HER RAYS!

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!

Once again the Rays front office proved why they make the big bucks, and we just sit in our mom’s basement typing in our pajamas.  Many different names were being thrown around to fill the Rays right field spot, but none of them were Matt Joyce.  I think this is a brilliant move.

I must wish Edwin Jackson well.  He was a big part of the Rays success this year and I hope he knows the fans appreciate his efforts.

Brilliant, I tell ya.  First, they didn’t trade Sonny.  He had me at ALCS.  Not to mention, he rocks when it comes to inter-league play.  It wouldn’t surprise me if he could play right field!

Second, they went with a young guy who has tons of potential.  Matt Joyce totally fits the Rays mold.  He’s going to have no problems fitting in.

Third, he’s super cute.  The genius that is Katie from Those Girls tracks teams based on their baseball abilities and their swoon worthy factor.  I think this trade puts the Rays right off her chart.  Can any other team compare?

So now I wonder what they are thinking for the DH vacancy?  Should we all chip in so they can get Manny Ramirez?  Hopefully they’ll surprise us again.  Please no Abreu or Burrell.  I know, you can show me stats that these guys could really help the Rays, but they still bug me.  Things don’t always have to be logical.  Just like I could care less about Jason Bartlett’s stats.  The fact is when he was playing the Rays won games and I didn’t scream at the TV.  Sometimes you have to go with your gut.

Who’s going to be the odd man out?  Gross is definitely not DH material, so are they just going to decide at Spring Training whether they should keep him around?  Any chance Rocco comes back?  Please Mr. Friedman this is serious.  I named my dog after the guy.

Best wishes to Jonny Gomes.  It was a blast.

One more thing.  I’d like to thank DRaysbay and Rays Index for giving up their lives to keep us informed of all the latest Rays news.  I toast you regularly during the offseason.  Go Rays!!

Brilliant!

Goodbyes,  High Fives, and Birthday Greetings. 

Good luck to Jonny Gomes who was sent down today.  He is a one person pep rally, and if there’s another brawl the Rays are really going to miss him.

The Rays finally rocked Cleveland 4 – Tampa 8.

High fives all around tonight.  The offense was rockin.  BJ made a game saving spectacular catch.  He deserves like an elaborate hand shake high five.  Fist bump to Gabe Gross who’s had some nice hits lately.  Longo, Pena, Navi, etc. nice night with the bats.  

Scouting report must be out on Grant Balfour?  Bullpen came through again though.

Happy Birthday to Crawford and Hinske!  We’re glad you guys were born.

So they scored a bunch of runs tonight, then they’re going out to celebrate the boys’ birthdays, and tomorrow is a day game.  Any chance they’ll win the series?  Someone send Kazmir home early please.   Go Rays!!

Closers or Openers??

The Rays won a doozy this afternoon in extra innings.  Final score Detroit 5 – Tampa 6.  Some thoughts on the game…

When I turned on the TV there was some bizarro cartoon involving the Rays and an ice cream lady.  I came into it in the middle so I was a little confused.  Was it funny?  My reaction was basically “What the heck was that?”

In the second inning Joe Magrane was talking about how Polanco is a gold glove second baseman.  Then he called him a very heady player.  I almost spit out my soda.  If you’ve ever taken a good look at Polanco, he is indeed very heady!

Longo legs out a single on a ground ball to third.  He actually looked swift.  Let that be a lesson to all the slackers out there.

In the third the Rays had a pop up problem.  A ball was hit to shallow right, Aki made his way out there and Hinske was coming in, but neither caught the ball.  I have no idea whose ball it was, but that runner ended up scoring later in the inning which is frustrating.  Barty made a nice line drive catch and doubled off Guillen to stop the madness.

In the fifth Polanco doubled and Ordonez drove him in.  2-0 Tigers.

Polanco doubled again in the seventh and that was the end of Shields day.  Which was a very good day by the way.

Bottom of the 7th BJ ground rule doubled.  Total bummer since he was diggin for three.  Yes he was hustlin.  Love it.  Pena drove him in.  2-1 Tigers.

Balfour finished the 7th and then came out for the 8th.  I think he gets a little too pumped up.  Sheffield got himself into a full count, and Grant was getting more and more into it, at which point he pitched it hard but it was right over the middle of the plate.  He’s not going to be able to blow it by everybody.  Had he kept that ball down he would have struck him out, instead Sheffield crushed it out of the stratosphere.  3-1 Tigers.

Bottom 8th – Hinske gets one right back.  Home-run! 3-2 Tigers.  Barty strikes out, it happens.  Aki singles.  BJ Upton hit a two run homer to give the Rays the lead.  So awesome.  He’s heating up.  3-4 Rays.

Percy comes out in the 9th with a one run lead, so what does he do?  He gives up a first pitch home-run to Granderson.  So deflating.  Tie ball game. 

