Tagged: B.J. Upton
Rays Up Two Games to One
“Boston Red Sox Pitchers” for $200: The guy considered by teammates to be the American League’s best pitcher. Answer: Who is Jon Lester?
“Boston Red Sox Pitchers” for $400: This left hander went 16–6 with a 3.21 ERA in 2008. Answer: Who is Jon Lester?
“Boston Red Sox Pitchers” for $600: This man no–hit the Kansas City Royals at Fenway Park. Answer: Who is Jon Lester?
“Boston Red Sox Pitchers” for $800: Closed out the 2007 World Series with a dominating performance in hitting–happy Coors Field. Answer: Who is Jon Lester?
“Boston Red Sox Pitchers” for $1,000: The man who got lit up like a bonfire by the Rays in game three of the 2008 ALCS. Answer: Who is Jon Lester?
I’ve swept the board. For that matter, so have the Rays, at least for one glorious evening. They destroyed the Red Sox 9–1 in enemy territory to take a critical two games to one series lead. Matt Garza came back from his Division Series implosion to pitch incredibly well in the biggest game of his life to this point. He went 6+ innings and allowed one run on six hits and three walks with five strikeouts. The Red Sox starter looked more like Jon Arbuckle than Jon Lester as he allowed five runs, four earned, in less than six innings. This included home runs from B.J. Upton and Evan Longoria that both cleared the Green Monster. Upton’s actually went beyond the wall, beyond the seats, and almost beyond the street. Did his labrum magically heal itself last week? He’s suddenly banging out Dave Kingman home runs at a rapid rate. He has yet to fail any drug tests. Rocco Baldelli and Carlos Pena topped off a game in which every starter had a hit with their own late home runs off Paul Byrd. For Rocco, it’s yet another confidence builder in his long road to recovery. Six months ago his career as a whole was in jeopardy, and look at him now. He’ll have what B.J.’s having.
Edwin Jackson pitched well in relief, lighting up the radar gun as high as 99 MPH. How did the Dodgers fail to make him a good late inning stopper? He looked like he had unlimited potential in that role. With David Price likely to join the starting rotation next year and maybe a spot (Troy Percival’s?) opening up in the bullpen, it’s likely Jackson may attempt this transition for the second time in his career. And hopefully the last.
I’ve also heard a growing vocal minority clamoring for a move to the bullpen by, of all people, Scott Kazmir. The chief complaint is that he doesn’t go deep enough into games, which is a very valid point. Leading the league in pitches per inning this year at over 18, Kazmir rarely sees the seventh and eighth innings. A host on The Killer B’s on ESPN 1470/1040 compared him to Dwight Gooden: unbelievable talent, overworked, psychologically burned out, talent gone. A lot of fans would like to see him as a closer. But with the stats Kazmir puts up as a starter — remember, he’s a two-time All Star — who could replace him? Jeff Niemann? Wade Davis? I don’t know about this issue and what direction it should go in. I’ll be thinking about it and researching it further. If we had another Price, the decision would likely be obvious. But there can be only one, so it’s much more difficult. I’ll render my verdict sometime before next season.
But pertaining to more immediate matters, the Rays have the momentum and the lead they needed to carry on to game four, where Andy Sonnanstine goes up against one–time Tampa Bay stopper Tim Wakefield. I think with his working pace and the way he throws strikes, Sonnanstine matches up well with the Boston lineup. We’ll see if I’m right and he can bring the lead to 3–1 and set up Shields to bring home the pennant. Until next time, go Rays.
ALCS Tied 1-1
Well, if it isn’t the Rays coming back to shock the baseball world again. That was the theme of game two of the ALCS against the hated Red Sox. Down by one game with Scott Kazmir going up against postseason master Josh Beckett, the Rays desperately needed to win a game before flying to Boston.
But first, there was game one, which was at times utterly unwatchable. The Rays had no offense — not even a hit until the seventh inning. James Shields pitched too well to lose. “Big Game James” proved his worth, even if nobody else did. Twice in the late innings they had runners on base with less than two outs, but the strikeouts and double plays that make the Rays ever so frustrating came back to bite them again. It was an embarrassment they would have to work double hard to avoid repeating.
