HER RAYS!

Rays win round one!

Boston 4 – Tampa 5!  Rock on.

BJ Upton started it all with a first pitch homer.  So should he be a lead off hitter or a clean up hitter!

Lowell drove in a run in the fourth to tie it up, but Gabe Gross turned around and crushed a two run homer in the bottom half of the inning.  It was a no doubter.  Like Gwen Stefani.  I crack myself up.  Gross sure seems to have big games when the Rays need it.  He was showing his socks tonight, does it makes him look faster.

Navi threw a beauty to get Moss stealing in the fifth.

Pena hit a double and Aybar scored all the way from first to make it 1-4 Rays.

In the top of the 6th I thought Shields had Drew struck out, but he didn’t get the call.  I had a feeling…then Drew hit one to the seats in right.  Mother Scratchin Umpire.  2-4 Rays.

Shields gave up a basehit to the Lowell, who was on tonight, and a walk in the 7th, so that ended his night.  His night was stellar by the way.  Miller came in and gave up a walk.  Then Balfour finished out the inning.

Aybar had a pretty sac bunt in the 7th to move CC over.   Pena and Longo both walked.  Could we get that pitcher again tomorrow please?  He walked three and almost threw it away on the bunt attempt.  So bases are loaded, one out.  Maddon decides to bring in Gomes instead of Hinske.  Gomes hits a double play ball, but hustles it out, and the run scores.  2-5 Rays.

They bring Wheeler in for the 8th.  I was surprised Balfour didn’t pitch some more, but what do I know really.  Wheeler got three quick fly outs.

Percy takes the ball in the 9th because this gamed needed some more drama right?  First batter, Manny Ramirez.  No problem, he strikes himout.  Then Lowell, did I mention he’s hot tonight, doubles.  Youkilis hits a hard grounder to third.  Longo dives and knocks it down, but there’s no play.  Moss then hits a fly ball to right, but it hits a rafter or something in the roof and becomes a double which scores a run.  3-5 Rays.

So now there are men on 2nd and 3rd with one out.  Varitek steps up and hits a sac fly to right.  Gross is actually able to catch this one.  Another run scores 4-5 Rays.

To add to the drama, Percy is hopping around like his hamstring is grabbing?  Maddon comes out to check on him.  Percy wants to go.  Maddon says “I don’t like it.”  Percy says GFD.  Yeah he’s pissed.  Thankfully Maddon is reasonable and doesn’t let him stay in.  Matter of fact he had to tell him “that’s enough.”  I for one am thrilled because I’m not comfortable with Percival in one run games.  It’s purely emotional, but other guys make it easier on my guts.

Howell gets to come in with the tying run on third.  Fabio Lugo up to bat.  He of course had to take it to a full count, at which point I told JP that all my love for him would be gone if he walked Julio freakin Lugo.  He got him to line out to short!  Rays win!  I love JP Howell!

Let’s hope for a repeat performance tomorrow, from the first place Rays.  That’s pretty cool to type.  Go Rays!!

Time to stop the madness!

The Rays won again today.  They won another series.  They are back in first place in the AL East.  If the White Sox can beat the Cubs tonight, the Rays will have the best record in baseball again.  That’s all fine and dandy but they’ve got bigger fish to fry, and no I’m not talking about the Red Sox.

The beards have got to go!  It will not jinx them.  They were winning without them.  They are playing so great that the fans will come but if they want to expand their female fanbase they need to get back to their fine selves!

Thankfully some of the prettier Rays have decided to boycott.  Yes I’m looking at you BJ.

I bet Riggy would grow one if he could, but he’ll always have that Kirk Cameron face.  That makes him a great back-up catcher.  He’s quick on defense, he has had 5 RBI’s in his last two games, and he’s really cute.  Do any other teams have a back-up catcher that can hold a candle to him?

Sonny did a great job today, but I hardly noticed because I was so distracted by his beard.  It’s getting really thick, and sucking all of his hotness away.

Longo has been on fire, and I love him but there is no way his girlfriend likes that scraggly, patchy stuff growing on his face.

Navi’s is just humorous.  I want to take him with me to the Amish restaurant in Sarasota.

Barty doesn’t have a beard, but it looks like he grew his sideburns a little longer so that he didn’t feel left out.  Oh by the way, I’m calling it right now, Bartlett will hit one out against the Red Sox.  (I know, really going out on a limb)

So how do we stop this madness?  We go to the source.  Rocco Baldelli.  These guys are growing beards to show Rocco support on his comeback.  Rocco used to look like this.

