The Rays pulled into Fenway for the opening game of a 3 game set. SP James Shields cruised through the first 5 innings with little more than the occasional hit. Then the wheels came off when we hit the 6th inning. A hit, the first walk he gave up in the game and a blast later and the score was tied at 3. Then another hit and another blast later and the Rays are down 5-3. Shieldsy lost the ability to hit his spots low and left a few up I the sweet zone. Shields was clearly rattled as he was yelling into his glove at himself and the Red Sox took advantage of the opportunities he gave them. The bull pen, specifically Grant Balfour, gave up 2 runs in his 2 innings of work assuring the Red Sox the easy victory.
The Rays offense struck early to take a 3-0 lead. Carl Crawford had another outstanding offensive game going 3 for 5 scoring 3 and swiping another bag. He was a HR away from the cycle! CC has looked much better at the plate recently taking a lot of pitches and selecting a pitch he can do something with. Jason Bartlett had a nice day at the dish as well collecting 2 2Bs in 3 trips and driving in a run.
The Rays have looked much better as a whole of late. In the last week they have given us a glimmer of the 2008 team. The one thing that I see separating the World Series team from the 2009 team is pitching. The pitching this year is absolutely unreliable. From the starters to the bullpen no one has stood out in more than an outing or 2. Matt Garza has been the best starter and the bull pen would have a difficult time claiming anyone as a stand out to this point. The Rays offense cannot possibly come from behind time after time, eventually these pitchers are going to have to step up and shut down the opposition.
I will add and I will keep saying it – BJ Upton needs to switch positions with JB in the lineup — period! The numbers make this statement so painfully obvious this isn’t even a question. Look at this: BJ = .152 BA, .272 OBP, .205 SLG, 31 K; JB = .355 BA, .382 OBP, .495 SLG, 15K. Now, tell me where the argument lies in this! I’m getting tired of everyone making excuses for his poor performance. The shoulder surgery excuse has now sailed. If he is still rehabbing it he should be in the minors doing it not here! I get the distinct impression that Upton will be a “could have been” – a lot of unfulfilled promise.
Well we go at it again tomorrow and hope Kaz brings his ‘A’ game!