Early on it looked as if the repeat would be happening. After retiring the first two hitters, Kazmir allowed a walk, a single and a two run double, all against hitters on whom he had two strikes. This bleak start was evened out in the bottom half when Evan Longoria waited on a hanging Beckett pitch and pulled it over the left field wall to make it 2–2. Just like game two in the White Sox series, Kazmir got in early trouble and the offense turned around to bail him out. B.J. Upton later showed his natural power once again with a towering home run that almost reached the Party Deck. Cliff Floyd hit his own home run to center field, at which point it was 5–3 Rays. But the Red Sox would come back yet again and take a 6–5 lead. Kazmir pitched 4.1 innings and allowed five earned runs. Beckett pitched the same inning total and gave up eight runs to the Rays, who took an 8–6 lead out of the fifth inning.
Just like all previous leads, however, this one was not safe. With the lead at 8–7 and the Rays four outs away from victory, Cardiac Dan Wheeler provided another example of why he is addressed as such. A 2–0 pitch flew over Dioner Navarro’s head to the backstop. Navarro rushed his throw to Wheeler at the plate, which bounced away to allow Dustin Pedroia (who already had two home runs off Kazmir) to tie the game. After that devastating turn of events, the Rays did get runners on base in the ninth inning. But to the surprise of nobody, Upton and Carlos Pena struck out to end that threat and move on to extra innings.
The tenth inning went by with very little happening. The Red Sox briefly threatened in inning number eleven, but they were quieted again by pre–rookie David Price to set up the bottom half. Wheeler pitched 3.1 innings, the longest he had gone since September of 2004 as a member of the New York Choke Artists Mets. Other than the wild pitch that scored the tying run, which was not his baserunner, he pitched very well given his circumstances. He kept the game tied and gave his team opportunities to win for as long as he could possibly stand it. The Rays responded with a leadoff walk by Dioner Navarro against Mike Timlin. (The same Mike Timlin who just barely closed out the 1992 World Series, and the same Mike Timlin who served up a game–winning three run home run to Carlos Pena last month.) Fernando Perez, who was narrowly kept on the roster (along with Edwin Jackson) over Eric Hinske, was called upon to pinch run. He was with the team for this sole purpose, and here was his opportunity. Another walk moved him into scoring position. This was where Perez’s presence would factor. He ran on a two–strike pitch to Jason Bartlett, who grounded out to third base. His jump on the pitch meant that the runners advanced to second and third base with only one out, which Navarro could not have done. The Red Sox intentionally walked Akinori Iwamura to get back to Upton. He hit a fly ball down the line, not very deep into right field. J.D. Drew positioned himself for the throw that could decide the game. With the blazing fast Perez running, he tagged up and tried to score.
Drew vs. Perez. Veteran vs. rookie. Dynamic all–rounder vs. one–trick pony. What postseason baseball is all about. Over 35,000 people watched as Drew’s throw bounced twice…very slowly…and fell up the line into Jason Varitek’s glove. Perez, once and for all displaying his value to this Rays team, slid past him and easily scored the winning run. Rays win 9–8, and the series is tied heading to Fenway Park. One of the greatest games in recent postseason history, and the longest only behind that grueling Braves vs. Astros slugfest in 2005, had finally come to an end. The Rays jumped around in celebration, then went to sleep for the next 18 hours.
They will have to get right back up tomorrow when Matt Garza faces left hander Jon Lester in a battle of young firearms. Can the Rays take over the series lead and keep that momentum swing in their favor? I like their chances. And so does a 12–year–old kid from Palmetto, Florida. He is such a dedicated Rays fan that he got a mohawk haircut to identify with the team. When his middle school suspended him (wrongly, in my book), the kid actually moved to St. Petersburg. Then he got to meet the Rays before an ALCS game. True story. Until next time, go Rays.
Rays Moving On Up to the East Side
And the deluxe apartment comes in the form of the Rays’ first ever playoff series victory. In their very first postseason appearance, they shut down the Chicago White Sox three games to one to earn their spot in the American League Championship Series, starting this Friday on TBS. The first two ALDS home games reportedly sold out in 25 minutes, proving once again that there is indeed a Rays fanbase and that just about everybody else was wrong. But we’re not bitter or anything.
