Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Bedard, Myers, and the Rays Beat the Yankees, 5-1

Erik Bedard was excellent in his six inning start against the Yankees. (Photo courtesy of the Tampa Bay Rays)
Erik Bedard was excellent in his six inning start against the Yankees. (Photo courtesy of the Tampa Bay Rays)

The Tampa Bay Rays took the getaway game from the Yankees by a score of 5-1. They finished their road trip at .500 over the 10 games, after starting the trip with a 1-4 record. The winning pitcher was Erik Bedard, who gave the team an excellent 6 IP/6 H/1 ER/1 BB/3 K/85 pitch (58 strikes) outing. The Rays have a well deserved off-day Monday, before resuming the schedule Tuesday against the Orioles at the Trop.

I live blogged the game over at our Tumblr page, where you can read a fairly thorough account of the contest by clicking the screen-shot (below). A few highlights follow after the jump.

Click the screen-shot to be redirected to our Tumblr page, where you can read a blow-by-blow account of Sunday's game.
Click the screen-shot above to be redirected to our Tumblr page, where you can read a blow-by-blow account of Sunday’s game.

Game Highlights

  • Wil Myers put the Rays ahead in the top of the third on an inside the park home run. Myers now has a 13-game hitting streak at New Yankee Stadium, with five career home runs. This was the 11th inside the park homer in franchise history, with the last one coming on September 21, 2011, when Ben Zobrist hit one off Brett Cecil and the Blue Jays.

  • Desmond Jennings got Joel Peralta out of the eighth inning with a web gem of a catch on a deep fly-ball off the bat of Alfonso Soriano. In true wide receiver form, Jennings made the over-the-shoulder catch at the CF wall. What is it that DeWayne says after a play like that? Stamp it with a gold star?

  • After Heath Bell was, ahem…gracefully relieved of his position, I’d imagine a handful of players may be questioning whether their heads may be next on the chopping (I’m looking at you, Lueke). Though there really wasn’t any indication that Erik Bedard felt this way, I’d imagine he may feel some relief after stringing together two solid outings. I’m sure the culmination of  his now former 15-start winless streak may help in quelling his mind too. Make no bones about it, Bedard was good Sunday. The Rays lefty led with a well located fastball, then followed with a slow curve and a handful of sliders. Bedard pitched to contact, coaxing his fair share of weak poppers (12 to be exact) off the bats of the Yankees. In fact, the Yankees struggled to make solid contact throughout the course of the game. The sixth was one of my favorite innings pitched by Bedard. He needed only six pitches to sit the Evil Empire down in order. He was also effective in shutting the down the Yankees three scoring threats in the second, fourth, and fifth innings. Bedard calmly worked through the threats, relinquishing only one lonely run. Perhaps he’s coming around to the idea the he can induce weak contact, and depend on the solid (and capable) defenders behind him.
Yankees' at-bat outcomes against Erik Bedard. (Courtesy of Brooks Baseball)
Yankees’ at-bat outcomes against Erik Bedard. (Courtesy of Brooks Baseball)

Noteworthiness

  • The Rays optioned Nate Karns back to Durham, with a reliever to be added Tuesday.
  • As badly as the road trip started in Chicago, it was pretty impressive for the Rays to finish it the way they did. A fact that some of you may find surprising; at 15-17, Tampa Bay is one game better than they were at this point last season.
  • Devon Schiff of Vice wrote about MLB players’ walk up songs. He failed to mention that Grant Balfour takes the mound to Metallica, while Alex Cobb likes to walk up to the XX — but we won’t hold that against him.

Rays 5/4/14 Starting Lineup, Rays DFA Heath Bell, Etc

CC Sabathia pitching with double cheeseburgers on his mind.
CC Sabathia pitching with double cheeseburgers on his mind.

Rays 5/4/14 Starting Lineup:

Forsythe 3B
Jennings CF
Longoria DH
Myers RF
Rodriguez 2B
Loney 1B
Escobar SS
Guyer LF
Hanigan C
Bedard LHP

Noteworthiness

  • Joe Maddon said the decision on Bell over Lueke, was because they still fell Lueke has considerable upside. As of now, there’s been no discussion of moving Karns into rotation, so this could be a one-day stay. The addition of Karns help protect against a short start by Erik Bedard, or the possibility of an extra innings game.
  • Erik Bedard will attempt to put together a good start against the Yankees, while the Rays look to make CC look like, well… CC in the series finale. A win would give the Rays a respectable 5-5 record on this road trip, and their second consecutive series win. You can read about the match-up in our series preview.
  • The Rays are 4-5 on their current road trip, and have blown 10 leads. The 41 innings are the most for three days; the pitchers have thrown 741 pitches over the last three days