Nothing doin in the bottom of the 9th, and I mean nothin.  I think Jonny Gomes struck out with out even swinging the bat.  That’s not going to get ya the walk-off celebration.  On to the 10th.

Percy out to work again.  He lays one in there for Miguel Cabrera and Crawford watches it fly.  No shit, he gave up another home-run.  5-4 Tigers.  He then managed to get a fly out, but followed it with two walks.  Miller came in to save his behind, and actually did just that.

Bottom of the tenth, better known as wack a Ray.  Aybar walked.  Bartlett tried to pull back from a bunt attempt, but took it off his index finger.  On his right hand.  Not good people, Barty has a boo boo.  It looked pretty nasty when he removed his batting glove.  Everyone send him good vibes tonight.  Last time this team was without Barty, they went into a downward spiral, and I was sad since I love him. 

Maddon brings Riggans in to pinch hit for Bartlett.  Next thing ya know, Riggy’s layin on the ground.  He took a pitch to the chest.  It was actually really scary.   You have to love him too, he just tried to catch his breath, shook it off and went to first base.  Aki comes up and lays down the perfect sac bunt and moves the boys over.  Sweet two guys in scoring position, one out.  BJ draws a walk, a questionable walk, but a walk is a walk.  Walk much?  Bases loaded.  Crawford singles, run Rays run.  Aybar scores, but Riggy has to stop at third since he didn’t get a good jump.  Tie ball game. 

Bases loaded again, only 1 out.  Longo strikes out.  Two outs.  Oh and I really want the game to be over since I hate sitting there for so long during the day.  It’s all up to Pena, and he delivers.  The walk off walk!  Rays sweep.  Detroit 5 – Tampa 6.

Once again Percy blows the save but the Rays still win?  He’s a lucky SOB. 

Tomorrow night it’s time to rock Cleveland.  Let’s hope Garza can out-duel Lee, he seems to like a challenge.  Go Rays!!

photo from yahoo sports

100 down, 62 to go!

The Rays picked up another series win today.  Sure would be great if they could keep doing that. 

Shields was really good again, pitching into the ninth.  He’s been so solid at home.

Two guys that I have love/hate relationships were instrumental in the big win.  Gomes and Zobrist.  Both of these blokes are pretty bad in the field, and then right when you’re ready to kick them to the curb, they come up with a home run in a big situation.  It’s like picking the petals off of a daisy.  I love him, I love him not.

Then there’s Percy.  Who almost blows the save, but then doesn’t.  His record says I should have confidence in him, but I just can’t do it.  Sue me, girls are emotional creatures.

Rays win!  Oakland 3 – Tampa 4.

Party, Party, tomorrow’s the return of Barty!

The team has been in a bit of a funk since he left, so it will be good to have him back.  Also, it’s better for my eyes!

Go Rays!!

Since the Rays are on the road again, and I am on a road trip, I got to thinking…What would the guys be like on a road trip in a VW microbus?  Besides crowded.

This is what comes to my warped mind.

Kazmir giving Shields a manicure.
Garza hopped up on sour patch kids playing video games.
Sonny picking crumbs out of his beard.
Edwin Jackson reading poetry.
Navi making the bus driver stop at every Dunkin Donuts, so he can get his free donut.
Pena rubbing lotion on…Oops wrong fantasy.
Aki and his interpreter making fun of everyone else in Japanese.
Barty, Hinske, Floyd and Gross playing poker.
Hinske is trying to stack the deck.
Bartlett is using that poker face of his and stealing all their moolah.
Floyd going all in trying to win enough to upgrade his earring.
Gross smiling, just happy to be included, and getting a big hand when he needs it.
Longo twirling his gum and dreaming about the Longo ball.
Crawford assuming the role of the impatient kid.  “Are we there yet?”
BJ is way too cool for all this, so he ignores everyone and listens to his Ipod.
Gomes trying to get everyone fired up with sing a longs.
Percy trying to keep things under control.  “Don’t make me come back there”
I think we all know what Howell would be doing in the back of the van.  What’s that funny smell?
Maddon directing the driver to the next wine tasting.

Sounds like fun, I’m in.  Go 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!!

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!!

So much better than Sunday’s suckfest.

What a game!  Rays win!  Chicago 2 – Tampa 3.  Let’s relive it from my effed up perspective!

Way too much Cubs gear in the crowd.  I know there are a lot of duel fans.  You know Cubs fans since birth, Rays fans since moving to FL.  These people should be wearing their Rays gear.  The Cubs get tons of support at their home games and so should the Rays.  At the end everyone was cheering though.

Top 1st – Kazmir sits them back down 1, 2, 3.

Bottom 1st – Aki and Aybar strike out.  BJ walks but then gets thrown out stealing 2nd.  Really wasn’t even close.

Top 2nd – Kazmir walks one but gets three others out.

Bottom 2nd – Hinske grounds out.  Longo fouls out.  Clifford crushes one!  0-1 Rays!  Navi strikes out.