In fact, it’s one big jubilee in the Tampa Bay Area. The Rays are being celebrated with team apparel and merchandise being sold in droves and proudly displayed in public. This is a first for any team not called the Buccaneers. (Notable exception: 2004 Lightning.) The team and its group of loyal fans stayed up and positive after the game three Matt Garza loss to John Danks. Persistence eventually paid off at U.S. Cellular Field when Andy Sonnanstine, who has always been strong against the White Sox, far outpitched 17 game winner Gavin Floyd en route to a 6–2 victory. B.J. Upton’s 2007 power swing reappeared as he hit a home run in the loss, then followed it up with two more off Floyd — whom he faced in high school — in his first two at–bats of the fourth game. I want to see him next season when his torn labrum is repaired. I think he’ll be universally feared then.
It was Grant Balfour’s strikeout of Ken Griffey, Jr. that finally sealed the series win for the Rays. As Don Orsillo, whose regular job is TV commentary for the arch rival Boston Red Sox, called it, “Struck him out… the Rays, their first time in the postseason, are going to the American League Championship Series.” He did add a little enthusiasm into that call, and most of the series. He actually did better than I feared he would, given the idea that he may be a little biased. But if Brewers announcer Brian Anderson could remain impartial calling playoff games on TBS featuring his own team, then Orsillo could pull it off. I thought he was very good on last year’s Rockies–Phillies coverage, and he has done it again. Even though you’re a Red Sox guy, nice job Don.
Harold Reynolds was just mediocre old Harold Reynolds. Kazmir intentionally hit Orlando Cabrera? Garza needs to challenge hitters with fastballs, then it’s suddenly the worst thing he can do? Be a little more familiar with the facts and back up all those rants.
Congratulations to the Chicago White Sox for overcoming expectations and squeezing into the postseason ahead of supposed juggernauts like the Indians and Tigers. They gave us a good series and a fair share of bats to be afraid of. Thanks to those White Sox bloggers who congratulated the Rays and ended their season with dignity. Good luck in 2009.
The Rays await the eventual winner of the Red Sox vs. Angels series, currently being played out on TBS. Soon enough there will be a winner, hopefully a beaten down one, that the Rays can face off with starting this Friday night. Maybe the Rays will make a little ALCS history (and then some) next. Until then, go Rays. And I would recommend reading Carlos Pena’s blog for some player news and reactions.
Rays Up 2-0, Headed Off to Chicago
Our Tampa Bay Rays, America’s new team, have taken a 2–0 lead in the Division Series, knocking off the White Sox in a 6–2 classic. Rays starter Scott Kazmir was starting to have a “here it goes again” night by promptly loading the bases (hitting Orlando Cabrera was unintentional, Harold Reynolds) and allowing two runs before his team even hit. The Rays got one back with a Dioner Navarro single while narrowly avoiding more Chicago damage. Kazmir pitched very effectively after the early runs scored, but was down until the bottom of the fifth inning.
After a Jason Bartlett single, Akinori Iwamura brought out a slice of his Japanese years. He took a 1–1 fastball out and over the plate from Mark Buehrle and drove it deep to left center field… carrying… carrying deep… and gone for a lead–changing home run. That’s classic Iwamura power out into the opposite power alley, where he hit at least half of his regular season home runs. He took a well–deserved curtain call afterwards. Kazmir left after 5.1 innings pitched with two earned runs surrendered, pitching well for a guy who threw 37 pitches in the first inning. Grant Balfour came in for an epic rematch with Orlando Cabrera, whom Balfour quickly silenced with a groundout, going on to get out of the inning with the lead.
