Did the meeting have anything to do with their 8-3 win over the Athletics? Should the win be attributed to the Rays fourth consecutive strong offensive showing? Whatever the case, the Rays seem to be breaking out of their offensive slump, and none too soon.
Author Archives: Schmitty
Rays 4/19/13 Starting Lineup, etc
Joe Maddon preserved the front four in Friday night’s starting lineup with Desmond Jennings leading off, followed by Kelly Johnson in left-field, Ben Zobrist in right-field, and Evan Longoria at third. Sean Rodriguez will get the start at first with Ryan Roberts handling second base.
Looking Backward While Moving Forward: The “This Is Getting Rather Annoying” Edition
Let’s be clear. We absolutely cannot blame Thursday night’s loss on the Rays hitters. Sure, there were some missed opportunities; They went 0-6 wRISP, and they’re now 0 for their last 12 (0-14 extending back to last season) with the bases loaded. But for a team that is built on pitching and defense, six runs should have been enough for the Rays to walk out of Baltimore with a series win, not a loss.
Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Rays Snap Four Game Skid
Matt Moore continued to be impressive after a slow (and frankly worrisome) spring. Posting a 6-2/3 IP/5 H/2 R/2 ER/3 BB/7 K/1 HR slash line Wednesday, Moore continued to show growth from his previous outing. What’s scary — at least what should be to his opponents, that is — is that Moore, though good in his last three starts, hasn’t fully shown what he’s capable of. Think about how dangerous he will be if he continues down this path.
Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Rays Drop Fourth Straight
The Rays looked better Tuesday night; not quite sharp enough to stave off a 5-4 loss, nor good enough to circumvent a franchise-worst-matching 4-9 through 13 games. But better.
And though none of us were wholly encouraged by the outcome — namely the Rays dropping their fourth straight — there were some encouraging signs that the clouds may start to clear. As Rays manager Joe Maddon put it,