Top 3rd – Kazmir retires them in order.

Bottom 3rd – Gross base hit (you’d think I’d be used to it, but that still sounds funny), Bartlett base hit, Aki flies out, Aybar base hit, sweet bases loaded and only one out.  BJ taps one and they get Gross out at home.  Still bases loaded, but Hinske strikes out.

Top 4th – Kazmir walks one cub, but gets three others out again.

Bottom 4th – Longo and Clifford both fly out.  Navi gets a base hit, but Gross strikes out.  Man these pitchers are good.

Top 5th – Cubs wake from hybernation.  A strikeout followed by a base hit to center that ends the no hitter, followed by another strikout.  Then a chopper to the right side.  Aybar invades Aki’s space and it gets by both of them allowing a run to score.  Tie game.  So first and third with 2 outs.  Kazmir walks the next guy, ending his night.  He pitched great but he couldn’t always reign it in so his pitch count got away from him.  Balfour came in and got a huge bases loaded strikeout to end the threat.  HUGE.

Bottom 5th – Bartlett flies out.  He and Longo are scruffy.  This girl likes them better clean shaven, but probably wouldn’t be picky if it came right down to it.  Aki walks.  Aybar lines out.  BJ  base hit!  1st and 3rd, 2outs.  Hinske strikes out again.  Bummer dude.

Top 6th – Balfour retires the side.

Bottom 6th – What do they say?  Chicks love the Longo ball.  Well, this chick does!  1-2 Rays.  Cubs make some nice plays and we move on.

Top 7th – JP Howell I live without you, is in to pitch.  He strikes out the first two, and then is completely jinxed by Joe Magrane.  He couldn’t stop going on about how much JP means to this team, and Bam! a dude hits a double.  Navi’s got his back though.  He threw the guy out stealing 3rd.

Bottom 7th - Aki hits a chopper and the cubs pitcher throws it into right field, so Aki ends up a third.  Woohoo!  Aybar lines out again.  BJ walks.  Hinske finally decides he’s not going to leave all these runners on base and gets a base hit to score Aki.  1-3 Rays.  Longo hits a fielders choice and they get BJ at home.  I was surpised he was running, but then it’s BJ we’re talking about.  Jonny Gomes takes one for the team, and it’s bases loaded for  Navi.  He hits it all the way to the warning track, but some annoying Cub caught it.

Top 8th – Wheeler gets them in order.  Yep, he avoided the drama.

Bottom 8th – Gross fouls out.  Bartlett doubles.  Love him.  Then he steals third.  Double love, but the Rays leave him stranded.

Top the 9th – Percy in to show no mercy, except he did.  Started with a fly out.  Great catch by Ruggiano.  No way Hinske catches that ball.  Next batter gets a base hit as does Fukodome.  Mercy Percy you’re makin me nervous.  2nd and 3rd 1out. 
Wild pitch scores a run!  2-3 Rays.  Ugh does anyone have any Rolaids?  Percy strikes the next guy out, and I started breathing again. 
Guy on third, 2 outs Jim Edmonds in to hit.  Another wild pitch but this one bounced back to Navi.  Way to close for comfort.  He walks Edmonds.  It’s seriously tense here.
1st and 3rd, 2 outs and the Cubs try the old squeeze play and it damned near worked!  Longo made a great grab and bounced the throw a little. but Aybar played it like the pro he is!  Rays win!

Let’s hope they play this good tomorrow, since this game was so fun.  Go Rays!!

Rock’em Sox’em Rays!

What the hell?  We knew there might be some drama in Boston tonight, but I didn’t expect a good old fashion brawl.

Was Crispy really surprised when he got hit by that pitch?  Cause the ESPN announcers from the night before pretty much told him to expect one in the numbers.  It hit him in the leg.  What is his problem?  Roid Rage?  Seriously he f*cked everything up. 

Now the Rays will be facing a bunch of suspensions.  Shields, Gomes possibly Navarro and Crawford.  Not good for a contending team!!

He also messed up things for his own team.  Karma came around.  Youkilis and Manny were spatting.  Jacoby might have hurt his wrist on a web gem catch in center.  Also Manny pulled up a little lame in a later at bat.

Sean Casey (the nicest guy in MLB) must be wondering why we can’t just all get along! 

The best revenge would have been to actually win the game, but nooo.  I suppose that’s a chick comment but oh well.

Let’s hope the Rays can get past all this hoopla and get back to winning baseball games, because any team that walks Julio Lugo that much doesn’t deserve to win.  Get out of Boston and focus on Texas.  C’mon Kazmir!

By the way Shields needs to take some lessons from Kyle Farnsworth on what to do when someone rushes the mound.  I would show you video but the move is so successful that MLB has removed the video.  Basically he grabs the assailant around the waist, lifts them off the ground and then body slams them.  It’s really awesome and much better than missing with a weak looking swing.

Hey welcome to the Rays Tim Beckham!  Do you have any martial arts skills?