Now he looks like this.  Alright, that’s not Rocco, but it proves my point.  Even Brad Pitt can’t pull of this kind of beard!

So Rocco I’m begging you, please shave.  You are a great looking guy.  Don’t hide it.  We will support you no matter what, but it sure would be nice to have the Rays winning AND looking good!  Go Rays!!

Throw back game or throw away game?

Ever feel like you’re watching an experiment?  Or a test maybe?  Like Joe Maddon sent Glover and Hammel in to see if they could hang?  Glover could.  Hammel not so much.

Don’t get me wrong, the bats deserve some of the blame for this game, but it just felt curious at the end.

Anyway the Rays lost late at night after 13 innings.  Watching the other team celebrate the walk-off.  Something that we haven’t become accustom to this year.

Let’s hope they can pick up the series today.  Don’t let down guys!  Go Rays!!

You know what?  These guys can really play.

Didn’t get to see the game, but it’s sure nice to come home and see that score.  Rays 10 – Pirates 5.

One of my favorite bloggers and I share the opinion that you shouldn’t rant and rave about your teams stupendousness, lest you jinx them.  It’s really hard sometimes though.  Have you seen these guys!!!

Longo is on.  4-5 with another home-run.

Hinske brought in 3 with a home-run.

Carl superman Crawford is rakin.  3-5 tonight.

Kazmir was off a little? 

Let’s hope they can pick up another one tomorrow.  Go Rays!!

Holy crap that baseball guru is worth every penny!

The former Fresno State bulldog put on a show for his boys today.  Mr. Garza fit all the cliches.  He was in the zone, dialed in, bringin it, yada yada.  He was flippin superb.  9IP 1H 1ER   One away from the whole enchilada.

The Rays swept the Marlins.  Tampa 6 – Florida 1.

A commenter over at DRaysBay, I should look up who but I don’t feel like it, said that Evan Longoria is made of awesome.  He IS made of awesome, with a sprinkle of yummy on top.  He had two doubles and a home run today, the product of his awesomeness.

Riggy also had a good day knocking in three with a sac fly and a double.  His dad was even there to cheer him on.  How heartwarming.

Benny Zobrist had another home run, but I still want Bartlett back ASAP.

The Rays continue to amaze.  Let’s hope they can stay on target!  Go Rays!! 

OH BABY!

Oh baby, Happy Birthday to the Bartlett’s new son Jayden Anthony.  Even though most female fans don’t like to think of Barty as married with kids, we understand that such is life.  Congrats to the new parents, enjoy!  Also it would be fabulous if the little guy grew up to be a boxer since his initials spell JAB.

Oh baby, I hope Bartlett hurries back because Benny is no Barty.  I know he hit a home run, but his defense was not good.  Does anyone else think he looks like Zach Braff?

Oh baby, the Rays won big with the bats.  Tampa 15 – Florida 3.

Oh baby, were they ever sloppy with the gloves.  Again.  I hope this is just a little phase.  Maybe it’s just the Marlins field.  Either way four errors is about as good as Percy’s pitching last night.  Sorry I’m still stuck on that.  Four walks in one inning!

Oh baby, Carl Crawford is really coming around, which is always a good thing since the Rays seem to follow his lead.  He finished the night with two home runs and five RBI.  Super.

Oh baby, Longo is marvelous.  Love him.

Oh baby, Shields let the Rays hit the homeruns tonight, instead of the Marlins.  7 innings, and only one run.  Plus he had a walk, infield hit and an RBI.  James is greater!

Oh baby, I hope they left some in the tank.  It would be nice to sweep the Marlins this time.  Especially if someone could beat that Boston team.  Go Rays!!

Uh, Hello?

Is the bullpen phone only one way?  Is it possible for someone from the bullpen to call the dugout?  You know, to maybe inquire if the manager is actually there or to check if the phone is working. 

I got home late tonight and thought I probably missed the whole game, but it was top of the ninth.  I got to see Longo add some insurance runs.  Love him.  Little did I know how important these runs would be!

They called on Percy for the save.  He started off great.  Strikeouts are encouraged here.  Then something went awry.  He walked three straight batters.  Three.  This is where I would be checking to see if that phone is working.  I know he had a three run lead but he’s really off.  Maddon has scary faith in him though. 