It remained 3–2 Rays until the eighth inning, when Buehrle allowed a leadoff triple to B.J. Upton, who ran full speed the whole way as he always should. The White Sox starter would be chased out by Carl Crawford, who dinged a little opposite field single to score Upton. He then stole second base without a throw off Octavio Dotel, proving once and for all that good old Carl is back in full swing. Rocco Baldelli lined his first playoff hit into center field to score Crawford. With two out, Dioner Navarro came to the plate to set up another great 2008 Rays highlight. With the count at 1–1 against Matt Thornton, Navarro lifted a popup to shallow center field. Alexei Ramirez lost sight of the ball and the outfielders didn’t get there in time. The ball dropped in the triangle as Rocco ran like a cheetah after its dinner. Not quite as great as he once was, but as good once as he ever was, he flew around third base and surprisingly scored without much of a play to make it 6–2. Vintage Baldelli running all the way home was just another embodiment of this Rays team, not to mention another dagger to the White Sox. It was as if he was 22 years old again. Chicago did get another runner on base after a hideously atrocious call at first base on a tag by Willy Aybar, but Chad Bradford spared the umpire and his team with a 5–4–3 double play. He followed that brilliantly with a three pitch looking strikeout of Jim Thome to make it 2–0 Rays and send Chicago back home against the wall.
The Rays will now take a nearly insurmountable advantage into enemy territory, where Matt Garza will get the ball on Sunday at 4:07 P.M. This is the same time as kickoff for a big Buccaneers football game in Denver, but I think my priorities will lie with the baseball team this week. Many others’ should too. Why not? We had great crowds at those home playoff games and continued showing doubters up. Let’s keep riding this tidal wave of success, and until next time, go Rays.
How The West Was Beaten
The Tampa Bay Rays have continued to display their newfound power to those western teams and fans who didn’t know before what they were dealing with. They took two out of three games in Arlington, then defeated the Angels 6–4 last night in that series opener back home. The last roadtrip saw them go 7–3, one of the best records they have ever had on a roadtrip of that length.
Matt Garza returned to Texas for the first time since he and Dioner Navarro almost turned MLB into MMA. But, as Dr. Weird would say, “This time… should be different!” Indeed it was — Garza threw a two–hit, two–walk, nine–strikeout shutout of the feared Rangers offense. It was a well timed, much needed role reversal for him with run support behind it in droves. Former Braves pitcher Kevin Millwood came back from injury and surrendered four home runs to Rays hitters in the 7–0 victory. Willy Aybar hit a rare left handed home run down the right field line, trying hard to displace my opinion that he should give up switch hitting altogether. Carlos Pena hit one out for the third straight game, Eric Hinske smashed a hanging curveball over the center field wall, and Gabe Gross took the very next pitch after that to the opposite power alley and gone. Garza was about as great as I’ve ever seen him, and the team backed him up.
The teams unfortunately switched spots in Saturday’s game, which the Rays lost 3–0 on an eight inning three hitter by virtual unknown Matt Harrison. Two of those hits were in the first inning, but produced zero runs, which would be their final tally. Edwin Jackson didn’t pitch too badly other than Ian Kinsler’s home run on his very first pitch of the game. So after basically taking this day off, would the offense recover for Sunday night’s rubber match?
Well of course they would. They broke out an early 7–1 lead, holding on to win 7–4. Pena hit yet another home run (a three run shot deep into the seats), as did B.J. Upton, who showed his old power stroke with an opposite field line drive over the wall after having been benched the previous game for not running out a double play ball. The ninth inning turned into Chinese water torture. With Scott Kazmir having given up two runs in seven innings, the Rays had a five run lead. Juan Salas, appearing for the first time since September 26, 2007, allowed a walk and a single. So on came the dominant Grant Balfour. However, with two outs, he walked the bases loaded, then walked in a run to bring up Josh Hamilton. The most dangerous hitter in the lineup coming up with a chance to tie the game was enough for Joe Maddon to call for one of his most bold moves ever as a manager: intentional walk. With two outs and the bases loaded? This hadn’t been done since Barry Bonds was walked by the Diamondbacks in 1998. But, sure enough, the Rays agreed to do it, showing Hamilton the utmost respect and bringing up Marlon Byrd with the game on the line. Dan Wheeler came in, despite Byrd being 4–for–8 with a home run against him. The Rays continued to defy the odds as Byrd struck out swinging on a breaking pitch to end the game. After that dramatic finish, it was time to return home.
