Monday, April 29. Game 28. Kansas City Replay
Rays 8, Royals 5
Record: 19 - 9
Attendance: 11,744
The Rays jumped out to another first inning lead on a two-out Yandy Diaz single that drove in Ji-Man Choi, who had drawn a two-out walk. (The Rays have outscored their combined opposition in the first inning 29-4, best in the league.) And in the second, they added three more runs on a Michael Perez double and a Tommy Pham, two-rbi triple.
Going into the bottom of the third, the Rays had an easy 4-0 lead that seemed secure after Ryne Stanek did his opener job well and given the ball to reliable Yonny Chirinos as the bulker. But Daniel Robertson dropped an infield popup and with the extra out, the Royals scored three times. Chirinos, however, pitched a solid five and two-thirds, allowing only two earned runs on two hits and a walk. One of the hits was a long home run by Jorge Soler in the seventh. The Rays and Royals traded runs in the last three innings with the Rays outlasting the Royals 8-5 in the end, but not before Chaz Roe, who pitched the ninth, put a scare into us. He struck out the side (looking excellent) but also gave up a hit, a walk, and a run (looking not so excellent).
Winning again on the road (where they are a sparkling 10-2), going ten games over .500, and edging up to the end of April with an MLB best, 19-9 record, was the lead story line. But there was one other big story and a couple of smaller ones.
The other big story was the promotion of Nate Lowe from Durham. All he did last year was hit a combined (over three levels of minor league ball) .330 with 27 home runs and 102 RBIs. Oh, and he was the Rays' Minor League Player of the Year. So far at Durham this April, he was hitting .300 with three homers and 14 RBIs. Not bad for a guy who wasn't drafted by the Rays until the 13th round (out of Mississippi State) in 2016, and even that was tainted by rumors that the only reason he was drafted at all was to help persuade his brother Josh, whom the Rays drafted number 13 overall in the same draft, to sign with the Rays. Nate laced a double to left center in the eighth and walked, 1-4. It's hard not to get excited about his upside.
The two smaller story lines are related. First is the extended slump of Willy Adames, who started the year going 1 for 27, then collected 13 hits hits in his next 29 at bats, and is now one for his last 20. He wasn't in tonight's lineup. Adames is the only true shortstop on the current roster, although Andrew Velazquez is hitting .325 at Durham and Jake Cronenworth also at Durham is hitting .370. Adames is the defensive specialist among the candidates, which is very important infield glue, but don't be surprised at a move. Maybe soon.
The related smaller story is the improved condition of Matt Duffy, out with hamstring and back issues. There are more mix and match possibilities in the infield than you can get with a suit with two pairs of pants and a reversible vest.
Tuesday's game has Blake Snell scheduled against Jakub Junis. And both of them scheduled against severe thunderstorms and hail..
Record: 19 - 9
Attendance: 11,744
The Rays jumped out to another first inning lead on a two-out Yandy Diaz single that drove in Ji-Man Choi, who had drawn a two-out walk. (The Rays have outscored their combined opposition in the first inning 29-4, best in the league.) And in the second, they added three more runs on a Michael Perez double and a Tommy Pham, two-rbi triple.
Going into the bottom of the third, the Rays had an easy 4-0 lead that seemed secure after Ryne Stanek did his opener job well and given the ball to reliable Yonny Chirinos as the bulker. But Daniel Robertson dropped an infield popup and with the extra out, the Royals scored three times. Chirinos, however, pitched a solid five and two-thirds, allowing only two earned runs on two hits and a walk. One of the hits was a long home run by Jorge Soler in the seventh. The Rays and Royals traded runs in the last three innings with the Rays outlasting the Royals 8-5 in the end, but not before Chaz Roe, who pitched the ninth, put a scare into us. He struck out the side (looking excellent) but also gave up a hit, a walk, and a run (looking not so excellent).
Winning again on the road (where they are a sparkling 10-2), going ten games over .500, and edging up to the end of April with an MLB best, 19-9 record, was the lead story line. But there was one other big story and a couple of smaller ones.
The other big story was the promotion of Nate Lowe from Durham. All he did last year was hit a combined (over three levels of minor league ball) .330 with 27 home runs and 102 RBIs. Oh, and he was the Rays' Minor League Player of the Year. So far at Durham this April, he was hitting .300 with three homers and 14 RBIs. Not bad for a guy who wasn't drafted by the Rays until the 13th round (out of Mississippi State) in 2016, and even that was tainted by rumors that the only reason he was drafted at all was to help persuade his brother Josh, whom the Rays drafted number 13 overall in the same draft, to sign with the Rays. Nate laced a double to left center in the eighth and walked, 1-4. It's hard not to get excited about his upside.
The two smaller story lines are related. First is the extended slump of Willy Adames, who started the year going 1 for 27, then collected 13 hits hits in his next 29 at bats, and is now one for his last 20. He wasn't in tonight's lineup. Adames is the only true shortstop on the current roster, although Andrew Velazquez is hitting .325 at Durham and Jake Cronenworth also at Durham is hitting .370. Adames is the defensive specialist among the candidates, which is very important infield glue, but don't be surprised at a move. Maybe soon.
The related smaller story is the improved condition of Matt Duffy, out with hamstring and back issues. There are more mix and match possibilities in the infield than you can get with a suit with two pairs of pants and a reversible vest.
Tuesday's game has Blake Snell scheduled against Jakub Junis. And both of them scheduled against severe thunderstorms and hail..
Sunday, April 28. Game 27: Glasnow (4-0) vs. Sale (0-4)
Rays 5, Red Sox 2
Record: 18-9
Attendance: 33,823
Now it's Glasnow (5-0), Sale (0-5).
More importantly, the Rays completed an abbreviated sweep of the Red Sox, 5-2, on a cloudy day in Boston with temps in the mid-50s. It was good to turn the tables on Boston this weekend after they beat the Rays three straight close games last weekend. Friday's rainout took away the possibility of a three-game sweep, but two will do as the team looks to reload tomorrow in Kansas City for a four-game set.
Major league baseball is a relentless grind, one series after another all summer long and no time to rest on your laurels. Among the ten series coming up in May, the Rays will face the Yankees for six games (two home and home sets), the Diamondbacks, the Dodgers, and the Indians. Perhaps a manager's biggest challenge over a grueling six-month season is keeping his pitchers and positions players fresh and ready to play. Easier said than done over such a long stretch.
Offensively, the Rays put two-run innings together in the first and second. The big blow in the first was Daniel Robertson's two-run homer over the Green Monster; in the second it was Yandy Diaz's two-run triple to the deepest part of center field. The last run they manufactured in the ninth on a force out.
On the mound, Tyler Glasnow pitched very well into the seventh (102 pitches), striking out nine and giving up two runs, one in the seventh on a solo homer by 2B Michael Chavis, the top prospect in the Red Sox farm system. By going into the seventh, Glasnow helped Manager Kevin Cash limit bullpen activity, but the big three, Pagan, Alvarado, and Castillo, in that order, finished it up earning two holds and a save.
Hunter Wood rejoined the team after paternity leave for his daughter Ricki Joe, who was born about a month premature and is scheduled to be released from the hospital very soon. Austin Pruitt was sent down.
Nice point made by the Tampa Bay Times Marc Topkin about the sequence of relievers in this game: "It might not always be evident, but there's (usually) a plan to how manager Kevin Cash uses his bullpen. Why have Jose Alvarado start the eighth rather than hold him for the ninth? Because Cash feels strongly about getting the first out in late innings, and Alvarado matched up better with leadoff man Andrew Benintendi."
Unsolicited praise: Marc Topkin is as good a baseball beat writer as there is. It's a pleasure to see his take on every single game--and I've been following baseball (and beat writers) since 1949. This guy is good. We are lucky to have him.
Record: 18-9
Attendance: 33,823
Now it's Glasnow (5-0), Sale (0-5).
More importantly, the Rays completed an abbreviated sweep of the Red Sox, 5-2, on a cloudy day in Boston with temps in the mid-50s. It was good to turn the tables on Boston this weekend after they beat the Rays three straight close games last weekend. Friday's rainout took away the possibility of a three-game sweep, but two will do as the team looks to reload tomorrow in Kansas City for a four-game set.
Major league baseball is a relentless grind, one series after another all summer long and no time to rest on your laurels. Among the ten series coming up in May, the Rays will face the Yankees for six games (two home and home sets), the Diamondbacks, the Dodgers, and the Indians. Perhaps a manager's biggest challenge over a grueling six-month season is keeping his pitchers and positions players fresh and ready to play. Easier said than done over such a long stretch.
Offensively, the Rays put two-run innings together in the first and second. The big blow in the first was Daniel Robertson's two-run homer over the Green Monster; in the second it was Yandy Diaz's two-run triple to the deepest part of center field. The last run they manufactured in the ninth on a force out.
On the mound, Tyler Glasnow pitched very well into the seventh (102 pitches), striking out nine and giving up two runs, one in the seventh on a solo homer by 2B Michael Chavis, the top prospect in the Red Sox farm system. By going into the seventh, Glasnow helped Manager Kevin Cash limit bullpen activity, but the big three, Pagan, Alvarado, and Castillo, in that order, finished it up earning two holds and a save.
Hunter Wood rejoined the team after paternity leave for his daughter Ricki Joe, who was born about a month premature and is scheduled to be released from the hospital very soon. Austin Pruitt was sent down.
Nice point made by the Tampa Bay Times Marc Topkin about the sequence of relievers in this game: "It might not always be evident, but there's (usually) a plan to how manager Kevin Cash uses his bullpen. Why have Jose Alvarado start the eighth rather than hold him for the ninth? Because Cash feels strongly about getting the first out in late innings, and Alvarado matched up better with leadoff man Andrew Benintendi."
Unsolicited praise: Marc Topkin is as good a baseball beat writer as there is. It's a pleasure to see his take on every single game--and I've been following baseball (and beat writers) since 1949. This guy is good. We are lucky to have him.
Saturday, April 27. Game 26: Rays Revenge, one-run-win over Bo(o)Sox
Rays 2, Red Sox 1
Record: 17 - 9
Attendance: 34, 773
The Rays could only manage four hits and two runs against their old friend David Price, who struck out seven and walked three in his six innings of work. But they made that tiny offensive assault hold up in this 2-1 victory that dropped Price's record to 1-2.
The Rays side of the ledger was better than their four hits might suggest. Yandy Diaz continues to surprise with his power, leading off the game with his seventh home run to center field, 428 feet with an exit velocity of 105.1 mph. This is the same Yandy Diaz who spent parts of two seasons with the Cleveland Indians and could manage only one home run.
Then there is catcher Mike Zunino, who opened the season in a deep slump and has been hitting like an All Star for the last couple of weeks. In the top of the fourth inning tonight he lasered (113 mph) a single off the Green Monster in left to drive in the winning run in the person of Tommy Pham who had doubled. That, of course, would have been enough for the Rays' catcher on most nights, but in the bottom of the fourth Rafael Devers took a long lead off first base and Zunino threw behind him for the pretty pick off. More revenge. It made up (sort of) for Christian Vazquez picking off Tommy Pham to end a game and a rally last weekend.
And the Rays' pitching held up. Charlie Morton went six scoreless innings giving up two hits and four walks for this third win of the year against no losses. At that point Kevin Cash went into his "third of an inning" strategy: Roe (1/3), Kolarek (2/3), Castillo (1/3--long enough to give up Mookie Betts's fifth home run), Alvarado (2/3). Emilio Pagan, suddenly the savior of the bullpen, pitched the ninth and got his third save. The bullpen is leaky, however, and Craig Kimbrel must be waiting for a phone call.
