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Roger Mooney

Roger Mooney covers the Tampa Bay Rays for The Tampa Tribune, TBO.com and News Channel 8. He has covered the Rays since their first season in 1998, including 11 years for the Bradenton Herald. Roger has also covered Florida, South Florida and Florida State football, the Bucs and the Lightning.

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Rays @ Jays: Niemann looks to get better backed by funky lineup

Posted Sep 12, 2010 by Roger Mooney

Updated Sep 12, 2010 at 01:04 PM

ROGER MOONEY
TORONTO—The Rays want Jeff Nieman to regain his pre-injury form today so they can feel better about the rest of his starts this month. Trouble is, this Jays team is a tough team for any pitcher.

The Rays are also looking to finish the sweep and possibly move into first if the Rangers finish the sweep against the Yankees in Texas.

If not, The Rays want to at least head into the BIG SERIES WITH THE YANKEES that starts Monday no worse than half a game out of first place.

Joe Maddon is giving Carl Crawford a break from the turf with a day off. Carlos Pena has the day off, as well. Both will be available for pinch-hitting duties should the need arise.

The Rays lineup includes Brad Hawpe at first base. Maddon has heard good things about Hawpe’s defense at first and wants to see it first hand.

Desmond Jennings starts in place of C.C.

Switch-hitters Ben Zobrist and Dioner Navarro will bat right-handed against Jays starter Shaun Marcum, who is right-handed.

The reason is Marcum’s OPS (on-base percentage plus slugging percentage) is .880 against righties.

Here are the lineups:

RAYS
Upton CF
Bartlett SS
Rodriguez 3B
Longoria 3B
Baldelli DH
Zobrist RF
Navarro C
Hawpe 1B
Jennings LF
—
Jeff Nieman (10-6, 4.28)

JAYS
Wise RF
Escobar SS
Bautista 3B
Wells CF
Overbay 1B
Hill 2B
Lind DH
Buck C
Snider LF
—
Marcum (12-7, 3.55)