Disappoint is an understatement after watching the Rays fall to the Baltimore Orioles Monday night.  There was no facet of this game we looked good in.  The pitching was bad, the defense was bad and the hitting was average at best.

The first inning was indicative of how the game ended.  SP Scott Kazmir hurled the first pitch of the game behind Roberts and BJ Upton slipped and fell after his grounder to SS and just watched the play unfold rather than get up and run.  After seeing these 2 things I knew it was going to be a long night. 

Kaz did not pitch well.  First inning 2 walks and a blast later we’re already down 3-0.  In the end Kazmir went 6.1 innings and was tagged with 6 ER.  He had little to know control over the majority of his pitches even though he did strike out 7.  I was sitting just to the left of the Rays dugout and had a clear view of Navarro having to dive from side to side to grab his off location pitches.  Joe Nelson followed and had his worst outing to this point in the season giving up 2 ER in 1.1 innings. 

The defense has been a huge disappointment to say the least.  Carlos Pena has already committed 5 errors in the first month of the season more than doubling his total of 2 from his Golden Glove season of 2008.  Akinori Iwamura has already committed 4 errors quickly approaching his total of 7 from last year.  Dioner Navarro has not been the All Star performer of a year ago at either side of the dish.

The offense did manage to rally and tie the game in the bottom of the 6^th inning.  But the offense only managed 6 hits – half were XBH – Evan Longoria belted his 8^th HR while Pena and Ben Zobrist chipped in with 2B’s.  The guy who was most impressive offensively was Willy Aybar.  Willy steps off the bench to start at DH for the first time in over a week and goes 2 for 4 with an RBI and a run scored.  Nice Job Willy!

BJ Upton looks silly at the plate, glaring at umpires for punching him out and falling down and lying there watching the play go on without any effort.  I know he had shoulder surgery but is it really a good idea to have him “find his swing” leading off for the Rays?   I’d argue NOT!  Sorry but BJ acts like baseball owes him something.  I know everyone talks about what a great kid he is and he may very well be but frankly I don’t care.  He’s a baseball player that is falling flat on his face during a time when he was supposed to shine.  He has not shown ANY improvement in his approach at the dish and we’re already 1 month into the season.  He needs to be sent to AAA to take care of business BUT since we know that isn’t going to happen he needs to get out of the #1 hole.  Love to see JB move to #1, BJ to #8 and Aki to #9.  Oh yeah, having Navarro hitting #9 is creating a road block for the top of the lineup since he runs like a wounded snail.  Navi to bench (until he gets his head out of his anal orifice) and Hernandez to #7 hole.    

Look gang here’s what we have:  The MLB Leaders in HR – Pena (11), RBIs – Longo – (31) and Stolen Bases – CC (18).  Now here’s what we don’t have – reliable pitching and defense.  The 2 things we relied upon last year are not there this year.  The things we thought would be improved from last year are not responding well either – mainly Upton and Burrell. 

Look gang, unless something happens drastically very soon this team will not be playing in October.  I know it’s only May but we’re giving away a head of steam to NYY and BRS.  They are beating up each other and we are not winning the games we should be winning to gain ground. 

No matter what I’ll still be here cheering until my eyes bug out!

Go Rays!!!!

It has been reported that Evan Longoria will be out the following 2 games due to a death in his family.  The Rays organization has known about this for a few days.  Willy Aybar will be holding down 3rd base for Longo while he mourns with his family at home in California.   

Joe Maddon was quoted as saying that Evan wanted to keep this private but was not able to due to technology.  Writers, bloggers and others made incorrect inferences in articles after it was originally reported Longo would be gone for a few days for “family matters”.   Maddon felt it necessary to protect Evan by admitting there was a death in his family. 

Evan has gotten off to a torrid start this young season earning AL Player of the Week honors last week.  We will certainly miss him in our lineup the next few games (Willy will bridge that gap nicely) but nothing is more important thatn family.

My condolences to Evan and his family during this difficult time!

The Tampa Bay rays are the 2008 American League Champions!!!  WOW, doesn’t that sound great?!

