HER RAYS!

Well Jason Bartlett set the table beautifully with a lead off home run. 

The meat and potatoes was provided by Wade Davis.  Rays fans are very spoiled to have a fifth starter that can hold the Yankees to two runs.  You gotta love the guy.

Defense was a key side dish to break things up.

The offense was gravy.  Lots of gravy.  Everyone contributed.  To the tune of 10 runs.  Rays fans haven’t been treated to that in a while.  Matter of fact their stomachs must not have been ready for it…

However it’s good thing they fattened up on gravy, because one of the Rays pitchers was too tired to serve.  Sonny, grrrrr. 

Benoit is a relief pitcher, he provided the Tums. 

Now it is definitely time for a nap so that we have a chance at handling the next course.  Go Rays!

The Rays keep on winning even when this blogger procrastinates. 

I missed the game on Sunday because I was watching kids play baseball.  Cliff Lee pitched a complete game and the Rays still won.  I didn’t really have too much to say about that except “Good on ya mates.”

Then yesterday the Rays squeezed out another win, but it was pretty late when they finished and I was falling asleep at the computer.  I figured since there was a day game in a few hours…

On to today.  Rays win.  Again.  They are totally ridiculous right now.  Half of the team is not even hitting well and they keep finding ways to win.

The pitching has been pretty great.  Even if they aren’t perfect they find a way to keep their team in the game.  Can’t ask for anything more than that.  The bullpen is pulling their weight too.  Ben Wha?  Been awesome.  Sonny has even been getting some big outs.

Pena had some big hits today, and BJ is smacking the ball it just happens to be right at someone.  Longo is on fire.  I can’t believe I’m going to say this but I agree with Kevin Kennedy that Longo should be the number three hitter. 

It feels weird not having anything to complain about.  Rays fans could get used to this.  Oh, I can think of one thing that annoys me.  Watching a third strike, with runners in scoring position.  Yeah I’m lookin at you Benny and Willy.  Those pitches were way too close to take.  Matter of fact the nickname Zorilla came about because Ben was an animal who was aggressive at the plate.  Time to let the Zorilla loose again!

Oh and from bummer central comes the news that JP Howell is probably done for a year.  There needs to be a full blown investigation here.  I need to know if I should be hating on Peggy Fleming for wrecking the boy’s shoulder.

Tomorrow the boys will face the big bad Yankees.  Let’s hope they just keep keepin on.  Go Rays!

What do you mean?  I wasn’t worried.  Were you?

After a dreadful first three at bats, the Rays showed us that they can hit a stinkin southpaw if they really want to.  Matter of fact to rub it in they turned it into what seemed like the longest game ever.  They cranked out 12 runs and gave the White Sox a whoopin.

Wade Davis showed us that he is a very valuable asset.  He walked three early and looked a little shaky, but ended up shutting the Sox down for six innings.  He probably would have worked deeper into the game but the offense wouldn’t let him back on the field.  I doubt he minded though since it was freaking cold there.

Sean Rodriguez showed us that his spring numbers weren’t a fluke.  He was 3 for 5 with a home run and 4 RBI.  If he stays hot Mr. Maddon is going to have a lot of decisions when making out his line-up card.

Mike Ekstrom and Andy Sonnanstine showed us that they can keep the shut-out in order.  Oh come on, you know you had your doubts.

Paul Konerko showed us that he is always dangerous.  Last night his bat was on fire.  Tonight he was trying to take guys out.  Our guys.  First he crunched Sean Rodriguez’s hand like a cockroach.  Then he whizzed a ball at the back of Longo’s melon.  Watch yourself tomorrow boys.

So everything I complained about the Rays proved they could do.  Hmmm what should I complain about tonight, maybe BASERUNNING.  Hopefully that will be fixed tomorrow.  Go 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!

Even though it doesn’t seem like it around here lately, I am still addicted to the Rays.  I love these guys, but they really have me torn this year between good baseball sense and basic emotions.

