Scott Kazmir threw his best outing so far this season going 7 VERY strong innings!  He was outstanding!  He allowed only 2 hits in 7 innings while striking out 9!  I have to admit Kaz did not look good facing his first batter – he walked him on 4 straight pitches.  But he settled down and cruised the rest of the way. He even picked a runner of 2^nd!  His slider was dead on making that fastball that much better.  The bullpen, JP Howell and Grant Balfour, pitched 2 perfect innings to close the door.

Evan Longoria blasted his 3^rd HR in as many games!  He was joined in the HR launching by Willy Aybar who drilled the left field foul pole for his 4^th HR this season.  The offense looked better generating 9 hits and 8 BB.  They were active on the base path swiping 3 bags.  They clearly had the pressure on the A’s defense and it showed. 

I cannot say enough about the outstanding job Kaz did.  He put on a clinic!  The Rays remain 1.5 games above the Red Legs and 4.5 above those that wear the pinstripes as all 3 teams recorded victories.  Andy Sonnanstine will toe the rubber tonight – his first appearance since the All Star break.  With all the rest he’s had that ball is likely to be very active tonight! 

See you at The Pit!

The Tampa Bay Rays had an opportunity to do what no team other than the Yankees and the Red Sox have done since 1993, head into the All Star break on top in the AL East.  They let that slip away.  By getting swept by the Cleveland Indians (5-2 Sunday) the Rays gave the top spot back to the Red Sox by ½ game.   

Sunday’s game had much the same ring as every game during the 7 game losing streak.  Average pitching from above average pitchers and no offensive production.  Scott Kazmir threw 104 pitches in 6 innings allowing 5 ER, 2 HR, 2 BB and 7K’s.  Grant Balfour pitched and uneventful 7th and 8^th innings.

Cleveland’s pitching staff gave the Rays ample opportunities to have runners on board by walking 7 hitters.  They were even kind enough to walk in a run for us since we cannot seem to score on our own.  But all in all we stranded 8 on base.  We repaid the Indians kindness by striking out 14 times!   

The Rays have been through an emotional first half of the season.  They have played arguably the toughest schedule.  That does take a toll especially on a young team that is not used to winning.  However, the flip side is that they are professionals and need to use this time off to gather themselves and come back out of the break with a vengeance.  The great thing is we open the second half at The Trop where the Rays have played some great baseball. 

So Rays fans….relax and enjoy the All Star break.  Don’t forget to tune in to the Home Run Derby to cheer for our very own Evan Longoria

Scott Kazmir struck out 9 batters and only allowed 2 ER in his 5 innings of work but the Rays offense was woeful!  Kaz hung 1 bad pitch to Jeter with 2 out that he smacked to the fence allowing the 2 runs to cross the plate.  Other than that Kaz pitched well.  The only concern is that he is still going too deep into the count with hitters.  In 5 innings of work he threw 97 pitches.  Kaz is aware of his shortcomings and working on them with pitching Coach Jim Hickey according to him.  Gary Glover allowing 3 runs in the bottom of the 8^th made this game look worse than it really was.

OK, when the first inning for our offense began with 2 pitches and 2 quick outs I knew it was going to be along night.  Yes, that’s right 2 pitches and 2 outs for Pettitte.  What happened to patience?  When a pitcher of Pettitte’s quality sees hitters expanding the zone he WILL take advantage of that and he DID.  Even though the Rays struck out only 6 times (Pettitte 5, Ramirez 1) they did not record 1 walk and only managed to collect 4 hits, 2 by BJ Upton.  Our “power” hitters, Pena and Gomes, combined for 1 for 7 with 4 K’s.    

Pettitte pitched a quality game no doubt.  However we made it very easy for him to do so.  We never put pressure on him and continued to expand the K zone all night.  This does not a season make.  However we need to show a vast improvement in today’s offensive performance to walk away with a split in this short 2 game series.  We have given the Red Sox back 2 games and are giving momentum to the Yankees.  Hopefully we open it up today and leave with a victory! 

The Tampa Bay Rays failed to get the sweep of the Kansas City Royals when they lost the last game of the series 7-4 in 10 innings.  Matt Garza pitched 6 2/3 but was in and out of trouble all day.  He gave up 9 hits, 2BB, 3 ER and had 5 K’s.  He did manage to wriggle out of trouble a few times to keep the Rays close.  Dan Wheeler gave up 4 runs (3 earned, E5) on 2 HR and 1 IBB in the top of the 10^th to seal the victory for the Royals.                                                       

The pitching was good enough to win this game.  It was the offense that struggled mightily.  The Rays banged out 11 hits and 4 BB and failed to get the timely hit when needed.  Several times they had multiple runners in scoring position and failed to advance the runners.  Overall as a team they stranded 12 runners.  They also managed to strike out 12 times.  Carlos Pena tied the game in the bottom of the 9^th with a blast to right field to give the Rays hope.  But their hopes were quickly dashed when the top of the 10^th began with an unlikely Evan Longoria throwing error allowing the runner to advance to 2^nd.  The Royals never looked back….

