The New What Next: Rays Win in 12, 4-3

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to heaven, we were all going direct the other way…

Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Payback’s An, Urm…

Prior to Tuesday night’s game, the Rangers hadn’t hit a homer in seven games. They hit three in last night’s game alone. Ouch. The short summary: Jeremy Hellickson lasted 2-2/3 innings, relinquishing five runs on four hits, including a pair of homers. Tampa Bay starts the day tied with Texas for the first Wildcard spot once again.

Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Rays Win 6-2, Claim Sole Possession of First Wildcard Spot

The Rays walked away from Monday night’s game with sole possession of the first Wildcard spot, after Tampa Bay, led by Alex Cobb, handed the Texas Rangers their seventh consecutive loss. The 6-2 game had everything one could want — a Wil Myers solo shot to the DanJo junk-shot seat in right field, a granny-panties wearing streaker, a six-run unraveling by former Ray Matt Garza, and a productive offense that went 6-11 wRISP.

The New What Next: Enter the Rangers

You’d think a series victory would leave us feeling some sense of calm, after all Tampa Bay took two out of three from the Twins. But, at this point in the season a series victory isn’t enough — especially when the Rays start the day with a half game lead over the Indians in the Wildcard race. Sunday’s loss left a bitter taste in the mouth of every Rays fan.

Looking Backward While Moving Forward: The Pick Up the Pieces Edition

The Tampa Bay Rays are back in Arlington Tuesday night, following the rally killing — game ending — debacle which found them on the wrong side of a 5-4 loss to the Texas Rangers Monday. All things controversial aside, the Rays seemed to be a half step behind the Rangers all night, not really putting …