Looking Backward While Moving Forward: The “This Is Getting Rather Annoying” Edition

Let’s be clear. We absolutely cannot blame Thursday night’s loss on the Rays hitters. Sure, there were some missed opportunities; They went 0-6 wRISP, and they’re now 0 for their last 12 (0-14 extending back to last season) with the bases loaded. But for a team that is built on pitching and defense, six runs should have been enough for the Rays to walk out of Baltimore with a series win, not a loss.

Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Rays Snap Four Game Skid

Matt Moore continued to be impressive after a slow (and frankly worrisome) spring. Posting a 6-2/3 IP/5 H/2 R/2 ER/3 BB/7 K/1 HR slash line Wednesday, Moore continued to show growth from his previous outing. What’s scary — at least what should be to his opponents, that is — is that Moore, though good in his last three starts, hasn’t fully shown what he’s capable of. Think about how dangerous he will be if he continues down this path.

Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Rays Drop Fourth Straight

The Rays looked better Tuesday night; not quite sharp enough to stave off a 5-4 loss, nor good enough to circumvent a franchise-worst-matching 4-9 through 13 games. But better.

And though none of us were wholly encouraged by the outcome — namely the Rays dropping their fourth straight — there were some encouraging signs that the clouds may start to clear. As Rays manager Joe Maddon put it,

Looking Backward While Looking Forward: Rays Drop Second Consecutive Series, Hello B’more

Tampa Bay heads to Baltimore for a three game set prior to a six game home stand. The Rays will attempt to salvage what has become a disappointing 3-7 stretch. A series preview (of sorts) follows.

Looking Backward While Moving Forward: The “That Was A Disappointing Loss” Edition (Part Deux)

Sunday was one of those days where it was very easy to get down on the Rays. With the hope that Tampa Bay could rectify things after a disappointing 2-1 loss to the Red Sox Saturday, Tampa Bay didn’t get a hit off a masterful Clay Buchholz until the eighth inning. And even though they …