While the Rays are officially out of AL East postseason contention, they’re raison d’être over the next three days is two-fold; play strongly and play the role of spoilers — ahem…despite what the outcome of the previous series might suggest. Toronto is coming off four consecutive wins, including a three-game sweep against the Chicago Cubs. The Blue Jays outscored the Cubs 28-3, for a run differential of 25 runs. Yeesh.
Tag Archives: Tampa Bay Rays
Early Returns of the Drew Smyly Project (Reposted from Jeff Sullivan/Fangraphs)
Since we’re nearing the end of the season, I have started to shift my focus toward the future. As bloggers and baseball writers begin to evaluate any major moves (trades, acquisitions, etc) that were made over the course of the season, one thing became obvious when discussing the Rays moving forward: Drew Smyly promises to play a major role in next season’s starting rotation. Smyly’s improvement as a starter became the talk of many a blogger and baseball writer alike, and because of it, I felt the need to repost an article (below) on that very subject. In short, if Smyly’s early returns speak to anything, it’s that he promises to be an exciting piece on the roster. If he’s done this well in only seven starts with Tampa Bay, just think about how well he’ll perform after a little more work with the Rays’ coaching staff.
Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Rays Set Milestones Amidst 8-5 Loss
There isn’t much to say about the Rays — as a whole — in their 8 – 5 loss to the Yankees. The swarm was in full effect in the first inning when Tampa Bay started the game in fevered fashion by scoring four runs and going 3-3 wRISP – quickly knocking the Yankees’ starter Chris Capuano out of the game after 1/3 of an inning, and 36 pitches. Capuano was charged with all four runs.
Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Spoiler Alert — Loney, Rays Beat Yankees 4-3
I previously alluded to the idea that the Rays had two reasons to go out Tuesday night and play like they still have a chance in September:
1. To play the role of spoilers.
2. To end the season on a strong, high note.
If Tuesday night’s 4-3 win against the Yankees was indicative of anything, it would be the former.
Rays 9/9/14 Starting Lineup, Etc
Rays 9/9/14 Starting Lineup Zobrist 2B DeJesus DH Longoria 3B Loney 1B Myers RF Joyce LF Escobar SS Kiermaier CF Hanigan C Archer RHP Noteworthiness Evan Longoria’s 12 career home runs at this Yankee Stadium are the most by a visiting player in the park’s six-year history. Rays starters have a 3.46 ERA this season …