 6 homers, 35 RBI, 48 of 56 stolen bases, and 73 strikeouts against 37 walks in 100 games and 456 plate appearances. Brett stands out first and foremost for his blazing speed, which was clear based on his stolen base total, but Brett shows nice ability at the plate as well. Brett’s bat speed is only a tick above-average, but he has a compact swing and shows flashes of lift that would allow him to hit for some power, although that didn’t happen much in 2012. Brett makes a lot of contact and has a patient approach, but the bizarre thing for him this season was that he struck out swinging in just 8.8% of his plate appearances compared to the 14.4% league average but struck out looking in 6.8% of his PA’s compared to the 5.0% average. The explanation that you want to stay for that is that Brett was trying to do too much on fastballs, and indeed Brett didn’t square up as many balls in 2012 as he did in 2011, but usually that would come with too many strikeouts as well. Brett’s strikeout rate did nearly double from 2011 to 2012, from 8.9% to 15.6%, but it was still good (the league average was 19.5%). What’s going on? The answer is that Brett is still trying to convert himself from a switch-hitter to a purely right-handed hitter and had to face right-on-right fastballs for the first time, something he wasn’t used to. Hopefully just getting more at-bats as a right-handed hitter- something his suspension certainly didn’t help him do- will rectify that problem. Brett still has a patient approach and is very good at recognizing breaking pitches, so as long as he corrects this problem, he’ll be fine. Defensively, Brett shows great range and reflexes, but he needs to continue working on his actions and the accuracy of his throws as his fielding percentage at second base was just .949 in 2012 (MLB average .983), although that was a moderate improvement from his .931 mark in 2011. Brett has an interesting set of all-around abilities and is especially impressive because of his combination of speed, solid pure hitting ability, patience, and some raw power, but his suspension didn’t do any favors to his development and his game remains rough around the edges.

Juniel Querecuto, who turned just 20 years old in September, was signed by the Rays out of Venezuela back in 2009 and had a solid season in 2012 for the Hot Rods, although his defense was much more impressive than his offense. Querecuto posted a .249/.316/.303 line with 17 doubles, 2 triples, 32 RBI, 13 of 19 stolen bases, and 79 strikeouts versus 38 walks in 106 games and 436 plate appearances. Querecuto, a switch-hitter, strangely, like Brett, had some trouble with fastballs from right-handed pitchers, but overall he showed decent plate discipline and flashes of some bat speed, although he has to improve versus breaking pitches and get the good bat speed more often. He has good speed but hits too many balls in the air for his own good right now. Defensively, though, Querecuto, who played primarily shortstop until this season, saw time at second base and third base in addition to shortstop and played very well especially at second base, posting a .991 fielding percentage, just 2 errors in 52 games. Querecuto has good range, nice hands, and plus arm strength, and he profiles fine defensively at shortstop but it’s good that he’s getting experience at other positions because right now he looks like a utility player more than anything else. Querecuto is young enough, though, that the Rays hope that his bat will come along. The Rays like Querecuto’s defensive talents and they hope that more offense is still to come.

Shortstop

Hager had a nice season for the Hot Rods in his full-season debut, including leading the team with 72 RBIs. (Credit: Flickr user White Cap Wendy)

Jake Hager, who doesn’t turn 20 years old until March, was the Rays’ third 1st round pick in their 2011 draft bonanza and delivered a great showing in his first full pro season, posting a .281/.345/.412 line with 22 doubles, 10 homers, 72 RBI, 17 of 28 stolen bases, and 60 strikeouts versus 40 walks in 114 games and 501 plate appearances. Hager, 6’1″ and 170 pounds, is a solid all-around player with the intangibles to make all his tools play up. Hager features nice bat speed and smacks the ball to all fields, although he did get into trouble when he tried to sell out for more home run power. His plate discipline is solid and he makes a ton of contact at the plate, although he may be just a touch overaggressive. As Hager learns which pitches to drive, his power will hopefully come out more naturally. Hager has a chance to be a 15-20 threat in the major leagues, which would be good for a shortstop. Hager also features good speed, although average for a shortstop, but he needs work on reading pitchers to be a real stolen base threat moving forward. Defensively, Hager is a little more polished than your average shortstop coming out of high school, posting a .957 fielding percentage in 105 games there in 2012, and he features smooth actions and a strong arm although his range is only average. Hager has the ability to move more quickly than your conventional high school draft pick, combining good polish with some room to grow as he looks to become an above-average big league shortstop.

