Royals notebook: Gathright uncertain how he値l be received in Tampa Bay
By BOB DUTTON
The Kansas City Star
BALTIMORE | Outfielder Joey Gathright isn’t sure what to expect tonight when he returns to Tampa Bay for the first time since the June 20, 2006, trade brought him to the Royals in exchange for left-handed pitcher J.P. Howell.
“I was talking to (former teammate) Aubrey Huff (of the Orioles) the other night at first base,” Gathright said. “He said he got booed when he went back. Maybe they’ll boo me, too. I don’t know.”
Gathright spent parts of three seasons with Tampa Bay but never worked himself into regular duty. He is batting .250 this season while playing in 71 of the Royals’ first 85 games.
Howell has evolved into a key contributor in the Rays’ bullpen at 6-0 with a 2.96 ERA in 31 appearances.
The Royals had already made their only 2006 trip to Tampa Bay before the trade; Gathright was in the minors last season when the two teams split four games at Tropicana Field.
“It’s going to be strange going there and staying at the Vinoy (Resort hotel) and not my old place,” he said. “All of my old friends are still there; all of my old girlfriends are still there. We’ll see.”
Feeling better
Catcher John Buck reported his condition as “sore” but “better” one day after being hit in the cup by a foul tip. Miguel Olivo started the series finale against the Orioles.
Squeamish? Stop here.
The play occurred in the fourth inning Wednesday when Jay Payton tipped a pitch from Gil Meche that slammed into Buck’s cup. Buck spent several minutes recovering on his hands and knees but remained in the game.
“After the game,” Buck said, “I could barely walk because it was so swollen. I slept with ice on it. I woke up today and I was back to normal size. I (passed) a little blood.
“I hope I never get one worse than that.”
Picollo promoted
Farm director J.J. Picollo has been promoted to assistant general manager for scouting and player development. That adds responsibility for the scouting department to his current duties of running the player-development system.
“It’s a philosophical approach to baseball operations that I’ve always liked,” general manager Dayton Moore said. “I’ve just been waiting for the right opportunity to do it. I thought it was important for J.J. to transition through player development (before adding the new role).
“It’s always been part of my long-range plan. It just creates greater synergy between the two departments.”
Picollo joined the Royals in August 2006 as their farm director after working since 1999 in various roles for the Atlanta Braves.
Slumping Aviles sits
Manager Trey Hillman is hoping a one-game break can revive rookie shortstop Mike Aviles, who has just five hits in his last 32 at-bats. Aviles was zero for nine Tuesday and Wednesday against the Orioles.
“He’s climbing the ladder a little too much (with his swing),” Hillman said. “I don’t want that confidence level, because of a lack of production, to get too low.”
Aviles had started the previous 25 games. His recent skid dropped his average from .352 to .291.
Tony Peña started at short in place of Aviles. It was Peña’s first appearance in eight games.
Guillen nominated
Outfielder José Guillen is one of six nominees for the Major League Baseball Clutch Performer of the Month for June. The winner will be determined through an online vote at pepsiclutch.mlb.com.
Next page >
Join the discussion
Share your observations and experiences about news. Lively, open debate is the goal, but please refrain from personal attacks or comments that are racist, vulgar or otherwise inappropriate. If you see an inappropriate comment, please click the "Report as violation" link to notify a KansasCity.com editor. Thanks for your feedback.