The team came back to Tropicana Field with the threat of Tropical Storm Fay postponing a game. It ended up turning south, enabling the series to be played in its entirety. The opener saw Hinske and Cliff Floyd hit early home runs to put up a 5–1 advantage, which became 5–4 a few innings later. Andy Sonnanstine pitched just over five innings and managed to pick up his 13th win of the season, aided by a comforting insurance run from Justin Ruggiano in the bottom of the eighth inning. That run came after Jason Hammel made a rare late inning appearance and induced a double play with the go ahead run at the plate. Upton caught himself in another controversy about running plays out when he was unsuspectingly tagged out by Mark Teixeira as he waltzed into second base with an apparent double. This time it’s slightly justified because there was nobody near the base and Teixeira made a heads up tag from behind him. But he was still (rightfully) booed by the home fans as he stood out on second base. They won anyway as Aybar had three hits against his brother’s team, again batting left handed and proving me wrong. Sonnanstine’s win brought him within one of the franchise record, Rolando Arrojo’s 14 wins in 1998. Another day, another routine victory.
The Rays of St. Petersburg have two more games with the Angels of Anaheim before hitting the road again. They’ll be on national television three times in the next week: Wednesday night on ESPN2, Saturday afternoon on FOX and Sunday afternoon on TBS. The next Saturday will feature the Rays in their first FOX home game as they host the Orioles. So, Rays fans and all non–believers, you have your golden opportunity to watch the team in the spotlight. They are now 76–48, ½ game behind the Angels for the best record in the league, and a new record 28 games over .500. The Red Sox remain 4½ games behind, and the Yankees a full 10 games off the lead. This is a real Major League team, regardless of what Theo Epstein and Brian Cashman continue to tell people. Until that record is extended even further, go Rays.
Rays Keeping Top Spot
After the Red Sox took a sweep at the hands of the Angels in Los Angeles and the Rays won their series over Toronto, Tampa Bay held on to first place with a 4–0 victory over the Oakland A’s at Tropicana Field. Scott Kazmir was back to his dominant form, only allowing two hits (with four walks) and no runs in seven innings, striking out nine. It was his first performance of more than six innings since June 11th. He threw 103 pitches, about 10 of them sliders, recording four of his strikeouts with his slider. He mixed in a high amount of first pitch changeups, as even that pitch was working greatly for him. The A’s love to run up pitch counts, but there was no slowing down Kazmir last night. This was a turning point to his season. Every pitch was in command early and often, and it will be that Scott Kazmir that leads us into extra October baseball. The Rays have started advertising postseason ticket packages, so please don’t fail us now.
Evan Longoria hit a home run for the third straight game, so he is now up to a team–leading 19. Had the Rays stuck with their initial option of keeping him in AAA for two months, I don’t think they would be where they are right now. He has started hitting the ball very well and, once his teammates produce more in front of him, may be in line for 100 RBI in his rookie season. Willy Aybar also homered last night, hitting it high off the left field foul pole for his fourth home run and ninth RBI of the year. It’s about time he started doing something. B.J. Upton had two hits and two walks as he may be catching fire at the right time. If guys like Upton, Crawford and Pena start hitting more like they did under the radar last season, this team can possibly be a dominant force throughout the playoffs.
Yes, I just said playoffs. Hopefully the Rays can use some of their loaded minor league talent to beat the Yankees to a right handed power hitter for the middle of the lineup. That’s just about the last piece of the puzzle they need to fill to get there. They just beat a left handed starting pitcher last night, but overall that has been one of the weakest points of this team, which has the best record of any team against right handers and a losing record against left handers. The latter will definitely need to change if the Rays want to succeed at this level. I think they’ll find a way to do it. So until the A’s are sent back to their bay, go Rays.
First Place Rays!