Next batter hit a hard ground ball, and Longo made an ass saving diving stop and got the guy at second.  Run scored.  Rays 6 – Marlins 4. 

Okay two outs.  Percy walks another to load the bases.  This is where I’d be calling Maddon’s cell phone to ask him how much wine he drank today.  I mean isn’t there some sort of rule about if you walk four batters your done????  Scary faith.

In the end Maddon’s faith was justified.  Percy got a ground out to end the game.  Rays win 6-4.  So why do I feel like the Rays dodged a bullet?

Let’s hope they can do it again tomorrow.  Win that is, not scare the hell out of me.  Go Rays!! 

Ps.  What is up with the new trend of beards on this team?  Me no likey.  Navi’s has an Amish vibe going.  Did they lose a bet?

Houston 3 – Tampa 2.   

The Rays are here to stay
in Tampa Bay
but today
BJ didn’t play
and the bats went away
the Astros made them pay
Oy vey
but hey now they get a day
to nothing but lay
then I say
they get back to their way
of winning, okay?

–Shooter

Fabulous!

Well I followed the game on gamecast but since it wasn’t on TV, I waited until this morning to post so I could see some highlights on ESPN.  I hardly recognized the Rays in their throwback uniforms!  Raymond got some TV time this morning too.

Totally rad outing by the Rays on 80’s night.  Another walk-off win compliments of Gabe Gross.  Another chance to win a series.  Another chance to move into first place.  Astros 3 – Rays 4.

It’s such a blast following this team right now!  Let’s hope they can keep it going today.  Go Rays!!

This would have been a hell of a game for the Professors party.  Wonder how the concert was??

The Astros were due to win one.

The Rays had a little bit of a post Cubs let down, and the Astros had to win one sometime.  That’s how baseball rolls.  Or it could be that I’m over analyzing things and justify the loss.  Astros 4 – Rays 3.

Speaking of over-analyzing and justifying, according to the Tampa Tribune Matt Garza is seeing a well-known baseball psychologist.  Oh, to be a fly on that wall.

Baseball Guru:  So what seems to be the problem son?
Garza:  I get a little too amped up on the mound.
Baseball Guru:  Do you drink the Amp.
Garza: um, no
Baseball Guru:  Oh right, that’s my other client the race car driver.  Do you eat the Mounds?
Garza:  No, I don’t like coconut.  I thought you were a baseball guru?
Baseball Guru:  Baseball, racing, it’s all just left turns.
Garza:  Um, okay.
Baseball Guru:  So you just need to channel all that energy and concentrate.  My recommendation is to meditate and find your focus point.  Just don’t get too zen or you’ll end up like Barry Zito.  Have you seeked the advice of your peers?
Garza:  A few.
Baseball Guru:  And what gems did they have for you.
Garza:  Josh Beckett said I should just execute pitches.
Baseball Guru:  Not a surprise, that’s his answer for everything.
Garza:  Jonny Gomes said it made him feel better to punch Coco Crisp.
Baseball Guru:  Yes that would be good therapy for anyone.
Garza:  Carl Pavano told me to fake a glutes injury, but Derek Jeter gave me a boring and politically correct speech, so I didn’t.
Baseball Guru:  Yeah, the Yankees have their own issues to deal with.
Garza:  Jim Leyland told me to get it together or I’d be takin a ride on the D-train.
Baseball Guru:  Jimmy always did know how to cut the crap.  Did you consult A-Rod?
Garza:  Yep, he gave me a long list of people to ask for advice.  He seemed really honored that someone was asking him.
Baseball Guru:  I could see that.  We’ve spent a lot of time together.  So why do you get so emotional out there?
Garza:  It pisses me off when they hit my pitches.
Baseball Guru:  What does your catcher say?
Garza:  I can’t understand him, he doesn’t take his mask off.  I just say I got you, I got you.
Baseball Guru:  A couple of pitchers on your team have baseball themed names.  You know like Glover and Balfour.  Maybe that would work for you.  They could call you Mitt Garza.
Garza:  Do you get paid for this shit?
Baseball Guru:  Yep, isn’t that awesome.
Garza:  So what am I supposed to do?
Baseball Guru:  Quit over-analyzing everything.  Pitch it exactly where Navi tells you to and if they hit it, so what.  You have a great team.  They’ll pick you up.  Besides, you’re a major league baseball player, how cool is that?  Have some fun.
Garza:  Can I go now?
Baseball Guru:  Sure.  That will give me more time with Eric Gagne.

Go Rays!!