Well Ray fans here we go!  The second season officially began for the Tampa Bay Rays as the last out was recorded in the Rays 8-7 extra inning victory over the Detroit Tigers Sunday afternoon.  The second season began with the first ever red carpet arrival of the AL East Champs and 1000+ fans cheering on the heroes of the bay.  A rally today at Straub Park in St Petersburg will allow the Ray fans to continue to show their love for the our beloved blue collar grinders.                                           

Who would have ever thought?  Did you really believe at the beginning of this year the Rays had any chance to displace the Yankees and Red Sox atop the toughest division in baseball?  If you say yes I’d say you are either lying or you are optimistic to the point of being delusional.  No one saw this coming, no one.  Did we see the potential for improvement for the perpetual cellar dwellers?  Absolutely yes, no doubts there!  

The Rays have gone about their business game after game not once allowing yesterday’s failure to haunt them.  The Rays have won games late with dramatic walk offs.  The Rays have won games early with hot bats and GREAT pitching.  The Rays have won games by flashing the leather through out.  The Rays have won games. 

The Rays front office has put together a very special group of individuals.  From rookies to veterans who may be playing their last year and every step in between they have all delivered in the clutch.  Injury plagued all season long the guy off the bench made something special happen between the lines.  I cannot think of one guy who did not have a special play to win/save a game at some point in the season.  When they stepped onto the field they all melded together to form a consistent, confident entity.  An entity that was afraid of no one.  They proved that by sweeping the teams considered the best. 

Here’s to our Tampa Bay Rays, the 2008 AL East Champions!  An amazing year for an amazing team! 

For the first time since the Tampa Bay Rays franchise came into existence someone other than the New York Yankees or Boston Red Sox have been crowned the Champions of the toughest division in baseball – the AL East.  That team is our loveable group of blue collar grinders the Tampa Bay Rays! 

The Tampa Bay Rays have had a remarkable year to say the least.  At the end of last season the “Devil Rays” were in the cellar just begging for the season to come to an end.  Their record at that time was 66-96 and they stood 30 games behind the Beantown  Bullies.  The RFO made some changes including having the “devil” exorcised, changing the team colors and filling in a few pieces of the puzzle with guys that were considered “throw aways.”  It was clear beginning in spring training that the changes made would have a major impact on the approaching season.  The Rays showed an explosive offense and improved pitching potential from starters and relievers alike.  They also showed a changed culture that was evident when they literally ran over the Yankees.  They were now a team and they believed in each other.    

Then it began, the regular season.  The Rays broke out with a good April.  They finished in second place for that month with a record of 15-12.  They were only trailing the Boston Red Sox.  From there it just got better!  From the months of May through September the Tampa Bay Rays finished each month atop the AL East.  Many games won on walk off hits, defensive gems and outstanding pitching from the most improved bull pen in baseball history.  A bull pen who the previous year had given up 52 games in which the “Devil Rays” had a lead had now learned how to pitch effectively late in a game.  Some of that turnaround must go to the acquisition of veteran Troy Percival.  Percy had an outstanding first half of the year saving 19 out of 21 games.  But that is only half the story.  His veteran presence made him invaluable to others sitting next to him in the BP.  They watched, asked questions and took notes.  He made the BP better!

The Rays were bit by the injury bug all season long, Scott Kazmir, Troy Percival, Al Reyes, Gary Glover, Carl Crawford, Carlos Pena, Evan Longoria, BJ Upton and on and on.  The goods news is those “throw away” guys were able to call on their veteran leadership and step in to fill the needs of this team.  Eric Hinske, Cliff Floyd and Willy Aybar walked right between the lines and did the job beyond all expectations I think.  They flashed the leather, made the throws, stole the bases and got the hits.  Newcomers like Gabe Gross, Matt Garza and Jason Bartlett also proved more valuable than anyone could have imagined when they were traded for.  When called upon our AAA players filled in for injured players like they had been here all season long.  Dioner Navarro was challenged by Manager Joe Maddon to step up his game, especially on the defensive side of the game.  Boy did he!  With a fielding percentage of .994 and having thrown out 28 attempted base stealers he earned his right to participate in the All Star game.  Oh and by the way, he has led the Rays in hitting most of the year! 

Enough cannot be said of the changes made by the Rays front office and Manager Joe Maddon.  They rid the clubhouse of negativity and brought in guys who wanted to win.  And that’s just what they have done!  Win, win, win!  These Rays are not satisfied with just making it to the playoffs.  Joe Maddon has made it clear this is just the first step of their ultimate goal.  Their sights are set on the World Series – not just playing in it but winning it!