And so this series which was supposed to be a three-game set but became a two-game set because of yesterday's rainout, will either be a split or a Rays' sweep.
Attendance note in the Tampa Bay Times, by beat writer Marc Topkin (Sunday, April 28): "Attendance (averaging 14,009, 29th out of 30 in the majors) will be in the spotlight as the Rays within a few months will let St. Petersburg know if they would consider a new stadium at the Trop site, or elsewhere in the city, their only current legal option. But new Tampa Mayor Jane Castor told the Tampa Bay Times she 'will do what I can to have the Rays move to Tampa.' It will be interesting, if the Rays say no to St. Pete, if Mayor Rick Kriseman retains a regional view and makes a deal, albeit on different terms, to allow them to look again in Tampa. Also to see what sites Castor has in mind and what people (Jeff Vinik?) she can get involved."
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Record: 17 - 9
Attendance: 34, 773
The Rays could only manage four hits and two runs against their old friend David Price, who struck out seven and walked three in his six innings of work. But they made that tiny offensive assault hold up in this 2-1 victory that dropped Price's record to 1-2.
The Rays side of the ledger was better than their four hits might suggest. Yandy Diaz continues to surprise with his power, leading off the game with his seventh home run to center field, 428 feet with an exit velocity of 105.1 mph. This is the same Yandy Diaz who spent parts of two seasons with the Cleveland Indians and could manage only one home run.
Then there is catcher Mike Zunino, who opened the season in a deep slump and has been hitting like an All Star for the last couple of weeks. In the top of the fourth inning tonight he lasered (113 mph) a single off the Green Monster in left to drive in the winning run in the person of Tommy Pham who had doubled. That, of course, would have been enough for the Rays' catcher on most nights, but in the bottom of the fourth Rafael Devers took a long lead off first base and Zunino threw behind him for the pretty pick off. More revenge. It made up (sort of) for Christian Vazquez picking off Tommy Pham to end a game and a rally last weekend.
And the Rays' pitching held up. Charlie Morton went six scoreless innings giving up two hits and four walks for this third win of the year against no losses. At that point Kevin Cash went into his "third of an inning" strategy: Roe (1/3), Kolarek (2/3), Castillo (1/3--long enough to give up Mookie Betts's fifth home run), Alvarado (2/3). Emilio Pagan, suddenly the savior of the bullpen, pitched the ninth and got his third save. The bullpen is leaky, however, and Craig Kimbrel must be waiting for a phone call.
And so this series which was supposed to be a three-game set but became a two-game set because of yesterday's rainout, will either be a split or a Rays' sweep.
Attendance note in the Tampa Bay Times, by beat writer Marc Topkin (Sunday, April 28): "Attendance (averaging 14,009, 29th out of 30 in the majors) will be in the spotlight as the Rays within a few months will let St. Petersburg know if they would consider a new stadium at the Trop site, or elsewhere in the city, their only current legal option. But new Tampa Mayor Jane Castor told the Tampa Bay Times she 'will do what I can to have the Rays move to Tampa.' It will be interesting, if the Rays say no to St. Pete, if Mayor Rick Kriseman retains a regional view and makes a deal, albeit on different terms, to allow them to look again in Tampa. Also to see what sites Castor has in mind and what people (Jeff Vinik?) she can get involved."
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Friday, April 26. Rainout
Rescheduled for Saturday, June 10.
Joey Wendle's fractured right wrist will take six to eight weeks to heal--that is the early estimate, which would not put him back on the field any earlier than the first week in June, although I don't think anyone would be surprised if he didn't get back until the first week in July. But a healthy Joey Wendle being fresh and ready for the last three months of the season might be a blessing in disguise. Of course it won't matter if the team has fallen off the AL East radar by then. .
Joey Wendle's fractured right wrist will take six to eight weeks to heal--that is the early estimate, which would not put him back on the field any earlier than the first week in June, although I don't think anyone would be surprised if he didn't get back until the first week in July. But a healthy Joey Wendle being fresh and ready for the last three months of the season might be a blessing in disguise. Of course it won't matter if the team has fallen off the AL East radar by then. .
Thursday, April 25: Off Day
A day to gear up for the Red Sox series starting tomorrow.
The demotion of Ryan Yarbrough to Durham came after he had a couple of bad outings this year, but still it came as a surprise because he won 16 games last year as a dependable bulker. And it's only April. Once he gets back into rhythm at triple A, he should find his way back to the varsity squad.
Meantime, Austin Pruitt did get recalled along with Christian Arroyo, once again filling Joey Wendle's spot on the roster. Ji-Man Choi should also be available for the Boston series.
Roster tinkering and players on frequent flyer loops between Durham and Tampa will be a regular feature of the Ray's SOP from here on out. It's harder on the players, of course, but it will certainly be difficult for fans as well trying to keep up.
The demotion of Ryan Yarbrough to Durham came after he had a couple of bad outings this year, but still it came as a surprise because he won 16 games last year as a dependable bulker. And it's only April. Once he gets back into rhythm at triple A, he should find his way back to the varsity squad.
Meantime, Austin Pruitt did get recalled along with Christian Arroyo, once again filling Joey Wendle's spot on the roster. Ji-Man Choi should also be available for the Boston series.
Roster tinkering and players on frequent flyer loops between Durham and Tampa will be a regular feature of the Ray's SOP from here on out. It's harder on the players, of course, but it will certainly be difficult for fans as well trying to keep up.
Wednesday, April 24. Game 25: Roughed up by Royals
Rays 2, Royals 10
Record: 16-9
Attendance: 9,502
The good news is that Blake Snell encountered no issues in his first start back from the Fractured Toe Injury List. But that's all the good news as the Rays took it on the chin from a team that hits and runs well enough to punish even good teams when they get caught napping.
Snell was on a short leash on innings and pitches, just enough to test the toe--and hopefully enough to let the Rays take an early lead that the bullpen would hold onto. The toe part seems to have worked out fine (we'll know more tomorrow), but the rest not so much. Snell's line included three and a third innings, three Ks, 65 pitches (42 for strikes), and three runs allowed, including a third inning home run by Whit Merrifield.
But the Royals weren't content to just beat the homeboys--they piled on, scoring four in the sixth and one more each in the seventh and eighth for a 10-2 thumping. And they struck out 12 of the locals.
You'd like to think that was the extent of the bad news, but it gets worse. Royals' reliever Jake Diekman, working the sixth, drilled Joey Wendle on the right wrist with a 95 mph fastball, fracturing it according to a locker room x-ray and putting him right back on the IL--a mere four days after his return to duty after a 17-day stint for a hamstring injury. Wendle is the versatile spark plug that drives the Rays, a .300 hitter who finished fourth in last year's Rookie of the Year voting--and he had already driven in a run with a double in the first inning. With some luck we'll get him back on June 1, but until then Joey Wendle will be sorely missed.
Sixteen-game winner last year, lefty Ryan Yarbrough, had another rough outing, seven earned runs in four and a third innings, and was optioned to Durham after the game with Austin Pruitt. It is likely another infielder will be called up Friday for the start of the Boston series.
Ji-Man Choi is back from his mystery "restricted list" leave. No details on that have been released.
Nothing about this game was pretty, except maybe for the fourth toe on Blake Snell's right foot.
Record: 16-9
Attendance: 9,502
The good news is that Blake Snell encountered no issues in his first start back from the Fractured Toe Injury List. But that's all the good news as the Rays took it on the chin from a team that hits and runs well enough to punish even good teams when they get caught napping.
Snell was on a short leash on innings and pitches, just enough to test the toe--and hopefully enough to let the Rays take an early lead that the bullpen would hold onto. The toe part seems to have worked out fine (we'll know more tomorrow), but the rest not so much. Snell's line included three and a third innings, three Ks, 65 pitches (42 for strikes), and three runs allowed, including a third inning home run by Whit Merrifield.
But the Royals weren't content to just beat the homeboys--they piled on, scoring four in the sixth and one more each in the seventh and eighth for a 10-2 thumping. And they struck out 12 of the locals.
You'd like to think that was the extent of the bad news, but it gets worse. Royals' reliever Jake Diekman, working the sixth, drilled Joey Wendle on the right wrist with a 95 mph fastball, fracturing it according to a locker room x-ray and putting him right back on the IL--a mere four days after his return to duty after a 17-day stint for a hamstring injury. Wendle is the versatile spark plug that drives the Rays, a .300 hitter who finished fourth in last year's Rookie of the Year voting--and he had already driven in a run with a double in the first inning. With some luck we'll get him back on June 1, but until then Joey Wendle will be sorely missed.
Sixteen-game winner last year, lefty Ryan Yarbrough, had another rough outing, seven earned runs in four and a third innings, and was optioned to Durham after the game with Austin Pruitt. It is likely another infielder will be called up Friday for the start of the Boston series.
Ji-Man Choi is back from his mystery "restricted list" leave. No details on that have been released.
Nothing about this game was pretty, except maybe for the fourth toe on Blake Snell's right foot.
Tuesday, April 23. Game 24: Zunino whacks another; Snell waiting in the wings
Rays 5, Royals 2
Record: 16 - 8, best in baseball
Attendance: 8,298, 28th worst in baseball, ahead only of Kansas City and Miami.
The Rays jumped out to a 4-0 lead after two innings, Joey Wendle driving in one on a single in the first, and Mike Zunino, whose bat has come alive with the birth of his son four days ago, driving home another with a single in the second, when they scored three in all. They carried that lead into the sixth when Zunino homered to left center. In his last six at bats he has two homers three other hits, a walk, and three RBIs.
Ryne Stanek opened the game and gave way to Jalen Beeks, who picked up his first victory after pitching four and two-thirds innings of bulk relief. There were three other relievers, including the suddenly indispensable Emilio Pagan, who picked up his second save in two nights. Austin Pruitt, just called up, gave up both Royal runs, one on a home run by Martin Maldonado in the seventh and the other on a wild pitch that skipped all the way to the KC dugout and allowed Raúl Adalberto Mondesí to score all the way from second.
The Rays have won the series (that's seven of eight this young season) and are now hoping for a sweep to build on for their three-game revenge set against the Red Sox this weekend.
Ji-Man Choi has been placed mysteriously on something called the "restricted list" for a game while he tends to a "personal matter." Imagine, baseball players are allowed to have a private life that actually remains private.
But like last night, the best news of the day was a good IL report: Blake Snell is back in the rotation and will be starting tomorrow's matinee.
Record: 16 - 8, best in baseball
Attendance: 8,298, 28th worst in baseball, ahead only of Kansas City and Miami.
The Rays jumped out to a 4-0 lead after two innings, Joey Wendle driving in one on a single in the first, and Mike Zunino, whose bat has come alive with the birth of his son four days ago, driving home another with a single in the second, when they scored three in all. They carried that lead into the sixth when Zunino homered to left center. In his last six at bats he has two homers three other hits, a walk, and three RBIs.
Ryne Stanek opened the game and gave way to Jalen Beeks, who picked up his first victory after pitching four and two-thirds innings of bulk relief. There were three other relievers, including the suddenly indispensable Emilio Pagan, who picked up his second save in two nights. Austin Pruitt, just called up, gave up both Royal runs, one on a home run by Martin Maldonado in the seventh and the other on a wild pitch that skipped all the way to the KC dugout and allowed Raúl Adalberto Mondesí to score all the way from second.
The Rays have won the series (that's seven of eight this young season) and are now hoping for a sweep to build on for their three-game revenge set against the Red Sox this weekend.
Ji-Man Choi has been placed mysteriously on something called the "restricted list" for a game while he tends to a "personal matter." Imagine, baseball players are allowed to have a private life that actually remains private.
