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Out of nowhere: Paul Abbott 03/07/2004 8:00 AM ETBy Paul C. Smith / MLB.com
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- When the Devil Rays signed Damian Moss earlier this year, it seemed as though their pitching rotation was close to set. Victor Zambrano and Jeremi Gonzalez were returning after pitching well last season, and they would be at the top of the order. Manager Lou Piniella wants a lefty at No. 3 to offset the mighty southpaw hitters around the AL East, and new Ray Mark Hendrickson can fill that role. St. Petersburg native Doug Waechter pitched well in his six weeks at the end of last season and seemed to earn a spot, probably No. 4. So that left Moss to fight off challenges from Rob Bell, Dewon Brazelton and John Halama for the fifth slot. Right? Maybe not. Piniella may have a different scenario in mind, if everyone stays healthy. It has become apparent by listening to Piniella and watching the way things are unfolding that he would like right-hander Paul Abbott in the rotation, if Abbott is healthy. And based on Abbott's bullpen sessions and two perfect innings in a "B" game on Wednesday, he appears to be very healthy.
"He's a grinder," said Piniella. "He has a nice fastball, changeup and slider. If he throws the way he's capable, he can be a nice [third or fourth] starter. He competes very well." The problem, Piniella noted, is keeping Abbott healthy. Abbott has had three surgeries and been completely healthy only twice in the 12 years since he made his Major League debut. Abbott is all too familiar with the concerns about his health and fields questions about it with all the patience he can muster. "I'm fixed," he said with a smile. "It was the best offseason I've ever had. There was no pain all winter." That's what most pitchers who have a history of injuries say at the start of spring. But Abbott has gone to the mound and proven it. He threw in the low 90s with a little bit of pop his first few times out. He even tossed what veteran catcher Brook Fordyce called "a cute little changeup" early in camp. Then, on Wednesday, Abbott followed Hendrickson to the mound and set down the Tigers in order. Yes, it was just a "B" team, but it was important for Abbott to throw a full two innings, and without any problems. "The main objective is to throw as many strikes as you can," said Abbott. "You want to make sure you throw all your pitches, which I did." Piniella was pleased but is trying not to look too far ahead. "The key is to keep him healthy," he said. "He would be a nice, stabilizing force in our rotation. He's experienced, and he's won before." It has become clearer that Piniella would like to see Abbott in the rotation, not only to win ballgames but to show the other young starters how to win ballgames. "When Paul is right, he can pitch a nice, complete game for you in 100 pitches," said Piniella. "He gets a lot of quick outs. He pitched some awfully good games for us in Seattle." Piniella is hoping Abbott can do the same in Tampa Bay. Paul C. Smith is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
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