The Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Toronto Blue Jays Wednesday afternoon 3-2 to win 2 out of 3 games and head home with a winning road trip record.  The Rays go back to The Trop having won 4 out of 7 road games on this trip.  That combined with a sweep of the Red Legs in Fenway gives the Rays a 3 game advantage in the AL East.

Edwin Jackson pitched his usual game.  He was hit hard at times and made phenomenal pitches to get key outs at other times.  You just never know what you’re gonna get from E-Jax day to day.  That being said he is the winning pitcher going 5 innings allowing 7 hits, 2 ER, 2 BB and 3 K’s.  Troy Percival came into gain his 23^rd save by closing the door in the 9^th. 

The offense was less than stellar as well.   They managed 9 hits but stranded 6 runners.  The big blow was a solo blast by Carlos Pena to tie the game.  The go ahead run scored on a double play.  The one guy who stood out offensively on this road trip is Carl Crawford.  He has been swinging a much better bat and picking nice pitches to hit.  He ended this road with 4 triples and 2 doubles amongst his 9 for 29, .310 road trip. Let’s hope he is just getting started. 

The Rays have a day well deserved off on Thursday.  They invite the Detroit Tigers into The Trop for a 3 game set starting Friday.  Saturday’s game is already a sell out so get out to cheer on the Rays Friday and/or Sunday!  See you there!

Matt Garza dominated the Blue Jay hitters to earn his first CG shutout!  He allowed only 5 hits, 1 BB and earned 5 K’s in his 9 innings of work.  I cannot say enough about Garza’s performance. He was professional, poised and looked mature far beyond his years out there.  Garza had all his pitches working and his location was spot on.  Have to give a shout out to Dioner Navarro who called this game and did a great job!

All Garza needed was a solo blast by Eric Hinske in the 3^rd off Halladay.  The offense was not outstanding tonight BUT I will give that out to Halladay’s pitching tonight.  He was no slouch on the mound!  

 There was a specific period of the game offensively that really stood out to me as an improvement on the recent struggles of the offense.  In the 8^th inning with 2 out BJ Upton worked Halladay for a full count walk. Carl Crawford then followed with a great at bat and lined a single down the left field line.  Evan Longoria followed him with another great at bat and blistered a triple to the gap scoring Upton and Crawford and giving Garza some breathing room.  These at bats were significant in my mind from 3 guys who have been struggling and need to turn it around to anchor this offense.

Longo was also flashing some serious leather between the lines.  On one hit the ball actually bounced high off the bag he grabbed it and fired a strike to first to get Rios who can motor.  If this guy does not win the ROY there is something wrong with the entire process.  One of the most impressive things about Longo in my opinion is that he never seems rattled.  He carries himself in a very calm and professional manner regardless of what has gone on.  His struggles as of late at the dish have not affected his defensive play at all.  Great on you Longo! 

Congratulations Matt!   Great game Rays!  Let’s take the series victory today!

James Shields pitched an outstanding game against a hard hitting offense Monday night in Toronto.  Shields pitched 7.1 innings giving up 3 ER on 5 hits while racking up 5 K’s and 0 BB.  He had given up only 2 ER on 3 hits until the Jays touched him for 2 triples in the 8^th inning.  His location was right on the button and he was mixing his pitches well.  He deserved to WIN this game!

The offense was miserable again!  The Rays were 0 for 10 with runners in scoring position!  At one time the Rays had bases loaded with 0 out and failed to score a run!  Granted Burnett had his pitches working but if we could manage to load the bases I’m gonna guess we could expect to plate at least 1 run.   

Watching the Rays and some other teams the Rays lack intensity.  They act like its “work” going out there day in and day out.  They look like a bunch of tired old men.   They need to find some fire.  They need to fist pump after good plays, after key strike outs, they need to get excited and act like they are enjoying finally being in a pennant race.  Maybe these guys liked the old “D” Rays.  Maybe they liked everyone feeling sorry for the hapless “D” Rays with the terrible owners.  Evan Longoria made another outstanding diving play and I saw 1 teammate even acknowledge it – Carlos Pena pointed at him as they do.  Why was no one fist pumping and getting excited??  I don’t buy that crap about it begin unsportsmanlike — every team should be excited when a teammate makes an outstanding play.  That dugout should be going nuts when they all get back in it.  The Rays just go and sit down and stare blankly at the field.