But like last night, the best news of the day was a good IL report: Blake Snell is back in the rotation and will be starting tomorrow's matinee.
Monday, April 22. Game 23: Rays lick their wounds, beat the Royals
Rays 6, Royals 3
Record: 15 - 8
Attendance: 9,914
Snapping a four-game losing streak and putting the pain of the Red Sox weekend debacle behind them, the Rays returned to the game that has worked well for the first two weeks of the season: good pitching, good defense, and timely hitting. The Rays Way.
The Royals drew first blood with a solo home run by Alex Gordon in the top of the first on a three-two pitch from Yonny Chirinos, but the Rays tied it in the bottom of the first on Yandy Diaz's sac fly driving in Tommy Pham who had tripled. Chirinos was tagged for two more solo homers in the fifth and sixth by Jorge Soler and Hunter Dozier.
The Rays got a run back in the sixth on Daniel Roberston's double and another in the seventh on a fielder's choice, but the decisive blow in the seventh came from Mike Zunino, just back from paternity leave, who hit his first home run of the season, a two-run shot to dead center field. Then for good measure Yandy Diaz hit an opposite field homer in the eighth.
Meantime, Chaz Roe followed Chirinos in the seventh and gave up a pair of walks before being replaced by Wilmer Font, who got one man out for the win. Kolarek pitched a clean eighth, and Emilio Pagan pitched a one-two-three ninth for the save, his first.
The best news of the night is that Austin Meadows' strained thumb is just a strained thumb. They are saying now that he might be back in a couple of weeks.
A sobering thought: after the next two home games against the Royals, the Rays travel to Boston for another three-game set. More fun.
Record: 15 - 8
Attendance: 9,914
Snapping a four-game losing streak and putting the pain of the Red Sox weekend debacle behind them, the Rays returned to the game that has worked well for the first two weeks of the season: good pitching, good defense, and timely hitting. The Rays Way.
The Royals drew first blood with a solo home run by Alex Gordon in the top of the first on a three-two pitch from Yonny Chirinos, but the Rays tied it in the bottom of the first on Yandy Diaz's sac fly driving in Tommy Pham who had tripled. Chirinos was tagged for two more solo homers in the fifth and sixth by Jorge Soler and Hunter Dozier.
The Rays got a run back in the sixth on Daniel Roberston's double and another in the seventh on a fielder's choice, but the decisive blow in the seventh came from Mike Zunino, just back from paternity leave, who hit his first home run of the season, a two-run shot to dead center field. Then for good measure Yandy Diaz hit an opposite field homer in the eighth.
Meantime, Chaz Roe followed Chirinos in the seventh and gave up a pair of walks before being replaced by Wilmer Font, who got one man out for the win. Kolarek pitched a clean eighth, and Emilio Pagan pitched a one-two-three ninth for the save, his first.
The best news of the night is that Austin Meadows' strained thumb is just a strained thumb. They are saying now that he might be back in a couple of weeks.
A sobering thought: after the next two home games against the Royals, the Rays travel to Boston for another three-game set. More fun.
Sunday, April 21. Game 22: Another extra inning flop
Rays 3, Red Sox 4 11 innings
Record: 14 - 8
Attendance: 18,740
Apparently eager to match his friend Diego Castillo in last-inning losses, Jose Alvarado allowed the 11th inning run that put the Red Sox ahead and secured for himself his second consecutive loss. That's four in a row split evenly between the tag-team relievers. And it's the Rays' third extra-inning loss without a win.
The reliever futility wasted another comeback highlighted by Tommy Pham's 8th inning home run that tied the game at three. In all three games against the Red Sox, the Rays put up a good fight only to be thwarted in the end. Their comebacks didn't make it all the way back. Maybe it was because they struck out 17 times on the night and left 15 men on base. Just a thought.
Tyler Glasnow was barely able to contain his anger at being pulled after five and a third innings in which he gave up a single run (Mitch Moreland's homer in the fourth) and struck out five with 76 pitches. And he had the lead. "In the moment," he said, "I'm definitely frustrated"--even though he supported his manager's decision, he said. After the game, Mgr. Cash sounded like he regretted replacing Glasnow. He called it "a really tough decision on my end," one he added that was "pretty challenging."
Part of the challenge was working his mix and match reliever magic--six pitchers in all: Kolarek (pitched to one batter who came in to score), Roe (two-thirds of an inning, one hit, two walks, and a blown save), Stanek (one inning, two hits), Pagan (back up from Durham for a clean inning), Castillo (a clean two innings with one hit, one walk, and five Ks), and Alvarado (one hit, one run, and the loss). Winning the game would have made Cash look like a pitcher-managing genius; losing it merely opened him up to a fourth straight game of second guesses. Regrets? He had a few.
But as bad as a three-game sweep is by Boston in the Trop, which was overrun again by red-breasted bullies, it wasn't the worst news of the night. That honor goes to Austin Meadows, little less than spectacular in his first month with the Rays, who was put on the 10-day IL for a right thumb sprain that everyone is praying is not a torn ligament that requires surgery.
This was a lost weekend every way you look at it. There is nothing to do at this point but write the Red Sox series off as an anomaly. Those three days were a mere market correction they will set to rights starting tomorrow night when the Kansas City Royals come to town. At least there won't be thousands of fans rooting against them.
Why not show up in force Rays fans? Reclaim the Trop for the hometown boys in Blue.
Record: 14 - 8
Attendance: 18,740
Apparently eager to match his friend Diego Castillo in last-inning losses, Jose Alvarado allowed the 11th inning run that put the Red Sox ahead and secured for himself his second consecutive loss. That's four in a row split evenly between the tag-team relievers. And it's the Rays' third extra-inning loss without a win.
The reliever futility wasted another comeback highlighted by Tommy Pham's 8th inning home run that tied the game at three. In all three games against the Red Sox, the Rays put up a good fight only to be thwarted in the end. Their comebacks didn't make it all the way back. Maybe it was because they struck out 17 times on the night and left 15 men on base. Just a thought.
Tyler Glasnow was barely able to contain his anger at being pulled after five and a third innings in which he gave up a single run (Mitch Moreland's homer in the fourth) and struck out five with 76 pitches. And he had the lead. "In the moment," he said, "I'm definitely frustrated"--even though he supported his manager's decision, he said. After the game, Mgr. Cash sounded like he regretted replacing Glasnow. He called it "a really tough decision on my end," one he added that was "pretty challenging."
Part of the challenge was working his mix and match reliever magic--six pitchers in all: Kolarek (pitched to one batter who came in to score), Roe (two-thirds of an inning, one hit, two walks, and a blown save), Stanek (one inning, two hits), Pagan (back up from Durham for a clean inning), Castillo (a clean two innings with one hit, one walk, and five Ks), and Alvarado (one hit, one run, and the loss). Winning the game would have made Cash look like a pitcher-managing genius; losing it merely opened him up to a fourth straight game of second guesses. Regrets? He had a few.
But as bad as a three-game sweep is by Boston in the Trop, which was overrun again by red-breasted bullies, it wasn't the worst news of the night. That honor goes to Austin Meadows, little less than spectacular in his first month with the Rays, who was put on the 10-day IL for a right thumb sprain that everyone is praying is not a torn ligament that requires surgery.
This was a lost weekend every way you look at it. There is nothing to do at this point but write the Red Sox series off as an anomaly. Those three days were a mere market correction they will set to rights starting tomorrow night when the Kansas City Royals come to town. At least there won't be thousands of fans rooting against them.
Why not show up in force Rays fans? Reclaim the Trop for the hometown boys in Blue.
Saturday, April 20. Game 21: Rays' weaknesses exposed
Rays 5, Red Sox 6
Record: 14 - 7
Attendance: 22,940
From Manager Kevin Cash down to the last man in the lineup, the Rays played a grittier game tonight than they did last night--but had the same result, another comeback that stopped short of a victory. That's one weakness. They have to learn how to win those tight games at the end. Coming close isn't good enough, not if you hope to have a postseason life.
Except for the grand slam pitch he threw to Andrew Benintendi in the second inning (disputed by possible fan interference but allowed anyway), Charlie Morton didn't pitch badly--except you can't say that! That one pitch lost the game. That's the second sub-par performance in a row from Morton. The Rays need stronger games from their $15 million man. That's a second weakness.
Tommy Pham is the mystery man. Everyone loves his intensity, his offensive and defensive dependability, his maturity as a role model for the younger Rays. But Thursday night he got caught between second and third on a pick off move and cost the Rays a genuine opportunity to score a run in a game they lost by one run. Tonight's gaffe was worse.
Down by a run in the bottom of the ninth, Pham singled with two out, putting runners on first and second. But then he was caught off base by a snap throw from C Christian Vazquez. In a heartbeat the game was over before Willy Adames had a chance to drive in the tying or winning runs. Tommy Pham's reckless base running is a third weakness.
The bullpen, which was the best in the league for a couple of weeks, has suddenly become porous. Jose Alvarado came in in the ninth and gave up two hits, a walk, and the winning run. His ineffectiveness tonight matched Diego Castillo's in the previous two losses. That's three in a row if you're counting. Maybe it's time to rethink FA closer Craig Kimbrel. The bullpen's a fourth weakness. Suddenly and surprisingly.
And wasting good offensive performances is a fifth weakness. Tonight the Rays outhit the Sox, 11 to 8. They had four triples (Meadows, Choi, Lowe, and Kiermaier) and two homers (Diaz and Garcia). And they had a fighting chance to tie the game up when Pham pulled his bonehead base running gaffe.
These weaknesses will probably turn into strengths again before this long season is over, but right now the Rays had better find a way to right the ship. Pronto.
Mitigating Factors on the Attendance Fiasco
First is the television audience. There is no way to know how many Rays fans follow the team exclusively on television--which they do for good reason, like they're too young to get to the Trop on their own, or they're too old to drive at night, or they're working. And many would-be attendees are discouraged by having to drive across the bay to St. Pete. It's an hour and fifteen minutes to the Trop from Dade City in eastern Pasco County--unless the traffic on 275 stretches the trip to an hour and forty-five minutes. That's a lot to ask of a fan. TV's a lot easier.
And it's not a cheap night out, expenses mounting quickly at $5 each for a beer and a hot dog (2018 figures), and prices escalating dramatically when you pick out name brand restaurant options. Ticket prices range widely with many attractive promotions, but regular prices range, for example, from $15 in the corners to $50+ for lower level seats behind the Rays dugout. Prices go all the way up to $200+. Those are not outrageous prices, but add it up when your party goes from two to four, say. Add in some ice cream, popcorn, peanuts. And parking. It's hard to imagine the night costing as little as $75 a person. So a trip to the Trop becomes a special outing, not something families do on a regular basis. And though it is a great date option, you better have a good job--and get to it on time in the morning after a late night at the ballpark. Of course, it may be worth it.
But note that every other baseball team in the country faces similar problems, and yet they manage to fill seats night after night. At some point, Ray's fans have to step up.
Friday, April 19. Game 20: "Rays looked sleepy"
Rays 4, Red Sox 6
Record: 14 - 6
Attendance: 21,343. As predicted, attendance doubled as Tampa-St. Pete residents who once lived in the Northeast came to root against their home team. Shame on them. It's their fault major league baseball is going to abandon us for fans who will support them. Wherever they may be.
The game saw the lead change three times and tie once, but in the end Boston hitters had their way hitting three homers and hammering out ten hits. Rays pitchers have given up 12 runs and 25 hits in back-to-back losses, their first losing streak of the season. The loss for each game went to Diego Castillo (0 - 2). Tonight he gave up back-to-back eighth inning home runs to Mookie Betts and Mitch Moreland, while Ryan Yarbrough, who surrendered a two-run homer to Christian Vasquez, gave up three runs in three innings.
