I'm back and the Rays never left

WOW, sorry for the hiatus but certain things could happen to a person that limits his writing capabilities (work and kids). None the less I'm back in action and ready to tackle the situation at hand. It has been months since I last commented on my favorite team but don't think I wasn't paying attention. I like to think I have studied the team from all angles now and I'm pretty sure I have a good idea of what's going on.

We all knew after the last series in Boston that the Rays were destined to make the playoffs and if there was any doubt about there capability in October it was answered after game one against Chicago. Now for the seventh time this year the Sox and the Rays will square off for the ultimate prize, the pennant.

Today the two teams announced their starters with Sheilds facing Dice-K. From a statistical and a fan stand point you have to like the Rays. Jamie is just to strong, especially at home, and K is to inconsistent with his pitch count, not to give the Rays a victory. Maddon has Kazimr two and Garza three witch I do not like. Even though Kaz will throw a hundred pitches in three innings, Matt just can't seem to win on the road. So to be objective I will have the series at 2-1 Rays. Here is where things get tricky. Does Maddon go with Sonny or a fourth starter in general, or with the break will he give the ball back to Sheilds. If you look at the regular season Sonnistine has been just short of perfect against Boston witch freaks me out because you know he should start before Kaz but what are the chances of that happening. In my opinion he will start in enemy territorywhere he has had success and he will pick up a victory. This now brings us back to the Trop where Sheilds will close it out.

Now I haven't brought up offense, defense, or injuries but from a pitching stand point it is hard to argue the Rays win in five.

ODB on the road

So in the interest of the Florida Fan Blog (and to do some hard core gambling at the Hard Rock) the ODB took it on the road this weekend to Tampa and took in a Devil Rays, er, whoops, Rays game. Here are my thoughts from the live action Saturday night against the White Sox.

-It was a good crowd. The line to get tickets before the game was about half an hour long and at least half the seats were filled up. Granted there were some loud go White Sox chants but the painted, inebriated college kids(USF maybe?) all decked out in Rays gear more than made up for it.

-Jonny Gomes is a stud. With two outs he got picked off first only to run his way out of a pickle with a diving slide past an old groaning Mark Buerhle. This led to a four run inning that pretty much put the game away. His next at bat he hit a shot that should have been out but hit the top of the wall. Didn't bother Gomes. He didn't stop to admire the blast. He ran the whole way through and cruised in with a triple.

-Andy Sonnanstine(I just looked up the spelling) threw strikes. It might not sound like much but all he did was throw strikes. He was ahead on every hitter and never being behind in the count led to no rallies for the White Sox.

-Other than the Rays mascot(what in the world is that thing?) I was impressed with the experience. Here's to the Rays continuing to sign their young talent and putting fans in the stands.

RAYS FORECAST, NOT TOO SONNY

Last night Andy Sonnanstine was absolutely awful giving up six runs in two and a third innings. Now when it comes to Sonny's popularity fans are pretty much split down the middle. Those who like hard throwing, flashy guys seem to dislike him where control/Maddux fans are more on the band wagon. Myself, I would lean more toward the latter.

Now usually one bad outing does not warrant a trip to the gallows, but if I was Andy I would be plenty worried, and here's why. One of the only reasons Jackson and Hammel (especially Hammel) both broke with the team after spring training was that they were both fresh out of options. As I've mentioned in previous articles Hammel is pitching to save his job and if there is one thing that helps his cause it is someone else faltering, and after two decent starts he is definitely on the right path. Jackson wasn't exactly on the hot seat and after his fast start this year most doubts about him have been erased, at least for now.

Now Jeff Neimann still has an option left but if he can put together a string of quality starts like he had on Sunday, Maddon would be crazy to send him back down. And to make matters worst for Andy within the next two weeks both Kazmir and Garza will be coming off the DL which means the team will have to make room for them both. Now I don't believe he is numero uno on the chopping block but if he does anything close to this last performance on his next start you might here the sharpening of the career clever. Now there is the possibly of moving him to the pen and dropping someone like Reyes who as of now is clearly the weakest link out there.

Now I know the season is early and this rant comes off as a bit pessimistic, but if the Rays are seriously committed to winning, they can not use the regular as an extended spring training session, and they must start putting the best product they have out on the field on a regular basis. As for me, I'm hopping there are Sonny'er days ahead.

Home Opener for the team formerly known as the Devil Rays

For the first time in their young history the Tampa Bay Rays have sold out their home opener before the day of the game. Tonight they will face the Seattle Mariners in what is a new beginning of sorts.

If you don't follow the Rays yet, you still have time to jump on the newly formed bandwagon. They are young, have new unis, and are exciting to watch. For the last couple of years the Rays have been able to hit, but their pitching has always fallen off. This year, I think they are a bit deeper.

Let's take a more in depth look at their staff:

1. Scott Kazmir - For the last couple of years Kazmir has developed into one of the premier pitchers in the game. He throws hard and has great breaking stuff as well. Last year he led the league is strikeouts and is only 24! The question has and always will be, can he stay healthy?
   
2. James Shields - This guy may be the best pitcher you have never heard of. This righty is only 26 years old and is only playing in his second full year in the majors. He is nasty on the mound and is currently anchoring the staff. If you get a chance this year watch him play because he is going to be around for a while.
   
3. Matt Garza - The Rays acquired him in the trade for Delmon Young in the offseason and this was a very good move. He has a great late moving sinker, a nice tight slider, and overall has four above average pitches. Like the rest of the staff he is only 24 years old.
   
4. Andy Sonnanstine/Edwin Jackson/Josh Hammel - The rest of the staff is occupied by these young arms. Sonnanstine is only 25, Jackson is 24, and Hammel is 25. Jackson is the biggest name of these three, as there has been much hype around him for a while. He has great stuff when he is on, but the guy is as erratic as it gets. If he could ever get his act together and be consistent this staff would be good for a long time.