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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 |
October 6th, 2009 at 11:16 pm
I was so excited to here about your analysis of the season because these are opinions that I have shouted at my friends for weeks now. Anyway, I’m just glad that someone else feels the same way about the managing, in particular, with Henderson leaving and Hickey staying. I love Madden, but I do think he puts too much faith in his favorite players. I understand it’s hard to balance, but as fans, it’s frustrating to see players continue to struggle instead of putting in other players who could get the job done.
Anyway, I’ve enjoyed reading your blog this season! Until next year…
October 7th, 2009 at 6:05 pm
Yeah, that had to be disappointing. After last year I figured they’d challenge if not win a wild card this year.
As for Pat (as a Phillies fan) I coulda told you so. He’s streaky at best and I wonder what happens now. I guess they’re into him for some big bucks, so he’ll probably be back, but what good is a DH who can’t H?
So, I’ll root for the Twins and Angels and likely be disappointed.
October 8th, 2009 at 9:48 pm
I’m bummed you might not upkeep this blog. You are witty and funny and I love reading your posts!
Best of luck to you if you’re not back.
October 9th, 2009 at 10:53 am
Leah and Ingrid, thank you. The original goal was to have this be a place to share the female perspective of Rays baseball. If I decide to do it again next year I’ll have to work harder on getting the word out.
Anthony,
I’m thinking Pat can’t do any worse next year, let’s hope he doesn’t prove me wrong. Just to make me feel better I think you should give us Cliff Lee.
October 9th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
Much better Jessica. Your last Blog left me flat (”I haven’t been that interested in the Rays”) and this one was very good. This was the 2nd best year that the Devil now Rays have ever had. Now let’s do a little tweaking and get back to the Post Season next year. I like you when your into the Ray’s
December 13th, 2009 at 10:04 am
Hope you have a happy holidays and that the off season has been going well for you. I wanted to wish you the merriest of holidays and hope that next year finds you well and hope your wishes come true. Thanks for all you have done here for the last few years.
best wishes
rob moates
December 17th, 2009 at 8:13 am
Let’s go Jessica, Your Rays have a lot going on.
December 22nd, 2009 at 11:06 am
Thank you Rob, and I hope your holidays are wonderful too.