On the Rays side of the ledger, Avasail Garcia tripled in one run in the third; Brandon Lowe solo homered in the first and only struck out once (a marked improvement over last night's futility), and Daniel Robertson (0 for his last 21) doubled in a pair of runs in the sixth.
All told the Rays looked sleepy, a tad too impressed with their early success, while the Red Sox gathered up their 2018 swagger that led to last year's World Series victory.
One thing is certain, if the Rays hope to make a mark on the 2019 AL East season, their pitching can't collapse as it has in the last two games.
A flurry of roster moves: Mike Zunino was put on paternity leave and Nick Ciuffo was called up from Durham to take his place. Emilio Pagan was sent back to Durham and RHP Casey Sadler was called up. And Joey Wendle is very close to being activated.
Charlie Morton starts tomorrow against Rick Porcello.
Record: 14 - 6
Attendance: 21,343. As predicted, attendance doubled as Tampa-St. Pete residents who once lived in the Northeast came to root against their home team. Shame on them. It's their fault major league baseball is going to abandon us for fans who will support them. Wherever they may be.
The game saw the lead change three times and tie once, but in the end Boston hitters had their way hitting three homers and hammering out ten hits. Rays pitchers have given up 12 runs and 25 hits in back-to-back losses, their first losing streak of the season. The loss for each game went to Diego Castillo (0 - 2). Tonight he gave up back-to-back eighth inning home runs to Mookie Betts and Mitch Moreland, while Ryan Yarbrough, who surrendered a two-run homer to Christian Vasquez, gave up three runs in three innings.
On the Rays side of the ledger, Avasail Garcia tripled in one run in the third; Brandon Lowe solo homered in the first and only struck out once (a marked improvement over last night's futility), and Daniel Robertson (0 for his last 21) doubled in a pair of runs in the sixth.
All told the Rays looked sleepy, a tad too impressed with their early success, while the Red Sox gathered up their 2018 swagger that led to last year's World Series victory.
One thing is certain, if the Rays hope to make a mark on the 2019 AL East season, their pitching can't collapse as it has in the last two games.
A flurry of roster moves: Mike Zunino was put on paternity leave and Nick Ciuffo was called up from Durham to take his place. Emilio Pagan was sent back to Durham and RHP Casey Sadler was called up. And Joey Wendle is very close to being activated.
Charlie Morton starts tomorrow against Rick Porcello.
Thursday, April 18. Game 19: Oriole fury: 15 hits
Rays 5, Orioles 6
Record: 14 - 5
Attendance: 9,081 Tomorrow's game against the Red Sox will probably double the attendance with fans who root against the Rays--adding insult to injury. Rays' upper management is crazy not to give these ball players a chance to play before fans who will happily turn out in very big numbers every night--Montreal? Portland? Wherever.
Tonight's game was a mini-barn-burner, lots of offense, clutch hitting, a game-tying bottom-of-the-ninth homer, and a base-running gaffe by a guy who had four hits on the night but was dead meat at a key juncture when he was caught stealing third (or maybe he was picked off second).
The Rays were outhit, 15-9, so the pitching didn't hold up tonight. Obviously. Hunter Wood opened with two good innings, but then he gave the ball to Jalen Beeks who gave up three runs in three innings, who gave the ball to Adam Kolarek who gave up one run in two innings, who gave the ball to newly called-up Emilio Pagan who gave up another run in two innings. Jose Alvarado pitched a perfect tenth with three strikeouts, but Diego Castillo couldn't get out of the eleventh without giving up the winning run. It wasn't pretty.
Offensively, Tommy Pham had the four hits, including a solo homer and a stolen base, and he also helped throw out Rio Ruiz at the plate, but he also single-handedly snuffed out a rally by getting caught between second and third in what seemed like an ill-advised steal attempt. Instead of a man on second with one out, there was no one on with two outs. Ouch. A huge turnaround.
It was Avasail Garcia who came up big again tying it up at 5 in the bottom of the 9th with a monster home run to center off the Rose Oncology sign, some 450 feet away and at an exit speed of 112 mph. Brandon Lowe, one of the heroes of last night's game, looked overmatched all night, striking out four times.
Another bit of bad news is that Tommy John recovering Brent Honeywell suffered what was reported as "forearm soreness" and has been ordered to shut it down for a while. The top pitching prospect was aiming for a June debut with the Rays.
Ready or not, Boston's in town.
Record: 14 - 5
Attendance: 9,081 Tomorrow's game against the Red Sox will probably double the attendance with fans who root against the Rays--adding insult to injury. Rays' upper management is crazy not to give these ball players a chance to play before fans who will happily turn out in very big numbers every night--Montreal? Portland? Wherever.
Tonight's game was a mini-barn-burner, lots of offense, clutch hitting, a game-tying bottom-of-the-ninth homer, and a base-running gaffe by a guy who had four hits on the night but was dead meat at a key juncture when he was caught stealing third (or maybe he was picked off second).
The Rays were outhit, 15-9, so the pitching didn't hold up tonight. Obviously. Hunter Wood opened with two good innings, but then he gave the ball to Jalen Beeks who gave up three runs in three innings, who gave the ball to Adam Kolarek who gave up one run in two innings, who gave the ball to newly called-up Emilio Pagan who gave up another run in two innings. Jose Alvarado pitched a perfect tenth with three strikeouts, but Diego Castillo couldn't get out of the eleventh without giving up the winning run. It wasn't pretty.
Offensively, Tommy Pham had the four hits, including a solo homer and a stolen base, and he also helped throw out Rio Ruiz at the plate, but he also single-handedly snuffed out a rally by getting caught between second and third in what seemed like an ill-advised steal attempt. Instead of a man on second with one out, there was no one on with two outs. Ouch. A huge turnaround.
It was Avasail Garcia who came up big again tying it up at 5 in the bottom of the 9th with a monster home run to center off the Rose Oncology sign, some 450 feet away and at an exit speed of 112 mph. Brandon Lowe, one of the heroes of last night's game, looked overmatched all night, striking out four times.
Another bit of bad news is that Tommy John recovering Brent Honeywell suffered what was reported as "forearm soreness" and has been ordered to shut it down for a while. The top pitching prospect was aiming for a June debut with the Rays.
Ready or not, Boston's in town.
Wednesday, April 17. Game 18: Oriole futility: 15 K's
Rays 8, Orioles, 1
Record: 14-4
Attendance: 9,028 Even worse than yesterday. Shame.
It was a lopsided game, with homers from Brandon Lowe, Yandy Diaz, and Ji-Man Choi, and contributions up and down the lineup, including three hits from C Mike Zunino, who hit the ball hard all three times, one bouncing high off the left center field wall. There were 13 hits in all. The pitching was just as effective with Ryne Stanek opening the game with three strikeouts and then turning the ball over to Yonny Chirinos (3-0) who pitched five very strong innings, striking out five and giving up one hit and one walk but no runs. Wilmer Font pitched one inning and giving up the only Orioles' run, a homer by 3B Rio Ruiz. In all Rays' pitchers struck out 13 struggling Oriole's batters.
The strike zone was a bone of contention for the frustrated players, their manager Brandon Hyde, and his Field Coordinator Tim Cossins. Words were exchanged in the bottom of the third between someone in the Oriole's dugout and home plate umpire C. B. Bucknor about his calls. Bucknor thought it was Hyde doing the complaining and threw him out, but then it turned out that it was Cossins who had said the offensive words, so he got tossed instead. The way the Rays are playing these days, frustrations are bound to get testy.
From the Baltimore Sun: "The Rays (14-4) were unrelenting in dealing their damage. Reigning American League Player of the Week Austin Meadow began the bottom of the first with a 115.4 mph single. Choi followed Tommy Pham’s 102.3 mph flyout with a 97.1 mph single before Díaz lined out at 105.6 mph. Lowe then redirected a David Hess changeup, sending it over the right-field fence with an exit velocity of 108.9 mph."
Tommy Pham's consecutive game on-base streak was stopped at 48.
This was the Rays' sixth straight series win, their best-ever run.
Record: 14-4
Attendance: 9,028 Even worse than yesterday. Shame.
It was a lopsided game, with homers from Brandon Lowe, Yandy Diaz, and Ji-Man Choi, and contributions up and down the lineup, including three hits from C Mike Zunino, who hit the ball hard all three times, one bouncing high off the left center field wall. There were 13 hits in all. The pitching was just as effective with Ryne Stanek opening the game with three strikeouts and then turning the ball over to Yonny Chirinos (3-0) who pitched five very strong innings, striking out five and giving up one hit and one walk but no runs. Wilmer Font pitched one inning and giving up the only Orioles' run, a homer by 3B Rio Ruiz. In all Rays' pitchers struck out 13 struggling Oriole's batters.
The strike zone was a bone of contention for the frustrated players, their manager Brandon Hyde, and his Field Coordinator Tim Cossins. Words were exchanged in the bottom of the third between someone in the Oriole's dugout and home plate umpire C. B. Bucknor about his calls. Bucknor thought it was Hyde doing the complaining and threw him out, but then it turned out that it was Cossins who had said the offensive words, so he got tossed instead. The way the Rays are playing these days, frustrations are bound to get testy.
From the Baltimore Sun: "The Rays (14-4) were unrelenting in dealing their damage. Reigning American League Player of the Week Austin Meadow began the bottom of the first with a 115.4 mph single. Choi followed Tommy Pham’s 102.3 mph flyout with a 97.1 mph single before Díaz lined out at 105.6 mph. Lowe then redirected a David Hess changeup, sending it over the right-field fence with an exit velocity of 108.9 mph."
Tommy Pham's consecutive game on-base streak was stopped at 48.
This was the Rays' sixth straight series win, their best-ever run.
Tuesday, April 16. Game 17: Bad bathroom joke, Snell breaks toe
Rays 4, Orioles 2
Record: 13-4
Attendance: 9,842. Pathetic. Tampa-St. Pete just doesn't have a baseball culture. They'll only show up in numbers to root for the other team. These "fans" don't deserve the Rays.
Here's how Eduardo A. Encina put it in the Tampa Bay Times the next morning: "Let's put all the excuses aside. We all can agree that Tuesday's announced crowd of 9,842 is thoroughly embarrassing in support of a team with baseball's best record that was playing its first home game in two weeks after a 7-2 road trip." Amen to that brother.
There are all sorts of better things to report on the game, however. The Rays managed four runs on six hits, the big blow coming from Avisail Garcia, who hit a two-run homer with two out in the fourth. He had three RBIs on the night and his average is up to .327. On the mound was Tyler Glasnow who won his fourth game of the year without a loss, even though he gave up single runs in the first and third innings, only struck out three on the night (eight less than his last outing), and had to grind out a victory for the first time this year. Alvarado and Castillo wrapped it up in the 8th and 9th for a hold and a save.
The big news of the night had nothing to do with the game: Blake Snell went on the Injury List after suffering a freak injury--in his bathroom. Somehow he managed to fracture a toe and is now facing an unknown recovery time, although the official line (with fingers crossed) is that he may miss only one start. He was replaced on the roster by reliever Emilio Pagan, who just missed the opening day roster and was fine tuning his talents and picking up speed on his fast ball in Durham.
The toe mishap was the result of Snell trying to move a decorative granite stand (no pictures of the offending stand have been published). It had two pieces, one of which fell heavily onto Snell's fourth toe on his right foot. The upside is that we are about to see Mgr. Cash go into his magic bag of baseball tricks. I'm thinking this will be fun. Stay tuned for the good news. And keep those fingers crossed. Toes too if you can.