The Rays are back in a first place tie with the Boston Red Sox after exacting some just vengeance on the Orioles. After Baltimore took the opener 8-1 (I blame jetlag and Aubrey Huff), the undying Tampa Bay team used Andy Sonnanstine and Matt Garza, whose very jobs are at stake, to send the Orioles tumbling back towards their proper place in the standings. The game today was lowlighted by B.J. Upton’s recurring shoulder injury and an Adam Jones home run off Garza, but was made up for in spades and highlighted by Carl Crawford and a winning attitude. Well, that, Jonny Gomes blasting a home run off of Ray hater Brian Burres (who has never beaten us), and Upton only being sidelined for a few days. Good series minus the first game, and we have now taken three straight series and won eight out of nine games. Here we come, baseball world.
The next step in proving the Rays’ worth may be more important than every other test combined. The Rays now go to Fenway Park for a weekend series with the Red Sox in a battle for supremacy. On Sunday, we’ll have the grand return of one of our Generals, Scott Kazmir, to help strengthen the lines of defense and win this war. The way they handled the defending champions last weekend, they really could do it all again. I will throw parties if we keep seeing wins like this. This team is only getting better with the maturation of Evan Longoria, the surprise play of Eric Hinske, and the impending returns of Kazmir and Cliff Floyd.
So, in short, a great job by the Rays over the last week and a half, and at least a little more of this (or beyond that, we can only hope) will push us over the top and through the glass ceiling. The optimism is paying dividends. So until next time, go first place Rays.
Focusing On The Positive
The Rays lost last night, 8-7 to the Yankees. They had once been down 7-2, so there were some positives in this defeat. Not that they can or should keep losing, but there should at least be something good coming out of what they do lose. Evan Longoria hit his first Major League home run, Carl Crawford got his first of the season, and B.J. Upton hit his second in as many days. The Rays are among the very top of American League teams in home runs, RBI, and runs scored. They’re doing a great job offensively, so now it’s time for some pitching consistency. We’re getting it from some guys, but we need at least one or two more (Andy Sonnanstine?) to catch up.
Speaking of pitchers, the Rays staff took batting practice today, with Edwin Jackson (high school outfielder) and James Shields (excellent high school hitter) actually hitting home runs. Jim Hickey, the Rays pitching coach, has started batting practice a few weeks in advance of interleague play to get ready and have a little fun at the same time. The pitchers practiced situational hitting and making opposing pitchers work against them, then took some home run swings. I really like this idea for a myriad of reasons, many of which are located in the MLB.com article. I think they should keep doing it, and maybe practice more bunting as well. But from what I’ve seen, Jackson, Shields and Sonnanstine can hit well enough for pitchers.
In case I didn’t hammer it home yet, I’ll be there Friday night at Tropicana Field (Akinori Iwamura Poster Night) when the Rays take on Javier Vazquez and the White Sox. The Rays currently project to start Jeff Niemann for the second time, and we can sincerely hope the results are equal to those of his first outing. Until next time, go Rays and dethrone the Yankees.
Home Opener Pictures And A Win
The pictures I took at the Rays home opener last Tuesday night are up in my MySpace photo albums. The Rays album can be reached by following this link. It is public, so anyone can view it. Actually, I recommend doing so. I will have even more pictures in the same place after the next game I attend, which will be Friday, April 18 against the Chicago White Sox. I will be in the TBT Party Deck, third row along the left field line.
I would like to congratulate the Rays for their series-winning victory today, pouncing on the Orioles 6-2. B.J. Upton finally hit his first home run of the season, Evan Longoria had another hit and walk, and Jeff Niemann pitched six strong innings of one-run baseball to earn the victory in his Major League debut. Special thanks to Longoria and Niemann, and to Carl Crawford for picking up his 1000th career hit on Friday night. Now it’s time to beat the Yankees and start rolling. Until that series commences, go Rays.
Rays Home Opener And Then Some
Good evening Rays fans everywhere…finally, I am here in the aftermath of the Rays home opener from Tuesday night at Tropicana Field. It turned out to be a bitter 6-5 loss to the Seattle Mariners, which may have been tainted–more on that later in this post. It was a fun and exciting experience to be there (could have been better with the Rays winning, of course) that featured home runs, standing ovations and many interesting personalities. Some notes from the April 8th game:
-The loudest ovation during pre-game ceremonies was actually for, of all people, a former NFL star. Recently retired Tampa Bay Buccaneers fullback Mike Alstott was on hand to throw out the first pitch before the game. Come down to Tampa (or St. Petersburg) sometime and see just how beloved he really is. I can be considered among the large crowd that believes that Jon Gruden misused him. But that rant is for NFL season.
