The New What Next: Rays Vs. Blue Jays — A Series Preview of Sorts

Here we go! A month and-a-half (plus) of Spring Training have come to pass, and now we’re on the cusp of 182 meaningful games, in what could be the most successful season in the Rays (now) 16 year history — that is, if Sports Illustrated and ESPN’s predictions come to fruition.

Rays Drop Game to Le Tigre, 6-3, Etc

The Tampa Bay Rays lost to the Detroit Tigers by a score of 6-3, in their final meeting (of the spring) against a big league lineup. There isn’t much to say about the Rays offensive output. Rather, to put it succinctly, the Tigers started a big league squad, and the Rays did not. Simple as that. There were a few noteworthy post-game positives.

Rays Beat Orioles, 4-3, Take Grapefruit League Title

The Tampa Bay Rays walked away from Sarasota Thursday night, (following a 4-3 win over Baltimore) with their third Grapefruit League title in seven years. To many, that may not be significant. To the astute follower of the Rays, however, Tampa Bay went on to win the AL East the previous two years — 2008 and 2010.

Rays Tie O’s, 4-4, Our Daily Photo Contest, Etc

The Tampa Bay Rays walked onto the dusky field at Charlotte Sports Park for the last time of the spring Wednesday evening, and walked away with their fourth tie of the Grapefruit League season, this time matching the Baltimore Orioles by a score of 4-4.

The Sun Came Out but the Bats Did Not, Roster Moves, Etc

Joe Maddon announced a few roster moves (official or otherwise) following Tuesday’s game, noting that Mark Lowe, Jayson Nix, and Wilson Betemit won’t be on opening day roster, though nothing has been etched in stone. Brandon Guyer has made the Opening Day roster though, which makes sense on a couple of different levels; he’s had a pretty good spring — especially in the field, and he’s out of options. I’ll post more roster moves as the chips fall into place.