By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, April 2, 2011
ST. PETERSBURG — RHP Wade Davis says he's much more relaxed entering his second full big-league season, and he has many reasons to be.
Davis established himself with 12 wins as a rookie last year, along with a victory in the postseason, and recently signed a seven-year deal with the Rays that's worth up to $35 million.
What also helps is that Davis learned a lot from his experience last year — including both the 0-5 stretch in June and the seven-game winning streak afterward — which he'll carry into today's start against the Orioles.
"I think I'm understanding a lot more than I did at this point last year," said Davis, 25. "I know I don't have to go out and try to throw the ball as hard as I can every pitch to get guys out. I think I've understood I can take a step back and pitch a little bit more instead of just throwing."
Manager Joe Maddon saw a little different Davis in camp.
"He looked more veteran in his appearances this spring," Maddon said. "He was much more under control, I thought he wasn't trying to overdo anything, there was a much more relaxed look about him."
Davis has won three of five starts against Baltimore, including a shutout. And though the Orioles are more dangerous with players they added in the offseason, Davis will stick with what he does best. "That's the big thing from this year and last year, I've learned to pitch with my strengths more and not to their weaknesses," he said.
LEFT OUT: Manny Ramirez said he's playing leftfield today, and he made sure during Saturday's pregame to shag fly balls and get used to the surroundings. Ramirez played 28 spring training innings in left.
"It's hard when you don't do it in spring training," Ramirez said. "You've got to get that feel in the outfield. It's like hitting or pitching, when you're pitching and you haven't pitched in two months. I'll try my best."
LINING UP: Maddon said C Kelly Shoppach started Saturday against RHP Chris Tillman because Tillman is more of a neutral-type pitcher, pretty similar vs. lefties/righties. Plus, Maddon said Shoppach made some strides against right-handers in the spring.
LEANING LEFT: Zach Britton, the Orioles' top pitching prospect, was called up to make his debut today with LHP Brian Matusz (back) going on the disabled list. Those Rays who have faced him in Triple A say he's a hard-throwing lefty with late movement on his fastball, a quality slider and changeup.
"When he's really good, he's throwing them all for strikes," Elliot Johnson said. "And he's working the fastball in on the inside part of the plate. So it makes it really hard to stay on the offspeed stuff when you're working on 94-95 coming in on your hands."
MISCELLANY: RHPs Kyle Farnsworth and RHP Joel Peralta will sign autographs from noon to 12:30 today along the rightfield line. … LHP Cesar Ramos' number changed from No. 55 to No. 27, which he wore in high school and at Long Beach State. … Davis will have his head shaved after the game on top of the dugout by a young pediatric cancer patient to support the Cut for the Cure.