I will be there at The Trop for every playoff game!  I would never miss an opportunity to enjoy such a precious gift the Rays have finally given their long suffering fans!   

Congratulations Tampa Bay Rays and we’re all behind you!

The Tampa Bay Rays had to get more ice to keep the champagne cold after losing the opening game to the Detroit Tigers 7-5 Thursday afternoon.  Scott Kazmir was looking to be the winning pitcher as he was when the Rays clinched their first ever playoff birth over the past weekend.  But, the Tiger bats laid that thought to rest quickly in this game.  Kaz gave up 4 home runs in the first 5 innings allowing the Tigers to pounce on their prey and keep it down. Kaz once again lasted only 5 innings and throwing 102 pitches.  He missed his locations often and by a large margin on most occasions. The Rays pitching staff allowed 5 HR altogether as Chad Bradford gave up a solo blast in the 7^th inning.

The big bat from the Rays came from Ben Zobrist.  Zobi had 2 HR with 4 RBIs and 2 runs scored.  Evan Longoria chipped in with a solo blast as well.  The Rays had a few other opportunities to score runs but failed to get the big hit when needed.   

A few items of note in this game, other than the obvious loss, first, Joe Maddon is in the process of deciding who his rotation will be going into the playoffs.  This outing was just another inconsistent, high pitch, short day for Kaz.  That cannot figure well for him heading into the playoffs.  Kaz has been having this same issue all season long and he has not been able to resolve it.  The other issue is an issue with MLB.  How the heck can MLB schedule an early day game after a night game when a team has to travel?!  What kind of hooey is that?!  These guys were only able to get 3-5 hours sleep between games.  How can any athlete go out and perform optimally on that kind of sleep? 

Anyway, tomorrow is another day.  The Rays don’t play until tomorrow night so they’ll be good and rested.  Sonny will take the hill and close out the AL East.  BTW – Sonny is my choice for the #3 SP in the playoff rotation.   

Go Rays!!    

The Tampa Bay Rays have had a magical year of firsts for this long suffering organization.  The 2^nd game of the double header was no different.  For the first time in the franchise’s history the Rays swept a double header!  Yuppers, never has happened before for the Rays!  Congrats guys!

This could not have happened with out a huge 8^th inning, 6 run rally!  The rally included a lot of hustle, runners running out infield hits, and a big blast by Evan Longoria.  It was amazing to watch!  The Rays totaled 11 hits BUT the 11 hits were collected by 10 different players.  Ben Zobrist was the only Ray to have a multiple hit game including a lead off triple in the big 8^th inning.  The players off the bench played a huge role in this rally as well.  This had been the key to this team all season long!  Weather due to injury or just rest players have entered games and produced.   

The Rays have decreased their magic number to 2 games.  That means that the division title could be ours as of today.  The Rays would need a victory and a Boston loss for that to happen.  So, any of 2 victories by the Rays over the next 5 games would give the AL East title to someone other than the NYY or Boston in over 10 years! 

WOW!   Keep it going Rays!

James Shields led the Rays to victory in the first game of the double header by pitching 7 innings allowing only 2 ER and 1 free pass while collecting 8 K’s.  Shieldsy looked ok the first few innings but settled in nicely to go the 7 complete.  The only real blip for him was a 2^nd inning 2 run HR.  After that he was lights out!  You could see how angry he was at himself as the Oriole runners rounded the base path. You just knew that was going to be the end of the scoring!

The offense blasted out 13 hits altogether!  The majority of the production came from the bottom of the line up, 6-9.  Dioner Navarro was 2 for 5 with 2 runs scored, Jason Bartlett was 3 for 4 with a run scored and an RBI and Fernando Perez was 3 for 3 with 1 run scored and 2 RBIs.  This was a great offensive for the Rays who have been lackluster at the plate the last 2 games.  Great recovery

The Tampa Bay Rays inched a bit closer to their first ever AL East Division crown with a 4-2 victory Monday night over the Baltimore Orioles.  That coupled with Boston’s loss to Cleveland takes the magic number down to 4 games!  How exciting is this Ray fans?! 

