I expect it is to see what Niemann has to offer. He had a 1.5 era in 4 games this ST and is 1-1 with a 3.27 ERA in AAA. Garza on the DL and with Kaz taking his time back, this is Jeff's turn to show what he has. Hammel is out of options pretty much, and the Rays can't afford just to dump him through waivers...need all the young arms they can have.
When Garza comes back, Niemann will probably got back down; unless he pitches incredible or Hammel just bombs his next few starts.
When Garza comes back, Niemann will probably got back down; unless he pitches incredible or Hammel just bombs his next few starts.
Not imho
His A and AA numbers were superb and strong indicators of a solid future.
His AAA numbers in 130 AB (last season) were about .270, but with 29 Ks in 32 games.
The decision to open with Hinske/Aybar (power/average..both solid defense) and Cliff Floyd as primary DH was sound.
But now that Floyd's on the shelf for a while, I guess he'll get some solid chances at ML ABs
And we'll note that BJ Upton also struck out almost once per game when first called up two years ago and I got no complaint about him now.
It will be interesting to see if he can log some solid starts because if he did, (say four or five solid starts out of six in a month) and Hamel continues to pitch like he has in his won past seven starts (under 4.30 era) then suddenly the DRays have SEVEN guys who are showing strong SP numbers (albeit Kaz and Garza are DL for the moment).
If Longoria demonstrates success at ML, then Hinske can play mostly RF and/or DH
In short, the DRays will be 2 to 4 players "overloaded" and that bodes well for a major July trade if their in range of competing for a playoff spot.
Hopefully Niemann is getting his 'A' game back:
http://www.rotoworld.com/content/pl...news.asp?sport=MLB&id=1231&line=331994&spln=1
Fantasy Baseball Breaking News
Jeff Niemann: Niemann befuddles Yankees bats
Jeff Niemann - S - TB - Jul. 7 - 10:19 pm et
The Yankees couldn’t get much going against Jeff Niemann Thursday, as the big right-hander held them to one run on six hits and two walks over 7 1/3 innings in a 5-1 win.
He struck out four, with the lone tally coming on a Robinson Cano solo homer. Given the competition, it’s probably Niemann’s best start of the season, and he’s now surrendered just two runs over his last two outings. He’s been much improved since coming off the DL, with the lone poor start actually coming against the lowly Astros. He’ll take a 4.53 ERA and 1.42 WHIP into the break. Jul. 7 - 10:19 pm et
http://www.rotoworld.com/content/pl...news.asp?sport=MLB&id=1231&line=331994&spln=1
Fantasy Baseball Breaking News
Jeff Niemann: Niemann befuddles Yankees bats
Jeff Niemann - S - TB - Jul. 7 - 10:19 pm et
The Yankees couldn’t get much going against Jeff Niemann Thursday, as the big right-hander held them to one run on six hits and two walks over 7 1/3 innings in a 5-1 win.
He struck out four, with the lone tally coming on a Robinson Cano solo homer. Given the competition, it’s probably Niemann’s best start of the season, and he’s now surrendered just two runs over his last two outings. He’s been much improved since coming off the DL, with the lone poor start actually coming against the lowly Astros. He’ll take a 4.53 ERA and 1.42 WHIP into the break. Jul. 7 - 10:19 pm et