Not sure what’s happened to this team but the good news is the Red Legs and those that wear pinstripes also lost so the standings remain the same.  The month of July is the “soft” part of our schedule.  We had an opportunity to widen the gap between us and the Red Legs but we failed to take advantage of this time. No one but the players can change what’s happening between those lines.  So, we’ll have to wait and see how it works out…..but………    

With the trade deadline fast approaching the RFO will tell us what their take on this season is:

1. If no trades are done — the RFO has an unrealistic view of what’s been happening between the lines and feel we have all we need. Well here are some numbers for you:

Team BA — .258 — 18th in MLB and LAST in the AL East

Team ERA — 3.81 — 3rd in the AL East (this one isn’t too horrible however Reyes and Miller need to disappear and Perci needs to become Balfour’s setup man).

The RFO could not possibly think this is good enough to get it done. If no trades are made I feel the RFO is telling the team we’re playing for next year.

2. If trades are done I think you’ll see a rejuvenated team. The message that “here is the last piece of the puzzle for you to make that stretch run” would send a vote of confidence into the players.

Needs are pretty obvious: RH hitter with average and some pop and bullpen help (see above). I’d love to see Price promoted to AAA to get ready for his stretch run call up. Place Jackson in the BP and call up Birkins (his ERA was less than 1 during his stint with the Rays). Otherwise need to acquire lefty BP help –Miller is a disaster and not to be trusted.

 I hate to think the RFO is counting on Rocco to be the RH savior — I love Rocco just as much as the next and hope he can make it back someday — but it seems management may be leaning a little hard on this actually happening this season.

Message to the RFO – This team can get it done this year – go get some help!

Just my humble opinion!

Another day of ineffective offense destroyed the Rays hopes of taking the series from the Kansas City Royals.  The Rays had opportunity to score runs and continually squandered them.  In the 6^th inning the Rays had runners on 2 and 3 with 0 out and could not score a run!  That is story for the Rays so far in the second half of the season, opportunities lost.  The offense banged out 7 hits but only 1 of those hits was worth anything.  Carl Crawford knocked in the lone run.  Carlos Pena and Evan Longoria were the only Rays with a multiple hit day but Pena struck out when we needed the sac fly/hit and Longo did not generate any run production.  It is nice to see Pena swinging a much better bat these days however.

Andy Sonnanstine pitched well enough to win the game.  He gave up 8 hits, 5 ER, 2 BB and 2 K’s in 6.2 innings pitched.  Not his best performance but he kept the Rays in the game until the bullpen entered.  Al Reyes gave up a 2 out, 3 run blast (2 runs charged to Sonny) to Butler to seal the split for the Royals.  

Since the week prior to the All Star break the Rays have not looked the same.  They have looked very lethargic and uninterested on the field.  They have lost their swagger, their intensity.  I cannot think of a reason why.  They are currently still atop the AL East and will be regardless of tonight’s Red Legs vs. Pinstripes outcome.  They need to pull their heads out of their asses and play like they want the playoffs! 

The Rays are not winning the games they should against the “soft” part of their schedule.  If this trend continues it will be a very long August and September for both the Rays and their fans!  See you all in Toronto!

The Tampa Bay Rays offense looked a bit healthier Saturday in defeating the Kansas City Royals 5-3.  The offensive heroes for the game were Carl Crawford and Carlos Pena.  CC hit his second triple of the game in the 8^th inning scoring 2 runs to break a 2-2 tie.  Pena added a solos blast, his 2^nd in as many games, in the 9^th to give the Rays some breathing room.  CC had a good night at the dish going 2 for 4 with 2 triples and 2 RBIs.  Pena was 2 for 3 with 2 runs scored, 1 RBI, 1 BB, 1 HR and, of course, what would the night be without that token K.

The pitching was average at best.  Scott Kazmir was the starter.  Kaz went 5 innings due to a rain delay in the middle of the 5^th.  Kazmir’s line wasn’t very impressive.  Kaz scattered 7 hits and allowed 2 ER while striking out 5.  Kaz went deep into counts again with many of the Royal hitters and had already reached the 91 pitch count mark by the end of the 5^th.  The bullpen did a nice job holding the Royals at bay.  A combined 4 relievers went 4 innings allowing 3 hits, 1 ER, 2 BB and 2 K’s.  Troy Percival entered in the 9^th inning and immediately gave up a triple and run scoring single.  Has he forgotten that the closer is supposed to close the door not give up hits and runs??!!  Not sure what the intentions of the Rays are BUT if this team makes the postseason Perci is the last guy I want to see on the mound with a 1 run lead in the 9^th inning of game 7!!!! 