I cannot hear it enough!  ALCS series MVP Matt Garza pitched an amazing game yesterday!  Garza pitched beyond what anyone could have imagined.  He shut down the Red Sox in a 7 inning pitching clinic.  He left one bad pitch up that Pedroia made him pay for by placing it over the LF wall.  Beyond that he gave up only 1 other hit, allowing 3 free passes while striking out 9.  Joe Maddon then employed hitter to pitcher strategy and used 5 pitchers in the 8^th inning to keep the mighty red Sox bats quiet.  David Price came in with bases loaded and 2 outs in the 8^th to dash the Red Sox hopes by striking out JD Drew.  Price earned the save in the game by pitching a solid 9^th inning as well.    

The Ray bats were able to provide just the amount of scoring necessary to catapult the Rays to the top of the American League.  The scoring began with a 2 out double by Evan Longoria to score Carlos Pena all the way from 1^st base to tie the score.  Next came a double by Willy Aybar and a nice at bat by Rocco Baldelli to single him home.  The final bit of scoring would be an Aybar blast to LF off SP Lester late in the game.  Due to the outstanding pitching turned in by the Rays staff that was more than needed to push the Rays over the top.  

This was an amazing all around performance by both teams really.  But the Rays were too much for the Red Sox to handle.  The Rays outplayed the Red Sox in all facets of the game.  Enough cannot be said about the pitching performance in this ALCS by Matt Garza.  He beat the seemingly unbeatable John Lester twice and shut down the Red Sox bats both times as well!   

Being at The Trop last night was absolutely amazing!  That place was electric!  I don’t care what any national reporters or anyone else says – the Rays have a very devoted fan base.  It was evident in the eyes of those holding big crocodile tears after the victory, the years of sitting in the cellar and hoping for something better next year finally paid off.  I’m emotionally and physically exhausted and need to go lie down now!  LOL – would not have missed it for anything!

Next, bring on the Phils!  See you at The Trop Wednesday evening for Game 1 of the WORLD SERIES!     

WOW! Amazing! Incredible! Rays Win, Rays Win, Rays Win!

Ok, so my thoughts are bit jumbled. Can you blame me?! If you saw what I saw you’re probably just as jumbled!

What an amazing game! All facets of the game came together last night to culminate in a Rays romping of the “invincible” Red Sox 13-4. Yes, you read that correctly. The Tampa Bay Rays dismantled the Boston Red Sox in Fenway. Great to see Red Sox Nation spilling onto Yawkey Way before the 7th inning!

Andy Sonnanstine pitched a gem on the big stage once again. He pitched a very strong 7.1 innings scattering 6 hits and 1 free pass while allowing 3 ER. Sonny has been thriving on this big stage! You’ll remember he was the winning pitcher in the final game of the ALDS as he shut down the powerful White Sox bats as well. Sonny’s location was excellent! He might not have the speed on his pitches but his use of his pitches, the movement and location have made Sonny a 13 game winner during the regular season and 2-0 in the postseason. He was fantastic!

While Sonny was shutting down the bats the Rays offense was pummeling the Red Sox pitching staff. SP Tim Wakefield gave up 3 runs in the first inning and lasted on 2 2/3 innings. The bull pen did not fair any better. The Rays had amazing at bats and made good use of each hit. In total the Rays banged out 14 hits, half of which were for extra bases. The hit parade included home runs from Evan Longoria (setting the rookie playoff record for HR in Oct), Carlos Pena, and Willy Aybar. The “Green Monster” has not fazed this team at all. These guys are hitting the ball out of Fenway to the street! The hits kept coming with triples by Jason Bartlett and Carl Crawford who also added 2 doubles. Crawford had a day at the dish for himself. He was 5-5 with 3 runs scored, 2 RBI’s and 2 stolen bases. Only 2 other players in MLB history have done this is postseason play. Aybar tried to keep up with CC but fell a hit short going 4-5 with 5 RBI’s and a run scored.

The defense was stellar. Even though the Rays committed 3 errors, Longo had 2 on 1 play and Upton over ran a grounder on another, the defense showed how it has supported the Rays pitching staff all season long. Upton made several nice catches running a long way, CC made some nice plays off the Green Monster to hold hitters to 1 base and the middle infield turned a nice double play to silence the anxious Fenway crowd. With the defense behind them the pitching staff is not afraid to attack the strike zone. This has led to a worst to first season for this team!

Keep it going Rays! Let’s celebrate on the green grass of Fenway!!!

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!

Hey Ray fans…..I’m back!!  Want to thank Cliff for posting for our Rays in my absence!  Now, on to our Rays!!!

