Despite Scott Kazmir's poor effort Saturday night in Game 2 of the American League Division Series, Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon said he would not hesitate to start Kazmir should the series reach Game 6.
"I'm not backing up," Maddon said Sunday evening during the Rays media session at Fenway Park.
Kazmir allowed five runs in 4 1/3 innings in what became a Rays 9-8, 11-inning victory. He served up three home runs. He allowed two runs in a 38-pitch first inning.
"His confidence isn't where it needs to be, but I'm not going to waver on that," Maddon said.
Kazmir has struggled down the stretch this season. He allowed two runs in a 37-pitch first inning against Chicago in the ALDS, but managed to get the victory in that game.
The Rays won Saturday after a super effort from the bullpen.
With Edwin Jackson added to the ALCS roster, Maddon has the option of starting Jackson in Game 6. But Maddon said that is not an option, and that he believes Kazmir is close to returning the form that carried him through a five-win May.
"At any moment he can find that little groove then heads-up after that," Maddon said.
LIVE ARMS
One reason the Rays' bullpen can pick up 20 outs in an 11-inning game, which they did Saturday, is because the relievers are strong enough to throw more than one inning.
That gives Maddon more options when he brings in a reliever.
Grant Balfour can get three outs one inning and face a righty to start the next. Same with J.P. Howell against a lefty and Chad Bradford against righties and lefties.
Dan Wheeler was huge Saturday, pitching 3 1/3 innings in the Rays' victory.
"I think a lot of times in the minor leagues you build relief pitchers about one inning, and by the time they get (to the major leagues) they're used to going in one inning and getting three outs," Maddon said. "We want to build guys who can get at least four outs."
MORE WHEELER?
The big question facing the Rays for this afternoon's game with Boston is whether Wheeler will be able to serve as the closer, the role he normally assumes in the bullpen, after his 48-pitch, 3 1/3 inning-sting Saturday.
Wheeler said after the game that he would be ready.
Pitching coach Jim Hickey said he wouldn't count Wheeler out.
"I had seen him do it before in Houston where he would pitch two-plus innings, three-plus innings, parts of four innings, extra-inning games where it was do-or-die, loser-go-home type of a thing, and I knew he would be fine," Hickey said. "I've seen him rebound from that well. I would anticipate that he would be able to pitch (today)."
BAY FACTOR
Jon Lester, who starts this afternoon for the Red Sox, said Jason Bay brings more to the defending World Series champions than a power bat. He brings some perspective on the privilege of playing in the postseason.
"I think a lot of the young guys that were here last year get spoiled," Lester said. "We're doing it again. It's almost like we expect it. It's all we know. You get a guy like Jason Bay over here who's played five seasons and never has been (to the postseason), let alone had a chance. It's fun."
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