First Place and Almost Entering July?
by R.J. Anderson on Jun 29, 2008 6:08 PM EDT
38 comments
Only one thing can encompass how this feels:
Okay and perhaps a few hundred words...
When PECOTA projected 88 wins for us, I'll admit I was thinking of ways that wouldn't happen. As it turns out Scott Kazmir has missed time, as has Carlos Pena, and Carl Crawford, and Gary Glover along with Jason Hammel are still on the team. Here we are, in first place, June 29th, and like Jim I really don't want to commit and say we're playoff bound just yet, I'm waiting until after the deadline to do so, but man, this season has been hell on my nerves.
For the first time we can say we care about the result and its more than fan speak. Quick, do you remember who we played last July 4th? It was the Red Sox with Edwin Jackson going. The year before? The Red Sox, with Casey Fossum going. The year before that? I don't even remember. The point is these early July Red Sox series almost never matter, until now.
I don't want to hype this series up too much, because that leaves room to fall, but if the Rays can win this series, and they can, things are going to get beyond interesting entering the All Star break. I'm living and dying with every result, but I'm loving every minute of it.
The losses had almost become numbing, but lately when we've lost it feels wrong, it doesn't ruin my day, but I don't feel as good as I do after we win. For the first time in our history, perhaps outside of that amazing run in 2004, we're going to feel the results and it's not going to be a load of despair.
I can enjoy Evan Longoria hitting bombs and running all of over the place making plays and know he's not going anywhere for a long time. I can enjoy James Shields changing speeds and making hitters look stupid. I can enjoy Dan Wheeler shutting down opponents in the 8th and sometimes the 9th. I can live with the mistakes because I know at the end of the day they're the rarity and not the rule.
The Tampa Bay Rays are a good team. This is not an epiphany, no, but rather this is the emotion coming back. My self imposed results paralysis is over, and for once it feels good to be a Rays fan.
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Should be submitted to Hallmark for card production
awesome
Blake
USF--Class of '09
by usfraysfan on Jun 29, 2008 6:19 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I was a season ticket holder last season
Going to 41 home games. This year I’ve been to 36 home games. The atmosphere is night and day. Sure people can nitpick about whether our attendance is driven by Concerts/Cubbies/etc., but the fact is, people are coming to see this team at a substantially higher rate, and staying more involved in the game when they do show up.
by GomesSweetGomes on Jun 29, 2008 6:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
And my point was....
That I don’t feel so stupid about predicting 20k a game for the season earlier this year.
by GomesSweetGomes on Jun 29, 2008 6:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
The team looks alive during BP. They don’t look like they are going through the motions any longer. The fans are more then just a few college kids and a hundred blue hairs who are looking awkward while rap music is being played as a players walk-up music. It’s a live atmosphere. I feel really good about this team. Can we still get tickets for tonight?
In the name of Sinji Mori, we shall win!
by thebaddancingraysfan on Jun 30, 2008 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There still are some
And if you’re looking for a single, check my fanshot
by GomesSweetGomes on Jun 30, 2008 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also
People used to laugh at me last year when I’d tell them about how to expect this team to go around .500 in 2008, and be a playoff contender beyond. I’m sure many on this site experienced the same.
by GomesSweetGomes on Jun 29, 2008 6:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
agreed... goosebumps
I moved to Tampa Bay in 2001 and had already lost my passion for MLB. I grew up in OH and was a kid and Reds fan through the later years of the Big Red Machine. My early memories were of Bench, Rose, Morgan, Concepcion, Foster, and Griffey. I really got pumped when we got Seaver and he replaced Bench as my favorite Red. But unfortunately, I was too young to have memories 1975 & 1976.
From my youth until I went to college in 1990, I lived and died with the Reds with every game. Nothing was better that listening to Marty & Joe call every game. When they finally won the Series that year… I was amazed… I hadn’t experience that before in any sport. My team wasn’t supposed to win the big one. The Bengals had gotten close a couple of times… but lost both games in excruciating ways.
After that… the Reds started sucking, but I still followed from miles away… no more listenting to the games though. Eventially, MLB became about payroll, money, spoiled players, the strike, and I lost that feeling I had as a kid.
Since I’ve been in Tampa/St. Pete… I’m always been excited for the season and follow intently initially… Honestly, though, the losses get you numb, and by this time each year… instead of watching the entire Rays game… you tend to tune in when the other show is on commerical break or catch up online after it’s over. It’s been a long, long time for me that baseball games have become appointment viewing for me…
I LOVE IT!
