I am not going to discuss the game in progress for fear that I might jinx it.

So, how ’bout we talk a little about last night’s game? We already lost that one. Chris Archer made his Major League Debut and pitched about as well as anyone could have hoped he would. After the game, Dad and I sent a few texts back and forth and he said of Archer:

He’s going to be ok. Great stuff and composure.

Couldn’t agree more. Archer’s line for the night was 6 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 1 BB and 7 SO.

You’re probably wondering what’s the drawback I referred to in tonight’s title. It’s Archer’s MLB headshot. Holy moly is it terrible.

» Continue reading “Rays: Archer’s Drawback, Peralta’s Suspension, And Keppinger’s Return”

Yesterday was a beautiful day to wear green for St. Patrick, and I began it that way, covered with grass from mowing the yard.  It doesn’t seem so long ago that my wife scattered plastic shamrocks which led to a gold coins – actually, chocolate coins, wrapped in gold – for the girls to find.

If you read Sarah’s post yesterday you know she celebrated March 17th at the mayor of Tampa’s inaugural River O’ Green Festival.  Hannah texted a picture of Green Eggs Benedict to us in the morning.  I know both of them had their corned beef last night.

The Rays wore green necklaces to celebrate the day, and then went out and downed Pittsburgh 2-1 behind James Shields’ pitching, a good effort by the ‘pen, and a Luke Scott home run.

As pitchers begin to extend their innings and lineups start to have names that are well-recognized, the trio of Evan Longoria, B.J. Upton, and Carlos Pena are a combined 3 for 41.  Their combined OPS is far below average as well.

Remember, patience is a virtue, and records and stats in March don’t carry much weight.  They can all  handle the bright lights and the big (hopefully) crowds.

Another three-pack of Rays who could/should play important roles for the team consists of Reid Brignac, Desmond Jennings, and Jeff Keppinger.  All have batting averages of .333 or better, and each has an OPS well above last year’s MLB average.

With Jennings penciled in the starting lineup for the season-opening series against the Yankees, and Keppinger potentially finding his way into the lineup against lefties, it will be interesting to see where the leather-flashing Brignac fits into the team’s plans in the next couple of weeks. » Continue reading “Daily Rays”

In just a few hours, we will start the month that includes the beginning of spring training. Happy sigh…

-The Rays signed infielder Jeff Keppinger to a one-year, $1.525 million deal late last week. ESPN reports that Keppinger’s pay could increase by $375,000 thanks to performance bonuses based on his number of plate appearances.

-Carlos Pena turned down a big chunk of extra cash to reunite with the Rays. Rays Index recently included a link to a Cleveland.com article that includes that the Indians reportedly offered Pena $8 million for a one-year contract. Instead, Pena inked a one-year deal with the Rays for $7.25 million. Let’s be honest. We know that most guys stay with the Rays because of love, not money.

-Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reported that skipper Joe Maddon and the Rays are set to announce a three-year contract extension for the 2011 AL Manager of the Year after Maddon returns from Europe and before Spring Training opens on February 20. THREE MORE YEARS! THREE MORE YEARS! » Continue reading “Tampa Bay Rays: Hello, Goodbye”