Looking Backward While Moving Forward: A Look at the Previous Month of Rays Baseball

James Loney is congratulated by Ben Zobrist after scoring a run in the second inning against the New York Yankees. (Photo courtesy of Elsa/Getty Images)
James Loney is congratulated by Ben Zobrist after scoring a run in the second inning against the New York Yankees. (Photo courtesy of Elsa/Getty Images)

The Tampa Bay Rays walked out of the Mall of America, urm… New Yankee Stadium Saturday with their first loss of May. The Yankees came from behind to beat the Rays by a score of 9-3, after Jake Odorizzi, in not so surprising fashion, couldn’t make it past the fifth inning, while the tandem of Heath Bell and Josh Lueke practically handed the Evil Empire a six run lead. Hey, at least they’re 3-1 in May, right?

I’m pretty sure I’m not the first to ask this, but did anyone really think Tampa Bay would beat Masahiro Tanaka… At least in this, their first go around against the wonder kid?That they were able to tag him for two homers almost seems like a miracle in and of itself. I say almost, because opposing hitters have tagged Tanaka with a +.300 BA in their first at-bats, while he’s come back to post a sub .200 OBA in the second and third times through the order. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I cannot wait for Sunday’s contest with Bedard on the mound, if only to see if he can improve upon his last start.

I’m going to do something a little different. Instead of a game recap, I’ve decided to compare of the first month of play this season, with that of the season prior. Some things are pleasantly surprising, while others are par for the course — especially considering the state of the pitching staff.

Of note: this is obviously a pretty general breakdown of the season thus far. My intent is to continue putting pieces like this together as the season progresses.

The pitching (starters and bullpen) in the first month of play this season compared to last season.
The pitching (starters and relievers) in the first month of play this season, compared with the first month of play last season.

Starting with the pitching, all of the numbers you’d assume would have increased, have — that is, with the exceptions of the relievers’ combined batting average against, BABIP, fly-ball percentage, home run/fly-ball percentage, and walks per nine innings. To be honest, I’m a bit surprised home run percentage is down across the board — especially since the Rays have relinquished 19 more runs this season. However, the starters’ increased BABIP, fly-ball percentage, and walks per nine innings, along with a decreased left on base percentage, and strikeouts per nine innings speaks to the increase in runs. It’s safe to say the injured (beleaguered, and somewhat impaired) starting rotation, paired with their inability to pitch deeply in games, is having a drastic effect on the entire team.

Heath Bell (DAF’d as of 5/4/14) and Josh Lueke were never meant to be innings eaters, they were slated to be match-up pitchers, while Cesar Ramos and Brandon Gomes were the presumed long relievers; tasked with cleaning up the starters’ messes. This isn’t a knock on Ramos by any means. However, Maddon has had to rely more on the pen, especially since there’s one less quality arm among the relievers.

Whatever the case, one roster move to bolster the pitching staff with a fresh arm (the addition of Nate Karns to the ‘pen) may not be enough. Because of it, the onus is still on the the staff to step up to the challenge, and stop the bleeding. Joe Maddon mentioned as much, tweeting, “…We just need more length out of our starters.” To an extent that’s true, especially when talking about Ramos and Bedard. However, it’s not a question of “length” with Odorizzi, it’s a question of whether he’s able to make adjustments the second and third time through the order or not. If he’s going to be in the rotation for the long haul (again, there’s no reason to believe otherwise), however long that may be, those adjustments need to be made; lest we’re left with an outcome like that of Saturday’s game.

Offensive production in the first month of play this season, compared to that of the first month of play last season.
Offensive production in the first month of play this season, compared with the first month of play last season.

While the pitching staff has underperformed, the 2014 offense has outperformed that of 2013 model — and that’s even taking a slight decrease in power production into consideration. The Rays have hit five fewer homers, however they’ve hit 19 more doubles. Ben Zobrist, James Loney, Matt Joyce, Evan Longoria, and Desmond Jennings have carried the team, while the addition of Ryan Hanigan, and the recent hot hitting of Sean Rodriguez have bolstered the lineup over the last two weeks or so. What’s more, David DeJesus, Yunel Escobar, and Wil Myers seem to be slipping out of their funk, and none too soon.

