Tag Archives: AL east

The New What Next: Rays vs. Blue Jays — A Series Preview, Part Deux

The Tampa Bay Rays sent that team from Boston (and their pink hatted fans) packing Thursday night, tripping up the Red Sox by a score of 2-1 in walk-off fashion and walking away with their first home series win of the season. The Rays will welcome the Toronto Blue Jays into the Trop for a three-game, weekend series.

The Case For James Loney Hitting Fifth

Desmond Jennings entered the 2015 season with high expectations placed upon his shoulders; a sizzling .435 BA/1.036 OPS spring upped the ante for the 28 year-old outfielder. No longer at the top of the order, now hitting fifth, Jennings now himself tasked with another challenge: offering protection for the cleanup hitter, Evan Longoria. Yet Jennings started the season tepidly, slashing .212 BA/.311 OBP/.212 SLG/.523 OPS leading many to wonder if the five hole is the best place for him. With the imminent return of James Loney in the near future, my premise is simple — Loney is better suited than Desmond to hit fifth.

Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Rays Fall 1-0, Injury News (Cobb, Brett, Smyly, Etc)

Chris Archer was great once again, although he took the 1-0 loss on the chin. Blame the offense for this one. The de facto ace allowed just one unearned run on seven hits and a walk in 5-2/3 innings of work. Archer’s best weapon was undoubtedly his wipe out slider, and he used it to great effect. 13 of his total 17 whiffs came courtesy of slider, and he racked up eight swinging strikeouts (nine overall) with it; making the Red Sox’s hitters look silly all the while.

The New What Next: Rays vs. Red Sox — A Series Preview of Sorts

Back at it Tuesday, the Tampa Bay Rays will start a three-game series against the Boston Red Sox following a crushing series sweep at the hands of the New York Yankees. At 1-6 at Tropicana Field, one can’t help but think the Rays are off to a slow start at home, and they’ll look to begin turning things around, starting Tuesday. Despite that lackadaisical start, Tampa Bay has won eight of the last 11 meetings against the Red Sox at home, going 7-3 at the Trop last season.