Tommy Pham, btw, extended his consecutive game on-base streak to 48.
And Joey Wendle's hamstring seems a thing of the past at this point. He is eyeing a return to action from the IL on Saturday, a roster change that will bench someone every day. It's hard to imagine the Rays will be any better than they already are by tinkering with the very successful roster they've been playing with. But Mgr. Cash has been a magician so far, so let's see what he comes up with.
Record: 13-4
Attendance: 9,842. Pathetic. Tampa-St. Pete just doesn't have a baseball culture. They'll only show up in numbers to root for the other team. These "fans" don't deserve the Rays.
Here's how Eduardo A. Encina put it in the Tampa Bay Times the next morning: "Let's put all the excuses aside. We all can agree that Tuesday's announced crowd of 9,842 is thoroughly embarrassing in support of a team with baseball's best record that was playing its first home game in two weeks after a 7-2 road trip." Amen to that brother.
There are all sorts of better things to report on the game, however. The Rays managed four runs on six hits, the big blow coming from Avisail Garcia, who hit a two-run homer with two out in the fourth. He had three RBIs on the night and his average is up to .327. On the mound was Tyler Glasnow who won his fourth game of the year without a loss, even though he gave up single runs in the first and third innings, only struck out three on the night (eight less than his last outing), and had to grind out a victory for the first time this year. Alvarado and Castillo wrapped it up in the 8th and 9th for a hold and a save.
The big news of the night had nothing to do with the game: Blake Snell went on the Injury List after suffering a freak injury--in his bathroom. Somehow he managed to fracture a toe and is now facing an unknown recovery time, although the official line (with fingers crossed) is that he may miss only one start. He was replaced on the roster by reliever Emilio Pagan, who just missed the opening day roster and was fine tuning his talents and picking up speed on his fast ball in Durham.
The toe mishap was the result of Snell trying to move a decorative granite stand (no pictures of the offending stand have been published). It had two pieces, one of which fell heavily onto Snell's fourth toe on his right foot. The upside is that we are about to see Mgr. Cash go into his magic bag of baseball tricks. I'm thinking this will be fun. Stay tuned for the good news. And keep those fingers crossed. Toes too if you can.
Tommy Pham, btw, extended his consecutive game on-base streak to 48.
And Joey Wendle's hamstring seems a thing of the past at this point. He is eyeing a return to action from the IL on Saturday, a roster change that will bench someone every day. It's hard to imagine the Rays will be any better than they already are by tinkering with the very successful roster they've been playing with. But Mgr. Cash has been a magician so far, so let's see what he comes up with.
Monday, April 15. Off Day
Rays are resting, but Kevin Cash is stashing aces up his sleeve for Tuesday's game against the Orioles. , , ,
Austin Meadows did win the AL Player of the Week award for his production over 27 plate appearances: .542 BA, 12 RBIs, and four home runs, including the one at Toronto's Rogers Centre that landed in the 500 level in the upper deck in right field. Marc Topkin, the Tampa Bay Times award-winning beat writer, points out rather soberly that Meadows had a similarly impressive beginning to his 2018 season, hitting .439 and smashing four homers over 11 games, but then cooled off, was sent to the minors, and traded to the Rays at the trade deadline (with Tyler Glasnow to the Pirates for Chris Archer).
W L Pct. Games Behind
Tampa Bay 12 4 .750 ------
New York 6 9 .400 5.5
Baltimore 6 10 .375 6
Boston 6 10 375 6
Toronto 5 11 .313 7
Austin Meadows did win the AL Player of the Week award for his production over 27 plate appearances: .542 BA, 12 RBIs, and four home runs, including the one at Toronto's Rogers Centre that landed in the 500 level in the upper deck in right field. Marc Topkin, the Tampa Bay Times award-winning beat writer, points out rather soberly that Meadows had a similarly impressive beginning to his 2018 season, hitting .439 and smashing four homers over 11 games, but then cooled off, was sent to the minors, and traded to the Rays at the trade deadline (with Tyler Glasnow to the Pirates for Chris Archer).
W L Pct. Games Behind
Tampa Bay 12 4 .750 ------
New York 6 9 .400 5.5
Baltimore 6 10 .375 6
Boston 6 10 375 6
Toronto 5 11 .313 7
Sunday, April 14. Game 16: "best record in baseball"
Rays 8, Blue Jays 4
Record: 12-4
Attendance: 20,512 Another nice showing by the Canadians. Are you taking note, St. Pete-Tampa?
The Rays won the game 8-4 and did indeed win the series, two games to one, their fifth in a row for this young season, and they also own the best record in baseball at 12-4. They are off tomorrow then resume play against the Orioles Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at the Trop. 15,000 would be a huge thank you for this team that has earned it.
The getaway game in Toronto should have been another win for Charlie Morton, who wasn't sharp but should have gotten out of the fourth inning except that Daniel Robertson booted a grounder that would have ended the inning. Adam Kolarek got the last out and the win. Chaz Roe got a strike out for his one batter and a hold. Three more relievers did admirably until Wilmer Font came in in the 9th and gave up two runs.
They played a nice game of small ball in the third plating one run on a couple of singles, a walk, and an error. Then in the 4th they got two more the same way, except no one hit the ball past the infield this time, making it 3-1 Rays. In the 8th they exploded for five runs, two coming in on PH Mike Zunino's single to center, which was followed by Guillermo Heredia's PH home run. It's nice when the big blows come from unexpected contributors. Heredia was hitting for Meadows, who was 0-4 but did knock in a run (his 17th). 8 runs, 9 hits, and 2 errors--one very costly for Charlie Morton.
Let's see if they come roaring out of the box on Tuesday night against the Orioles with Tyler Glasnow trying for his fourth win.
Record: 12-4
Attendance: 20,512 Another nice showing by the Canadians. Are you taking note, St. Pete-Tampa?
The Rays won the game 8-4 and did indeed win the series, two games to one, their fifth in a row for this young season, and they also own the best record in baseball at 12-4. They are off tomorrow then resume play against the Orioles Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at the Trop. 15,000 would be a huge thank you for this team that has earned it.
The getaway game in Toronto should have been another win for Charlie Morton, who wasn't sharp but should have gotten out of the fourth inning except that Daniel Robertson booted a grounder that would have ended the inning. Adam Kolarek got the last out and the win. Chaz Roe got a strike out for his one batter and a hold. Three more relievers did admirably until Wilmer Font came in in the 9th and gave up two runs.
They played a nice game of small ball in the third plating one run on a couple of singles, a walk, and an error. Then in the 4th they got two more the same way, except no one hit the ball past the infield this time, making it 3-1 Rays. In the 8th they exploded for five runs, two coming in on PH Mike Zunino's single to center, which was followed by Guillermo Heredia's PH home run. It's nice when the big blows come from unexpected contributors. Heredia was hitting for Meadows, who was 0-4 but did knock in a run (his 17th). 8 runs, 9 hits, and 2 errors--one very costly for Charlie Morton.
Let's see if they come roaring out of the box on Tuesday night against the Orioles with Tyler Glasnow trying for his fourth win.
Saturday, April 13. Game 15: Snell pulled, Rays lose
Blue Jays 3, Rays 1
Record: 11-4
Attendance: 20,771 Canadians love the Rays. Montreal especially. They can't wait to have two teams in the AL East, a natural rivalry with Toronto. The clock is ticking Rays fans: turn out in big numbers on Tuesday to root what is still your team against the Orioles. We do have a fan base!
The story from the Rays' point of view today was Blake Snell pitching six more quality innings, giving up one hit and no runs but leaving the seventh inning to Chaz Roe, who gave up hits to Justin Smoak and Randal Grichuk before Lourdes Gurriel, Jr. drove them both in with a double off the center field wall to take a 2-1 lead. They added another run in the eighth, and that's how it ended with a wasted effort by Snell and another loss for Roe, his second of the young season.
The decision to pull Snell after only six innings and 82 pitches is being second-guessed of course, but Kevin Cash and pitching coach Kyle Snyder were adamant that preserving pitchers for later in the season was smart baseball--and Snell agreed. He was quoted after the game: "This is their plan and I agree with it 100 percent. I think it's all about longevity."
Don't be surprised if Roe goes down to Durham soon to get his mojo back by pitching more regularly. That's probably how the announcement will go.
Offensively, the Rays had almost nothing to brag about this afternoon. Their one run was driven in by Austin Meadows (16), who went 2 for 3 plus an intentional walk with runners in scoring position. That's it, except for Tommy Pham, who had one hit to extend his consecutive on-base streak to 47 games. Clay Buchholz pitched six innings, giving up six hits and the one run before giving the ball to the Toronto bullpen, which shut the Rays down the rest of the way. The win went to the first reliever, Thomas Pannone.
Charlie Montoyo's Blue Jays are an aggressive, high-energy team that keeps its foot on the pedal, which means that the first two games of this set were competitive and fun to watch. The rubber match tomorrow pits Charlie Morton against Marcus Stroman. The Rays are trying for their fifth consecutive series win.
Record: 11-4
Attendance: 20,771 Canadians love the Rays. Montreal especially. They can't wait to have two teams in the AL East, a natural rivalry with Toronto. The clock is ticking Rays fans: turn out in big numbers on Tuesday to root what is still your team against the Orioles. We do have a fan base!
The story from the Rays' point of view today was Blake Snell pitching six more quality innings, giving up one hit and no runs but leaving the seventh inning to Chaz Roe, who gave up hits to Justin Smoak and Randal Grichuk before Lourdes Gurriel, Jr. drove them both in with a double off the center field wall to take a 2-1 lead. They added another run in the eighth, and that's how it ended with a wasted effort by Snell and another loss for Roe, his second of the young season.
The decision to pull Snell after only six innings and 82 pitches is being second-guessed of course, but Kevin Cash and pitching coach Kyle Snyder were adamant that preserving pitchers for later in the season was smart baseball--and Snell agreed. He was quoted after the game: "This is their plan and I agree with it 100 percent. I think it's all about longevity."
Don't be surprised if Roe goes down to Durham soon to get his mojo back by pitching more regularly. That's probably how the announcement will go.
Offensively, the Rays had almost nothing to brag about this afternoon. Their one run was driven in by Austin Meadows (16), who went 2 for 3 plus an intentional walk with runners in scoring position. That's it, except for Tommy Pham, who had one hit to extend his consecutive on-base streak to 47 games. Clay Buchholz pitched six innings, giving up six hits and the one run before giving the ball to the Toronto bullpen, which shut the Rays down the rest of the way. The win went to the first reliever, Thomas Pannone.
Charlie Montoyo's Blue Jays are an aggressive, high-energy team that keeps its foot on the pedal, which means that the first two games of this set were competitive and fun to watch. The rubber match tomorrow pits Charlie Morton against Marcus Stroman. The Rays are trying for their fifth consecutive series win.
Friday, April 12. Game 14: Two upper deck homers, a record
Rays 11, Blue Jays 7
Record: 11 - 3
Attendance: 17,326. A good opportunity for a respectable Toronto crowd to see the best team in baseball right now. Of course they turned out to see the Rays on a Friday night. Why wouldn't they?
It was no contest until suddenly it was. By the end it was just a mess.
The Rays got off to a huge 8 - 0 lead, which they took into the bottom of the 7th when reliable Yonny Chirinos gave up six runs. The Blue Jays added another run in the 8th before the Rays put it out of reach with three runs in the 9th. It was a blowout, a nail biter, then a semi-blowout again. It will look like every other win when the season is over and the final numbers are in, but it wasn't like many other games you've ever seen.
