Tag Archives: AL east

Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Rays Offense Was Productive in Their 10-3 Win

There was a palpable, post trade, feeling of despair that permeated The Trop Friday night. You could feel it in the stands, and though you’d never hear the players make mention of anything of the sort, you could see it in the on field action — the Rays seemed slow, void of spark until the ninth inning. Though the trade was a major blow to the esteem of the 25+ guys in the dugout, at some point they’d have to emerge from the proverbial fog and prove they could still be competitive without Price. That point was last night. The Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Los Angeles Angels by a score of 10-3, Saturday night.

Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Hellickson, Rays Fall to Angels 5-3

Friday marked the first game of the post David Price era, and boy was it a doozy! I’m obviously lying. In short Jeremy Hellickson gave up four early runs and couldn’t make it through the fifth inning for the third consecutive game, and Tampa Bay — despite scoring opportunities aplenty — couldn’t overcome a two run deficit. Joe Maddon called it a winnable game in his presser following the contest — and it was. But would have, could have, and should have beens don’t count for anything in baseball; The Rays dropped the first game of the series to the Angels by a 5-3 score. Come to think of it, it didn’t deviate much from a typical Rays’ loss even when Price was on the roster.

The New What Next: The Future is Now, Enter the Angels

If the Rays are going to maintain the attack on the jugular of their opponents, they will have to brush off their shoulders and move on. I know, that’s easier said than done.

It’s now up to Alex Cobb, Ben Zobrist, and Evan Longoria to step up to the metaphorical plate, and fill the chasm left in Price’s wake.

The David Price trade: Who is Drew Smyly? (Reposted from DRaysBay)

I wrote a piece on the David Price trade late last night, and included a small write up on the newest Ray, Drew Smyly. Ian Malinowski put together an excellent, detailed primer on the 25 year-old lefty on DRaysBay, and I felt that it should be shared with you.