Wow!  What a great series victory over those hated northern rivals!  The Rays again showed the resilience that has kept them atop the AL East for most of the 2^nd half of this season.  After a horrible opening game, giving up 6 HRs and losing 13-5, the Rays bounced right back as they have done time and time again this season.  The Rays took game 2 after a GREAT pitching match up led to the Rays 11^th walk off victory of the season, 2-1.  Game 3 started much like game 1, a 2 run 1^st inning bomb by Big Papi.  But this game had a much different ending!  Willy Aybar, Gabe Gross and Fernando Perez banged out dingers, Gross and Perez going back to back.  The Rays chased Boston SP Wakefield early and lit up the bull pen.  The final score of game 3 was Rays 10-3 over the Sox. 

This series had a ton of significance.  First, the Rays have won the season series 10-8 over the Red Sox.  This would come very important in the event of a tie between the clubs at the end of the regular season.  Second, talk about a confidence builder!  The Rays stormed into Fenway and took 2 of 3 then invited the Red Sox to try the same in The Trop.  The Rays teased their northern rivals by giving away game 1.  Then they slammed the door shut by running off the next 2 victories.  The Rays now know they can win in Fenway should they need to during the post season.  Third, only 4 games to go to guarantee the first post season in Tampa Bay Ray’s history!!   I have my postseason tickets – do you?

One of the nicest surprises over the past few weeks has been Fernando Perez.  What a great addition to this roster at just the right time.  He has proven he can field, run, hit, steal bases, and on and on.  The guy doesn’t seem to get rattled under the pressure of the pennant chase.  Great addition!  David Price has pitched only once since his call up BUT it was an ice outing for him to get his feet wet.  In a big yard against some big bats he did a really nice job!  I expect to see both of these guys on the 25 man roster at the beginning of 2009. 

Well Ray fans…..only 7 more hours to kick off the Twins series.  I will be at The Trop for the final 3 games of this series.  You should grab your tickets now and be in that building when the Rays clinch their first ever postseason spot! 

See you at The Trop!       

Hey everyone, I’m filling in for Brenda as she will be away from the computer for a while. What a game last night in Boston as the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Red Sox 4-2 in 14 innings of action. As I was watching the game on ESPN, I was thinking wow is this game every going to end lol.

Carlos Pena delivered the big shot in the 14th inning when he hit an opposite field three-run home run to give the Rays the lead. It was a huge shot by Pena as he really picked up the team and that is what a leader has to do at this point in the season. Pena finished the game with three rbi Willy Aybar had one rbi on a triple in the second inning.

The pitching staff did a great job of holding the Red Sox down. Starting pitcher Andy Sonnanstine tossed seven innings and only allowed four hits and one run. The one run that Andy gave up was a rbi double to Dustin Pedroia in the third inning. Trever Miller ended up picking up the victory while Jason Hammel recorded all three outs in the bottom of the 14th inning for his first save of the season.

Troy Percival attempted to get the save but loaded the bases up and then was taken out of the game even after trying to talk the manager into staying in. People have to wonder if Percival is still a little bit hurt. If he is, he shouldn’t be out there on the mound.

We will be back blogging about the Rays on Friday when they take on the New York Yankees. Rays are up 2.5 games on the Red Sox and look to extend their lead this weekend!

Rays Blog

WOW!   What a devastating loss!  The Tampa Bay Rays fought all the way back in the 9^th inning to tie the game then take the lead in the top of the 13^th.  That lead was painfully erased as Troy Percival loaded the bases and with 2 outs gave up a grand slam to backup catcher Greg Zaun. Unbelievable!

I have not made this declaration so far this year but here goes…….This loss sits squarely on the shoulders of our fearless leader Joe Maddon.  It was clear that Percival was struggling and he opted to leave him out there.  Bad move Joe!  It would have still been a bad move had Percival gotten Zaun out!  Percival served up 2 home runs to the Yankees his last outing as well!    

The Rays showed a lot of determination scoring 3 runs, 2 off a 2^nd level blast by PH Rocco Baldelli, in the 9^th inning of Blue Jay closer BJ Ryan.  Fernando Perez has made his name known as well on the base path.  Perez was entered as a PR for Willy Aybar in the top of the 9^th.   Perez promptly stole 2^nd base and scored on a line shot by Dioner Navarro that skipped through the wickets of BJ 2^nd baseman Joe Inglett.  In the top of the 13^th inning Perez reached base on a FC.  He then stole 2^nd and 3^rd scored the go ahead run on a 2 out single by Navi.  Outstanding come back!   

