So THIS is what a real baseball team looks like! The Rays won their third straight series and 8th game out of their last 9 to move ahead of the Orioles in the standings, awaiting the outcome of Boston’s game with Toronto tonight to determine whether or not they are in first place. And let’s get to it:
Painful Win: B.J. Upton left the game in the 5th inning with a left shoulder injury that they are calling a strain. No dislocation. No separation. He’s listed as day-to-day right now. Hopefully he’ll really only be a few days and back in the lineup. In the meanwhile, get ready to see Nathan Haynes and/or Gabe Gross getting crack at the expansive center field at Fenway Park. Obviously, we’ll keep our eyes on this one.
Matty Marvelous: Did anyone REALLY think that Matt Garza was going to have a bad outing today to make the Rays’ decision on which starting pitcher to drop any easier? I’m pretty sure Matty saved his spot with his outing today - and he was downright nasty. The only mistake he made was Adam Jones’ 2-run home run, and after that, he locked down the O’s for the next two innings. He only locked down 3 strikeouts, but it sure sounded like his stuff was much nastier than that. Lots of weak hacks by the Orioles batters.
I have to believe that Jason Hammel is the odd man out right now. He’s had the worst outing most recently, and his overall career track-record is the worst of all of the names in contention. Whether the Rays find a way to keep him in the bullpen, slide him through waivers, or trade him is another story entirely. But right now, I’m putting my money on Hammel being bumped from the rotation.
Troy Time: Man, Troy Percival is good. He’s having an All-Star season so far, completing his 10th scoreless inning and notching his 6th save. All told, he’s got a WHIP of 0.33 and opponents are hitting .069 against him. It won’t last all season, but it sure does feel good right now, doesn’t it?
Also, mad props go to Dan Wheeler for working 2 more scoreless innings, perfectly setting down the O’s in the 7th and the 8th innings. As long as the bullpen holds up, so will the Rays chances to win this division.
*Guitar Riff*: Eric Hinske keeps on doing things to help this team win. He was on base two more times today (single and a walk) - which brings his walk total for the series up to 6. All told, his OBP is .411 right now. If Aki continues to struggle, Maddon might want to consider getting a little creative and batting Hinske leadoff for a few games until our second baseman can find his stroke. I’m just sayin’.
J-Bart Coming Alive? Yes, I realize one of them was an infield hit, but Jason Bartlett DID have two hits today. His swings are starting to look a little bit better. Might he finally be breaking out of his early-season slumber? Let’s hope this leads to an explosive May; if he’s going well, the lineup is incredibly more potent if we can turn it around there at the bottom.
How is Carl Crawford Not Hitting .300? It seems like he has 2 hits every day, doesn’t it? He had the big blow today, a 2-run single that knocked home the go-ahead run.
We’re Ready, Boston: You think last weekend’s series was a big one? This one could be even bigger. Every day the Rays can find themselves in first place will officially be the latest into the season the team has ever been in the top spot. You think this team isn’t motivated to go up there and try to win another series?
May 1st, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Let’s not get carried away with Bartlett here, sure he is doing great in the last few games and I have been one of his most avid supporters, but let’s not bring the batting average bar from .175 to .280. It’s a long season and he will have ups and downs, it’s not like we were counting on him being a productive offensive weapon on a daily basis.
Garza pitched well today and is hitting his stride, but I still think that he has more to show us. He doesn’t allow many hits but the occasional walk is a little nerve-wracking. Let’s hope he keeps it up because when Kazmir comes back, we will be a force to reckon with.
BJ Upton is listed as day-to-day which is great because the sooner he can get back, without rushing, the better it will be because the month of May has some games that could really set the tone for the entire season. He should be there. (Games against, the Red Sox, Angels, A’s, Yankees, and Cardinals.)
Going into Boston, leaving with a 1-2 record wouldn’t be the worst thing to happen this season but a 2-1 series in our favor would top off the first 6 games of the road trip.
Tomorrow, today.
May 1st, 2008 at 5:09 pm
If Upton goes on the DL, who will replace him on the roster?
May 1st, 2008 at 6:18 pm
I assume Ruggiano, since he’s been playing CF at Durham.
May 1st, 2008 at 9:16 pm
Seeing how Ruggy has some man-crushes on this website, I formally invite him to visit and tell us how his Durham stint is coming. Ok, Ruggy, the floor is yours…..
May 2nd, 2008 at 7:45 am
I wish the rays front office had a bigger man crush on Ruggiano. I would rather see him then Gross or Haynes.
May 6th, 2008 at 8:26 am
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