Ha, not really. Seriously, all that should be expected of the Rays at this point is that the regulars perform well. And they have been doing well so far in their limited performances.

Yesterday Hellickson threw 22 pitches over the course of two innings, and gave up only one hit. True, he only threw a few change-ups, didn’t strike anyone out, and hit a batter. Then again, most pitchers are only throwing fastballs at this point in spring training, Hellickson really isn’t a big strike out pitcher, and no pitcher walks into spring training with dominant command of any of his pitches. Peralta, Howell, and Sanchez also had strong performances, cumulatively giving up only one hit and striking out six in four innings of work. Rhymes, Rodriguez, Chrinos, and Joyce all had strong days at the plate, either driving, in or scoring, the bulk of the Rays runs on the day.

Rays infielder Sean Rodriguez, who is battling for the starting shortstop job, slides hard into Twins shortstop Jamey Carroll at second base to break up a double play and allow Matt Joyce to reach first base. Photo by: James Borchuck/Tampa Bay Times

To that end, Rodriguez continues to be impressive in the battle for SS, both on the field and at the plate. SeanRod reached base three times on two hits and a hit by pitch. He also scored a run, and slid hard into second breaking up a double play allowing Matt Joyce to reach first. On the subject his strong performance so far this spring, Rodriguez told the Times, “I have to be playing basically like if it’s the regular season. That’s how it should be always, but it makes it a little more fulfilling knowing they’re going to be watching your every move.” In short, I’m not too concerned at the moment. Besides, forget not that the Rays lost the majority of the games they faced against the Twins in spring training last season, yet took seven out of ten games from them when it mattered.

Interestingly enough, plan on seeing a lot of the Rays on ESPN today. Baseball Tonight is down in Port Charlotte covering the Rays. I’m sure Kruk and company will have some flattering things to say about the crappy fan following the Rays have, or just how crappy we Rays fans are in general.

The 3/5/12 Starting Lineup Vs. the Orioles:

Brignac SS
Upton CF
Zobrist 2B
Joyce DH
Keppinger 1B
Molina C
Mangini 3B
Johnson RF
Guyer LF
Davis P

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