The offense was sensational, banging out 16 hits, including five home runs, two each from leadoff DH Austin Meadows and 2B Brandon Lowe, plus an add-on two-run shot in the 9th by Willy Adames, who continued his hot hitting. Both Meadows and Lowe hit identical 436-foot homers into the right field upper deck, the first time in the same game that has ever been done in the 31 years the Blue Jays have been in the domed Rogers Centre. In fact, according to the Tampa Bay Times, there have only been twenty balls ever hit in the 500 level in all those years. There were more high fives than a Little League game.
Avasail Garcia extended his hot hitting in Chicago by getting three more hits. Willy Adames, two. (Both were also plunked by pitches, which raised a few alarms and dampened the feel-good confrontation with the Jays new manager and long-time Ray, Charlie Montoyo.)
And the pitching was sensational too, except for the 7th inning. Ryne Stanek pitched a perfect two innings with three Ks as the opener. Ryan Yarbrough pitched the next two innings perfectly (for the win), and then came Chirinos, who pitched well in the 5th and 6th before melting down in the seventh for six earned runs. Adam Kolarek and Diego Castillo came on to finish the 7th and Castillo got through a harrowing eighth when he gave up an unearned run (on a hit, a couple of walks, a wild pitch, and an error). Then with the game on the line, Castillo struck out power hitting PH Rowdy Tellez and then with the bases loaded, he got C Luke Maile, who, took three balls before taking three strikes. High fives were by then a thing of the past.
If you're a baseball purist, you might have enjoyed the way the game balanced out and finished up in the 7th, 8th, and 9th innings. Great fun, I can hear people saying approvingly. But if you root for either of these teams, it was pure agony toward the end.
In the midst of the mess, Tommy Pham continued his on-base hitting streak to 46.
The Rays are throwing Blake Snell tomorrow against veteran righty Clay Buchholz Should be more fun. If you can take it.
Record: 11 - 3
Attendance: 17,326. A good opportunity for a respectable Toronto crowd to see the best team in baseball right now. Of course they turned out to see the Rays on a Friday night. Why wouldn't they?
It was no contest until suddenly it was. By the end it was just a mess.
The Rays got off to a huge 8 - 0 lead, which they took into the bottom of the 7th when reliable Yonny Chirinos gave up six runs. The Blue Jays added another run in the 8th before the Rays put it out of reach with three runs in the 9th. It was a blowout, a nail biter, then a semi-blowout again. It will look like every other win when the season is over and the final numbers are in, but it wasn't like many other games you've ever seen.
The offense was sensational, banging out 16 hits, including five home runs, two each from leadoff DH Austin Meadows and 2B Brandon Lowe, plus an add-on two-run shot in the 9th by Willy Adames, who continued his hot hitting. Both Meadows and Lowe hit identical 436-foot homers into the right field upper deck, the first time in the same game that has ever been done in the 31 years the Blue Jays have been in the domed Rogers Centre. In fact, according to the Tampa Bay Times, there have only been twenty balls ever hit in the 500 level in all those years. There were more high fives than a Little League game.
Avasail Garcia extended his hot hitting in Chicago by getting three more hits. Willy Adames, two. (Both were also plunked by pitches, which raised a few alarms and dampened the feel-good confrontation with the Jays new manager and long-time Ray, Charlie Montoyo.)
And the pitching was sensational too, except for the 7th inning. Ryne Stanek pitched a perfect two innings with three Ks as the opener. Ryan Yarbrough pitched the next two innings perfectly (for the win), and then came Chirinos, who pitched well in the 5th and 6th before melting down in the seventh for six earned runs. Adam Kolarek and Diego Castillo came on to finish the 7th and Castillo got through a harrowing eighth when he gave up an unearned run (on a hit, a couple of walks, a wild pitch, and an error). Then with the game on the line, Castillo struck out power hitting PH Rowdy Tellez and then with the bases loaded, he got C Luke Maile, who, took three balls before taking three strikes. High fives were by then a thing of the past.
If you're a baseball purist, you might have enjoyed the way the game balanced out and finished up in the 7th, 8th, and 9th innings. Great fun, I can hear people saying approvingly. But if you root for either of these teams, it was pure agony toward the end.
In the midst of the mess, Tommy Pham continued his on-base hitting streak to 46.
The Rays are throwing Blake Snell tomorrow against veteran righty Clay Buchholz Should be more fun. If you can take it.
Thursday, April 11. Off day.
AL East, April 12, 2919
W L Pct. Games Behind
Tampa Bay 10 3 .769 ------
New York 5 7 .417 4.5
Baltimore 5 8 .385 5
Toronto 4 8 .333 5.5
Boston 3 9 .250 6.5
W L Pct. Games Behind
Tampa Bay 10 3 .769 ------
New York 5 7 .417 4.5
Baltimore 5 8 .385 5
Toronto 4 8 .333 5.5
Boston 3 9 .250 6.5
Wednesday, April 10. Game 13: Team ERA, 1.98, B.A. against, 1.99
Rays 9, White Sox 1
Record: 10-3
Attendance: 11,107, but it didn't look like that many. It was cloudy and 38 degrees and the game had already been delayed an hour and a half before they started playing. Silly to play a baseball game in that kind of weather, but you have to hand it to the fans: they stayed home by the thousands. Considering how badly they were beaten under those miserable conditions, the White Sox management should probably have called the game off and rescheduled it during the summer. 20-20 hindsight's hard to beat.
Tyler Glasnow won his third game in a row (ERA now 0.53), pitching six scoreless innings, striking out eleven, and then giving the ball to Jalen Beeks who pitched three innings, giving up the Chisox only run in the ninth inning, and earning the save, his first. It was dominant pitching once again as the Rays swept the series to make a serious statement to MLB: Their pitching is breathtakingly good. The team ERA is 1.98 and the batting average against them a paltry .199.
However, let's hold off with the highest accolades until after they've faced the AL East, which is coming up this Friday with three games in Toronto, followed by three against Baltimore, and finally a set against Boston at the end of the month. The Yankees don't venture into the schedule until mid-May, with a six-game home-and away series. After that kind of fire, we ought to know just what kind of team we have here, but off the early going, it's hard not to become excited by the 10 and 3 Tampa Bay Rays.
On the offensive side of the ball, where they pounded five WS pitchers for 14 hits, manager Kevin Cash has to be excited as well. Tommy Pham had a pair of hits to extend his consecutive game on-base streak to 45--but they were both homers, his first two of the year. Austin Meadows (AL Player of the Week? early ROY contender?) had another three hits, including his fourth home run and three more RBIs (13 on the year.) Avasail Garcia had three more hits and two more RBI's against his former team--which may have turned the corner on his slow start this season. He went 8 for 15 with four RBIs on the sweep. Big smiles from him. And Willy Adames went 2 for 5 to continue his comeback from a slow start.
Make no mistake. The Rays are playing on all eight cylinders right now. No one wants to be their next opponent.
Record: 10-3
Attendance: 11,107, but it didn't look like that many. It was cloudy and 38 degrees and the game had already been delayed an hour and a half before they started playing. Silly to play a baseball game in that kind of weather, but you have to hand it to the fans: they stayed home by the thousands. Considering how badly they were beaten under those miserable conditions, the White Sox management should probably have called the game off and rescheduled it during the summer. 20-20 hindsight's hard to beat.
Tyler Glasnow won his third game in a row (ERA now 0.53), pitching six scoreless innings, striking out eleven, and then giving the ball to Jalen Beeks who pitched three innings, giving up the Chisox only run in the ninth inning, and earning the save, his first. It was dominant pitching once again as the Rays swept the series to make a serious statement to MLB: Their pitching is breathtakingly good. The team ERA is 1.98 and the batting average against them a paltry .199.
However, let's hold off with the highest accolades until after they've faced the AL East, which is coming up this Friday with three games in Toronto, followed by three against Baltimore, and finally a set against Boston at the end of the month. The Yankees don't venture into the schedule until mid-May, with a six-game home-and away series. After that kind of fire, we ought to know just what kind of team we have here, but off the early going, it's hard not to become excited by the 10 and 3 Tampa Bay Rays.
On the offensive side of the ball, where they pounded five WS pitchers for 14 hits, manager Kevin Cash has to be excited as well. Tommy Pham had a pair of hits to extend his consecutive game on-base streak to 45--but they were both homers, his first two of the year. Austin Meadows (AL Player of the Week? early ROY contender?) had another three hits, including his fourth home run and three more RBIs (13 on the year.) Avasail Garcia had three more hits and two more RBI's against his former team--which may have turned the corner on his slow start this season. He went 8 for 15 with four RBIs on the sweep. Big smiles from him. And Willy Adames went 2 for 5 to continue his comeback from a slow start.
Make no mistake. The Rays are playing on all eight cylinders right now. No one wants to be their next opponent.
Tuesday, April 9. Game 12: Time for a root canal?
Rays 10, White Sox 5
Record: 9 - 3
Attendance: 10,799 Just as pathetic as our numbers. Except the Rays are good at 9-3 while the White Sox are struggling at 3-7.
In an ugly game that took nearly four hours to finish, the Rays were happy to escape with a 10-5 victory this afternoon. They celebrated of course. That's what winning teams do. They celebrated Charlie Morton's second win. They celebrated home runs from Brandon Lowe, Austin Meadows, and Avasail Garcia, who went 3 for 5 against his former team, by far his best showing of the year. Maybe he just needed proper motivation. Who knows? Now that he's on board, maybe he'll be the player we expected but haven't seen. Meadows, btw, went 4 for 5 with a walk and four RBIs. I'll say it again: what a deal that is turning out to be, Meadows and Taylor Glasnow for Chris Archer last summer. (Oh, yeah, Archer was just suspended five games for his role in a bean ball affair a few days ago.)
After the offensive fireworks that put the Rays in good position for a quick victory, four relievers nearly gave the game away as hour followed hour. Finally, after 3:56, more than 400 pitches, the curtain closed. They do it again tomorrow afternoon. For the second game in a row, the attendance today was about 10,000, but anyone in Chicago who saw today's fiasco will schedule a root canal instead. They'll be lucky to get 5,000.
Record: 9 - 3
Attendance: 10,799 Just as pathetic as our numbers. Except the Rays are good at 9-3 while the White Sox are struggling at 3-7.
In an ugly game that took nearly four hours to finish, the Rays were happy to escape with a 10-5 victory this afternoon. They celebrated of course. That's what winning teams do. They celebrated Charlie Morton's second win. They celebrated home runs from Brandon Lowe, Austin Meadows, and Avasail Garcia, who went 3 for 5 against his former team, by far his best showing of the year. Maybe he just needed proper motivation. Who knows? Now that he's on board, maybe he'll be the player we expected but haven't seen. Meadows, btw, went 4 for 5 with a walk and four RBIs. I'll say it again: what a deal that is turning out to be, Meadows and Taylor Glasnow for Chris Archer last summer. (Oh, yeah, Archer was just suspended five games for his role in a bean ball affair a few days ago.)
After the offensive fireworks that put the Rays in good position for a quick victory, four relievers nearly gave the game away as hour followed hour. Finally, after 3:56, more than 400 pitches, the curtain closed. They do it again tomorrow afternoon. For the second game in a row, the attendance today was about 10,000, but anyone in Chicago who saw today's fiasco will schedule a root canal instead. They'll be lucky to get 5,000.
