Fan Fest Fun at the Trop, “Raymones” Shirt Release Party

The Rays put together one heck of a party Saturday, opening the doors and allowing thousands of baseball starved fans onto the Astro Turf field of the Trop for their annual Fan Fest. You know the routine by now — Rays players and prospects mingle amongst the fans, in a carnival like atmosphere.

Notes Following the First Weekend in Port Charlotte

The first weekend in Port Charlotte is in the books, after the Rays pitchers and catchers reported to camp Friday morning. All but two pitchers were in attendance the first day of camp, the exceptions being Juan Carlos Oviedo and Juan Sandoval — both of whom had visa issues on their return from the Dominican Republic. Also in attendance were seven catchers: major leaguers Ryan Hanigan and Jose Molina, and prospects Ali Solis and Eddy Rodriguez, Curt Casali, Luke Maile, and Mayo Acosta.

Sayonara Off-Season, Hello Spring Training; Part Two

Allow me to pick up where I left off yesterday. If you need a quick primer, I received an interesting email from a fellow blogger the other day. His challenge, if I choose to accept it: answer six simple questions about the state of the Rays going into Spring Training and the 2014 season. Below are my thoughts on the questions left unanswered in my previous piece.

Sayonara Off-Season, Hello Spring Training; Part One

It’s been a long off-season — too long, if you ask me. I wouldn’t go as far as to say baseball defines who I am. However, I do love baseball and I feel a bit empty when I don’t have it in my life. And though I’ve been consumed by other things in the interim — things that deserved my whole, undivided attention — there’s a little piece of me that springs to life at this point of the year. Friends, at long last, the Rays’ pitchers and catchers have reported to Port Charlotte, and I couldn’t be more excited!