David Price made his first career start Monday night pitching 5 1/3 innings.  He showed great poise on the mound.  He did run himself into trouble in a few innings by allowing 4 hits and 3 free passes.  The defense did not help his cause by committing an error and allowing a run to score.  Evan Longoria committed the fielding error giving him 12 for the season and 3 in his last 2 games.  Longo may be still trying to regain his feet after his stint on the DL.  Price gave up 2 runs – 1 ER – and garnered a no decision.  The good news is that Price showed great command of his pitches at key points in the game.  He also pitched ahead in the count to almost all of the hitters he faced.  He really gave us a glimpse of what he will bring to the starting rotation in the very near future. 

This game was very quiet and unemotional.  The offensive push came from Jason Bartlett who was 2 for 3 with 2 doubles.  He knocked in the go ahead run with a double in the 7^th.  The other 2 runs were generated off the bat of Akinori Iwamura.  The Rays looked sluggish again offensively.  They only managed 3 hits in this game off a very poor pitching staff.  The bright side to the lackluster offensive performance was the Rays had some quality at bats and showed patience at the dish.  This patience translated into 8 free passes by Baltimore pitching.

Tuesday will have the Rays in a doubleheader against these Orioles.  Mitch Talbot will toe the rubber for his first MLB start in the 2^nd game as James Shields will go in the first game.  It will be nice to see the Rays turn up the offense in support of these great SP! 

Go Rays!

The Tampa Bay Rays fielded their “AAA” lineup Sunday afternoon and looked it.  After and incredible night Saturday, Joe Maddon felt it necessary to rest his starting lineup, aside from Longo, and replace them with the 2^nd string.  Andy Sonnanstine endured poor defense and no offense while getting sacked with the loss.  Sonny pitched a game typical for him.  He gave up 7 hits in 6 2/3 innings, 2 ER (4 runs total), 2 BB and 4 K’s.

The 4^th inning was the undoing of the Rays on this day.  Evan Longoria committed 2 throwing errors that led to 2 unearned runs.  The Twins ended the inning with 4 runs scored which was all they needed as the offense sputtered for the Rays. 

Ben Zobrist killed 2 rallies by hitting into double plays and no one else could muster any type of offense.  The only bright star on the offense this day was BJ Upton.  BJ returned to the lineup to go 3 for 3 with a BB. 

Well, let’s hope this is the last we see of this experiment.  The Rays still have unfinished business this season.  They still are in the lead for the AL East pennant and I certainly hope Joe realizes that this lineup is not the lineup that will get it for him.  Seems to me the smart path would be to bear down and win the next 6 games to secure the pennant then rest your regular starters for the playoffs.  The Rays lost a game in the standing today as Boston blanked Toronto.   

The Rays announced David Price will get his first start Monday night in Baltimore.  With a strong defense behind him we should secure this game rather easily I would think.  See you all in Baltimore!

They did it!  For the first time in the franchise’s 11 year history the Tampa Bay Rays will play baseball in October!  Scott Kazmir seals the deal with a nice 6 inning outing.  Kaz scattered 5 hits over the 6 innings while allowing 1 free pass and compiling 5 strike outs.  Kaz did manage to work himself into trouble a few innings but was bailed out by stellar defense.  With bases loaded and no outs a Twin batter hit a pop fly to Fernando Perez in CF.  The throw was cutoff by Carlos Pena who had the play in front of him and caught Justin Morneau leaning too far off 2^nd base for a double play.  The runner on 3^rd did not tag and score. The last out in the inning was recorded with no runs scoring.  That was a great play by Pena to help bail out Kaz in that inning. 

The offense chipped away at Twin pitching to score their total of 7 runs in 4 innings.  Pena led off the scoring barrage with a 2 RBI double off the SP Slowey.  The big bangs came off the bats of Cliff Floyd and Perez, each sending solo blasts over the wall.  The Ray hitters showed a great deal of patience at the plate and took the Twin SP deep into counts.  This was a great overall offensive approach to the game! 

It was awesome to see the Rays celebrate on the field at the end of this game!  Actually it was unbelievable!  At the beginning of the season it was clear this Ray team would improve on past performances.  But no on had any idea by how much.  I was going to be thrilled to see the team go .500 as I’m sure most Ray fans would have been.  But this…..this is beyond all belief!   Joe Maddon and the RFO deserve a ton of credit for GREAT talent evaluations and GREAT management of such!  They took some veterans who were cast off from other teams and infused their leadership into the youth of this team.  They made a GREAT trade for Jason Bartlett and Matt Garza.  They rid the clubhouse of any negativity.  They brought up the young AAA talent and put them in positions to be successful.  And the players themselves…..they never gave up.  No matter the circumstance they fought every game until the end.  Enough cannot be said about the chemistry of this team.  This is a special group enjoying a very special year.