Monday, April 8. Game 11: More ho than hum
Rays 5, White Sox 1
Record: 8-3
Attendance: 11,734
Some games play out according to script, like today's contest between the Rays and White Sox in Chicago. Blake Snell was dominant again, striking out eleven in six innings, not walking a batter, and limiting the White Sox to a single run, Jose Rondon's homer in the 5th. He improved his record to 2-1, lowered his ERA to 2.84, and his WHIP to 0.89. Just-promoted Hunter Wood pitched the last three shut-out innings for the save. Ho hum.
But brilliance shouldn't be made light of. Snell got into trouble in the sixth putting two men on with no one out and facing the tying run at the plate, the 3, 4, and 5 men in the lineup. He struck them all out. Sox manager Rick Renteria was duly impressed. "He's got really good stuff," he said after the game. "His breaking ball falls off the table. He can throw it short, make you chase, it has a hard bite and it's kind of late. It gets swings out there." And then there was the fast ball: "He does have a different gear, gets up to 97 (mph) and he can pretty much elevate it out of the zone. It looks like it's going to stay in there and it ends up rising. This guy's an excellent pitcher."
Offensively, the Rays managed four early runs, two in the first on a bases loaded walk and a sac fly, and two in the second on a squeeze bunt and a ground ball single to center. The fifth and final run came in the eighth on another bases loaded walk. Not exactly a blistering attack, but plenty good enough when Blake Snell can carry the team into the late innings and when Hunter Wood can impress the team with three solid innings only hours after his promotion to the big leagues--Christian Arroyo being sent down to Durham in a corresponding roster move.
Overall though, more ho, more hum.
Tommy Pham reached base for the 43d consecutive game. He makes it look so easy that it hardly seems worth mentioning. This could go on for a very long time. And it will have to if he is to threaten Ted Williams' 1949 record of 84.
Willy Adames collected three hits and is 6 for his last 11. His horrid 1 for 27 start seems a thing of the past at this point.
Avasail Garcia, who spent the last five-plus years with the South Side Sox, made a triumphant return with two hits and an RBI, but the right hand batter flails away at sweeping breaking balls from right handers that wind up way out of the strike zone. He has the same sort of pathetic swings C. J. Cron had on similar pitches during his long slump last summer. It's painful to watch. Who is responsible for teaching plate discipline? At this point it's hard to justify giving Garcia playing time that keeps Austin Meadows on the bench.
Tomorrow Charlie Morton (1-0, 1.64 ERA, 1.00 WHIP) takes the mound in the Rays' fifth day game in a row with one more on tap in Chicago before one night game in Toronto--followed by two more day games. It's a strange stretch.
Record: 8-3
Attendance: 11,734
Some games play out according to script, like today's contest between the Rays and White Sox in Chicago. Blake Snell was dominant again, striking out eleven in six innings, not walking a batter, and limiting the White Sox to a single run, Jose Rondon's homer in the 5th. He improved his record to 2-1, lowered his ERA to 2.84, and his WHIP to 0.89. Just-promoted Hunter Wood pitched the last three shut-out innings for the save. Ho hum.
But brilliance shouldn't be made light of. Snell got into trouble in the sixth putting two men on with no one out and facing the tying run at the plate, the 3, 4, and 5 men in the lineup. He struck them all out. Sox manager Rick Renteria was duly impressed. "He's got really good stuff," he said after the game. "His breaking ball falls off the table. He can throw it short, make you chase, it has a hard bite and it's kind of late. It gets swings out there." And then there was the fast ball: "He does have a different gear, gets up to 97 (mph) and he can pretty much elevate it out of the zone. It looks like it's going to stay in there and it ends up rising. This guy's an excellent pitcher."
Offensively, the Rays managed four early runs, two in the first on a bases loaded walk and a sac fly, and two in the second on a squeeze bunt and a ground ball single to center. The fifth and final run came in the eighth on another bases loaded walk. Not exactly a blistering attack, but plenty good enough when Blake Snell can carry the team into the late innings and when Hunter Wood can impress the team with three solid innings only hours after his promotion to the big leagues--Christian Arroyo being sent down to Durham in a corresponding roster move.
Overall though, more ho, more hum.
Tommy Pham reached base for the 43d consecutive game. He makes it look so easy that it hardly seems worth mentioning. This could go on for a very long time. And it will have to if he is to threaten Ted Williams' 1949 record of 84.
Willy Adames collected three hits and is 6 for his last 11. His horrid 1 for 27 start seems a thing of the past at this point.
Avasail Garcia, who spent the last five-plus years with the South Side Sox, made a triumphant return with two hits and an RBI, but the right hand batter flails away at sweeping breaking balls from right handers that wind up way out of the strike zone. He has the same sort of pathetic swings C. J. Cron had on similar pitches during his long slump last summer. It's painful to watch. Who is responsible for teaching plate discipline? At this point it's hard to justify giving Garcia playing time that keeps Austin Meadows on the bench.
Tomorrow Charlie Morton (1-0, 1.64 ERA, 1.00 WHIP) takes the mound in the Rays' fifth day game in a row with one more on tap in Chicago before one night game in Toronto--followed by two more day games. It's a strange stretch.
Sunday, April 7. Game 10: A Diaz Doozie
Rays 3,
Giants 0
Record: 7-3
Attendance: 31,574
The big story in today’s 3-0 win over the Giants is the way our Tampa Bay Rays draw fans into the ballpark, 104,469 in three days at Oracle Park in San Francisco. The Amazing Rays.
The big story in today’s 3-0 win over the Giants is the way our Tampa Bay Rays draw fans into the ballpark, 104,469 in three days at Oracle Park in San Francisco. The Amazing Rays.
But there is a lot more to like
about today’s win. First is the leadoff
home run by Yandy Diaz, who everyday is making Rays fans forget how much they
hated giving up Jake Bauers to get him. Bauers is hitting .182 with no homers
and two RBIs, while Diaz is hitting .310 with two homers and three RBIs going
into today’s action. Today’s home run was
another Diaz Doozie: a laser shot that left the park the park at
109 mph. The problem is that it was
traveling too fast for anyone to see it very clearly. It hit the left field bleachers about ten
rows back and bounced back onto the playing field, and no one could be sure if
it was a homer or a single. The umpires
conferred, called New York, and signaled home run.
The second thing to like is the work
of starter Yonny Chirinos, who pitched five innings of two-hit shutout ball for
his second win of the year. He lowered his ERA to 0.75, his WHIP to 0.42. Officially designated still as a bulker, he
has yet to appear in that capacity and has two wins as a traditional
starter. [Pause here to think about the
possibilities. . . .] Following Chirinos
were the usual bullpen heroes: Kolarek,
Roe, and Castillo, followed by the unofficial closer, José Alvarado, who picked
up his fourth save. Very neat and efficient.
A third thing to like is the hitting
and base running of Kevin Kiermaier, now hitting over .300 with a pair of
homers and six RBIs. In the top of the
fourth, Kiermaier was on second when Christian Arroyo hit a single to shallow
right center where Steven Duggar fielded the ball cleanly and came up throwing
home--but fearlessly and recklessly, Kiermaier was already diving head first
and sliding his hand in just under the tag for the Ray’s second run. Then in the top of the eighth, Kiermaier
drove a ball to the right center field wall and slid safely into third with a triple. With Willy Adames at the plate, Giant
reliever Nick Vincent surprised everyone in the park, including himself I
think, and threw awkwardly to try and pick Kiermaier off. It was a balk and Kiermaier strolled home
with the last run of the game.
Two out of three against Evan Longoria and his Giants for their opening series of the year. Sweet.
Tommy Pham reached base for the 42nd consecutive game. And Rays reliever Adam Kolarek played first base, another of Kevin Cash’s Break-Every-Rule style of managing. In a righty-lefty switch, Cash put Kolarek on first while Chaz Roe came in to strike out Longoria, then put Kolarek back on the mound to strike out the dangerous lefty Brandon Belt. Business as usual for this bunch.
Two out of three against Evan Longoria and his Giants for their opening series of the year. Sweet.
Tommy Pham reached base for the 42nd consecutive game. And Rays reliever Adam Kolarek played first base, another of Kevin Cash’s Break-Every-Rule style of managing. In a righty-lefty switch, Cash put Kolarek on first while Chaz Roe came in to strike out Longoria, then put Kolarek back on the mound to strike out the dangerous lefty Brandon Belt. Business as usual for this bunch.
Next is a three-game set in Chicago against
the White Sox. Blake Snell is on the
mound tomorrow afternoon.
Saturday, April 6. Game 9: Adames, .100, Zunino, .091
Giants 6,
Rays 4
Record: 6-3
Attendance:
31,828
Today’s matinee was a letdown. All the pieces were in place, but the final
result slipped out of our hands. The Rays jumped out to a one-run lead in the first and led 3-2 in the top of the fifth,
but the Giants scored four in the bottom of the fifth and held on for a 6-4
win.
Opener Ryne Stanek pitched two
perfect innings, but he was followed by two normally reliable bulkers, Jalen
Beeks, who gave up a pair of runs in two innings, and Ryan Yarbrough, who gave
up four more in his three innings of work.
Chaz Roe wrapped it up nicely, but it was too late by then.
Beeks and Yarbrough, both lefties,
were called on to face the lefty loaded lineup of the Giants, who proceeded to
hit the lefty hurlers just fine. And the
five-man outfield employed against left-hand hitting Brandon Belt wasn’t enough
of a shift as he hit a two-run homer into the right field seats. (Rules currently prohibit defensive shifts
with outfielders in the stands.) Tommy
Pham extended his on-base streak to 41, and was denied a game-breaking extra
base hit in the fifth by an ESPN highlight catch of a sinking liner to right
center by Kevin Pillar. Pham had one
last chance to be the hero in the top of the ninth. He battled closer Will Smith for several
pitches before lofting a high fly to right that was caught at the running
track. Another near miss. The Rays were in the game right to the end, despite
the unheroics of the bulkers, but they couldn’t quite catch up this time.
Willy Adames came into the game as a
pinch hitter (yes, think about that for a moment) and managed two hits to raise
his season BA to .100 (3-30), which isn’t the worst BA on the starting nine, a
distinction that goes to Mike Zunino, who also had a hit today to raise his
B.A. to .091 (2-22). We’re only a week
into the season, and both of these guys will be big contributors offensively
and defensively, but right now it’s hard for them to win games with seven
hitters instead of nine.
Friday, April 5. Game 8: Rays beat Giants and Evan Longoria, 5-2
Rays 5,
Giants 2
Record: 6-2
Attendance:
41,067.
Giants
home opener.
The Rays jumped out to a 4-0 lead in
the top of the first when Ji-Man Choi and Brandon Lowe combined for
back-to-back doubles before Yandy Diaz muscled a broken bat homer to left for
two more runs and Kevin Kiermaier launched a monster 437 foot home run to right
center. Austin Meadows drove in the last
run with a double in the seventh. And
Tyler Glasnow, the pitcher who went 0-5 in spring training, pitched six more
scoreless innings for his second win of the season. Wilmer Font, who gave up two runs in
two-thirds of an inning in the home seventh, was replaced by Adam Kolarek, who
got them out of the inning but loaded the bases in the eighth before striking
out Gerardo Parra. Diego Castillo then
came in and threw a double play ball to the newly acquired Kevin Pillar. Bases loaded, nobody out: no runs scored. You have to be lucky of course, but that was
mighty fine pitching and defense at a critical moment. Kudos to your Tampa Bay Rays. For the bottom of the ninth, Manager Kevin
Cash brought in José Alvarado for his third save of the season. Neat and efficient.
