The series with the Rangers is self-explanatory.  2 out of 3 is nice, but a sweep is what we really need (in my humble opinion).  What we need to do is clear, but we also need help.  Frankly, the team we want Boston playing is NY and we are getting our way.  If the Yanks can take this series, 2 out of 3, then I am offcially excited about our chances.  Go Yankees - ya, I said it.  I realize there is 25% of the season to go, but if Boston sweeps I will pretty much throw in the towel (I'll still go to the games and all, but you know...). 

GO RAYS!   I love meaningful baseball in late August.  Whatever happens, let's all be grateful we have a competitive team in our backyard.  This is fun and this is what makes baseball great. 

They are in section 123, Row 'H', seats 5 and 6.  The B-52's are playing after the game so...there's that.  Anywho, the seats are 7 rows from the field just beyond 3rd base.  You can stare at that dreamboat Evan Longoria all game.  Tickets are face value - $52 per ticket. 

Email me at Stpetelawyer@yahoo.com if you are interested.  I will be near the Trop at a party so I can meet you anywhere around there. 

It was pretty much a forgone conlcusion that Rickey was getting in to the Hall on his first try.  He is generally considered the best leadoff hitter in history.  But here's what I find odd - What did Jim Rice do in the last year to raise his Hall credentials?  How could a sports writer not feel that he was eligible last year and change his vote this year?  Did Rice hit a few more HR's when no one was looking?  The guy hasn't played in a LONG time so what could possibly have sent the percentage of "yes" votes over the 75% mark?  Yes, I get that the Hall of Fame is totally subjective and to look for reason or objectivity is futile, but it's just bothering me more than usual today. 

It's been exciting figuring out and arguing over who will be on the 25 man roster for the ALDS.  There is a good chance that the rosters will change a bit for the ALCS and World Series (Lord willing).  Do only players on the World Series roster get a ring if we win?  Do only players that took part in the playoffs get the honor?  What about Jonny Gomes?  What about other players that contributed during the season but weren't around at the end of the season?  Gary Glover?  Mike DiFilice?  Nathan Haynes?  What about players injured all year?  Chad Orvella?  I realize this is not that important in big scheme of things but I was just curious. 

I cannot wait to leave work tomorrow at noon and head straight to Fergs!  GO RAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think we should have a "Baldelli Watch 2008" section where we can see how Rocco did in his most recent rehab game.  I see he went 1-3 with a K and a BB in his first AA game.  I think that most people, while not optimistic about seeing #5 come back this year (or ever), are generally hopeful and like to follow his progress. 

As I said, just an idea.  If not, I may just post his stats in the fanshot section after each game. 

I was just checking the box score for Vero Beach and noticed that Baldelli hit a HR in his first ab today.  I know we've all been burned before with Rocco but it's hard not to get a bit encouraged by any positive news concerning him.  If he's nothing more than a right handed DH who occasionally plays the field he is still an upgrade from Gomes, right? 

Keep it up Rocco!  We'd love to see you at the Trop again!

but I am pretty happy with our team for 2008.  We have three fine young arms to handle the front end of the rotation.  We have plenty of capable pitchers to fight it out for the last two spots.  Our relief corps is completely revamped from the beginning of '07.  This team actually landed a good free agent closer?!  We have some good placeholders until the guys down on the farm are ready.  Players such as Brignac don't need to be rushed.  I think we can all agree that this is a "make it break it" year for Navi but as long as he is just average, our lineup is fine.  Also, maybe Dukes could surprise everyone and take over the rightfield job without any off the field "incidents."  I really do not see any glaring holes in the lineup or pitching staff.  I was curious to see if I was alone in my optimism.  Is this a .500 team even in the AL East?  

Apparently, Joe turned down a one-year deal to return as manager of the Yankees.  Hopefully, this will upset Jorge Posada soooooo much that he wants to re-sign with a team within the division to "get back" at the Yanks.  This notion of bringing in Posada has been discussed in other diary posts but I thought the Torre news might make it just a bit more possible.  

Um, why haven't we signed this guy yet?  He's the college player of the year and, you may have noticed, we kinda need pitching.  I'm hoping now that the trade deadline has passed the DRO does NOTHING but work on getting this deal done.  Pay the man his money!  This guy could easily be on the opening day roster, 2009.  Anyone got the inside scoop on these negotiations?  

On an equally important note, doesn't the devil ray logo in the upper left corner of this site kinda look like the Burger King guy?