Scott Kazmir News: Pro Sports Daily

Kazmir's Yankee killer reputation takes a beating

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October 21

New York Post

"The Angels simply don't have enough pitching to keep up with the Yankees. Scott Kazmir came west with the reputation of being a Yankee killer who was supposed to solidify the Angels rotation, but he could not find the strike zone last night and could not keep the Angels in the game. Not to mention he didn't have a fastball. The Yankees quickly built a 5-1 lead as Kazmir couldn't make it out of the fifth. The Yankees went onto an easy 10-1 victory at the Big A and a commanding 3-1 lead in the ALCS. Forget that Freeway Series the West Coast was getting all excited about. Get ready for a Turnpike Series, gritty baseball. The difference in this series has been the pitching. The Yankees have ..."

Kazmir never found comfort (or strike) zone

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October 21

Los Angeles Times

"There were blown calls by the umpires at second and third base Tuesday night, and Angels pitcher Scott Kazmir's body language seemed to suggest that the left-hander had some problems with plate umpire Jerry Layne's strike zone. But the way Kazmir pitched -- he gave up four runs and six hits in four innings of a 10-1 loss to the Yankees in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series, and was behind in so many counts he threw 89 pitches, 49 for strikes -- he wasn't about to pin any blame on the umpire. "If you're not attacking the strike zone, you're not going to get those borderline calls," Kazmir said. "It was frustrating at times, but if you're not consistent in the strike zone, ..."

Kazmir enjoys support of Los Angeles Angels teammates

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October 12

St. Petersburg Times

"Sunday afternoon didn't start as planned for ex-Ray LHP Scott Kazmir, who wasn't particularly sharp and put his new Angels team behind early. But it finished pretty well, Kazmir in the midst of the champagne celebration and moving toward a return trip to the World Series. "I wasn't the happiest man when I left the mound," Kazmir said, "but, I'll tell you what, I am the happiest man alive right now." Certainly more so than in his last postseason start at Fenway, when he threw six shutout innings for the Rays in Game 5 of last year's ALCS then watched as their bullpen blew it. "It's crazy," Kazmir said. "I left with a 7-0 lead and we wind up losing, and now I give up five runs in six ..."

Kazmir know what's expected of him

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October 11

Orange County Register

"They transformed the Angels in late August. Now Scott Kazmir or Joe Saunders could change the team's recent October history. "For us, I think our season really started to gel and we became the team I think we're very comfortable with I would say from the middle of August on," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. It was actually late August. That's when Saunders returned from the DL looking like the pitcher who made the 2008 All-Star team and Kazmir was acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays. From Aug. 26 (Saunders' first start back) through Ervin Santana's shutout to clinch the AL West on Sept. 28, Angels starting pitchers had a 2.86 ERA over 32 games. An underperforming problem area suddenly ..."

Scott Kazmir has adjusted well to the Los Angeles Angels

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October 11

St. Petersburg Times

"Scott Kazmir is in a good place. Pitching another big game in Boston - high noon today, with a chance to clinch the AL division series - is one reason, a challenge he has relished, and risen to, before. And pitching for the Angels, pitching in the postseason while his former Rays teammates have been home for a week, pitching again under coach Mike Butcher, and pitching very well, makes it even better. "Everything's going really good - good team, good teammates, great location," Kazmir said Saturday morning by phone as the Angels began their daylong trek east. "I'm very happy. I really couldn't have wound up in a better place. I'm very lucky." Kazmir was stunned when the Rays traded him to ..."

It's Scott Kazmir's turn to experience Angels-Red Sox playoff rivalry

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October 11

Los Angeles Times

"Scott Kazmir is new to this whole Angels-Boston Red Sox playoff rivalry, which, until this October, had been as one-sided as Larry Holmes versus Randall "Tex" Cobb. But as the good folks in Kazmir's hometown of Houston like to say, this ain't his first rodeo. The 25-year-old left-hander has made only six starts for the Angels since his Aug. 28 trade from Tampa Bay, but he is well-versed in the potential pitfalls of playoff baseball in Boston. The Angels have a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five American League division series and can put the Red Sox -- and their own playoff demons of 1986, 2004, 2007 and 2008 -- away with a victory in Game 3 on today in Fenway Park. As Kazmir knows too well, one ..."

