Yep the Rays finally got that Cleveland monkey off their backs.

The first game was really dumb.  Niemann did okay, but his night was shortened due to rain.  There was a delay and then they came out and played like an inning and a half only to have the game called.

Saturday was interesting.  Mitch Talbot started off the game unhittable, while David Price struggled.  As the game went on though David started to roll and Talbot started to get rocked.  The Rays found their power strokes and Zobrist powered them to the win in Cleveland.

Today Wavis was far from boring.  It seemed like he had runners on in every inning.  Give the big guy credit though he held them to two runs.  His defense was very helpful.  He should buy them a cheesecake or something.  Reid Brignac deserves the biggest piece, since he drove in three of the Rays runs with one swing.  Can he come out and play more now?

So the Cleveland curse has been broken.  Perhaps the Rays can work on the Friday night problem now?  Go Rays!

How many people were excited and planned ahead so that they could be in front of a TV for the game, only to realize that after all the ceremonies the game wasn’t going to start for another hour!  Anyway here are some of my thoughts.

Salma Hayek is gorgeous.  I want to look like her when I grow up.
White shoes don’t look so bad with white pants.
Jeter finally got rid of that flat top hair-do he sported forever.
Rod Carew threw one of the best first pitches I’ve seen.  Impressive.

David Price made me proud.  You know how when you have a new boyfriend and you think he’s really great, and you introduce him to your friends for the first time.  All you want is for him to make a good impression.  Well David did great.  He even made my friends jealous that they don’t have one.  How do you think he felt when Pujols stepped into the box?

This game was full of bizarre things, like Josh Hamilton grounding into a double play.
Cano’s defense brought on Uggla flashbacks.
No worries, Longo saved the day with his awesome glove skills.
I’m not even a Brewer’s fan and I was holding my breath when Braun made his diving catch.
More bizarro, Joe Mauer throwing the ball into center field when David Wright stole second.
Longo walks.  He’s not impressed by these all-star pitchers.  Especially when they airmail a throw to first and he ends up on third and eventually scores the only run for the AL.
Breaking news, Carl Crawford is fast.
Eventually the game gets more bizarre like when you’re trying to win and Ty Wiggington is brought in for Longo.  Huh?
So the game means something but the starters who are voted by the fans generally stay in for two at bats.  Then the reserves, who are at times better players than the starters are brought in sporadically to finish out the game. 
Congrats to Brian McCann on driving in the runs, and to Byrd for a fantastic play in right field to stop the AL in their tracks.
Soriano just keeps on keepin on.  I dig that about him.  Oh and cool sleeves.
The National League won but all in all it’s good to be a Rays fan.
RIP Mr. Steinbrenner and thanks for all that you’ve done in this area.

It’s that time of year.  I drove past Turner Field while the Rays were battling the Red Sox.  I drove past the home of the Cincinnati Reds the next morning.  Then yesterday we arrived in Tiger country.  Luckily the Tigers had the day off and the Rays were on MLB.  Rays win!  Two in a row.  Oh happy day!  Sue me I’m excited after watching them tank for a month.

Anyway I’m going to be a bit out of touch with the Rays for a couple of weeks.  I’ll try to pop in from time to time, but my hands might be sticky from the s’mores.  I could probably update you on the Tigers while I’m here, but that would be whacked.  Besides there’s a great site where you can do just that.  Just don’t stay too long because her place is way cool and you won’t want to come back around these parts.

Also I’ve been meaning to give a shout out to the Baseball Wives blog.  It’s a great place to go and remember that these guys aren’t just baseball players, they’re sons, and fathers, and husbands, and they have wives that keep it all together.  Nichole Johnson is the heart and soul of the blog, but many wives have contributed stories.  Her husband Elliot just made the all-star team.  I have some pictures of him at spring training.  Make sure you check their site.

Go Rays, keep up those winning ways!