by mike silver | Feb 1, 2010 | B.J. Upton, Desmond Jennings, Kelly Shoppach, Pat Burrell, Tampa Bay Rays, Wade Davis
For a team that, in any given year, is a collection of sleepers, this team has a number of high-upside contributors looking for either a rebound or breakout season. For the Rays to compete, they will need every player on the roster firing at all cylinders as the 2010...
by mike silver | Dec 21, 2009 | Baltimore Orioles, Garrett Atkins, Kelly Shoppach, Mike Gonzalez, New York Yankees, Quick Post, Tampa Bay Rays
Though the Boston rumor mill may be idling at the moment, the rest of the AL East is gaining momentum. Here’s a summary of the recent rumors and additions from around the division – minus Curtis Granderson: – According to MLBTradeRumors, the Yankees are...
by mike silver | Dec 1, 2009 | Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays, Toronto Blue Jays
The winter months always bring to light the advantages of the rich over the poor in the MLB. Without a doubt, there will, again, be a ring of publications bemoaning the struggles of low-market teams as they fight to compete in their league and division. The American...
by evan brunell | Sep 13, 2009 | Game Threads, James Shields, Jon Lester, Tampa Bay Rays
GAME NOTES: Jon Lester takes the mound. Let’s hope he starts off better than the canceled Friday affair, when he got the bases drunk in the first and only had one out before the torrential rain come. He’ll go against ‘Big Game James’ Shields,...
by evan brunell | Sep 13, 2009 | Alex Gonzalez, Clay Buchholz, Game Threads, Matt Garza, Tampa Bay Rays
GAME NOTES: A special shoutout to Alex Gonzalez, who has been unbelievable since joining the Sox. He’s solidified the lineup, hitting .295/.295/.511 with 4 HR and 11 RBI in 24 games. Walks? Who needs walks? Gonzo also stole his first base since 2006 — when...
by evan brunell | Sep 12, 2009 | Game Threads, Josh Beckett, Matt Garza, Tampa Bay Rays
GAME NOTES: Beckett was well on his way to Cy consideration before he started channeling 2006 with all these home runs. In his last start, he refused to give up any home runs, and Commander Kick-Ass now lays his fiery eyes on Tampa Bay. Be afraid. Be very...
by evan brunell | Sep 11, 2009 | Game Threads, James Shields, Jon Lester, Tampa Bay Rays
GAME NOTES: Jon Lester is in the midst of a rain delay against James Shields. The Rays are down and out, essentially, but you can bet they’d love to play spoiler against the Sox.
by evan brunell | Sep 3, 2009 | Clay Buchholz, David Price, Game Threads, Tampa Bay Rays
GAME NOTES: Buchholz has suddenly fashioned himself into a very solid No. 3. The key here is if Buchholz can keep it up amidst increasing pressure as October nears. Price has been a disaster on the road but kills it at home. It’ll be up to Buchholz to match...
by evan brunell | Sep 2, 2009 | Game Threads, Josh Beckett, Matt Garza, Tampa Bay Rays
GAME NOTES: Beckett heads up against a pitcher who has — on the face of it — been pretty similar to him on the year. Can Beckett turn his woes around and be the guy we need to ensure an October dance?
by evan brunell | Sep 1, 2009 | Andy Sonnanstine, Game Threads, Jon Lester, Tampa Bay Rays
GAME NOTES: Jon Lester is suddenly the Sox’s new ace with Josh Beckett having given up a horrifying 10 home runs in his last three starts. This is a crucial series, as the outcome of the series will likely dictate the Rays’ playoff chances the rest of the...
