This…
is not helping. Really, was a kleenex inducing ad necessary? You look way too cute in the picture and what’s with all the niceness? This would be way easier if you would just say “later sucka.” Just go be with your new buds. You can dance with Papelbon, hunt with Beckett, use Pedroia’s head as an arm rest, and feel free to smack Youkilis in the dugout. I think it’s customary.
I knew it was likely. I knew it could happen. It did, and it still shocked me. Rocco Baldelli is no longer a Tampa Bay Ray. The guy who made me the Rays fan I am today is not coming back. Not only is he not coming back, he’s going to Boston. Ugh!
Yeah so it’s been a long day. I’ve pretty much been through all the stages of mourning.
Denial – I’ve been in denial since the Rays didn’t pick up Rocco’s option. I even convinced myself that since many of the teams had dropped their interest, the Rays might find a way to bring him back.
Anger – I wasn’t mad at the Rays front office. They couldn’t afford to take anymore risks on the guy. Plus I like the thought of Joyce as the rightfielder, and Perez as the back-up outfielder. Not to mention the shiny new DH.
I couldn’t be mad at Rocco himself. He’s too stinkin nice. He didn’t know if he was ever going to play again. Now he’s the hometown boy. I’m so glad he was part of the Rays success last year. He really deserved it.
I had to be mad at somebody though. Those freakin Red Sox! I think Centerfield was on to something. Boston stole the one guy most Rays fans were attached to.
Bargaining – Let’s just say it’s a good thing I don’t have any authority when it comes to who should make up this team. I would have given up quite bit, not the farm, to secure that occasional back-up outfielder/DH. I had a package that was irresistible. They want outfielders, we’ll give them Gross, Zobrist and Ruggiano and we’ll even throw in John Gruden as a bonus. Just give us back the Woonsocket Rocket. Funny, I still think that’s a good deal! Maybe I never moved past denial?
Depression – This would be a hard stage to get past except they make drugs for it, and the Rays still have a really good team to look forward to. However, I will be revisiting this stage when I see Rocco in that other uniform. *shivers*
Acceptance – I’ll be working on this for most of the season. I wish Rocco nothing but the best. I’m telling you right now any Rays fan who boos him when he comes to the Trop should be tasered immediately.
If Rocco feels the need to make it up to me, it would be really cool if he could come out and play some beach volleyball with my friends. Clearwater Beach, most Saturdays, along the pier. They’ll be there all spring.
Acceptance will come with time. For some Rocco will soon be forgotten. However I will have something to remind me of him for many years… my puppy Rocco.
The Rays seem to have found the impact bat they were looking for. Word on the street is Pat Burrell will be leaving the NL champs to join the AL champs. So how do we feel about that?
Being a Gemini I’m often kind of two-sided, and this is definitely the case with Mr. Burrell. The sharp, business, girl who wears her glasses to look smarter knows this is a good move and a great get by the Rays front office. Pat’s numbers are better than Clifford’s were, and as good as the other free agent DH/outfielders. He’s great against left handed pitching and that was a big problem for the Rays last year. I mean, c’mon Jason Bartlett can’t do everything. If Burrell is to be used as strictly a DH, the Rays definitely improved their club. I’m really hoping I don’t ever see him in right field though.
On the other hand, the flip flop wearing girl who gets by on vibes and gut feelings, is really glad the Rays didn’t go for Giami or Abreu, but has no idea what to think of Pat Burrell. Philly fans got very frustrated with his streakiness. Plus, have you ever seen him run? Then there’s this picture.
I know he’s supposed to be this hunky guy and many chicks dig him, but all I can think of when I look at this picture is Ron Burgandy calling Veronica into his office so he can lift weights in front of her. Not good.
Then there’s this…
So here he’s cute enough, and he must be doing something right because his wife is very pretty. I just want to know one thing. Who’s responsible for that shirt??
Maybe his personality is what makes him so irresistible?
No kidding he gets bonus points for this picture. You gotta love a guy with some personality.
Only time will tell how Pat the Bat will fit in around here. 30HR and 100RBI will help his cause though. I guess I’ll just have to accept that not everybody can be as cool as Cliff Floyd. Go Rays!!
Last year my Rays-o-lution was to stay positive and try to see the potential in our last place Tampa Bay Rays. Well we know how that turned out. It wasn’t hard to stay positive at all since the Rays decided it was their time to shine…all the way to the World Series. So cool.
The whole year was pretty awesome. Mostly because we were virgins to the winning season.
Yep, we’ve been ruined forever. We waited a long time to see what all the fuss was about, and we were not disappointed. Winning rocks our worlds, and like most virgins we can’t wait to get right back to it.
So this year my Rays-o-lution is to stay as pure as I can. Don’t laugh, I mean as a fan! I want to enjoy every win, just like last year. I want to temper my expectations in order to achieve maximum pleasure. Go Rays!
note to self – cut back on smut books.