For example, I love Andy Sonnanstine and he’s really handsome but I did not want him on the mound Tuesday night.  I wanted Kazmir.  When I use my good baseball sense I know the Kazmir trade was smart, but my basic emotions thought the timing stunk because I wanted him to pitch against Lester.  I wish Scott well and I hope he gets a tan or something because he definitely looks better in blue.

BJ Upton also had me torn.  He is so great on defense and there’s nothing better than watching him gun down runners.  However I hear a sucking sound every time he comes to the plate.  Now last night he looked much better and I’m hoping he’s turning it around, because I was really starting to think they should pinch hit for him in big situations.  Come back to us Beej!

JP is causing me stress too.  Now is not the time for our bullpen savior to fall apart.  Send him to the guru stat!

Pat the Bat I thought you blew, but you can hit the ball, who knew!

Welcome back Mr. Longoria.  Perfect timing, now lose the beard.  I say that with nothing but love.

Team Barty!  WooHoo!

So what’s the biggest Rays question in my pea sized brain?  Are they still in it?  Tuesday I said no, Wednesday I said maybe so???  What’s a girl to think?  Go Rays!

Oh and Mr. Perez’s mustache is a thing of beauty.  It reminds me of someone???

The last two starting pitchers for the Rays seem to have come down with a case of long balls.  Not to be confused with blue balls.  This is very serious, for pitchers long balls can be fatal.

David Price had a mild case on Wednesday.  This was unsettling as it was presumed that he was immune.  However at the end of the game his pitch count was so good his prognosis is upbeat.

Unfortunately Matt Garza’s case was a little more serious.  He only gave up five hits.  Three of them were long balls.  Not good.  Especially since he wasn’t able to come up with a long ball when he was up to bat with bases loaded.  Even an infield squibber would have been welcome there.

Immediately following the game he was given plenty of fluids, since he seems to lose so much during the game.  The miracle cure would have been increased offense, but his guys couldn’t come through for him.  So the treatment plan is to try to transfer the ailment to the position players.  Positive vs. Negative long balls.  You see long balls can be very beneficial for them.  Especially right now when they are fighting a case of LOB.

Don’t worry all other pitchers will be quarantined.  Extra special care will be taken with Sonny since he is particularly suseptible to long balls.

Take Care Rays.  May all your long balls be positive.

The Rays didn’t seem to have any problems with the altitude.  Everybody was hitting and they easily put a stop to the Rockies hot streak.  If someone could beat the stinkin Red Sox, the Rays might finally gain some ground!

Anyway that was a fun game, in that it seemed like a sure thing.  What do you suppose was the source of Rays power?  I believe Mr. Maddon gets the credit once again.  You see he required Western wear for the road trip.

Yep, those are your Tampa Bay Rays.  That is genius!  The Heater has a better look at the picture, and for more individual looks check out FSflorida’s facebook page.

A few comments:
I don’t know why I’m surprised, but BJ even makes western look good.  Mmmm.
James Shield’s belt buckle is ginormous.  I feel like maybe he’s trying to compensate for something since Joe Nelson entered the locker room.
Todd Kalas should win an award.  I think he stole his jacket from Anne Hathaway’s character in Brokeback Mountain.
Sonny looks like a dangerous cowboy.  The Duke!
Gabe Gross seems like he just pulled that flag shirt out of his closet.  It suits him.
It’s funny how a couple of the guys have matching shirts.
Matt Garza starring in Hollywood Cowboy.
Where in the hell did they find huge and enormous chaps for Niemann?  I have to admit, I’m a little frightened.
Who’s wearing the 15 gallon hat?

Let’s hope they can harness this power and take down the Rockies again tonight.  Go Rays!

Thanks Karen!

All in all a split with the Yankees is not so bad right now.  The Rays aren’t necessarily fielding their star players.  You could even be pretty stoked about them beating CC Sabathia.

I can’t lie though, I am on edge watching the later part of these games.  The bullpen is severely lowering the comfort level.  I have no confidence in them what so ever, and I really don’t want to be that fan again.

What is the plan going forward?  Do they need to see the team shrink?  Do the Rays seek replacements?  Do they just keep going to these guys even if they can’t get the job done?  I mean the Rays are fielding their B team and they are getting the job done, until the bullpen comes in and blows it.  Saturday the offense had to beat Mo Rivera in order for the Rays to get the win!