Kazmir exactly who Angels need today

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October 11

L.A. Daily News

columnist Jill Painter

"This is exactly what the Angels had in mind. They have a commanding 2-0 American League Division Series lead against Boston and need to close out the best-of-five series with a win today at Fenway Park. Angels left-hander Scott Kazmir, who will start today, was acquired in an August trade with the Tampa Bay Rays exactly for a day like this. He knows how to beat the Red Sox and the New York Yankees, and the Angels desperately needed a guy like him. He always seems to throw gems in Fenway Park and Yankee Stadium. The uniform has changed, but the Angels were banking on Kazmir remaining a Boston killer, even in red. "It really doesn't feel like deja vu. It feels like a new year," Kazmir said ..."

Kazmir excels vs. beasts of East

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September 23

Orange County Register

"The Angels might have bought themselves some insurance against the drab predictability of another quick playoff exit against the Boston Red Sox. Scott Kazmir has a history of success against Boston, the team that has knocked the Angels out in three of their past four playoff appearances. He thinks he might be able to help the Angels exorcise some of their demons should they face the Red Sox next month. "I think you could say I'm more used to it," Kazmir said. "You play three series a year for five years, you kind of get used to the surroundings and everything." Kazmir, who today goes for his fifth consecutive quality start since joining the Angels, is 8-7 with a 3.59 ERA in 23 starts ..."

Kazmir fixes delivery, then ERA

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September 8

Orange County Register

"A mother never stops looking out for her son – whether it's washing his clothes, making him eat his vegetables … or reminding him about that biomechanical analysis he underwent a few years ago. When he was struggling with lost velocity and a delivery that "just wasn't feeling right" earlier this season, Angels left-hander Scott Kazmir said it was his mother who suggested he go back to the American Sports Medicine Institute in Birmingham, Ala. "She brought it up to my agent actually," Kazmir said of his mother. "Then we brought up with the Rays." ASMI was founded in the 1980s by noted surgeon Dr. James Andrews to learn how to prevent the kind of injuries that send pitchers to Dr. Andrews. ..."

Kazmir impresses in his debut

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September 3

Orange County Register

"SEATTLEThree batters into his debut with the Angels, Scott Kazmir looked like a used car that stalls as soon as you drive it off the lot. But Kazmir stepped on the gas after loading the bases with no outs in the first inning. He retired the next 18 batters to create a positive first impression, spoiled only by the fact that Mariners starter Felix Hernandez was even better in a 3-0 victory over the Angels on Wednesday afternoon. Hernandez and Kazmir took matching shutouts into the seventh inning before Kazmir cracked and gave up an RBI double to Bill Hall. The Angels never did get to Hernandez or closer David Aardsma, who combined on a four-hitter. After scoring 10 runs in the first game of ..."

Sternberg says Scott Kazmir trade is about financial flexibility

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September 3

St. Petersburg Times

"Principal owner Stuart Sternberg said last week's trade of Scott Kazmir is an example of the kind of decisions the Rays have, and will continue, to make to "live within our means." "This is what we do," Sternberg said Wednesday. "This is who we are and this is what we do. People better get used to it, because it's going to continue." He called the deal, which saved the Rays around $24 million and netted them three prospects, a "reallocation of resources" that provides flexibility and "allows us to get new resources in and reallocate other resources." And though he understood why some would be upset with the trade of a young, star-quality player during the pennant race - "If I were a casual ..."

Pitcher Scott Kazmir is pumped up about his Angels debut

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September 2

Los Angeles Times

"Reporting from Seattle - Scott Kazmir will make his Angels debut this afternoon at Safeco Field, the same stadium where the left-hander made his major league debut as a 20-year-old for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on Aug. 23, 2004. "I got the win, I went five innings and gave up no runs," Kazmir said, correctly recalling his line from the Rays' 9-0 victory over the Seattle Mariners that day. "It took me seven pitches to get warmed up because I was so pumped up." Kazmir was not kidding. "Chuck Hernandez was my pitching coach, and after seven pitches, I stopped throwing," Kazmir said. "He said, 'Do you need a couple more?' I said, 'Nope, I'm good, I'm ready to go.' " Kazmir, who was acquired by ..."

