The GBT – The Good, The Bad and The Telling sandwich, where The Bad is nice and lean and the The Telling is ripe.
click above image for boxscore
THE GOOD: BJ Upton. Bossman had his speed on display yesterday, stretching a single into a double and scoring from third on a pickoff throw to first (from the catcher)…Dirk Hayhurst. He allowed to hits, but pitched another scoreless inning.
THE BAD: Chris Bootcheck. The late spring signee, who played in Japan last year, started the game but struggled with his control. He eventually gave up 4 runs on 5 hits in 2 innings…Mike Ekstrom. Ek continues to struggle, this time giving up 2 runs (1 earned) in 1 inning on 3 hits and a walk…Just A Little Patience. Rays batters struck out 9 times with no walks.
THE TELLING: Robinson Chirinos has also been working out at 3B…Evan Longoria was dehydrated and out of the lineup…James Shields allowed just an unearned run on 3 hits in 5 innings of a minor league intrasquad game…Jeff Niemann will throw in a minor league intrasquad game today…Jeremy Hellickson will start tomorrow after today’s off-day.
THE JUNKYARD DOGS WEBTOPIA…
- Want a ride to the Trop on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday? Wanna be able tailgate on the way? No More Excuses. We’ve got a deal for you. [NoExcusesTour.com]
- Marc Topkin looks at who still has a shot at the final roster spots. [TampaBay.com]
- Tony Fabrizio also looks at the final roster spots and who might be in. [TBO.com]
- BJ Upton wants to steal 50 bases this year and is working on stealing third more often. [TampaBay.com]
- The Hardball Times takes a crack at 5 questions surrounding the Rays this season. [The Hardball Times]
- John Jaso is working on a mechanical flaw in his throws to second base. [MLB]
- Chris Archer, who came over in the Matt Garza deal has seen his fastball hit 97 and his slider at 91. Andy Sonnanstine wishes his fastball hit 91. [TBO.com]
- The Phillies have a heck of a rotation, but Charlie Manuel still thinks he could find room for David Price. [Philly.com]
- One blogger explains why he loves the Rays. [Confessions of a Futon Reformer]
2 Comments
Hayhurst piches great! The man is no prospect, but a veteran MLB reliever. He’s got to make the 25 man roster!
Archer would probably make a pretty good closer already but I would be surprised if he’s even in AAA to start the season, I would expect some AA time.
McGee, Cruz and Wade please!