An Open Letter to ESPN

Dear ESPN,

I feel that the opinions presented by ESPN and those that feel we need a new stadium are valid and do hold water. And for every one reason that comes up about why the Trop is a wonderful stadium, there are certainly one or more reasons why it is not an amazing facility, or why it could and should be improved.

I think a lot of us of us allow emotions to get in the way of judgement at times when we feel like our toes are getting stepped on, especially in times like now when people that have no seeming vested interest in our area trash talk what we’re working with. In my mind there are a myriad of reasons why we need a new stadium; from the lighting issues to the angling of the seats. From the turf to the stale environment inside the Trop. So on and so forth.

I definitely want a new stadium and feel that it would undoubtedly be a grand improvement above and beyond what we’ve got. However, most Rays fans at large are understanding of the situation that we’re dealing with. That is to say that all of the Rick Sutcliffes and John Kruks of the world can come in, open their mouths, and talk/preach about what’s wrong with the area and the facility at large, but their sentiments are falling on deaf ears. Why? Because their viewing audience at large has little to nothing to do with our very specific situation.

Those of us in the viewing audience that do have some vested interest in the situation are already aware of what’s going on. In short, we all know that the John Kruk’s and the Rick Sutcliffe’s of the world are not going to objectively assess the situation or all of the factors surrounding the issues with the stadium and attendance. Unless they are going to objectively look at things and weigh all of sides of the issues, then they need to do what they presumably do best: comment on the action on the field.

Best,

Schmitty

July 18, 2011 Starting Lineup, and Other Ephemera

Alex Cobb takes the hill against Butthead doppelgänger, AJ Burnett

Damon (DH), Zobrist (RF), Longoria (3B), Kotchman (1B), Upton (CF), Rodrigues (2B), Ruggiano (LF), Chirinos (C), Johnson (SS)

Chirinos, who performed well in spring training, gets the call up because Lobaton has been put on the 15 day DL with a ligament strain. I know what you’re thinking: that was a short tenure. One would assume that Jaso would be put back on the roster when he comes off of the DL in 12 days or so. But you never know, stranger things have happened…perhaps he’ll stay in AAA Durham for an, ahem, extended rehab stint.
Impressive rookie starting pitcher Alex Cobb, 3.41 ERA, takes the hill against Butthead doppelgänger AJ Burnett, 8-7, 4.15 ERA. It’s worth noting that Cobb has progressively improved with every start on the Rays roster. Let’s hope that trend continues.
At 7.0 games out of first, and 5.5 behind the second place Yankees (you’re right, it DOES feel good to say second place Yankees), this stands to be a very important series. Tonights game will, again, be broadcasted on ESPN with the first pitch at 7:10. My fingers are crossed that they put another camera in the visiting dugout after all, it is nice to see what the personification of asshole looks like.
What to expect from the broadcast: More Rays fan bashing and discussion of poor to mediocre attendance at the Trop. Why don’t they just let Dick Vitale, a bay area citizen and Rays fan, call the game? At least he’d have some understanding and assumed enlightening comments of the economic ends and outs of this area.

Adam Russell designated for assignment

The Frankenpen received a shake up today as the Rays designated reliever Adam Russell for assignment. Russell, 1-2 with a 3.03 ERA, notably gave up the winning run in last nights 16 inning marathon against They Who Shall Not Be Named. Russell is out of options and the Rays have 10 days to release, trade, or pass him along on waivers. The Rays also put RHP Juan Cruz, 4-0 with a 3.44 ERA, on the DL with a right groin strain.

In turn, LHP Alex Torres, 6-6 with a 3.23 ERA, was called up from AAA Durham to add some depth to the very worn out Rays bullpen.

Well That Was Fun, Let’s Do It Again Today!

John "Mouth Breather" Lackey after giving up a home run on an 85 MPH fastball. His mouth must have been open while pitching.

It’s no secret that I’m very critical of Derek Shelton. It’s very easy to find a scapegoat for the Rays anemic offense, and well, Shelton became mine. Reasonably speaking, I know that unless he’s at the plate and doing didly squat, it’s certainly not all his fault that the Uptons, Brignacs, and Longorias aren’t producing. To that end though, I’d be a fool to ignore that he does have an effect on the Rays performance at the plate, and I’ve got to say that his (and Merlot Joe) idea, that a walk is as good as a hit in clutch situations is a bit, urm…you get the idea. Nevertheless, I must give credit where credit is due, because over the course of their last three home games, the Rays have out scored two very good teams (the Cardinals and They Who Shall Not Be Named) 22-10.

Likewise, all of the credit for the increase in production at home cannot be put on Shelton’s shoulders alone. The Rays have been playing as a “team” under the teflon roof of late. I must say the pep talk that Shelton gave certainly lit that proverbial fire though.

Hopefully that production will continue over the course of the rest of the season, both at home and on the road. It’s especially important that the Rays remain consistent since they play both They Who Shall Not Be Named and the Evil Empire 25 more times, and could make up some serious ground against them.

And what better way to add to the good guys confidence, than to throw Complete Game James on the mound against John Lackey who, reportedly, loses five miles an hour of velocity on his fastball when his mouth is open. I wonder how quickly they can knock Lackey out of the game today? The Rays leeched the air from Miller’s balloon last night after 85 pitches in only 2 2/3 innings, which found him giving up seven runs on five hits and five walks, including a grand slam by Ben Zobrist. All of this off of a guy that has a much lower ERA than Lackey, who sits at a cool 6.84. In short, the Rays need to beat up on Lackey, and ideally knock him out of the game early. Can they do that though? Yes, as long as Shields is on top of his game, and the Rays are, again, aggressive early.

Rays starting lineup: Damon (DH), Zobrist (2B), Kotchman (1B), Longoria (3B), Joyce (RF), Upton (CF), Fuld (LF), Shoppach (c), Brignac (SS).

Starting Pitchers: Shields RHP (8-7, 2.33 ERA) vs. John Lackey (6-8, 6.84 ERA)

Worth Mentioning: Kotchman in the three hole and Longoria hitting cleanup, Shoppach getting the start after have a good night at the plate last night (reaching base three times), Lackey losing five MPH on his fastball when good ole Marbles pitches with his mouth open.

Today’s 2 Minute Hate goes to Boston…..especially this guy!

RedSoxFan.jpgLiving proof that something is very, very wrong in Boston.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the other hand, I do have to admit that this guy had a mean knuckleball!!  Slider?  Split finger?  Curve?  Oh, shit…where does it end?!