However, their propensity to ground into double plays (25 in 2014 vs. 17 in 2013), and the inconsistent run production are worrisome. It’s well and great that Tampa Bay has averaged more than four runs per game in the first month of the season. Yet, that average is predicated on the 15 times Tampa Bay scored four or more runs in any given game. Of those 15 games, they scored more than five runs nine times. That is, the Rays are scoring a serviceable number of runs only half the time. If Longo and company can’t score four or more runs at any given time, they’re putting themselves at huge disadvantage. Mind you, seven of their first month losses came by three runs or fewer — losses that shouldn’t have been.

If the Rays hope to go at least .500 until Alex Cobb returns from the DL, the offense needs to continue carrying the team. I’d imagine that Ramos and Bedard will continue to progress in the injury filled interim. Sure, we’re a month past Spring Training, and they should be properly stretched out by now. On the contrary, they weren’t stretched out, yet the two of them have shown continual growth, especially Ramos. His ERA continues to drop, and if his excellent high leverage outing Saturday is indicative of anything, it’s that he’s ready for, and capable of handling the task set before him. Dare I say it, he’s proving his worth as the fifth starter when Jeremy Hellickson and Alex Cobb return. Now, if only he and Bedard could work deeper into games.

*Not including Moore, who won’t be back this season.

X-Rays Spex and Green Bench Brewing Company Present A Very Special Rays Watch Party!

Our web guy, Adam, created this poster. He works for an excellent web design company, Big Sea. Like what you see? Need some design work? Check Big Sea out, and get in touch.
Our web guy, Adam, created this poster. He works for an excellent web design company, Big Sea Design. Like what you see? Need some design work? Check out Big Sea Design, and get in touch.

On Friday, May 30th at 6 p.m. X-Rays Spex , Green Bench Brewing Company, and Star Booty are teaming up to host a proper Rays Watch Party, when the Rays take on the Red Sox, in Boston. We’re bringing all of the camaraderie of the game, some delicious foodstuffs, and some wonderful sounds — all just a stones throw from The Trop.

Enjoy the game on one of the flatscreen televisions in the tasting room, then make your way to the beer garden where the game will be projected once the sun sets.

The first pitch is set for 7:10 p.m., but be sure to get down to Green Bench early to enjoy the sweet sounds of DieAlps! and pre-game with your friends and your favorite brew. Outdoor games (including whiffle ball, corn hole, and more) will be available, so bring the entire family. Local food truck Der Wurstwagen will be on site, providing your with all your baseball related food needs.

Throughout the night Green Bench will be offering $1.00 off beers to folks wearing Tampa Bay Rays gear, including X-Rays Spex’s very own “Raymones” shirt.

Come one and all, and don’t forget to spread the word!

Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Rays Beat Yanks in 14, 10-5

James Loney drives in a run in the second inning during their game against the New York Yankees. (Photo courtesy of Al Bello/Getty Images)
James Loney drives in a run in the second inning during their game against the New York Yankees. (Photo courtesy of Al Bello/Getty Images)

Trust me, I had the best of intentions. See, I really wanted to recap the Rays’ 14-inning, 10-5 win, but between going to bed at two in the morning, and this pounding headache I’ve had for the better part of the last two days, it’s easier to focus on the game peripherals. It also doesn’t help that I imbibed throughout the five-hour and forty-nine minute contest. It is what it is. Daniel Russell of DRaysBay put together an incredibly thorough recap of last nights/this morning’s game. Accompany that with Fangraphs’ interactive play-log for the multi-media experience of a lifetime. Game peripherals are below.

