Archive for March 7th, 2007

Mar 07

Devil Rays Acquire The Rights Of Free Agent Blogger For $535

Matt Silverman, Payroll Cork Gaines 2 Comments »


Last week we mentioned (via Deadspin) that a blogger was auctioning himself off on Ebay. Manny Stiles of ArmchairGM. has never had a favorite baseball team and declared himself a free agent with the proceeds going to charity. The winner of the auction would be able to decide which baseball team Stiles would cover during the 2007 season. Who won the rights to add another writer to their team’s blogroll? The Rays very own doe-eyed team President Matthew Silverman for the grand total of $535 (and no, that is not a high school picture of Matt above. It is fairly recent). The bid amount plus an additional $1000 from Silverman are being donated to The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation to aid in research and care of pediatric AIDS patients. Manny’s “salary” will double the Rays payroll for 2007 (at least it is tax deductible).

So it is now official Manny Stiles is a Rays fans. Let us be the first to say “Welcome aboard Manny!” And offer our condolences. Believe us, covering the Rays every day is not an easy gig even if the unintentional comedy is endless. We are willing to bet that Manny wishes he had an out-clause in the auction for this very scenario.

Wow! A professional blogger covering the Rays all season long. We are suddenly feeling a bit inadequate. Still, we are looking forward to it.

Mar 07

Yes, But Do They Like Green Eggs And Ham?

Uncategorized Cork Gaines 2 Comments »

Last week, a large group of area school kids showed up at Prospect Energy Ballpark to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat. Part of the celebration was to have two Rays players read the book to the kids. You would think they would have chosen two players that could, you know, Read. Instead the poor kids were subjected to the stylistic orations of Ruddy Lugo and Shawn Camp. Channel 10 News was on the scene to cover the birth of the baby panda the reading. You can find video of the event and the reading on their website. We have given many talks in front of large crowds and we admit it is not an easy thing to do. But the last thing you want after reading to a bunch of children is for Little Johnny to ask his teacher why he can read better than a professional baseball player.


Devil Rays read The Cat in the Hat! [Tampa Bay 10]