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 4th 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!