The Rays now take their show to NY to face the Yankees in a short 2 game series.  Here are your pitching matchups: 

July 8 – Scott Kazmir (7-3, 2.63) vs. Sidney Ponson (5-1, 4.19)

July 9 – Edwin Jackson (5-6, 4.08) vs.  TBA

The lack of situational hitting MUST improve for the Rays to continue to lead the AL East.  The lack of production will “sting” them at some point and could prove to be the hurdle they must jump to get to the next level.  This game is the perfect example of what can potentially happen, we lost to a bad team in the Royals – what do you think would happen if we were playing a good team say in October…… 

Now, go turn on ESPN and route for the Twins!

Congratulations go out to Scott Kazmir and Dioner Navarro for being named to the 2008 All Star team!  Kaz began the year on the DL with a left elbow strain and has come barnstorming back!  He has compiled a 7-3 record with a 2.63 ERA and 75 K’s on 72 innings pitched.  This will be his 2^nd All Star selection.

 Dioner Navarro will be making his first appearance in the mid season classic.  Navi has done a masterful job calling games and catching the young and talented Rays pitching staff.  He has consistently been showing off his gun behind the plate throwing out 38% of runners attempting to steal.  He came into this season with a mission to improve his offense over last year’s dismal first half performance.  Mission accomplished!  Navi is batting .318 and getting the key hits when the team needs him. 

Evan Longoria has made the ballot to be the Final Vote!  Longo has hit .281 with 16 HR and 52 RBIs in the first few months of his major league career.  He flashes the leather at 3^rd base and draws comparisons to some of the greats.  YOU CAN HELP GET LONGO VOTED ONTO THE 2008 ALL STAR TEAM!  Vote for Evan on MLB.com or you can vote via text message to “36197” (standard text message rates apply). 

Step up Ray’s fans and vote, vote, vote! 

Congratulations to our All Stars!

And this why….

• The depth of their bench. They are solid and experienced. Hitters like Eric Hinske, Willy Aybar and Cliff Floyd have the experience. Gabe Gross and Shawn Riggans have shown a propensity for getting the big hit when we need it. Riggans has amazingly maintained a healthy bat only playing once a week or less – he’s been outstanding this season. The entire bench does not hit for average but when they do is take pitchers deep into counts and get a pitch they can do something with.
• The depth of their pitching staff. From the starters to the bullpen they have proven if one is struggling the others will have their back. If one goes down another from AAA is there to step right in without a hint of inability.
• The defense has been above average. The Rays do commit errors occasionally but they move past the error onto the next play.
• They play as a complete TEAM. Every night there is a new hero for this team. Who would have thought Andy Sonnanstine would lead our SP staff with 9 wins? Who would have thought we’d have as many walk off wins as we’ve had this season? Who really thought Troy Percival was going to come in here and close the door like he has?
• They are hungry! They have hit a few bumps in the road but have picked themselves up the next night. They want this – it’s in their eyes!

The next test comes at The Trop with division nemesis Boston red Sox. This will be a 3 game series that could see one team or the other fall far below the top in the AL East standings. Or we could just see another brawl! Here are your pitching Matchups:

June 30 – James Shields (5-5, 3.76) vs. Justin Masterson (4-1, 3.43) TV – ION Radio – 1250 WHNZ, 680 WGES (sp)
July 1 – Matt Garza (6-4, 3.76) vs. Tim Wakefield (5-5, 3.88) TV – FSN Radio – 1250 WHNZ, 680 WGES (sp)
July 2 – Scott Kazmir (7-3, 2.88) vs. Daisuke Matsuzaka (9-1, 3.21) TV – ION Radio – 1250 WHNZ, 680 WGES (sp)

The Tampa Bay Rays are true contenders in the AL East. This series will end with the Rays still atop the AL East and a series victory 2-1.

Go Rays!!

The Tampa Bay Rays rode the long ball to victory in the opening game of the 3 game series.  Evan Longoria led the charge having a GREAT night at the dish going 4 for 5 with a HR, a 2B, 3 RBI and 3 runs scored.  He was followed in the home run parade by Eric Hinske who blasted a 3 run shot and Carl Crawford who hit a solo bomb.  The Rays did a nice job at the plate banging out 15 hits with only 6 K’s. 

Scott Kazmir had a less than average outing for him in his 7^th victory.  He allowed 3 ER on 4 hits, 2 BB and a HR while compiling 4 K’s in just 5 innings pitched.  Kaz pitched well but he lacked the ability to get the final strike by the Buc hitters.  He went deep into far too many counts elevating his pitch count to 103 in just 5 innings. JP Howell followed Kaz and struggled with his control a bit.  Howell allowed 1 hit, 1 ER and 2 BB in just 1 inning pitched.  Grant Balfour and Trever Miller finished the game and quieted any hopes of a Bucs comeback.     

