Because, if not, you definitely should. The Tampa Bay Rays are for real. Just ask the New York Yankees.
To be fair, this New York Yankees team we’re talking about is now in last place in the American League East, so maybe it’s not a good team to compare them to. But still, even on a day when the team didn’t bring it’s “A”-game, it still found a way to earn a rather easy 5-2 win to close out the most successful homestand in team history. The Rays head into interleague play a full game ahead of the Boston Red Sox in the East now, and are certainly clicking on all cylinders.
Our House: You heard it in the stands. There was an electricity. And it wasn’t the, “Oh my Gawd! The Yankees are in town!” kind of intensity. It was full-blown, Rays fan intensity. It sounded like a playoff game in there today. The fans believe in this team, that’s for sure. It was so nice to finally see Rays blue in the stands instead of that pinstriped nonsense we’ve gotten used to. 19,976 might not seem like a lot of people, but for us to draw 20,000 people on a weekday is something special indeed.
Pretty Good Scott: Scott Kazmir is still searching for his groove. He’s not quite there yet, but it’s truly a testament to how good he is that he’s able to throw 6 innings of shutout ball with what definitely wasn’t his best stuff. Just imagine what he’s gonna be like once he’s got his good fastball.
Gettin’ Riggy Wit’ It: Shawn Riggans hit a BOMB. An absolute BOMB. It helped pick up his teammates - particularly those in the middle of the order - who continue to scuffle. I didn’t know he had that kind of power in him.
Found His Stroke: Akinori Iwamura’s there, finally. He’s hitting the ball hard, hitting line drives, and finally avoiding swinging at pitches outside of the strike zone. He was on base 3 times tonight, and when he does that, you like his chances to come around a couple of those times.
Oh, Percy Me! Troy Percival just steamrolled through another inning, putting Tuesday night’s disappointing blown save behind him. Dan Wheeler was his usual stellar self, as well.
So Talented: Did anyone see that throw B.J. Upton made to third base when Morgan Ensberg tagged up in the 5th inning? B.J. threw flat-footed from deep right-center and nearly nailed Ensberg at third. My God what a gun he’s got on that arm.
Not Going To Rain on the Parade: This should be a day of celebration, so I’m not going to write about how Gary Glover still stinks and there’s a reason I don’t like him. Oops, I went and did it.
So, who’s winning? Carlos Pena and Evan Longoria continue their contest to see who can strike out more often. Today, Evan won with 3 Ks to Pena’s 2. Carlos is now at 49 strikeouts, which puts him on pace for 197 of them this year. Longo, meanwhile, is on pace for 152 of them (and that’s with having 10 fewer games than Pena).
Can It Continue? So now the Rays take the show on the road. I can’t wait to see if this team can actually carry this kind of intensity and great play over to games in other parks. We won’t have to wait long, though.
May 15th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
Kazmir and Garza coming back from arm issues this well has to be the best news we’ve heard in while. They are an Abreau bloop hit away from a 7 game home stand sweep. Very nice. And the stadium presentation was pretty solid. I’m even coming around the uniforms (it helps when they win in them). Nice work, ownership group.
Might be time to sit Longoria down for a few games, though, when Aybar is ready. (What is the record with him in the line-up? It must be ridiculous.)
May 15th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
Wonderful day at the trop.Guess no one is seeing the defensive plays Longo is making. Let him be he’ll come out of it. Saving runs is as important as driving in and in this home stand he has made a bunch of defensive stops.
May 15th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
It will be interesting to see how this National League type team does against the National League. They showed snippets of Shields and Jackson taking BP before tonight’s game, good signs to come.
May 16th, 2008 at 9:14 am
Longoria is just getting his first taste, plusthe umpires have been killing the rookie, the last couple days, the umps have been liberal with the outside strike to Longoria, and he has had to compinsate by going out of the strikezone for many of his K’s. He is hitting the ball hard though, and I believe has a prety decent line drive with a low BABIP (don’t have figures). He will make his first tour through all of these parks and start seeing guys a second and third time and he will heat up. I’m not worried. So, who’s roster spot gets taken when Aybar gets here, any thoughts???
May 16th, 2008 at 10:20 am
As much as I want him in the mineup I think he is blocked out right now.
The rays won’t get rid of Gomes (which I think they should)
They should not get rid of Hinske
Joe loves Zobrist (plus he is the only legit SS)
Gabe Gross is the 4th outfielder and for good reason.
barring and injury I think he is blocked for a little bit.
May 16th, 2008 at 10:36 am
Aybar can play shortstop. Either a trade is coming or Zobie-Wan goes back to AAA.
May 16th, 2008 at 10:59 am
I agree with Bill, I tihnk Benzo will be shipped to AAA to make room for Aybar, but I don’t think that will be for awhile… I have this sneaky feeling they are shopping Hinske, and will give Gabe the full time gig (well vs. righties anyway) and we will see Gomes vs Lefties. When Floyd goes back to the DL (not if), the Rays will call up Dan Johnson who is murdering the IL since he was demoted to DH. If his bat stays this hot the Rays will be forced to make room, or trade him for something…
May 16th, 2008 at 11:05 am
Why not shop Gomes instead of Hinske?
May 16th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
As much as I love Gomer’s spirit and power, he is a two and not 3-D player. I would rather bundle him, Aki and a pitching prospect for Roberts of the O’s.
May 16th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
The O’s could probably do much better elsewhere. Don’t see that happening at all. Plus, why would they trade their best player to a division rival? Doesn’t make much sense.
May 16th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Hinske is a free agent after this year, we have Jonny’s rights for another 3-plus seasons, plus Hinske has upped his value with his solid start…