The Rays lost 2 of 3 to the Atlanta Braves over the weekend. But as usual there were still plenty of fun/interesting/funny sights. Here are the highlights you won see on SportsCenter (via SunSports and Fox Sports South)…
The Rays made no promises to Hideki Matsui about calling him up to the big leagues. But after just six games in triple-A, the Rays have apparently seen all they need to see.
According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, Matsui “seems likely” to be promoted to the Rays some time this week, possibly for the weekend series in Boston.
Matsui is 3-21 with a double, a walk, and five strikeouts for Durham.
The GBT – The Good, The Bad and The Telling sandwich, where The Bad is nice and lean and the The Telling is ripe.
THE GOOD: Sean Rodriguez. When did Rodriguez morph into a gold glove third baseman? He made another stellar defensive plate yesterday, diving into foul territory to rob a would-be double and make a strong throw to first which was dug by Carlos Pena, who has always been a gold glove first baseman…David Price. It was not his best outing, allowing multiple baserunners in 3 of his 7 innings. But he did hold the Braves to 2 runs (1 earned) striking out 7.
THE BAD: Shut Down and Out. Despite the Rays missing a number of key bats at different points this season, yesterday marked the first time the Rays were shutout this season, and only the second time they scored less than 2 runs. And it was worse than that. The Rays didn’t get their first baserunner until the 4th inning (who was then caught stealing). They then left the bases loaded in the 6th and left a runner in scoring position with less than 2 outs in the 7th. But the worst came in the 8th when it looked like Luke Scott had a shot a single through the right side with the bases loaded that would have tied the game. Only the ball hit Carlos Pena in the foot ending the threat (although it should be noted that Dan Uggla was going to make a diving attempt on the ball as he was shifted over).
THE TELLING: Sam Fuld spent the game in the broadcast booth discussing advanced baseball stats with Dewayne Staats and Brian Anderson…The Rays still trail the Orioles by 2 games and are 2 games in front of the Blue Jays…Jose Molina, who has been taking a beating behind the plate this season, was pulled from the game after being hit by another foul tip. Stephen Vogt replaced Molina, who is not expected to miss much, if any, time.
THE JUNKYARD DOGS WEBTOPIA…
One year ago on Rays Index we learned that the Rays had designated Dan Johnson for assignment. He would eventually clear waivers and accept an assignment to triple-A, and the Rays narrowly avoided a disaster.
Dan Johnson Designated For Assignment; Ruggiano Promoted [Rays Index]
This post, which will appear before every game, will include starting lineups (when we learn them) and during the game will include a Game Graph that will constantly update the percent chance the Rays have of winning this particular game.
Game Graph…
[Will be up at game time]
Playing A Little Pepper…
Interleague games are inherently unfair with teams like the Mets having to play the Yankees six times each year. How can the system be fixed?
Ultimately, MLB needs to move to a system similar to the NFL. That is each division will play Read the rest of this entry »
Two years ago on Rays Index we spoke with Peter Gammons who called the Rays’ attendance “shameful.”
Gammons On Rays Attendance: It’s Shameful [Rays Index]
This post, which will appear before every game, will include starting lineups (when we learn them) and during the game will include a Game Graph that will constantly update the percent chance the Rays have of winning this particular game.
Game Graph…
Source: FanGraphs
Playing A Little Pepper…
[no pepper today because I'm an idiot]
Lineup…
Song to get you pumped up…
The GBT – The Good, The Bad and The Telling sandwich, where The Bad is nice and lean and the The Telling is ripe.
THE GOOD: Luke Scott. One night after leaving 8 men on base and getting intentionally beaned with a pitch, Wolverine exacted some revenge going 3-3 with an RBI single and a sac fly…Elliot Johnson. A bunt? And it worked?!? Mini Maddon’s bunt single in the 2nd scored the first run of the game for the Rays…Josh Lueke. It was his last game with the Rays for a while, but it was an impressive one, retiring all 3 he faced, striking out 2, and hitting 94 on the gun.
THE BAD: James Shields. After falling behind 2-0 early, the Rays fought back and tied the game and Shields was cruising having retired 9 of 10 batters. But then, with 2 outs in the 5th, Shields opened with 3 straight pitches out of the strikezone to Martin Prado, who would eventually walk. This was followed by a double, a walk, and a single, and all of a sudden it was 4-2.
THE TELLING: The Rays are now 2 games behind the Orioles…Will Rhymes was available to pinch-hit and pinch-run, but was not used…2010 first round pick Josh Sale hit his 5th home run in the last 8 games for low-A Bowling Green…Brandon Allen hit a home run on his rehab assignment for single-A Charlotte…Hideki Matsui played left field for Durham going 0-3 with a walk and a strikeout…Chris Archer struck out 9 in just 4.2 innings for Durham, but gave up 7 hits, 4 walks and 4 runs.
THE JUNKYARD DOGS WEBTOPIA…
This post, which will appear before every game, will include starting lineups (when we learn them) and during the game will include a Game Graph that will constantly update the percent chance the Rays have of winning this particular game.
Game Graph…
Source: FanGraphs
Playing A Little Pepper…
It’s official, Alex Cobb will be the starter tomorrow night. Over/Under: 9.5 starts for Cobb with the Rays this season.
This will be interesting. If he does well, then sure, it will be over. But what if Cobb strugles? As we know, every game counts in the end and the Rays have other options, including a Read the rest of this entry »
Three years ago on Rays Index we witnessed Pat Burrell’s finest moment with the Rays.
Pat Burrell Caught With His Pants Down [Rays Index]
