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.