The year isn’t over yet though.  The Rays have their sights set on the AL East pennant.  They gained a game on Boston with Boston losing to Toronto.  I expect to see the Rays play as they have all season long Sunday and take the series from the Twins.   

Congratulations Tampa Bay Rays!

OK, so by now you’ve heard of the Mohawk trend flying through the Ray clubhouse.  Just about all the Rays have been skinned with the pressure being applied to those who haven’t.  Expect all Ray players, coaches and fans to be ‘hawked by the time the post season begins!  Yup, I’m even considering it……for about ½ a second anyway.  This is a great show of team unity and support for one another.  A great idea to bring even more cohesion to an already close Ray clubhouse!   BJ Upton and Evan Longoria are the father’s of this trend for the Rays – GREAT job guys!  Way to spark some extra closeness amongst your teammates!

The Rays made a significant jump toward history by crushing the Minnesota Twins 11-1.  The Rays only need to win 1 more game to guarantee the franchise’s first ever trip to the playoffs!!!  That is not the only history that was made during this game.  The first ever instant replay aided overturned call was also made.   

Edwin Jackson pitched lights out in this game.  I have to admit after he walked the first batter he saw in the game I had my fears that this may end badly.  But, E-Jax recovered and did not allow that run to score or even advance for that matter.  Jackson pitched 7 2/3 strong innings allowing 7 hits, 1 ER and 1 free pass while collecting 5 K’s.  Jeff Niemann made his first appearance since his call up to close the game out for E-Jax.  Niemann pitched 1 1/3 inning not allowing a hit or a free pass.  Great job by the pitching staff!

Ok, the overturned call.  Carlos Pena launched a blast to RC that the umpire originally ruled a double due to fan interference.  Joe Maddon made his plea for instant replay.  Four minutes later the umpires emerged from the replay room and signaled HR.  Great job by the umpires to get it right!  Pena was credited with a 3 run bomb! 

This was a great game overall.  All sides of the ball performed well after the disappointing 9^th inning loss the night before.  This team has been termed resilient over the entire course of the season.  I’m not sure that’s the right term anymore.  I’d like to term them consummate professionals.  They may lose games but they understand that’s a part of a long season.  They come ready to fire the next night.  Great job Rays!  One more!

See you at The Trop!!

How do you hit 5 HR, score 8 runs and lose a game in MLB? I’ll tell you how – bad pitching! The Tampa Bay Rays gave the Twins the first game of this 4 game set by letting them off the hook in the 9th inning. But, we really should start at the beginning with our SP James Shields. Shieldsy was not sharp and pitched into and out of trouble through 6 1/3 innings. He gave up 8 hits, one of which was a first inning 3-run bomb, and 2 free passes that equated 6 ER. David Price made his second appearance of the season giving up a 2 run single to Joe Mauer before striking out the final 2 batters to complete the 7th inning. Troy Percival looked good in his return to the bump by pitching a solid 8th inning.

The big hurt came in the 9th inning when Dan Wheeler gave up a 2 run blast to tie the game at 8. Wheels then allowed the next 2 runners on base while garnering no outs. Those runs eventually came around to score giving the Twins a total of 5 runs scored in the 9th inning for a well earned victory. This is what the Rays usually do – it has not been done to us!

Evan Longoria lit up the Twins pitching staff blasting 3, that’s right 3, home runs! He clearly has recovered the eye he had before his stint on the DL and that was GREAT to see! Dioner Navarro and Carlos Pena chipped in with taters of their own giving the Rays a total of 5 for the game. As a matter of fact, the Rays were swinging the bats really well! They added doubles by Ben Zobrist and Gabe Gross to give them a total of 7 extra base hits out of their 9 hit total!

Great offense was derailed by poor pitching in this game. It is a bit of a concern that bad pitching has found its way to The Trop for the 2nd time this week. The first game of the Boston series being the other bad pitching performance this week. I have to also question the Price move. Here are the facts. Price is LHP, Mauer hits better off LHP and the pitch called was thrown right into an optimal location for Mauer to take full advantage, which he did by hitting a 2 run single and breaking the tie in the 9th. It is clear this was a questionable decision to bring Price into the game. Even if Price had elicited an out from Mauer the move must be questioned. Wonder who was reading what charts? Why would Navi call for a pitch right in his wheel house?

Oh well, a loss, no matter how painful to watch, is still a mere loss to this team. They will come out firing on all cylinders tonight. Edwin Jackson is due for an outstanding performance and tonight is the night!

See you at The Trop!