The quick thumb of Phil Cuzzi is at second base; the inconsistent Larry Poncino moves to third. We'll see if Jerry Crawford is as inept as his partners in this detestable umpiring crew as the Bad Blood show continues.
Cool, calm Kelvim takes the mound tonight in this emotionally charged series. Let's hope he isn't distracted by the tension between the teams. Escobar hasn't had great success against the Rays (4-6, 6.22 lifetime) but has made only one start against them this year. That was on July 29, when he was cruising along with a shutout through five, only to fall apart in the sixth after a throwing error by Frank Catalanotto, who was making a rare start at first base.
The Cat, his hamstring healed, is back tonight in the more comfortable left field role, as Bobby Kielty gets a rest. Frankie and his mates will try to solve rookie Doug Waechter, who beat a lethargic Cory Lidle in Tampa two weeks ago, and has since pitched two fine games against the Yankees. The 22-year-old righty sports a 3-1 record and a 2.45 ERA for his first month in the big leagues. Josh Phelps and Orlando Hudson did take him deep last time, and all of the Jays should be fired up. Carlos Delgado career HR watch: 299. Reed Johnson hit streak watch: 20. Vernon Wells batting title watch: .005 behind Mueller and Ramirez.
https://www.battersbox.ca/article.php?story=20030924063350999