Rays get Rodriguez from Angels

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September 1

MLB.com

"The Rays announced on Tuesday that the player to be named in the Scott Kazmir trade is second baseman Sean Rodriguez. Kazmir was traded to the Angels on Friday for left-hander Alex Torres, third baseman Matt Sweeney and, now, Rodriguez."

Scott Kazmir's outing, Yankees' dud give Tampa Bay a Ray of hope

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July 29

New York Daily News

"This was a night to make you rethink the state of the American League East race. That's the way it works in baseball. One night the Yankees look ready to bury the Rays and the next they look practically inept. One night the Rays look to be in such need of an ace that local columnists were pleading for the brass to go get Roy Halladay, and the next Scott Kazmir rediscovers his long-lost dominance in outpitching CC Sabathia. Another reminder the season is six months long and it's always hard to tell when hot streaks are more than just hot streaks. One night of lousy baseball doesn't erase two weeks of excellent play, but it does make you think maybe there is still a lot of drama left in ..."

Kazmir: from great trade to tough sell

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July 27

SI.com

(scroll down)

"Reports surfaced about the Angels' supposed interest in Scott Kazmir. But so far, no one with the Angels have copped to this. The Rays probably would love the idea of trading Kazmir and the $22 million remaining on his contract to free up some cash and make a real play for catcher Victor Martinez, or perhaps even Lee or Halladay. But Kazmir has seen his velocity dip from 96 mph to about 91 mph as questions arise about his work ethic. He's a very pleasant kid, and the Mets have rued the day they traded him, but his contract does not look particularly pretty at the moment."

Rays exploring a number of trades

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July 23

Foxsports.com

(scroll down)

"The Rays are engaged in a whirlwind of activity, investigating Lee, Halladay and numerous other options — "major, major stuff," according to one source. Payroll flexibility remains a significant obstacle, and the Rays might need to move left-hander Scott Kazmir or another high-priced player to clear room for a major acquisition. There are no indications, however, that the Rays are discussing trades involving Kazmir, who is earning $6 million this season, $8 million in 2010 and $12 million in '11 with a $13.5 million or $2.5 million buyout for '12."

Pitcher Scott Kazmir's expected return leaves Rays with a tough pitching staff decision

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June 25

St. Petersburg Times

"LHP Scott Kazmir is set to return to the Rays rotation and start Saturday or Sunday. What the Rays say they haven't decided yet is who will be dropped to make room. Those talks will continue at least into today, and maybe after tonight's game, which will be started by RHP Andy Sonnanstine, who is one of the candidates. "We've had some discussions, we're trying to narrow it down and figure out the best way to do this," manager Joe Maddon said. "There's different variables involved, and there's different ways to look at it." Having ruled out a six-man rotation, the Rays appear to have four options: • Send down Sonnanstine, who is 5-7 (despite the majors' third-best run support), has a 6.60 ..."

Rays' Scott Kazmir gets advice from former Mets pitching coach

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June 17

St. Petersburg Times

"LHP Scott Kazmir's route back to the big leagues included a three-day side trip to New York to consult with former Mets pitching coach Rick Peterson. Kazmir wanted Peterson, who worked with him when he was a Mets prospect, to analyze a biomechanical study and help him with specific drills to maintain his proper mechanics. "I felt like I wanted to go back to some of those drills," Kazmir said Tuesday night by phone from Tampa. "He gave me drills to improve on the results I've gotten. Everyone is happy with what's going on." The Rays sent Kazmir to Dr. James Andrews' facility in Birmingham, Ala., for a biomechanical analysis as part of the effort to correct his form. Kazmir wanted Peterson's ..."

Maddon: Kazmir ready for rehab stint

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June 13

MLB.com

"Injured Rays lefty Scott Kazmir "looked good" in a three-inning simulated game Friday afternoon, manager Joe Maddon said. Kazmir, who has been on the disabled list since May 21 with a strained quadriceps, threw 45 pitches plus a bullpen session and is expected to begin a Minor League rehab stint early next week. "I thought he threw the ball well," Maddon said before Tampa Bay's game against Washington on Friday. "Delivery looked really good, he's healthy, he's ready to go out and pitch. He looked good." Kazmir, a two-time All Star, was 4-4 with a 7.69 ERA in nine starts this season, after going 12-8 with a 3.49 ERA and starting Game 1 of the 2008 World Series. He was replaced in the ..."