All in all a better performance by the offense and Pena’s bat seems to be heating up.  This victory gives the Rays a 2 game advantage over the Red Legs and a 3 game advantage of those that wear pinstripes.  This weekend is a baseball lovers dream!  Is it on yet……

Go Rays!!

The Tampa Bay Rays climb back into the top spot in the AL East with a victory over the Royals Friday evening.  That victory coupled with a rare home loss by the Red Legs propels the Rays to sole possession of first place in the AL East.

Edwin Jackson looked like an entirely different pitcher on the mound as compared to his last outing.  He pitched 5 innings, with deuces wild on his line, giving up 2 ER, 2 HR, 2 hits, 2 walks and 2 K’s.  The bullpen came in a shut the door other than a solo blast given up by none other than…..who?….. you know it…..Troy Percival.  Why he is still closing games and Grant Balfour is not is a mystery to me!  Balfour pitched a perfect 1.2 innings other than giving up 1 BB while striking out 3.  

I remember at the beginning of the season when a lot of fans were hammering Jason Bartlett for his sloppy play and non existent offense.  What do you think now?   His defense is stellar.  Having him back on the field makes such a huge difference defensively to this team.  Both he and Evan Longoria were both flashing leather last night.  Bartlett opened the game with a leaping catch of a line drive and was in the middle of 2 double plays and Longo stabbed a potential run scoring line drive on a GREAT diving effort to record and out. 

Our offensive effort was average.  The big shot was a 2 run blast in the 9^th by Carlos Pena to just about put the game out of reach.  Pena looked to be swinging a bat that was a little more level last night so hopefully taking the pressure of him by sliding him down will pay dividends.  We did manage to bang out 9 hits and garner 3 walks.  However, we left 10 runners on base and at one time were 1 for 8 with runners in scoring position.  The hits came they were just not necessarily timely hits.  But, if the offense continues to put the wood on the bat the hits will come.    

The one play I do want to mention, because it just really ticked me off, is BJ Upton’s lack of hustle running down the first base line.  Let me set the stage –  Aki on first and BJ hits a slow roller up the middle.  The Grudzielanek gloves it and flips to Aviles who is too far from 2^nd to get the out.  Aviles then throws to first to get BJ.  OK – replays clearly show BJ NOT hustling down the first base line until he realizes he may make it.  He then tries to turn it up a notch but it is too late.  This play cost the Rays a run!  If I was managing that team Upton would have found his ass riding the pine!   Bobby Cox did it to Andrew Jones and Charlie Manuel has done it twice this season to Jimmy Rollins.  Look — you need to teach these kids a lesson and send a message to the rest of the team!  That should NEVER be acceptable!  I think it’s about time for some of the veteran’s on this team to have a closed door session with this kid.  It seems painfully obvious to me that his personal performance is much more important to him rather than the team’s performance together.  Someone needs to give the guy the definition of TEAM – no ‘I’ in TEAM!

Every good team goes through these periods.  Hopefully Friday night was a step toward returning to our first half performance.  The bats looked more alive, the pitching was excellent and the leather was flashing all over the place.  We need to win the games we are supposed to during the “soft” sections of our schedule because September will be brutal.   

Go Rays!

That Tampa Bay Rays opened a 7 game road trip by loosing to the Kansas City Royals 4-2 Thursday evening.  The loss also propelled the idle Red Legs into a tie for first place in the AL East.  

Matt Garza struggled through 5 innings allowing 8 hits, 4 ER, 4 BB and 0 K’s.  Although Garza struggled he still gave the Rays a chance to win the game.  He maintained his composure, which was a positive step forward, during a rough 4^th inning.  The bullpen followed Garza to close the door on the Royal’s offense.

The offense struggled once again striking out 5 times and stranding 6 runners on base.  Jason Bartlett made a successful return the field and was the offensive hero going 3 for 3 with a run scored.   

