Davis-Sonnanstine decision could come sooner than expected

Posted Mar 21, 2010 by Tribune Sports

Updated Mar 21, 2010 at 02:01 PM

BRADENTON The battle between Wade Davis and Andy Sonnanstine for the fifth starter spot may not go down to the end of camp after all.

Manager Joe Maddon said last week the competition was as close as a coin flip and a final evaluation might not be made until the end of camp. But that was before the Rays learned workhorse reliever J.P. Howell probably won’t be available until May.

Sunday, Maddon said that because Howell’s situation has created uncertainty within the bullpen, a decision between Davis and Sonnanstine could be made as early as this week.
“I think regarding what’s going on, we may be able to get that done this week,” Maddon said. “It’s all linked with J.P.

“We’ll meet at some point very soon to discuss all this, because I would rather start trying to hammer out some options so people get more comfortable regarding what actually is going to be their role this season.”

Sonnanstine and Davis were both scheduled to start games Sunday, with the Rays playing split squad games in Bradenton against the Pirates and Fort Myers against the Twins.
But the Rays-Pirates game was rained out, and Sonnanstine’s turn was pushed back to today against Red Sox in Fort Myers or in a minor league game. James Shields is the scheduled starter.

Davis, however, did pitch and had a troubling outing. In two innings against the Twins, he gave up seven runs (five earned) on nine hits and a walk. He’s had a couple of other tough outings, and his spring ERA stands at 10.24.

It’s still wouldn’t be a surprise if the Rays made Davis the fifth starter, based on his strong showing after his call-up last September. Under that scenario, Sonnanstine, who has shown his 2008 form this spring, might be a long reliever.

But Maddon cautioned against jumping to any conclusions, noting that executive vice president for baseball Andrew Friedman is continuing to look for bullpen help outside the organization.

“Nothing is going to happen until we sit down and have the full discussion,’ Maddon said.

Howell’s unavailability creates two openings in the bullpen, so there could be room on the roster for both Davis and Sonnanstine even if Friedman adds a reliever.
Sonnanstine said Sunday that a bullpen spot “is not what I’m working toward,” but he’s willing to help the team in whatever way he’s asked.

“My approach right now is, I’m a starter until I’m not,” he said. “They’re good at making decisions, (and) I’m a team guy. I’ll stand by any decision they make.”