TNWN: Rays vs Athletics — a Journey to the End of the East Bay

After being swept by the New York Yankees — and outscored 21-4 over the life of the series — the Tampa Bay Rays made a Journey to the End of the East Bay, Oakland, where they will start a four-game set against the Athletics on Thursday.

Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Rays Blank A’s 3-0, First in the AL East

The Tampa Bay Rays took over sole possession of first place in the AL East on Thursday, beating the Athletics by a score of 3-0. With New York idled by an off-day, Tampa Bay is now a half-game ahead of the division after Alex Colome and four relievers combined to blank Oakland.

Royals vs. Athletics — An AL Wildcard Preview of Sorts

While I am grizzled by the fact that my team isn’t in the playoffs, I’m pretty excited that my favorite pitcher, James Shields, is getting another shot at the postseason. Since Shields and teammate Wade Davis, along with more than a handful of Athletics, are former Rays, covering Tuesday night’s AL Wildcard Game seemed like a no-brainer.