Jeff Niemann

[Jenkins]

Anyone have any info on this guy as far as where he's going to start the season?

[davidmarver]

Well...he only pitched ten innings in AA at the end of last season and it wasn't too dazzling to warrant starting the season in AAA. My guess is he starts '06 in AA.

[Cleveland Steamers]

Well...he only pitched ten innings in AA at the end of last season and it wasn't too dazzling to warrant starting the season in AAA. My guess is he starts '06 in AA.

I would agree. If he shows good/moderate success at AA, I can see the Rays moving him to AAA without much hesitation.

[Music2004Man]

I agree that he'll be in AA at the beginning of next season. I wouldn't say that you'll see him in Tampa until atleast Sept and more likely some time next year.

[Scarp]

I believe he is having or had surgery to shave his collarbone and may be delayed a month or so.

[Cleveland Steamers]

Is said to be able to start throwing this month. I saw some info about him somewhere...he said its been hard (the rehab) but he has lost a little weight and cant wait to get back on the mound.

[raiders_umpire]

Anyone have any info on this guy as far as where he's going to start the season?

As long as he is able to pitch in April, I don't really care where he is, in fact I would prefer if he was in A to begin with just so that the Drays would be extra careful with him. All of those innings at Rice may be coming back to haunt him now, so hopefully he can get through this year healthy and pitching good again.