  • With the outcome of Vidal Nuno’s last outing against Tampa Bay fresh in his mind, Joe Maddon put together a somewhat righty-heavy lineup, starting Sean Rodriguez in left field and Logan Forsythe at designated hitter, but (as opposed to last time) keeping James Loney in the game. His decision panned out well. The tandem of Rodriguez, Forsythe, and Loney combined to go 6-11 with two runs and three RBI.
  • With a career 4.00+ ERA in New York, David Price hasn’t quite performed at his highest level when taking on the Yankees in their Mall of America-like facility. The Rays’ ace looked good to start the game, putting up an eight pitch first, though he’d need twenty or more pitches to escape the second, third, and fourth innings. Heading into the series, Tampa Bay’s starters pitched more than five innings in only four of the last seventeen games. Coming off a double-header that used Jake McGee and Grant Balfour twice in the same day, the Rays needed Price to eat innings — and eat innings he did. Over the span of his 7 IP/8 H/2 ER outing, David Price challenged hitters with pitches in the zone, throwing 118 pitches (79 strikes, 67% K%) and impressively walking none, while wringing up eight Yankees — all of them swinging.
  • Unfortunately for the the overtaxed pen, a break they would not get. The Rays took the lead in the fourth, but gave it up in the eighth. They both regained and blew the lead it in the ninth, then white-knuckled it until the 14th when they slammed the door shut on Chris Leroux and the Yankees.
  • Tasked with eating innings, Heath Bell fought to hold the score even from the 11th through the 13th. Bell battled through high leverage situations in three consecutive innings, but he somehow battened down the hatches. (Read below)
  • With Bell on the mound in the 12th inning, Carlos Beltran hit a tapper up the middle. Derek Jeter worked his way into a run-down after the out at first, in an attempt to move Jacoby Ellsbury up. Jeter ran back and forth no less than six times before Ben Zobrist fired the ball to third. Ellsbury got caught by Ryan Hanigan, and Jeter exhaustedly worked his way to third. It was scored as a 4-3-3-6-3-4-3-4-5-2 double play.
The old 4-3-3-6-3-4-3-4-5-2 double-play.
The old 4-3-3-6-3-4-3-4-5-2 double-play.
  • The Rays put up another nerve wracking inning in the 13th. It had everything you could imagine: a botched rundown, a five man infield defense, an intentional walk to load the bases for Jeter, and an inning ending comebacker. With two on and no outs, Yangervis Solarte hit a ball to first for another run down — queue the Benny Hill theme music. Worried about the runner crossing third, Ben Zobrist wasn’t able to get Brian McCann running toward second. With two men in scoring position and one out, acting manager Davey Martinez (Maddon was tossed in the 12th) brought in Wil Myers for a five man infield in anticipation of a ground ball, with Brett Gardner coming to the plate. A risky move? Possibly. Then again, Gardner has a 65% ground ball percentage, and the odds were good he’d keep the ball on the ground. Martinez guessed wisely. Gardner hit the ball up the middle, right to Sean Rodrodriguez who fielded the play and  threw to Myers at first base for the second out. The Rays took no chances with Ellsbury at the plate, and walked him to load the bases. With the bases juiced, Derek Jeter, hit a tapper to Bell, and the Rays escaped. The Yankees had 18 hits on the night, yet they went 1-13 wRISP, stranding 12.
  • The Rays reclaimed the lead in a five run 14th. Desmond Jennings reached base on a leadoff walk, then swiped second to get into scoring position. Wil Myers singled up the middle, scoring DesJen from second. Jennings’ stolen base proved valuable. Rodriguez was next, driving in Myers from first on a double up the left field line. Brandon Guyer joined in on the fun, plating SeanRod from second on another base hit. Then Yunel Escobar put the Rays up by four on an RBI base hit up the middle, scoring Guyer from second, while Hanigan continued the BP session by driving in a run on the sixth consecutive hit of the inning, giving the Rays a commanding 10-5 lead.
  • Make that 10 runs on 20 hits, in 14 innings. At 7-18 wRISP, the Rays batted .388 when they needed it the most.

The New What Next

Tampa Bay needs as much momentum as they can get their proverbial hands upon ahead of today’s challenge. The Rays will face Masahiro Tanaka for the first time, which will not be an easy task. His splitter and slider are ridiculous, and Tanaka boasts an 11.61 K/9, and an impressive 38%-39% whiff rate when throwing the slider. Pair that with their seeming inability to hit pitchers they’ve never seen, as well as today’s starter Jake Odorizzi who has all of one quality outing under his belt, in five starts. You can read about today’s match-up, and so much more, in our series preview.

Rays 5/3/14 Starting Lineup

Zobrist SS
Jennings DH
Joyce LF
Longoria 3B
Loney 1B
Myers RF
DeJesus CF
Rodriguez 2B
Hanigan C
Odorizzi RHP

Noteworthiness

  • Wil Myers has hit in all 11 games he’s played at Yankee Stadium, tying Steve Kemp for longest streak to begin a career at either the old or new stadium.
  • No roster moves have been made to bolster the bullpen.
  • Make that three wins in 32 innings, in 36 hours, and in two different cities. No one said this season was going to be boring, that’s for sure.
  • The second coming of Lobaton?

tumblr_n4zgum8lMO1ro5xweo1_400

  • Hear, hear: