Warm Wishes for a Wonderful Holiday Season
By Jessica | December 22, 2009
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Another Season in the Books.
By Jessica | October 6, 2009
The Tampa Bay Rays 2009 season is now in the books, and it is quite a collection of stories.
Beloved main characters were lost. Rocco Baldelli defected to enemy territory. Jonny Gomes found success in a different city, and Scott Kazmir headed to LA to try to become a star.
The team’s story got off to a slow start in April but it picked up the next month. Different facets did well at different times. At times the offense was at the forefront. Other times the pitching was masterful. Even the bullpen had its moments. However, the team never seemed to put it all together for any length of time. This underlying theme is present throughout the 2009 story.
There were many subplots involving individual characters this year, some are joyous and others heartbreaking. First there were the stories of the five all-stars.
Jason Bartlett had an amazing season at the plate. He increased his power and got on base routinely, all while playing a not too shabby shortstop. Plus I shared an elevator with his wife and son, and let’s just say he is a very lucky man.
Ben Zobrist decided to show the baseball world that he’s got this game figured out and he’s not going anywhere.
Evan Longoria started out blazing hot, and eventually cooled. It’s obvious he has the talent to be an MVP in the future though.
Carlos Pena’s story is hard to classify. Is it fantasy, he did hit 39 homeruns and didn’t even play the last month of the season. Or is it tragedy, because he only hit about that many singles and he snapped two fingers?
Carl Crawford’s guide to a great year in left field is a best seller. Hopefully we’ll get to read the sequel next year.
Jeff Niemann also quietly put together a great rookie campaign. Let’s hope he can build on it next year.
Then there were the few, the tired, and the weary. James Shields and Matt Garza didn’t have bad seasons they just were not nearly as sharp. Let’s hope they get some much needed rest and come back strong next spring.
Now on to the sad stories…
BJ Upton’s was perhaps the saddest of them all. This kid has enough talent to carry this team if he can find a way to put it all together. It was very hard to watch him struggle. I only hope we can watch his epic comeback next season.
Navi also struggled. That is putting it mildly. Only he can write the next part of his story. I hope he puts in the work.
Pat Burrell’s got some ’splaining to do. I would prefer he does it with his bat in about six months time. If he can’t, I hope to see his butt on the bench and Willy Aybar’s cracking bat in the line-up.
The most painful story of the Rays season by far was of course the collapse of the bullpen. It actually caused this blogger to seek therapy in college football, while watching the Rays with my hands over my eyes.
The coaching is hard to summarize. My personal review is that Mr. Maddon is loyal to a fault, and it hurt this team this year. It aided to the fact that the team never put it all together. I understand wanting to encourage guys and show them support, but if it is at the expense of the team?? BJ Upton was left in the lead off spot for way too long. Andy Sonnanstine was given way too many chances. Pat Burrell was put in the line-up consistently and never proved that he deserved to be there. Several relief pitchers were marched out there time and time again even during their own personal suckfests. This is only my opinion, but I really feel that it hurt the team this season.
The most puzzling story is the one where the hitting coach is let go and the pitching coach stays??
Remember even though this season is in the books there are many exciting stories to look forward to next season. Young kids who could save the world. Okay, I might be getting a little dramatic now…
As for Her Rays, this season mirrored the team’s. After an epic rookie year that was very exciting, this blogger suffered a bit of a let down this year. Real life seemed to get in the way a little more, and as a result the performance lacked. I still had a great time, and I have the Rays to thank for that.
I’m not sure what the future will hold for this blog. Either I will work really hard this off-season and make the team out of spring training or I might be designated for assignment. Thank you to those of you who stopped by. I appreciate it. A special thanks to those of you who were nice. Yes, I found out these internets can be a cruel place. Oh, and a very special thanks to the Professor at Rays Index for all of your support.
Have a happy off-season. If I’m not here in the spring, you can find me at a Rays game. Go Rays!
Topics: Uncategorized | 8 Comments »
She’s just not that into you, but…
By Jessica | October 3, 2009
Yesterday I realized something. Even though I haven’t been that interested in the Rays, they only have three games left this season. Three games before they are out of our lives for the winter. Knowing how much I will miss those guys, I decided to appreciate them for the final weekend.
The Rays definitely didn’t live up to their potential this season, but a couple of guys have had great years and they deserve some kudos. Yes I’m lookin at you Zobrist, Bartlett, Crawford and Niemann.
So I went out to support the team and man was I ever rewarded. BJ Upton hit for the cycle! The first Rays player to ever hit for the cycle. He had a great game and it was great to see. Yes I was one of the many fans who wondered if BJ would have found his stroke earlier in the season if the ending would have been written differently.
Here’s hoping they have a great weekend. Enjoy them, two more times. Maybe they can collect some magic for next year. Go Rays!
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Senioritis
By Jessica | September 24, 2009
Remember when you were in high school and there were only a couple of weeks left of school and everybody had senioritis. They were just coasting until school was officially over. Yeah well I have a case of something similiar in regards to the Rays wrapping up the season.
I’m still going to games and watching them on TV but I’m not really into it. It might have something to do with being traumatized by rattle drums, but I’m not even phoning it in. I’m already dreaming of the off season and what kind of moves the team might make. By the way these dreams all revolve around a bullpen overhaul with a side of Joe Mauer.
I even tried to watch the Durham Bulls the other night when they were on ESPN. Hellickson and Jennings were a treat to watch. I hope to see them with the Rays next season, but when they brought in the relief pitcher and he started giving up homeruns, I had to look away. Especially since the Rays pitchers were doing the same thing on the other channel. I’ll suffer through, but it is definitely time for a new season with fresh hope.
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Reid My Lips…The Rays Won. Oh, and TICKETS!
By Jessica | September 15, 2009
It was a little scary there in the beginning, and the end is always scary with the state of the bullpen, but they managed to beat the Orioles and end the skid.
Reid Brignac had a mind to win the damn game himself if he had to. He went four for four and looked good on defense too. Really makes me wonder what next season will hold when it comes to the shortstop position.
Okay Rays fans, I have eight tickets I need to sell. (fundraiser)
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Toronto Blue Jays
Sun, Sep 20, 2009 1:38pm
Baseline Box Section 134 Rows L &M
$19.00 (less than face value)
If you are interested reply to this post or email me at jessica@herraysbaseball.com.
Six reasons to buy these tickets.
1. You would be supporting youth baseball which might end up helping the Rays someday in the future.
2. Minus the recent slump this hasn’t been a terrible season and the Rays could use our support in their final home games.
3. Aki rattle drums! Oh good lord, maybe that’s not such a good reason.
4. The kids. Hopefully Maddon will be playing the kids and we’ll get a look at the future of the Rays.
5. It’s your chance to hold up a sign encouraging Joe to return to the gray. Make sure to include something about “It’s time”
6. Because deep down you still love them! Go Rays!
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Rays Fans Need Off-day More Than the Team Does
By Jessica | September 9, 2009
Jeff Niemann needs to channel his inner Red Forman.
Grant Balfour - “Jeff, I’m really sorry man. How about I take you out to dinner?”
Jeff Niemann - “How about I put my foot in your ass!”
Topics: Game Diaries | 4 Comments »
Painfully Dorky
By Jessica | September 8, 2009
Painful - Watching the Rays and their inability to stop the other team from scoring runs late in the game. I’m not sure I can take much more.
To ease your pain, maybe my dorky story will cheer you up. So I’m watching tennis tonight when the ticker catches my attention. It reads Lincecum scratched back. My response was of course, “Why can’t Lincecum pitch with a scratched back?” Yep, I’m a DORK.
Topics: Uncategorized | 3 Comments »
An Apology to Mr. Davis
By Jessica | September 7, 2009
Dear Wade,
I’m really sorry I wasn’t able to watch your first game with the Rays. It is something I’ve been looking forward to for a very long time. However I had other plans and after watching the bullpen throw away two games I didn’t know if I could stomach any more.
Anyway it seems you were totally awesome! Congratulations on what should have been your first big league win. I hope you know how much this Rays fan appreciates your performance.
I’m very sorry that the Rays bullpen has a severe case of suckisitis. That must have been a very hard way to be brought back down to reality.
I have no explanation as to why those relievers were even asked to pitch again this weekend. Maybe Mr. Maddon thought that the third time would be the charm? Perhaps he thought they could maybe get lucky and hold a game? Yeah, not so much. They should be embarrassed. I’m pretty sure Ben Zobrist could do a better job.
JP Howell is broken or something. He doesn’t even look confident anymore, yet Maddon keeps marching him out there. Since his blown save in Seattle he has been horrible. Last year he made me nervous against right handed batters, well since August five of the seven hits he’s given up to blow the save have been to right handers. Three of those were homeruns. That’s not to mention all of the walks and wild pitches. He’s literally painful to watch at this point. Oh and don’t get me started on Grant Balfour!
So I’m sorry your display of excellent pitching was followed with huge disappointment. Everyone tells me those three games meant nothing anyway, but there’s a big what if there, and it bums me out.
I promise to watch your next start. I wish I could promise the bullpen would do better.
You rock,
Her Rays
Topics: Game Diaries | No Comments »
GRRRRRR!!!!
By Jessica | September 5, 2009
Twice the Rays had a chance to move up in the wild card standings. Twice the bullpen blew chunks! Grrrrr!!
Bring in the frigging kids! They can’t do any worse! Matter of fact I have a friend who wants to know where he can try out? His theory is for five hundred grand he could give it the ole college try. He’s pretty sure he could even throw wild pitches and walk people.
Two games! They could have moved up two games, and to make matters worse Andy Roddick lost.
Time to start drinking…
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Confessions of a Raysaholic
By Jessica | September 3, 2009
Even though it doesn’t seem like it around here lately, I am still addicted to the Rays. I love these guys, but they really have me torn this year between good baseball sense and basic emotions.
For example, I love Andy Sonnanstine and he’s really handsome but I did not want him on the mound Tuesday night. I wanted Kazmir. When I use my good baseball sense I know the Kazmir trade was smart, but my basic emotions thought the timing stunk because I wanted him to pitch against Lester. I wish Scott well and I hope he gets a tan or something because he definitely looks better in blue.
BJ Upton also had me torn. He is so great on defense and there’s nothing better than watching him gun down runners. However I hear a sucking sound every time he comes to the plate. Now last night he looked much better and I’m hoping he’s turning it around, because I was really starting to think they should pinch hit for him in big situations. Come back to us Beej!
JP is causing me stress too. Now is not the time for our bullpen savior to fall apart. Send him to the guru stat!
Pat the Bat I thought you blew, but you can hit the ball, who knew!
Welcome back Mr. Longoria. Perfect timing, now lose the beard. I say that with nothing but love.
Team Barty! WooHoo!
So what’s the biggest Rays question in my pea sized brain? Are they still in it? Tuesday I said no, Wednesday I said maybe so??? What’s a girl to think? Go Rays!
Oh and Mr. Perez’s mustache is a thing of beauty. It reminds me of someone???
Topics: Uncategorized | 3 Comments »
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