A good friend of mine thinks they should be fired.  For him it’s simple, they are getting paid to do a job and they are flat out not getting it done.  Give them a couple of chances and then find someone else.  Why not? Sometimes, like this weekend, it is easy to get on board that train of thought.

One thing is for sure.  If the Rays want to compete in this division the bullpen needs to step up their game.  Stop the sucking!

I hope tonights game is a little more comfortable to watch.  I know, don’t hold my breath Sonny’s pitching, and the relief corps will be deployed. 

Please for my sanity let Longo play!  Go Rays!

Is it my fault? 

I wanted the Rays to find a way to get Aybar’s bat in the line-up, and Pat the Bat got a kink in the neck.
I wanted Price to be brought up, and Kazmir got hurt.
I wanted Percy gone, and now he is.
I wanted Zobrist to get more playing time, and Aki got the Tom Brady treatment.
I’ve always wanted to see Brignac in action, and now Barty is gone.  Barty.  Excuse me while I wipe the tears off my face.

Yes I’m aware that the world doesn’t revolve around me, but just in case here are some other things I want.

The Rays starting pitching to find their groove.  Price is so good that when Kazmir comes back all fixed the Rays will have a tough decision between Niemann and Sonny for the 5th spot.
Navi becomes a doubles machine again.
Brignac fills in so nicely that when Barty returns and keeps putting up insane numbers, Reid slides over and becomes the starting second baseman.
Longo goes on a tear again.
Pat comes back with a hot bat.
CC keeps stealing bags and scoring runs.
BJ gets it going on offense.  Making the Rays 1 thru 4 pretty unstoppable.
Zobrist and Gross keep the magic alive, sending Kapler packing.
The bullpen isn’t orthodox, but they hold and save games.

Wow that would be like winning the lottery.  Kind of like last year.  C’mon Rays!

Oh and I also want them to get the hell out of Cleveland, where they are obviously cursed.

That was for sure the strangest game of the season.  First it starts off with a line-up problem.  A problem that nobody clued the viewer in on.  So we watched people walk around and huddle up.  All while Staats and Kennedy speculate on what’s going on.  Their first instinct was the Indians pitcher was wrong in the lineup.  Frankly I wanted him to pitch.  He is cute and it was his first game back after being broken.

Alas the problem was actually with the Rays line-up.  They had two third baseman.  The Indians wisely questioned the line-up after Zobrist played the top of the first at third base.  Longo was supposed to DH, but because of the clerical error Sonnanstine would now be batting third.  Longo would be able to come in later.  Total entertainment.

Mr. Maddon this was the baseball gods trying to tell you something.  Longoria should be playing third base.  He does not need a day off.  He is twenty three years old and he’s a stud.  You’re pretty lucky this didn’t bite you in the ass.

He is also very lucky that Sonny is the best hitter in the starting rotation.  This would not have been cool if Niemann was pitching.  Okay it might have worth a couple of laughs.  Sonny stroked an RBI double.  Nothing better than pitchers hitting.  I hope no NL teams were watching they might find Sonny quite attractive.  In a different way than us female fans of course.

I have one serious question from this afternoon though.  If the Indians Francisco consistently pounds Sonny why didn’t they just walk him after Sonny got behind in the count???

Hernia had another big double driving in some runs.  I wonder if Navi’s jealous?

Barty is still hot, in every sense of the word.

CC made a miraculous catch at the wall.  He didn’t really catch it but…  That was a sucky call for the Indians and they were very frustrated.  Rays fans probably understand that as much as anyone.

Just when things were getting dull, the Tribe tries to hit BJ.  Twice.  Then since there was no warning issued Maddon made his displeasure known.  That’s when Victor Martinez started shooting his mouth off again.  Well Carl Crawford wasn’t having any of that so he flew out of the dugout and chaos ensued.

Erik at DRaysbay makes an excellent point.  It’s starting to feel a lot like 2008.  The walk-offs and the fist fights warm our hearts.

Now if someone could please take down those Blue Jays.