Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Karns, Rays Shutout Blue Jays 1-0

While there’s not much to look forward to at this point in the season, I view these remaining 14 games as an audition of sorts. Players like Grant Balfour and today’s starter Jeremy Hellickson are pitching to prove their worth on the 2015 roster, and players like Curt Casali and last night’s starter Nate Karns are trying to make a statement. In the case of Nate Karns, he made quite a statement with his first major league win.

Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Rays Set Milestones Amidst 8-5 Loss

There isn’t much to say about the Rays — as a whole — in their 8 – 5 loss to the Yankees. The swarm was in full effect in the first inning when Tampa Bay started the game in fevered fashion by scoring four runs and going 3-3 wRISP – quickly knocking the Yankees’ starter Chris Capuano out of the game after 1/3 of an inning, and 36 pitches. Capuano was charged with all four runs.

Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Spoiler Alert — Loney, Rays Beat Yankees 4-3

I previously alluded to the idea that the Rays had two reasons to go out Tuesday night and play like they still have a chance in September:

1. To play the role of spoilers.
2. To end the season on a strong, high note.

If Tuesday night’s 4-3 win against the Yankees was indicative of anything, it would be the former.

Looking Backward While Moving Forward: A “Pictures Are Worth 1,000 Words” Recap

In other words, the game was par for the course for Joel Peralta and the Tampa bay Rays. And in light of the handling of the Rays by the Orioles, urm…Nelson Cruz, something popped in my head:

If you’re looking at the end of this season as a testing ground for the 2015 season — like I am — a picture of who is expendable emerges. I wouldn’t be surprised if a trade involving Matt Joyce and SeanRod comes to pass. Also expendable are Cesar Ramos, Jose Molina (no brainer), and Joel Peralta — which is sad since he’s played an integral role in the bullpen and the clubhouse for the last few years. When Matt Moore comes back, I also wouldn’t be surprised to see Hellickson moved into the long reliever role.

Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Smyly Solid, Rays Win in Walk-Off Fashion 3-2

Drew Smyly: 3-1 with a 1.70 ERA and 41 strikeouts in seven starts since joining the Rays; Smyly’s ERA is the lowest for any pitcher in their first seven starts in Tampa Bay Rays history.
David Price: 2-3 with a 4.96 ERA and 53 strikeouts in seven starts since the trade.