SB Nation User Blog: BabySayGoRays

Finally time to get really excited about the Rays? I think so.

BabySayGoRays — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 22:41:57 -0000

Only 6 days until the season starts and well.. I think there is a lot to be excited about if you are a Rays fan. Sure the Rays were playing really poorly in the early goings of the Spring with the exception of the pitching but on the 20th of this month, the time when the Rays were supposed to be starting to pay more attention to winning and well, the results have been very promising:

In last 8 games, Rays are 6-1-1.

They've out scored their opponents 58-21.
They've out hit their opponents 92-64.

Some of the hitting has been overdue but a big wonder is, is the scoring and the winning due to Maddon's attempt to make the Rays lineup more like an NL lineup?

I think Maddon's lineup should not be overlooked as if the Rays continue with it and play small ball very agressively then I think with the Rays hitting and speed they can put enormous pressure on the other teams defense and hopefully quickly get a 1 or 2 run leads early on. This early Rays lead can then put more pressure on the other teams offense to score runs which will hopefully lead to the other team's offense pressing too much and being overly aggressive which will help out our young pitchers. Obviously key to this whole strategy is the Rays ability to continue to tack on additional runs and the Rays bullpen being able to hold the leads. I know, lots of IFs but still, I see some promise.

As for the Rays pitching: If you look at the Rays Spring Training pitching stats, well they are looking pretty good. Most of the big innings that the Rays have given up are either attributed to Kazmir tinkering (which I think we all know he will be fine), Dohmann, Glover, Micelli, and McClung. Take out Kazmir tinkering and the fact that many of those who have been blown up this spring will not start the season with the Rays and the Rays' arms are looking strong. A quick look at Rays starters stats as of 3/26:

Kazmir 13.2 innings 7.24era 12Ks 3HRs
Shields 24.1 innings 2.96era 25Ks 0HRs
J Seo 16.0 innings 1.69era 6Ks 0HRs
Fossum 7.2 innings 1.17era 5Ks 0HRs
Jackson 14.2 innings 1.84era 13Ks 0HRs

Note: Shields 25Ks thru 6 starts is a Rays Spring Training Record.

I know its only Spring but 0 HRs by the non-Kazmir starters is great and hopefully this is a sign of the new focus of getting ahead of hitters by throwing 2 strikes for every 3 pitches.

How do the Rays Spring pitching numbers match up to other MLB teams? As of right now (3/26), the Rays are keeping some great company:

St Louis 2.39 ERA
Yankees 3.06 ERA
Baltimore 3.18 ERA
Boston 3.47 ERA
Indians 3.90 ERA
Reds 3.98 ERA
Tigers 4.13 ERA
D Rays 4.17 ERA
Blue Jays 4.21 ERA
Marlins 4.32 ERA
Dodgers 4.34 ERA
Mets 4.41 ERA
Twins 4.50 ERA

Note that most of the above teams except Baltimore were contending towards the end of last season.

Anyway, I know its only spring but if..

.. the Rays pitching has improved
.. the offense returns to 05 form and plays small ball aggressively
.. the defense has improved (improved depth plus acquisition of Aki)
.. and finally, the bullpen has been improved (those not worthy like McClung let go or sent to AAA)

Well I only have to conclude that this team is going to suprise quite a few folks this season and I cannot wait (and Saint Petersburg will never be the same)! Go Rays!!

Al Lang Field (aka, Progress Energy Park)

BabySayGoRays — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 19:11:36 -0000

I was wondering if anyone out there had any information on what is going to happen to Al Lang Field (aka Progress Engergy Park) once the Rays depart the facility for their new Spring Training home. In my quest for info on Al Lang, I did come across this post to the local fish wrap from our very own Patrick Kennedy:
http://www.sptimes.com/2006/09/10/Neighborhoodtimes/Al_Lang_Field_must_be.shtml

Anyway, I cannot imagine this awesome facility sitting empty with Spring Training happening all around it. My recent trip to Dunedin's Knology Park to see the Jays and Rays quickly made me appreciate Al Lang. If you haven't been to to Knology Park well the park is nice looking but navigating down your row is near impossible as the rows are too close together in my opinion and trying to navigate US 19 before and after games, well I wouldn't wish that on my enemy.

Anyway, any info / rumors at to what is happening concerning the future of Al Lang would be greatly appreciated.

If you have never been to Al Lang, this is what you are missing:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/0703/gallery.mlb.postcards.camp.devilrays/ content.1.html

Long live Al Lang field and Go Rays!

What a final weekend of baseball!

BabySayGoRays — Fri, 30 Sep 2005 19:28:31 -0000

With so much at stake this weekend, the Red Sox v Yankees and Indians v White Sox series are going to be fun to watch. I predict that the one game playoff between Yanks and Red Sox will come into play and the loser will be eliminated from Post Season play. If the Yanks lose, I think it will cost Torre his job. Sweet Lou thanks for the memories and prepare to get a call from Steinbrenner as I predict a Red Sox win. NOTE: Be sure and Vote in Poll on who will win AL East.

Poll

Who will win AL East?

Yankees (without one game playoff)

4 votes

Red Sox (in one game playoff)

2 votes

Red Sox (without one game playoff)

2 votes

Yankees (in one game playoff)

0 votes

8 votes | Poll has closed

Devil Rays losing... maybe its the Green Unis

BabySayGoRays — Mon, 09 May 2005 19:41:43 -0000

Is it just me or does it seem like the Rays are always losing in their new green uniforms?

Just grabbing at straws here because surely ownership hasn't put a team on the field here that is this bad... anyway, I was just wondering.. the Rays have lost a lot this year and I was wondering what the breakdown is on which uni they are wearing at gametime? Is it just me or does it seem like they are always losing in their new green uniforms? Anyone know where I can find this info on the web and do a little research and find out the Rays W/L per uni. OK, I will admit that I don't like the new green unis too much. There, I said it and I feel better. Who is with me?

Poll

Do U like the Rays new Green Uni?

Yes

7 votes

No

2 votes

9 votes | Poll has closed

Pitching woes again Rays undoing - Big inning recaps.

BabySayGoRays — Fri, 29 Apr 2005 15:29:59 -0000

A little better pitching would definitely go a long way in getting these Rays turned around.

If you listened to yesterday's game and during the 5 run 6th you thought you had heard this before... well, you have.

Recap of D'Rays big inning pitching woes thus far this season:

Date Opp Rays undoing Result
------------------------------------------------
4/5 vs Tor 5 run 6th    L 6-3
4/10 vs Oak 4 run 6th    L 6-1
4/13 vs Balt 4 run 7th    L 5-1
4/15 at Bos 7 run 2nd    L 10-0
4/16 at Bos 4 run 4th    L 6-2
4/18 at NYY 13 run 2nd    L 19-9
4/20 vs Tex 5 run 4th, 4 run 5th L 12-10
4/24 vs Bos 6 run 8th    L 11-3
4/28 at Tor 5 run 6th    L 7-4

This will definitely be a very long season if the Rays don't get their pitching turned around.