If I had Photoshop skills, I would've added some snow to this.

I talk about snow days as if I’ve ever experienced one. [I have not.]

I do know about losing, though. And that, is never fun. The Rays put their first notch in the L column today with a 5-2 loss in Detroit. And yes, there was some snow.

Matt Moore was solid in his 2012 debut, except against Austin Jackson.

Tampa Bay skipper Joe Maddon said:

“Jackson put [Moore] behind the eight ball. He sucked up a bunch of pitches against him. I think that was the turning point of the game, the overall approach to Jackson. He not only saw a lot of pitches on his walks, but he also hit the home run on the full count.

“Those are the kinds of things that don’t really get spoken about, but again, if he’s able to be more efficient against him, he’s probably able to pitch into the eighth inning.”

Instead, Moore lasted 6 2/3. He was pulled after Jackson went long on Moore’s 106th pitch. » Continue reading “Rays: Snow Days Aren’t Always Fun”

Tonight’s game against the Tigers is still in progress as I type.  We’re currently knotted at two apiece heading to the top of the 10th.  If we’ve learned anything from the first two games of this series, it is that this game will cause Rays fans some anxiety.

Wade Davis stayed on the hill through the ninth, with Joel Peralta coming in to begin the bonus baseball. The Rays have turned into a complete game, or nearly complete game, machine.

Max Scherzer lasted five innings for the Tigers.  Daniel Schlereth pitched an inning and a third of relief before being replaced by Ryan Perry.

To be completely honest, I prefer Daniel’s father, former NFL star and current football analyst Mark Schlereth, when it comes to the looks department.  I choose to ignore the fact that the senior Schlereth’s nickname was Stink. But I’ve already said on this site that I like ‘em a little older. Ya know? Like Johnny Damon. But I digress.

I tried to distract myself from the tension of the game with a glass of wine over dinner, but I felt the need to address the Andrew Friedman situation.

We know, you (you being Cubs and Astros) want the Rays’ GM.

Because it’s hump day, the FOX Sports broadcast team is conducting another Website Wednesday so you can ask questions through Game Connect.  One fan asked a question about the rumors swirling regarding Andrew Friedman’s future.  Here’s what broadcaster Dewayne Staats and Brian Anderson had to say:

Staats: First, I think that is a compliment.

Anderson: I took it as one.

Then Staats elaborated:

“The Andrew Friedman story has been obviously the topic of conversation in a couple markets. the answer is that for one, he’s a loyal guy and they’ve had some great things Going here. obviously that’s  why you hear those stories and of why other clubs would naturally have an interest. I wouldn’t think every team in baseball would have an interest. other teams have an interest.

He doesn’t look for the limelight, really he’s uncomfortable hearing these things, but it’s hard to find a guy who has done a better job than Andrew Friedman.

Number one he’s a very bright guy and number two he’s willing to work hard. And I don’t care what you do, if you have those two combinations, you’ve got a pretty fair chance to succeed.”

Because of Friedman’s traits and the successful club he has built in Tampa Bay, most Rays fans love the guy.  He worked from a hospital room after having his appendix removed just prior to this year’s trade deadline.  The guy’s for real. » Continue reading “Pleeee-ease Don’t Leave Me”