Maddon needs to address several issues this team is having.  The first issue would be his own “loyalty” issue.  Maddon has openly stated that he is a very loyal guy.  Although loyalty is a great character trait it cannot get in the way of winning.  This team has come a long way in 1 season, these players have fought hard.  There is no reason to allow Percival to remain in that game last night when he was struggling as he clearly was.  That needs to stop Joe!  The second issue is our “closer” situation.  Clearly Percival is no longer an MLB closer.  Yeah, I know….last night was his first blown save.  He has saved 27 out of 31.  But, how many of those saves were 1-2-3 outs and involved little to no 9^th inning drama.  My answer — FEW OF THEM!  Our “closer” now has an ERA of 4.91!  Something needs to change and change fast.   

All this being said, the Rays still maintain a 2.5 game lead in the AL East (thank you Rangers!) and still have the best record in MLB!  So, watch today’s game for a series turn around to begin!

The Tampa Bay Rays lost their composure on the field and a game in the standings by giving away game 1 to the New York Yankees. They made costly mistakes on both sides of the ball.

SP Matt Garza clearly showed his frustration on the mound by throwing the rosin bag down several times through out his 5 innings of work. He was clearly irritated at the miniscule strike zone that Rays arch nemesis, Umpire Brian Runge, was calling. Garza was stellar the first 3 innings of the game then it all began to unravel in the 4th and 5th innings. Garza committed an error by throwing a ball far beyond the reach of Carlos Pena and gave up a 2 run blast to Xavier Nady. A dropped ball by Jason Bartlett that would have been an easy caught stealing on Derek Jeter led to another run. The frustration was evident on Garza as he allowed 6 runs (4 ER) in his 5 innings of work.

The offense did not back Garza’s cause either. An uncharacteristic lack of fundamental play by Eric Hinske cost the Rays 2 runs early. With Willy Aybar standing on first Hinske blasted a line drive to the LC gap off the top of the wall. Hinske put his head down and ran all the way to third. Problem was Ray’s 3rd base coach, Tom Foley, held up Aybar at 3rd. Aybar was then forced off 3rd by Hinske and thrown out at the plate. On the next play Bartlett hit a fairly soft grounder that Rodriguez had to travel to the hold to his left. Hinske not breaking on contact did not score.

The Rays out hit the Yankees 12 – 9 but stranded 10 on base. The offense gave up a lot of free outs to the Yankees by way of 11 strike outs, 8 by our top 3 in the lineup. The Rays definitely had opportunities to advance runners and score runs but failed.

This game was uncharacteristic for the Rays on all sides. The best thing about this game for the Rays is the OUTSTANDING catch BJ Upton made off the wall in deep CF. No one in The Trop thought he was going to catch up to that ball. It was one of the best catches ever!

Today is a new day! The Rays beat themselves up for about 30 minutes after the game and are now focused on today’s game. That’s one of the great things about this team. They understand bad games will happen and move forward. Tonight should be a total turn around for our Rays!

Go Rays!!

Edwin Jackson pitched a strong 7 innings giving up 6 hits and 1 ER to earn his 11^th victory for the Rays this season.  The Rays did what they have done all season long and took another series!   Dan Wheeler notched his 10^th save of the season as well.

The story of this game was the long ball and awesome defense.  The Rays collected 10 hits in total, half of which were for extra bases.  Akinori Iwamura smacked 2 doubles, Gabe Gross chipped in with a stand up triple, while Cliff Floyd and Willy Aybar blasted solo bombs!    

Eric Hinske laid out for an extra base saving catch in the top of the first inning!  Hinske still has some giddy up in those legs.  And for the second night in a row a Ray defender made Sportscenter’s 10 Top Plays.  Great job!

Today I purchased my postseason tickets!  I’m so excited!  This is going to be awesome!  The Rays are hosting the Baltimore Orioles this Labor Day weekend while the Red Sox will be hosting the Chicago White Sox.  We may look to pick up and additional game or 2 in the standings!   

Get to The Trop and enjoy a GREAT family experience together!  If you haven’t been top The Trop lately the new Rays front office has improved the family friendly atmosphere tremendously since they have taken over. 

Cheer on your Rays!