Whelp, I only get the chance to do this once more (after tonight, that is) this season, so here goes:
Rays 10/2/12 Starting Lineup
Jennings LF
Upton CF
Zobrist SS
Longoria 3B
Keppinger 1B
Joyce RF
Roberts 2B
Scott DH
Gimenez C
Shields RHP
Noteworthiness: When asked about tonight’s lineup, Joe Maddon mentioned that he didn’t talk to Evan Longoria about playing. Rather, he just decided they’d stick with the regulars and “play it straight up.” On using Rodney, Maddon said he’d use him tonight if needed, but he won’t decide about tomorrow since he has a better ERA than Eckersley.
Oh yes, awards… Some of the team awards have already been announced. Of those, the following players have received these rewards:
Rays MVP: Fernando Rodney (47 saves, 0.6053 ERA, finished ahead of David Price and Ben Zobrist)
Team Rookie: Matt Moore (Jose Lobaton and Chris Archer came in at second and third)
Paul C. Smith Champion Award: James Shields; (Ben Zobrist and David Price came in at second and third) the award is given to the player that exemplifies the spirit of true professionalism on and off the field.
The players above will receive their awards in a ceremony prior to the first pitch.