Scott Kazmir says mechanics are improving, expects quick return

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June 2

St. Petersburg Times

"Scott Kazmir said he feels as if he's getting close to rejoining the Rays. Though there's no timetable, Kazmir said his recent bullpen session went "great" and he'll throw another one today. Kazmir, on the disabled list with a right quad strain, said he has found a big source for his mechanical issues. He hopes that by keeping his arm strength up, he can avoid needing a minor-league rehab assignment before being activated. "Realistically, I think I'm really far along where I want to be," Kazmir said. "I feel like I'm close. I want to get out there as quick as possible. It's killing me being on the DL; I feel like I can contribute now, but I want to go out there and have everything right." ..."

Time on disabled list could give Tampa Bay Rays' Scott Kazmir a fresh start

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May 24

St. Petersburg Times

"You know a guy is having a tough year when, upon hearing that he is hurt, the first thing you think to say to him is, "Hey … congratulations." That's how bad things have gone for Scott Kazmir, the ace-turned-deuce of the Rays' pitching rotation. For Kazmir, this season has been like getting trapped in hell's outhouse. He has been embarrassed by his ERA. He has been whipped by his WHIP. Magically, he has acquired the ability to transform pedestrian hitters into Ted Williams. Keeping all that in mind, what's a little stopover on the disabled list? This could be a good thing for Kazmir, a good thing for the Rays, a good thing for everyone involved. Kazmir can use the break because of his ..."

Tampa Bay Rays put Scott Kazmir, Troy Percival on disabled list, with David Price to be called up next week

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May 24

St. Petersburg Times

"David Price is on the way. Scott Kazmir is on the sideline. And Troy Percival is on the verge of retirement. A whirlwind day of transactions for the Rays, before Friday night's 15-2 whipping of the Marlins, yielded a significant amount of change. Price, the hotshot prospect, will get promoted from Triple-A Durham and take the place of struggling Kazmir, who was placed on the disabled list for an open-ended period to rehabilitate a right quadriceps strain and repair his damaged mechanics. And the bullpen will be without a true closer - which means all relievers will be considered for duty based on matchups and availability - in the absence of Percival, who went home to California to ..."

Tampa Bay Rays place Scott Kazmir, Troy Percival on DL

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May 22

St. Petersburg Times

"The Tampa Bay Rays have placed left-handed pitcher Scott Kazmir on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to May 21, with a right quadriceps strain. The Rays also placed right-handed relief pitcher Troy Percival on the 15-day DL with right shoulder tendinitis. To replace them on the roster, infielder Reid Brignac and right-handed relief pitcher Dale Thayer have been recalled from Durham (AAA) and will be active for tonight’s game at Florida. Brignac, 23, was hitting .291 (41-141) for Durham with three home runs, 15 RBI, 13 doubles, 24 runs scored and two stolen bases. He played in 36 games, 32 at shortstop and four at second base. Brignac made his major league debut last season and ..."

Kaz as Kaz can just not enough

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May 21

Tampa Tribune

"The sound of approval began to build throughout Tropicana Field as soon as fans saw Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon move purposefully out of the dugout, headed toward the mound. The cheers and applause grew louder as he got closer. The only question was what took him so long? Maddon was on his way to get pitcher Scott Kazmir out of the game following another bad outing Wednesday night. We'll get to the bloody statistics in a bit, but trust me - it was basically the same ol' stuff from Kazmir. It was the same lack of command, the same inability to finish off hitters, and it cost the Rays heavily in a 7-6 loss to Oakland. I just don't see how the Rays can keep running Kazmir out there, not ..."

No bailout for Kazmir this time

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May 21

Tampa Tribune

"The Rays' hitters bailed Scott Kazmir out last week and nearly did so again Wednesday, but it's obvious something isn't right with the two-time All-Star. Kazmir got lit up again Wednesday night, this time by an Oakland offense that has been handcuffed by lefties all season. Setting aside the indignity of being forced to fight for a series split today after the 7-6 loss, the pressure is on the Rays to find some answers for their fallen ace. "It's really frustrating out there when you feel like you're completely healthy, you feel good, and you're just kind of fighting yourself," said a shaken Kazmir, who is 1-3 with an 11.35 ERA in his last five starts. Kazmir's lone win and only decent ..."

Tampa Bay Rays starter Scott Kazmir still frustrated with mechanics

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May 5

St. Petersburg Times

"LHP Scott Kazmir left Monday's start saying there were things he could build off of, but he still isn't happy where he's at mechanically. Kazmir bounced back after a rough first inning in an 8-4 loss to the Orioles, striking out a season-high seven in 61/3 innings. But after allowing 16 hits over his past two starts (after allowing just 18 in his first four), Kazmir is still trying to find his way. "I just wasn't feeling like myself at all; really haven't for a while," he said. "It kind of feels like I'm not using my lower body at all, cutting things off, flying things open, having to use just my arm. That's how the ball is coming out flat and not really hitting my location. If it is, ..."

Kazmir, Rays fall to Chicago

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April 19

Tampa Tribune

"Scott Kazmir reverted to his enigmatic ways of 2008, and the Rays reverted to the days when they didn't have a pronounced homefield advantage Saturday night. Kazmir, going for his 50th career victory after winning his first two starts this year, opened with 10 consecutive balls and walked the bases loaded before recording an out. That set the tone for the Rays' fourth loss in five games, 8-3 to the Chicago White Sox before 31,916 at Tropicana Field. The defeat assured the Rays (5-7), who posted the major leagues' best home record last year at 57-24, of their first losing homestand since the first one of last season. Kazmir (2-1) issued six of the 10 walks by Rays pitchers, the most allowed ..."

Now healthy, Kazmir on verge of 50th win

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April 18

Tampa Tribune

"Having displayed his once-dominant form through his first two starts, LHP Scott Kazmir said Friday there was never a time last year when he felt as good as he does now. "It was just me battling and not feeling 100 percent and going out there and trying to get outs with what I had," he said. After going 13-9 on a last-place team and leading the American League in strikeouts in 2007, Kazmir struggled with inconsistency last year after missing all of April with an elbow strain suffered during spring training. He is 2-0 with a 2.84 ERA this year, with a 7-2 win at Boston and a 15-5 victory against the Yankees the home opener. He'll go for his 50th career victory tonight against the White Sox ..."

Rays' Scott Kazmir shows improved mechanics

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March 30

St. Petersburg Times

"LHP Scott Kazmir may have received some rave reviews - and ribbing - after his performance at the plate Sunday, when he went 2-for-3 with three RBIs. But it was the encouraging signs Kazmir showed on the mound that impressed the Rays the most, especially considering the All-Star pitcher was coming off two so-so starts. Kazmir gave up just two runs and four hits in six innings during an 11-2 victory against the Reds, saying that recent drill work on his mechanics made him "feel like it was a little bit easier to get (the pitches) all where I wanted them to go." "I thought he was very, very good," manager Joe Maddon said. "That's what we're talking about right there, great repetition of his ..."

Less Stress, More Innings For Kazmir

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March 30

Tampa Tribune

"With his penchant for throwing too many pitches and getting twisted up over his mechanics, Scott Kazmir is the Rays starting pitcher who gives fans the most anxiety. Two recent mediocre spring starts, one of which came in a minor-league game, did little to inspire confidence this will be the season the 2007 American League strikeout champion taps his full potential and joins the game's very best left-handers. But Kazmir wants the record to show he feels good entering the season. And he looked good Sunday, turning in his best outing of the spring by allowing two runs on four hits with two walks and five strikeouts. He did hit two batters. "I'm very confident," the 25-year-old said after ..."

Ill Kazmir Struggles Through Start

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March 19

Tampa Tribune

"Weakened by the bug that has been rolling through the Rays' clubhouse, Scott Kazmir wasn't terribly effective in his start this afternoon against the Cardinals. The lefty allowed five runs on eight hits in his four innings of work. He said his arm felt great, but that was about it. "It felt like every single pitch that I threw, I had to take a step back and kind of catch a breath," Kazmir said. "That was not a good feeling out there, but I still got my work in." Kazmir said his body felt like "Jell-O" and his fatigue kept him from throwing many sliders, but he didn't feel bad enough to bail out on the start altogether. "I just felt like I'd be way behind if I did scratch a start," he said. ..."

Rays Hope Kaz Sits Out Classic

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February 14

Tampa Tribune

"Given the workload their pitchers endured last season and the long road the Rays know awaits them in 2009, they would prefer not to have any of their prized arms competing in the World Baseball Classic. Now they are taking steps to minimize the potential impact of the WBC as much as they can. Grant Balfour will not pitch for his native Australia after the Rays made it clear that they would prefer he avoid the March tournament, and Scott Kazmir could be the next to bow out at his team's request. The Rays have petitioned to block Kazmir from competing in the WBC, citing the time he spent on the disabled list last season after suffering an elbow injury early in spring training and their plans ..."

Classic Is A Concern

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January 18

Tampa Tribune

"Even if they are keeping quiet about it, there undoubtedly are some people in the Rays organization who aren't too thrilled to be losing Scott Kazmir and J.P. Howell to the World Baseball Classic for a good chunk of spring training. Any anxiety on the team's part would be understandable. Kazmir got hurt early in spring training last year, and the effects of that elbow injury reverberated throughout the season. Howell was a workhorse out of the bullpen, and it's not clear how he'll bounce back after spending his career as a starter. Plus, there's the inevitable concern that taking pitchers out of their traditionally structured spring training routine to play in games that matter might ..."

WBC may be risk for Kazmir

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January 18

St. Petersburg Times

"There are reasons for LHP Scott Kazmir to be honored and excited about being chosen to pitch for Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. And there is reason for the Rays to be concerned. Kazmir, who turns 25 next Saturday, said he doesn't think pitching in the Classic will be much different than what he would have done in a normal spring training with the Rays. "There's not that many games and there's only so many pitches (allowed under the rules), so it's not like anybody will get overworked," he said. "It should be perfect." But despite strict limits on usage (pitch limits of 65, 80 and 95 in each of the three rounds; four days between appearances), the workload is going to be ..."

Shaky Start Mars Otherwise Solid Outing By Kazmir

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October 23

Tampa Tribune

"Scott Kazmir pitched well enough to give the Rays a fighting chance in Game 1 of the World Series on Wednesday night at Tropicana Field. Cole Hamels, who was drafted two spots behind him at No. 17 in the June 2002 draft, was a little better, and the Phillies held on after the two starters departed for a 3-2 victory. As has often been the case in recent months, Kazmir's effort was not a work of art. The enigmatic left-hander, dominant when he's comfortable with his mechanics, gave up a two-run homer to Chase Utley in the first inning, loaded the bases in the second and allowed a run in the third after the first two batters singled. He labored through some type of trouble in almost every one ..."

It's paying off for Rays' Kazmir

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October 22

St. Petersburg Times

columnist Joe Smith

"For Rays left-hander Scott Kazmir, getting a chance to start tonight's opening game of the World Series was worth all the trouble it took to get there. Kazmir, a two-time All-Star, has pitched his share of meaningless games in front of sparse crowds for last-place teams. For a few years, Kazmir, 24, was likely the main attraction for a Rays franchise with little else to celebrate. But when Kazmir takes the mound tonight against the Phillies at sold-out Tropicana Field, he says the moment will be worth the wait. "It's worth everything right now, being in the World Series," he said. "After three or four years of getting everything together." Those close to Kazmir say the 6-foot southpaw has ..."

Kazmir to lead off Rays' Series rotation

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October 22

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon announced his World Series pitching rotation yesterday, saying it was based on the rest his pitcher had.Lefthander Scott Kazmir will start Game 1 tonight at Tropicana Field. He will be followed in the rotation by righthanders James Shields, Matt Garza and Andy Sonnanstine.Kazmir last pitched in Thursday's 8-7 loss to the Boston Red Sox in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series. In six scoreless innings, he allowed just two hits and threw 111 pitches.Shields will be on normal rest after throwing 52/3 innings and 108 pitches Saturday. Boston won that game, 4-2. Garza will pitch Game 3 Saturday at Citizens Bank Park. He was the winner Sunday, when the ..."

Hamels, Kazmir on same career path

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October 22

Philadelphia Daily News

"Cole Hamels and Scott Kazmir were born 27 days apart (Hamels is older). They were both chosen in the first round of the 2002 draft, Kazmir 15th and Hamels 17th. They're both lefthanded and chased each other through the minor leagues. Tonight, they meet again on baseball's biggest stage. Hamels for the Phillies and Kazmir for the Rays will be the Game 1 starters in the World Series. "I said 'hi' and 'bye' a couple of times," Kazmir said, when asked if he knew Hamels at all. "But for the most part, we actually have been compared by Baseball America and a couple of other things I was reading as I was coming up through the minors. Seems like we were pretty much in every single league ..."

Rays switch to Kazmir for Game 5

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October 15

MLB.com

"Scott Kazmir will start Game 5 of the American League Championship Series on Thursday at 8:07 p.m. ET, switching spots in the rotation with the team's most reliable starter, James Shields, for a myriad of reasons. As late as Tuesday, Shields was on track to be the starter. He started the series opener Friday at Tropicana Field, taking a tough loss despite holding the Red Sox to two runs over 7 1/3 innings. Rays manager Joe Maddon, however, had left himself some room for change, saying previously that Shields was "scheduled" to start Game 5. Tampa Bay's win in Game 4 Tuesday night proved to be the final piece to make the move happen. With a 3-1 lead in the ALCS, the Rays have three chances ..."

Rays debate when, not if, to use Kazmir

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October 13

St. Petersburg Times

columnist John Romano

"Sometimes, a manager is willing to second-guess himself. And so it is Sunday evening inside the visitor's clubhouse at Fenway Park. Joe Maddon walks in, and he walks out. He can't stand to watch, then he can't bear to turn away. His beloved Arizona Cardinals are in the final seconds of regulation against Dallas, and Maddon seems to be debating whether to watch as the Cowboys line up for a potential tying field goal. The bus outside is ready to go, but Maddon stays in front of the big-screen TV, surrounded by a half-dozen of his players. The kick is up, and it is good. Wrong move, Joe. So maybe Maddon is a tad indecisive in matters of the heart, but the Rays manager has no misgivings when ..."

Kazmir lifeline for Rays? It left the park quickly

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September 16

St. Petersburg Times

columnist Gary Shelton

"Even with the division lead dwindling, even then, he was the pitcher worth trusting. Even with the most important game of the year on the line, especially then, he was the player who carried the hope. After all, Scott Kazmir is supposed to be the ace, isn't he? He has been on a roll, hasn't he? He is the guy with the live arm, the guy with the great stuff, the guy with the brilliant future. In a game of this magnitude, in a showdown for first place against the vaunted Boston Red Sox, who else would you want on the mound? And then, suddenly and savagely, it was over. Kaz was crushed. Kaz was clobbered. Kaz was clubbed. The disappointment wasn't simply that Kazmir lost a crucial game ..."

Kazmir no Ray of sunshine for floundering A's

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July 22

Contra Costa Times

"A's hitters could use a collective jolt of confidence these days, and Tampa Bay Rays left-hander Scott Kazmir is hardly the best source for that. The A's offensive funk showed no signs of vanishing in a 4-0 loss to open a three-game series at Tropicana Field. They registered a season-low two hits in losing their sixth straight game. The problem is obvious to identify — the A's aren't stringing together hits and have scored just five runs in the first four games of this six-game road trip. Finding the solution is a tougher nut to crack."

Rays, Kazmir hold Oakland scoreless as skid reaches 6

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July 22

San Francisco Chronicle

"After the A's traded two experienced starters, Rich Harden and Joe Blanton, along with 2007 starter Chad Gaudin, their pitching remained solid. Their hitting, however, somehow went from bad to worse. In four games since the All-Star break, Oakland has scored five runs, including only once in the past 21 innings. The A's were shut out in a 4-0 loss to Tampa Bay on Monday, with Rays All-Star Scott Kazmir throwing seven innings. It was Oakland's sixth loss in a row, the team's longest losing streak in more than a year."

Take All-Star Game Back To Basics

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July 20

Tampa Tribune

columnist Marc Lancaster

"The Rays have had good reason to complain about the way Scott Kazmir was handled in an All-Star Game before, but not this year. And, to their credit, the Rays not only didn't object to their ace pitching the 15th inning Tuesday night, two days after throwing 104 pitches in a start at Cleveland - but they went out of their way to praise American League manager Terry Francona for the way he handled the situation. "If you're managing that game, it's a bad feeling," said Joe Maddon, who was on the All-Star Game coaching staff in 2003 when he was with the Angels. Francona wasn't at fault for Kazmir pitching even after the Rays had pleaded that he not be used, nor was he ultimately to ..."

Rays' Kazmir still apple of Mets' fans eyes

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July 16

St. Petersburg Times

"Riding in open cars through Manhattan's packed Sixth Avenue for the All-Star red carpet parade Tuesday was quite an experience for the three Rays. Especially LHP Scott Kazmir. Mets fans can't seem to let go of the July 2004 trade that sent him to the Rays, and they let him know it. "They were really passionate, put it that way," he said. "It was crazy. There were guys tossing their Mets caps to me saying, 'Just try it on, see what it feels like, we know you'll come back.' A couple made it (to him) and they were like, 'Just keep it, you'll be wearing it soon.' And they were all asking me when I'll become a free agent.""

Kazmir Unlikely To Toe All-Star Mound

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July 14

Tampa Tribune

"The Rays have made it pretty clear they don't want Scott Kazmir to pitch in Tuesday's All-Star Game, and it seems highly unlikely he will take the mound despite some last-minute hedging Sunday. Hours after Manager Joe Maddon said he already had spoken with American League manager Terry Francona and asked him not to use Kazmir in the game at Yankee Stadium, Rays executive vice president Andrew Friedman said a final decision wouldn't be made until today."

Kazmir: Master Of Deception

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July 13

Tampa Tribune

"As someone who has never stood in the batter's box against Scott Kazmir, it took Dioner Navarro some time to fully grasp how miserable an experience trying to hit the lefty can be. He knew Kazmir was throwing harder than average, but not triple-digits hard, and the pitcher didn't roll out a particularly nasty breaking ball or effective changeup. "I'd be catching back there and I'd be, 'How the heck do these guys keep missing those pitches,' because he just throws fastball after fastball," Navarro said. "I started talking with other guys around the league - 'What do you see?' - and they said that ball gets there so fast, like sneaky fast.""

Kazmir rages at umpire's strike zone after Rays lose to Angels

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June 12

St. Petersburg Times

"Manager Joe Maddon made his frustration with home-plate umpire Derryl Cousins very obvious during a seventh-inning pitching change Wednesday, complaining vociferously enough about the strike zone to be ejected. Rays starter Scott Kazmir waited until after the vexing 4-2 loss to share his, complaining not only about missed strike calls during several key at-bats but questioning the veteran umpire's reputation and integrity, accusing him of making certain calls to make up for others."

Kazmir wins sixth in a row as Rays pound Rangers 12-4

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June 7

St. Petersburg Times

"It was plenty hot, 91 degrees with an uncomfortably warm wind. They were pretty tired, after their scheduled late-night arrival became early morning due to plane problems. And a bit ticked off, the result of MLB's discipline for Thursday's brawl. But, still, the Rays couldn't have been happier to be in Texas on Friday. It meant they were finally out of Boston, where they were beat, and beaten up, during an ugly and contentious three-game sweep. And it meant they looked like they did before they went, combining excellent starting pitching and timely hitting to halt a three-game losing streak with a 12-4 win over the Rangers."

Kazmir wins AL pitcher of the month

June 3

St. Petersburg Times

"Scott Kazmir keeps insisting he can pitch better. But what he did his first month after coming off the disabled list was pretty good, going 5-1 with a 1.22 ERA, and Monday he was honored as the American League's best of May, winning the Rays first pitcher (or player) of the month award in the Rays' 11 seasons."