I spend way too many hours at my desk doing my various jobs. A saving grace for me is my subscription to MLB.TV. I get to watch six games at one time if I want much to my wifes dismay. My excuse is that I’m monitoring my Baseball fantasy leagues but it really is just my love of baseball. This isn’t a commercial for MLB.TV (if you have interest feel free to email me for info).
I started watching the Rays games closely about six weeks ago. This team reminds me of the 1995 Yankees team that was the catalyst to their great run of 4 championship teams from 1996 to 2000. They have rising stars in Evan Longoria and BJ Upton. Dioner Navarro has been solid and productive behind the plate. Eric Hinske has proved to be a great utility guy playing games at 4 different positions while contributing 13 homers and 44 RBI. Carl Crawford has kicked it into gear after a slow start.
Before the Yankees started buying up all the DH’s around the league again, there success was due to timely hitting, good defense, and of course pitching. This Rays team has had great pitching and defense in the first half of the year. A rotation of Kazmir, Shields, Sonnanstine, Garza, and Jackson has been nothing short of spectacular. The team ERA is 3.65. Troy Percival was great in the first two months of the season though his performance in June tailed off due to hamstring problems. However, the closer by committee has been solid with JP Howell and Dan Wheeler handling the duties for the most part. Last nights game against the Redsox showcased the emergence of Grant Balfour. He blew them away in the 9th to pick up his second save and may be their closer for the forseeable future. He’s pitched 16.2 innings and has struck out 25 batters. He as an ERA of 1.08 and his WHIP is 0.78. They also have last years number 1 overall pick, David Price destroying the minor league hitters and waiting in the wings to join the staff.
Are the Rays for real? Can they sustain what they have after the break? I think so. The Redsox and Yankees are both flawed teams and aren’t the invincible forces they have been in the past. The key will be remaining healthy as their weakness is their depth. I look for them to make a couple deadline deals for some veteran complimentary players to help down the stretch. Even with the best record in baseball, none of the Rays are having career type years so you don’t expect a large dropoff. This has the look of one of the special years that don’t come around often and which the city of Tampa has never experienced before.
Only time will tell of the Rays will continue stinging the competition. I’m looking forward to the ride.
Like this post? Share it »
Last post (s) by Victor Minicozzi
- Titans Beat Ravens. Take Command of AFC South - October 6th, 2008
- Titans vs Ravens Sunday in Baltimore - October 3rd, 2008
- AFC Power Rankings 4 Weeks In - October 1st, 2008
6 Responses to “The RAYS are for REAL”
Posted: 07/02/08 at 9:22 pm
I gotta say it was awesome to see that stadium in Tampa nearly full tonight. I’m a baseball fan first, yankee fan second, so it’s great to see the game grow in the Florida market. This team is only going to get better. Exciting stuff.
Posted: 07/03/08 at 7:49 am
Great series for you guys and what a comeback last night. Having seen just a couple of championship runs here in the Boston area over the past few years, it’s games like that in which teams start to gel and believe something special can be done. If they hadn’t already. If the Rays can hold the division lead and win the A.L. East, last night will be one of those games people will remember for sure.
I have to agree with Joe, it’s good to see the stadium full and supporting the Rays. It gets old watching the games here and having it sound like Fenway Park or Yankee Stadium “South”.
Posted: 07/03/08 at 4:20 pm
So true guys! Couldnt agree more!
Posted: 07/03/08 at 7:38 pm
Its been fun watching the excitement grow. Early in the year there would be 8000 at a day game with an average age of 70. Not that the seniors can’t enjoy the game, but this team deserves a full house and excitement even in the worst stadium in baseball
Posted: 07/03/08 at 7:39 pm
It is great to see new stars and up and coming players. I never thought I’d get tired of Yankees and Redsox but after watching games in all these markets I’m approaching that realization.
Posted: 07/03/08 at 8:10 pm
Great thing for the Rays. That’s what happens when you have top picks every year thought. I’m not hating on that, just saying it is good to see them build through the draft.