Third Base

Tyler Goeddel, who turned 20 years old in October, received the second-highest bonus among the Rays’ 2011 draft picks behind only Taylor Guerrieri after being selected 41st overall, 9 picks after Hager. Goeddel got off to a scorching hot start to the season before finishing with just decent overall numbers. Goeddel posted a .246/.335/.371 line with 19 doubles, 6 homers, 46 RBI, 30 of 35 stolen bases, and 94 strikeouts versus 38 walks in 103 games and 379 plate appearances. Goeddel’s main issue on the season was strikeouts- he struck out in 25.3% of his plate appearances. Goeddel, a projectable power bat at 6’4″, 180, shows great bat speed with flashes of plus raw power, but he struggled mightily with offspeed pitches in 2012. He actually hit well against left-handed pitching, posting a .281/.379/.404 line in 69 plate appearances, but he was at just .236/.321/.354 versus righties. Goeddel walked at a good 10.1% rate on the season as his patience is solid, but he has to improve against breaking pitches to cut down on his strikeout rate. Goeddel did manage an excellent 9-9 strikeout to walk ratio in his last 15 games, so that was a great sign. Goeddel also got in trouble trying to do too much on fastballs and has to work on figuring out which pitches to drive. The one major positive from Goeddel’s season was how well he utilized his plus speed, stealing 30 of 35 bases, and although Goeddel may lose a step as he fills out, he does have the ability to be a 20 stolen base threat annually in the big leagues. In the Rays’ dream scenario he’s a player who can hit for a nice average with 35 homers and 20 stolen bases per season, which would make him one of the best player in baseball. Goeddel is a long way from anything remotely close to that but the potential is there. Defensively, Goeddel has plenty of defensive ability, showing an excellent arm and great actions while utilizing his speed well for outstanding range, and he has a chance to be a plus defensive third baseman, but especially with Evan Longoria entrenched at third base for the Rays, he could profile just about anywhere on the field, with second base looking like a likely destination. Goeddel did, though, struggle defensively at third base in 2012, managing just a .899 fielding percentage, although a lot of that came from the fact that he got to more balls than the average third baseman, and also because a least a little of his offensive frustration had to go into his performance into the field. Tyler Goeddel will be a project for the Rays, but he has sky-high potential and the Rays will give him as much time as he needs to get there.

In these four infielders, all 23 or younger, the Rays could have four big leaguers including three potential above-average starters and maybe even a star. All four, especially Goeddel, need plenty of development, but if you’re looking for the Rays’ best upside on the infield, you’re seeing a lot of it right here. We’ll continue next time with the Hot Rods’ outfielders.

For all our analysis on the Hot Rods and the Rays’ other minor league affiliates, check out our Minor League Affiliates Analysis page here at RCG.

Methamphetamine in Modern Sports

Many people would agree that recreational drug use is inexcusable. Even those who regularly take drugs for relaxation and stimulation would struggle to justify their actions completely. It is seen as representative of the disgusting underbelly of society. In TV and film, the use of drugs such as methamphetamine (meth) is used as a tool to display the user as undesirable. The news of respected athletes using such a drug is disappointing and disillusioning.

Considered to primarily be the domain of the down and out, the unsuccessful, the flea bitten and hopeless, meth has acquired a deservedly negative reputation. However in recent years meth has made its way into the recreational life of professionals, successful individuals and athletes.

This has recently been in the news after a number of Tampa Bay Rays minor league players were banned for use of meth. Outfielder Josh Sale, second baseman Ryan Brett and pitchers Charlie Cononie and Justin Woodall will all miss their next 50 games after a positive drug test revealed the use of meth. Why would they have done it? There has to be reasons for athletes rich in potential and promise to risk it all on a drug whose only guarantees are headaches, dizziness, dry mouth, diarrhea, insomnia, hallucinations and paranoia among many, many other negative effects!

Escapism

Few professions have as much pressure attached to it as the world of professional sports. While a lot of careers are focused toward being number one and staying ahead of the competition, few have such a definite scale and measure of success and failure. Similarly, other than sports no professions include direct competition in the same manner. Coming face to face with your competitors on a regular basis. Not only does the opposition fall under the term competitor, but also teammates and allies can be considered the competition as any team and squad only ever has a finite number of places and roles to fill.

Most professional athletes have pursued the career for the vast majority of their lives in an almost obsessive manner. Living, breathing and eating the sport that they love and excel at, by the time they reach the peak of the sport and their abilities, many find themselves totally surrounded by the sport. This can either inspire the individual or daunt them.

When confronted by the unceasing stress of professional sports, many athletes will seek a source of support or a way to escape. This is where recreational drugs can become alluring and attractive. They may use it to blank out and forget their careers and pressures. The lack of control is also attractive to the blossoming drug user. Athletes need to be constantly in control; conscious of their every action. Escapist drugs allow this responsibility to diminish for a short time albeit in a faked fashion.

The best way for people whether or not they are a famed athlete to cope with stresses is to confide in others. The support of others can help people relieve their anxieties, troubles and stresses in a much healthier fashion. The trust of somebody who shares your love can help you embrace your situation rather than try and escape it with a method such as recreational drug use. However, that can be more difficult for professional athletes, who spend half the time on the road and away from their families.

Vice

A lot of people, athletes or otherwise, enjoy the freedom of having a vice, whether or not it is legal, healthy or attractive. There are many different types of these releases. Athletes in particular are expected to live their lives according to a strict set of rules and regulations that are set upon them from an early age. An act of rebellion can be a source of relief for the individuals in question.

Many athletes have missed out on a social life during their teen years. Those are the years where most men and women who will eventually become professional athletes are taking their first steps into the world of sports and are more careful than ever, especially compared to a lot of their peers. That can create repercussions later in life. The teenage and young adult years are often used by many as a time to relax and experiment and without those years, the temptation to experiment can continue to persist years later. Remember that both Sale and Brett were drafted right out of high school and had been scouted by major league teams for years before that. Both would only be starting their junior year of college right now had they not gone pro.

Quite often, sports fans will forget that their favorite players are first and foremost human beings. They need the support of those around them and their fans. While not condoning their actions, fans do not need to condemn them personally. Did these four players make an enormous mistake? Yes. But we have to remember just how young they are and what the temptation was like for us at that age. Hopefully Sale, Brett, Cononie, and Woodall can rehabilitate themselves so that this never becomes a problem for them again. Whatever reason they did this, whether to escape or just to experiment, they have now seen the ramifications of their actions and hopefully they will be able to live the right way as they pursue their dreams of playing in the major leagues someday.