The return of Carlos Pena saw him go 0 for 3 with 1 BB.  Joe Maddon had him batting 6^th in the lineup behind Longoria which is a great call.  Pena wasn’t leaving too many runners in scoring position before his stint on the DL so good to see Maddon take some pressure off him in his return. By the way – the #4 hole was filled by Hinske who went 2 for 3 with 3 RBIs and 3 runs scored.  

The Rays have been taking advantage of mistakes made by opposing pitchers both in the series with the Florida Marlins and in the first game of this 3 game set.  If the Rays are willing to continue to be patient at the plate and force opposing pitchers to go deep they will sweep the Bucs.  This road trip should breed a ton of confidence in the Rays as they will return to The Trop with a winning road trip without having their full compliment of players but for 1 game (Iwamura will being to serve his suspension tonight). 

It’s a great time to be a Tampa Bay Rays fan!

OK gang off on a short 6 game road trip so buckle up! First we head south to Miami to filet some fish. The Marlins (40-35) have been playing some great baseball this season much like the Rays (44-31). They now sit 1 game behind the Phillies in the NL East as the Rays sit 1 game behind the red legs in the AL East. This should be a great match up! The Rays took the series winning 2 of 3 when the Marlins came to The Trop 11 days ago.

Pitching Matchups as follows:

June 24 – Sonnanstine (8-3, 4.92) vs., Olsen (4-4, 3.51) TV – ION Radio – 1250 WHNZ, 680 WGES (sp)
June 25 – Shields (4-5, 3.94) vs. Tucker (2-1, 4.50) NO TV Radio – 1250 WHNZ, 680 WGES (sp)
June 26 – Garza (5-4, 4.10) vs. Hendrickson (7-5, 5.73) TV – FSN (12:10 First Pitch) Radio – 1250 WHNZ, 680 WGES (sp)
Key to Rays Victory: To win this series the Rays MUST take these young pitchers deep into the count. They gave easy outs to Houston in the last game of the series by swinging at first pitches – Backe only threw 5 pitches the first inning on Sunday. The Marlins starters are young and will wear down (except Hendrickson and I don’t think I have to say anything here).

After this the Rays travel to the Steel City, Pittsburgh to face the Pirates for 3. Edwin Jackson will be serving his suspension so Scott Kazmir will move up 1 day and pitch the Friday night game. The Bucs are struggling this year – trailing their division leader by 12 games at this posting. The Bucs have been very inconsistent this year winning some games they are not expected to win and losing some games they are expected to win.

Pitching Matchups as follows:

June 27 – Kazmir (6-3, 2.03) vs. Snell (3-7, 5.99) TV – ION Radio – 1250 WHNZ, 680 WGES (sp)

June 28 – Jackson (4-6, 4.35) vs. TBD TV – FSN Radio – 1250 WHNZ, 680 WGES (sp)
June 29 – Sonnanstine vs. TBD TV – ION Radio – 1250 WHNZ, 680 WGES (sp)
Keys Rays Victory: Consistency on all sides of the ball. The Rays cannot forget to play their game — solid pitching, solid defense and taken the pitchers deep.

My prediction – 4-2 road trip!

Go Rays!!!

Scott Kazmir was amped the first inning on the mound!  He had some issues finding the strike zone and only lasted 4 2/3 innings leaving with a 1-1 tie.  His line wasn’t Kazmir-ish allowing 3 walks and scattering 3 hits with 1 ER and striking out 7.  The bullpen did an excellent job until the 9^th.  Troy Percival went into the 9^th with a 3-1 lead gave up a run, allowed 2 hits, walked 1 and finished the game with the tying run standing 90 feet away. 

The offense did hit well against Ryan Dempster knocking him out in the 5^th inning.  Cliff Floyd and Evan Longoria hit solo bombs with Eric Hinske driving in the final run.  The problem the Rays suffered was a lack of timely hitting once again.  We had multiple opportunities to score once again and failed to get the hit leaving 12 on base.

A win is a win and this was a quality win against a quality opponent.  Tonight has Andy Sonnanstine (7-3) going against Carlos Zambrano (8-2). 

See you at The Trop!

Edwin Jackson had a hard time finding the strike zone Sunday after noon in the Citrus Series finally.  Jackson gave up 2 3-run home runs, 3 BB, 5 hits and 6 earned runs in 5 innings pitched to take the loss. 

Jackson was not the only problem with the Rays in this loss.  The defense was subpart.  Jason Bartlett was charged with 1 error but, in my opinion, 2 others could have been charged with errors as well.

The offense was a nightmare on this particular occasion.  We gave away 12 strikeouts to the Fish and only 1 BB.  BJ Upton gave away 3 of those strike outs, 2 without even swinging.  Eric Hinske did manage to connect for a solo blast to right center. 

The Chicago Cubs will be rolling into town – the best team in MLB (granted they play in a weak division).  This will be a huge test for the Rays.  We will be short a starter for each game due to suspensions being served (Crawford on Tuesday and Iwamura Wed and Thurs) and due to injury (Pena).

The opening game of this 3 game set will have Scott Kazmir (6-2) going against Ryan Dempster (8-2).  Get off your couch and out to The Trop to support our Rays