Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Cash Tallies Win Number One!

As the idiom goes, the third time’s a charm; a saying that held true for the Tampa Bay Rays Wednesday night. Jake Odorizzi took the hill against the Baltimore Orioles and allowed only three base runners in 6-2/3 superb innings of work. Meanwhile the relievers were able to preserve the lead, allowing the Rays to earn a combined 2-0 shutout win — the first of the Kevin Cash era.

Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Rays Fall Short of Baltimore, 6-5

The Tampa Bay Rays looked to bounce back Tuesday, after the less than auspicious start to the 2015 season. And while they appeared to battle both the Baltimore Orioles and a severe case of deja vu, after allowing six early runs to cross the plate, the team — led by Nathan Karns — refused to hang-up their hats and accept another disappointing loss. Ultimately falling short, Tampa Bay certainly made things interesting by coming within a run of the powerful Orioles.

Rays Spring Training Update, Day 35: Rays Fall 9-6 to Boston, Injured Pitchers, Etc

I’ve frequented the idea that win or lose, this is only Spring Training and these games are meaningless in the scheme of things. However, maintaining that perspective takes a little more effort in certain instances. Case in point, Saturday’s 9-6 loss to the Boston Red Sox. Under no circumstances do I find a loss to the dreaded Red Sox acceptable. I know, I know — this was a meaningless Spring Training game. Yet the Red Sox are composed of some pretty unlikable players — I’m looking at you Mike Napoli and David Ortiz — and there is nothing I like more than watching them fail, regardless of when. Oh well, at least Tampa Bay will get another shot at the worst team in the AL East, circa 2014, on Sunday.

Rays Spring Training Update, Day 28; Rays Walk-It-Off, Odorizzi Solid

The Tampa Bay Rays won in walk-off fashion Saturday, as Allan Dykstra capped a three-run ninth with a two-run homer to right in a 4-2 win over the Minnesota Twins. Jake Odorizzi was impressive Saturday, becoming the first Ray to work into the sixth inning of a Grapefruit League game. It should be noted, Tampa Bay took the Knutson Cup from the Twins, Thursday.