But not without a little more drama. With two men on and two out in the bottom of
the ninth, Evan Longoria, Mr. Tampa Bay who has been toiling for the last two
years in San Francisco Bay, represented the last out. This is the same Evan Longoria who loves the
spotlight, thrives on dramatic moments, and rises to the occasion. He did it for the Rays for ten years. Alvarado with his signature 100 mph fastballs
got two early strikes on him. Longoria fouled
off a pitch protecting the plate, but then he put a good swing on what Alvarado
thought would be his strikeout pitch, fouling it straight back. It was a near miss. You could feel that Longo was locked in to
battle Alvarado, that he wouldn’t be denied—and he did get around on the next
pitch lofting a high fly ball to right where it was caught for the last out. There was an audible sigh of relief from the
Rays dugout—and from the Rays fan base back home. Longo’s Hollywood script had been rewritten
at the last minute, his magic neutralized.
For the moment.
Tommy Pham reached base for his 40th
consecutive game as a Ray, and now has the team record in that category. . . .
The Rays committed two errors in the game (Lowe and Choi) but managed the win
anyway. . . . From the Rays’ perspective, this was a good game, despite a funky
inning or two. They managed a W on
the home team’s home opener before a sold out stadium. And it came on the heels of their worst
performance of the year losing a 1-0 game to the Rockies in eleven innings and
leaving 13 men on base. They earned a
night out in San Francisco.
Wednesday, April 3. Game 7: A disaster from start to finish
Rockies
1, Rays 0, 11 innings
Record: 5-2
Record: 5-2
Attendance: 11,093
This loss will hurt for a while. The Rays came up empty over 11 innings,
wasting two excellent chances in regulation time before Chaz Roe, on an 0-2 count,
gave up the winning home run to light hitting catcher Chris Iannetta in the top
of the eleventh. It was all the more
frustrating because they wasted good scoring opportunities in the sixth,
seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth innings, leaving a whopping 13 runners on
base and going 0 for 10 with runners in scoring position. Slumping Willy Adames (now hitting .043 on
1 for 20 hitting) had the worst of it, coming up in the seventh with runners on
second and third and one out. He dropped
a near-perfect bunt down the third base side and was safe by a hair, thus
getting a hit, breaking his slump, and driving in what might have been the
winning run. Except that the call was reversed on a challenge. But then it was déjà vu all over again in the
bottom of the ninth. With runners on
second and third and one out, again, Adames took a strike, then whiffed at a
bunt attempt. Manager Kevin Cash then
called on Willy to bunt again, with two strikes, a bold but fatal move as Willy
missed again. Two outs. Followed quickly by the third. No runs.
Again. Oh, and Adames struck out
his other three at bats. The game was a
disaster from start to finish.
More or less lost in the offensive futility
was that they also wasted a second excellent start from Charlie Morton, who
went six scoreless innings, striking out 6, walking 2, and giving up 4 hits. He was followed by five relievers, all of
whom were excellent—except for that one pitch by Roe to Iannetta. There are going to be games like this over a
162 game schedule, but the Rays had better find a way to win them if they are
going to compete in the AL East.
The Rays will have a day off tomorrow to lick
their wounds and at the same time get ready for the Giants on Friday. Bouncing back was a hallmark of last year’s
team. Let’s hope it is carried over into
the new season.
With his single to right in the
first, Tommy Pham was on base for the 39th consecutive game, tying
Johnny Damon’s 2011 team record. . . .
Daniel Robertson was back on the field after being pulled for illness
yesterday. . . . . And Yandy Diaz’s
ankle injury is not as serious as first feared.
Attendance managed to break 11,000—by 93. Pathetic.
Where is the Rays fan base?
Tuesday, April 2. Game 6: Brilliant Blake
Rays 4,
Rockies 0
Record: 5-1
Attendance: 10,933
This one was all about Brilliant
Blake Snell, who threw seven innings of two-hit ball striking out 13. The Rockies seeing Snell for the first time
were mismatched from the outset, experiencing the frustration American League
teams reluctantly got used to last year in Snell’s Cy Young season. Contributing offensively, Guillermo Heredia,
who came to the Rays from Seattle over the winter, drove in two runs in the
first, and Christian Arroyo, who was called up from Durham to take Joey
Wendle’s place on the roster, drove in the fourth run of the game in the sixth,
then dazzled defensively by starting a double play around the horn in the
eighth. Wilmer Font gave up a walk in
his mop-up two innings, but was otherwise encouragingly perfect to finish the
game off in style. All told a solid
outing from a team that is coming together nicely in the early going of the new
season.
Not even Daniel Robertson’s removal
from the game due to illness could dampen Rays’ spirits, although Yandy Diaz’s
removal due to an ankle sprain late in the game was a greater concern—but even
that seemed to be a day-to-day problem rather than an IL problem. And once again, roster depth softened the
blow with Ji-Man Choi stepping right in for Diaz at first. Tomorrow afternoon 35-year-old Charlie Morton
goes against 24-year-old German Marquez, who just signed a contract extension
locking him in for five years at $43 million.
The Rockies think they have their number one starter for years to
come. We’ll see tomorrow when the old
master squares off against the young master. Game time is 1:10.
Both teams travel after the game. The Rays have Thursday off before opening up
a weekend set against the San Francisco Giants followed by three more in
Chicago against the White Sox. So
beginning on Friday the fifth, we get to see if these Rays are going to be as
good away as they are at home. That’s
how baseball unspools year after year, slowly, one game and one series at a
time. MLB is trying to speed the game up
for the sake of those brought up in the Computer Age who value speed above all
else, but baseball will never speed up enough to satisfy that generation. Baseball is more like gardening, slow and carefully
planned, both of them beautiful instruments of grace.
For the second straight night
attendance did not break 11,000. A team
this good with its ace on the mound should be selling out, even on a Tuesday
night. Portland, Montreal, Las Vegas, Charlotte, Nashville—even Newark, NJ are
all licking their chops.
Monday, April 1, Game 5: José Alvarado vs. Nolan Arenado
Rays 7,
Rockies 1
Record: 4-1
Record: 4-1
Attendance: 10,850
With their seven runs, this was an offensive explosion for the Rays, who managed only 11 runs against the Astros in four games. Brandon Lowe got his first two hits of the year, including a home run to the opposite field with one on in the fourth, and Kevin Kiermaier blasted a monster home run to the back row in right center with two on in the sixth. Austin Meadows just missed another in the bottom of the eighth when the ball bounced high off the wall in deep right field.
On the pitching end Ryne Stanek
opened with a scoreless first, striking out the side. He was
followed by Ryan Yarbrough who went four and a third for the win, and then for
the last four innings, Kevin Cash used four more pitchers to wrap it up. When everything falls so neatly into place, it's almost boring.
But that's okay. We’ve become so used to the nail-biters the Rays usually play that this
one was a ho-hum affair, start to finish.
One at-bat, however, got my
attention: José Alvarado vs. Nolan
Arenado in the top of the eighth.
Alvarado is six feet, 245 pounds, and throws hundred-mile-an-hour
strikes. Arenado is one of the top
two or three players in the game right now, signing a contract extension during
spring training that will pay him $32.5 million over the next eight years. (All he did last year was hit .297, slam 38
homers, drive in 110 runs, and score 104 more.)
But the thing is, he doesn’t look like much when he gets to the plate,
sort of nervous with fidgety feet, like Johnny Damon used to have when he
played for the Rays in 2011. Arenado already
had two hits when he came up in the eighth against Alvarado. They fought well until the count reached
3-2—and then Alvarado put a fast ball out over the plate and Arenado took it
into center field for a single. Somehow
he managed to get the job done. Damn
good work. A pleasure to watch.
Joey Wendle’s left hamstring is
serious enough for him to be put on the IL, which could spell trouble—except
for the Ray’s well-established and already-proven versatility. They called up Christian Arroyo from Triple
A, the centerpiece of their trade a year ago of Evan Longoria to the
Giants. He hasn’t had a chance to prove
himself at the major league level, but at 23, he could show a huge upside—and
this could be his big opportunity. It looks like he may find playing time in Kevin Cash’s rotating infield.
On the dark side, the attendance was
the worst yet this year, at 10,850.
We’re going to have to do better if we’re going to keep this team in the
area. Damn Portland.
March 31. Game 4: Yonny: Opener, Bulker, Starter
Rays 3,
Astros 1
Record: 3-1
Record: 3-1
Attendance: 18,473
Yonny Chirinos is supposed to be a “bulker” this season, maybe an occasional “opener,” but today Manager Kevin Cash called on him to be an old-fashioned “starter.” All Chirinos managed to do today was pitch seven innings of two-hit ball, giving up one run and striking out six. The bullpen supplied four more end-of-game “finishers” with the save going to the last of them, Diego Castillo, another of the seemingly endless stream of youngsters on this team. (There are six 25-year-olds like Castillo; four others under 25; and then eleven more clustered between 26 and 28.) Mike Zunino threw out another would-be base stealer (three out of four on the young year for him, with Michael Perez picking up another), making the Rays a team other teams will think twice about running on. Austin Meadows launched his second homer of the year, a towering fly ball that carried clear over the center field wall, which, with an RBI single in the first, gives him 4 on the year. He may take our minds off Jake Bauers. What a start to the year, three of four from the Astros.
·
Astro’s manager A. J. Hinch: “We will walk out of here losing three of
four, so needless to say, we’re ready to get out of here.” Remembering his team has lost seven of its
last eleven games against the Rays, he added, “There’s a reason they won 90
games [last year]. They’re not a
secret.”
Joey Wendle tweaked a hamstring in
the sixth and was pulled for a pinch hitter at his next scheduled at-bat. The official line was that it didn’t appear
to be serious.
Matt Duffy, on the injured list for
a mild hamstring problem, has now revealed a back injury that will keep him out
more than the minimum ten-day period, maybe until mid-May. He’s an interesting case, a superior
defensive player and an accomplished singles hitter who batted .294 last year,
he has almost no long ball potential, which you like to see in a third
baseman. Maybe worse, Duffy is painfully
thin and looks fragile and on the verge of an extended recovery stint, like
2017, a season he lost completely due to foot surgery. He's a good man to have--when you have him.
The Rockies are coming to town tomorrow. Opener Ryne Stanek vs. Chad Bettis.
Saturday, March 30. Game 3: "We're just not built that way."
Rays 3,
Astros 1
Record: 2-1
Attendance: 16,010 (54,094)
Versatility won the day. In the post game interview, Manager Kevin Cash said that some teams are able to send the same eight men out there every night. “We’re just not built that way.” And so we have depth and versatility—and tonight it worked. Meadows was in left, Pham was the DH, Wendle was at short, Lowe was at second, Ji-Man was at first (for the third consecutive game), and Michael Perez was behind the plate. The key to the W tonight was Perez, who had two key hits, a single and a double and an RBI—and he threw out José Altuve trying to steal second. So we worry about the drawbacks of versatility on one day, and the next day we rejoice in it. Rays baseball.
The most impressive player for the
Rays tonight was starter Taylor Glasnow, the pitcher who came over from the
Pirates last year in the Chris Archer trade.
He pitched five strong innings, giving up an early home run to Alex
Bregman who managed to put one over the waist-high fence in left, 315 feet away
from home plate. Glasnow was 0-5 in
spring training with a 10.38 ERA, and suddenly he gets the W against one of the
toughest hitting lineups in the major leagues.
He said he’d been experimenting all spring with a slight pause in his
delivery, keeping at it all spring, but with the pathetic numbers he put up, he
went back to his old delivery for his first start of the new year. And suddenly he was in the victory circle
once again.
Wrapping this one up, for his second
save in as many days, was José Alvarado, the Rays’ unannointed closer. If he saves 40 games this year, he’ll become
the savior of the season. Nice.
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