-The loudest player ovations were for Carl Crawford, Rocco Baldelli, Akinori Iwamura, Scott Kazmir, and James Shields.
-Prior to the game, I checked out some of the stadium’s features and attractions. I tried out “You Make The Call,” where fans can create their own commentary of historic Rays moments. I chose Carl Crawford’s 2007 walk-off home run, and proceeded to pull out this amazing commentary that everyone around me loved…only to find out that it didn’t record. I’ll just have to try it out again later–I think I can pull that rabbit out of the hat again. I also watched some Baseball Trivia, with a very hyperactive and humorous host who interacted well with both the kids and adults. She gave me an “air hug” when, after mentioning my Braves bias, told her I was also a huge Rays fan. She also encouraged the crowd to mercilessly boo the Yankees, then gave everyone air high fives. These and other little events made her my favorite Tropicana Field employee. I’ll be sure to stop by there again when I go back.
-The fans right down the row from me asked me if it was a good time to be a Rays fan. This was because they just got into baseball and adopted the Rays as their team, because they recently moved here from the United Kingdom. (I could tell by the accents even before they told me.) I, of course, told them (a husband, wife and two young daughters) that it was a better time than ever to jump onto the Rays bandwagon and that they picked the right team. This was their first game, and it wasn’t really a bad one.
-During Willy Aybar’s second at-bat, right before he tied the game with an RBI single, a fight broke out in the crowd behind the left field foul pole. A woman in a green Devil Rays shirt looked to be swinging on a guy who either A) cheated on her, B) hit on her one too many times, or C) told her Richie Sexson was better than Carlos Pena. It looked like an old Jerry Springer scene as fans and security ran in as quickly as possible to break it up and/or watch the spectacle. After a few minutes, a section of seats was entirely empty following arrests and ejections. (This section later re-filled.) Then Aybar tied the game. That was a fun inning.
-The Rays hit two home runs during this game despite the loss. Shawn Riggans just barely cleared the left field wall on a line drive that I thought may hit the wall for a double. It was a little surprising to see it turn into his first Major League home run. So congratulations to Shawn Riggans. Then Carlos Pena hit an undisputed shot deep into the right field seats for his own home run–my first correct prediction in Home Run Beat the Streak.
-As you probably know by now, B.J. Upton was denied a triple by the combination of his right shoe falling off and notoriously questionable umpire Hunter Wendelstedt. I’ve had a problem with Wendelstedt since 1998, when he tripped over his own foot and ejected John Smoltz because he somehow thought he did it. This marks his third incorrect call in as many series this season. I had a perfect angle on that play, and despite Adrian Beltre’s attempt to block third base, he moved to catch the relay throw. Upton was safe by about two feet. The crowd rightfully erupted into boos, and the situation even escalated into Joe Maddon being ejected. Then the crowd, myself included, refused to get off Wendelstedt’s back and booed him continuously for the next half inning, and then intermittently for the remainder of the game. He definitely screwed that call up and cost the Rays an opportunity to tie the game, which they lost by one run. Now we know why he has never worked the World Series.
-Matt Garza left in the third inning with what is described as “radial nerve irritation,” and is on the 15-day disabled list. If Edwin Jackson continues pitching like a Cy Young Award winner (don’t let this be his jinx), then the Rays can afford to take precautions with him as well as the soon-to-be-returning Scott Kazmir.
Well, once the Rays beat the Mariners 7-0 behind Jackson’s eight inning, two-hit dominance, I was finally motivated enough to write again. That and the fact that I was busy with college work preempted this entry, but here it finally is. I now have temporary plans to go into the TBT Party Deck (formerly known as The Beach) to watch the Rays face the Chicago White Sox on Friday, April 18. I’ll be there with a few friends, all Rays fans, ready to return to the excitement that is live Tampa Bay Rays baseball. I’ll have Opening Night pictures uploaded soon, and until then, go Rays.
Rising From the Ashes 