The Rays have been in an offensive slump for the entire month of July.  Their record in the 19 games for July is 9-10.  We all know they struggle on the road but now they are also struggling in The Trop.  I see a few changes that could be made to help their offensive woes.  BJ Upton needs to get rid of that toe tap “timing mechanism” of his and shorten his stance.  The toe tap takes too much time and the ball is getting far too deep on him.  He cannot generate any power due to the combination of the toe tap and his exaggerated wide stance.  Second, Carlos Pena needs to slide down the order.  Watching the pitchers makes it obvious they are going to pitch Longo very carefully.  They’re ok walking him to face Pena.  He’s not scaring anyone.  Move Navi to the 5 hole and see more runs get plated.

Anyway, this is only my humble opinion.   With the way those that wear pinstripes are playing the Rays will soon find themselves falling to the third spot in the AL East if they don’t turn up the intensity and fix what’s broken.  I’d hate to see that happen.  The Rays have been fantastic up until the month of July struck.  Pull your heads out of your asses and play like you can! 

Go Rays!   

The Tampa Bay Rays recovered from a lackluster performance last night to defeat the Oakland A’s 4-3 to take the rubber game of the 3 game set. James Shields pitched a GREAT game except for 2 pitches he threw in the 2nd that resulted in back to back jacks by the A’s offense. His final line was 8.1 innings pitched, 3 ER, 6 hits and 7 K’s. Troy Percival came in to earn his 20th save.

The Ray’s offense looked a bit more alive today. Johnny Gomes and Ben Zobrist went deep back to back in the 5th inning to put the Rays on top to stay. Willy Aybar and BJ Upton banged out a couple 2 base hits.

The Rays head to Kansas City to take on the Royals in a 4 game set. This will be the true test of this team. Historically they have not played well on the road. Recently their play has also come into question at home. So, what team will show up in Kansas City? They must head into Kansas and play like they want to stay in first place. They must improve their situational hitting! I’ll be watching!!!

Go Rays!

I’m not quiet sure what team that was that appeared against the A’s yesterday but it sure didn’t look like the AL East leading Tampa Bay Rays!  Not only was their offensive effort pathetic, the defense was slow and lazy and the bullpen imploded late in the game once again.  Andy Sonnanstine made 1 bad pitch to give up a 3-run blast to Jack Hannahan.  Other than that his effort was adequate as he left the game with Rays in position to win.  Sonny pitched 7 innings scattering 5 hits, only 1 BB and 5 K’s.  Trever Miller then entered the game in the 8th and it was downhill from there.  Miller, whose effectiveness has been declining with each passing month, did not record an out in the 8^th but gave up 1 hit, 2 BB and 3 runs.  Al Reyes then followed Miller’s disappointing performance with one of his own.   Reyes actually recorded 3 outs but not before he gave up a hit, a BB and another run.  Jason Hammel capped the bull pen performance by “mopping up” the 9^th inning allowing 1 run on 2 hits and a walk. 

 The offensive effort in this game matched the bullpens’.  The Rays actually had runners on base in just about every inning but only managed to push across 1 run.  A base running blunder by Carl Crawford took the Rays out of a possible scoring opportunity.  With bases loaded and 1 out Carlos Pena hit a sac fly to left field.  The throw in was cut off, as there was no play at the plate with Aki scoring the lone run, and CC was hung out to dry between 2^nd and 3^rd for the 3^rd out of the inning.  The offense managed to rack up 7 hits and 5 BB with only 4 K’s.  Looking at that line you’d think we’d have won the game.   

The defensive effort was less than stellar also.  Ben Zobrist was charged with 2 errors.    

This performance was reminiscent of days gone by…..the old Devil Rays.  The team showed no hustle, no grit and determination.  They were standing out there just going through the motions.  Clearly the Rays front office must make some tough choices if we are to make a late season push for the playoffs.  The Red Legs are lurking only .5 games behind and playing a weak schedule.  Those that wear the pinstripes also gained a game and are now just 3.5 games back.   

It seems painfully obvious they really need to make a deal for a RH hitter with some pop.  Someone we can sign to be a part of this team for years to come.  NOT a player on “loan” until the end of the season.  It seems pretty clear that bull pen changes need to be made also.  Rumor has it that Andrew Friedman and Joe Maddon spent about an hour behind closed doors after the disappointing loss last night so stay tuned Rays fans…..trades/moves may be on the way!