All things LONGORIA!
by RalphieTheRay on Jun 29, 2008 6:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I predicted 85-77 before the season started
I would love to be wrong!
by Jason Collette on Jun 29, 2008 6:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Rooting for the White Sox tonight
The Rays and Cubs are tied in percentage points going into the Cubs game tonight with the best record in baseball. While it doesn’t mean anything at this point in the season, it would feel spectacular to say at the exact half-way point through the season, that the Tampa Bay Rays are THE best team in baseball, period.
by kericr on Jun 29, 2008 8:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Looking forward to a great series.
I’ll be available for target practice (in chat) for the series.
Gary
The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off.
by pocket8pin on Jun 29, 2008 8:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
You still can't say
Something postive about Edwin Jackson, can you?
mvn.com/mlb-rays
by Tommy Rancel on Jun 29, 2008 8:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
He looked good in those uniforms.
by R.J. Anderson on Jun 29, 2008 8:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
it's not racist, but i had to post it..
9 = 8
by websterjtc on Jun 29, 2008 11:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yo bitch, they were looking for your fiddle cat GIF. They settled for this crap instead.
I root for the two worst teams in baseball, non-ironically.
by esoteric on Jun 29, 2008 10:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's just not the same without Epileptic Mouse
Longlorious.
by RATW on Jun 29, 2008 10:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's why they need to add those pics to the MEME list.
Do not think that what is hard for you to master is humanly impossible; but if a thing is humanly possible, consider it to be within your reach.
by Orlando Rays on Jun 30, 2008 6:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Im sorry
I was drunk and posted this then went to bed. :(
by Sylar on Jun 30, 2008 9:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sylar, buddy. We all love you. This in not a blog it's a...
In the name of Sinji Mori, we shall win!
by thebaddancingraysfan on Jun 30, 2008 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
rj, me and everyone here understand what your saying
now-a-days when the rays loss it just doesnt feel right like it shouldnt happen, but these are the rays and they dont go on long loseing streaks and they do everything the right way in hustling for the extra base, playing fundamental defense(if someone in our infield doesnt win a gold glove im stealing one from the guy who wins it!), and also our pitching has been lights out and our offense is starting to come around with cc ripping the cover off the ball and longo just beating the crap out of the ball and this series vs the red sox is going to be one hell of a series with both teams having hatred for each other and these games count this time! wow he are now the best team in baseball, after the cubs just lost!!! and who thought that riggans and aybar would be the big heros today lol not me! also sonny is doing pretty damn good as of late! i dont think that we need another bat right now since hinkse is our starting RF it looks like and if rocco comes back as a most likely RH DH and having him split time with cliff floyd! steve phillips just said that the division will be the red sox, keep underestmating us and we will prove you all wrong, they have shocked all of us i really only though a .500 record was possible but now im thinking playoffs!
by RaysOfHope on Jun 29, 2008 10:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
On way home from Cubs vs White Sox game
it was great to leave the stadium chanting Tampa Bay has the BEST RECORD!!!
Top Josh Paul Pornos- Big Navi Stroking, 2pitchers1cup, BJ to the Balls
BELIEVE in 08!
by SRQman on Jun 29, 2008 11:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
haha i hope that we will be able to chant that in october!
btw the rays have broken a record for being the most improved team at the midpoint in the season after having the worst record the year before, are we the MLB’s celtics?
by RaysOfHope on Jun 29, 2008 11:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Now we can put the right picture in!
Do not think that what is hard for you to master is humanly impossible; but if a thing is humanly possible, consider it to be within your reach.
by Orlando Rays on Jun 30, 2008 11:12 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm really nervous about this series coming up
Ii think it’s the most important series for us so far this year. We really need to win the first game and set the tone. Hopefully we can 2 out of 3 or sweep. Before we start talking about being in first place we should see what happens in this series, that’s all I’m saying.
by dropkicknu on Jun 30, 2008 12:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Hey there, redsox fan here, and i just wanted to say its refreshing to have a new rival around in the east. I cant think of another team I’d rather see competing for the wildcard/division this year (besides the sox). Truth be told iv been a closet kazmir fan ever since i saw him pitch at fenway a few years ago, and iv been gambling with him on fantasy teams ever since. Heres to a fun series, and whatever happens afterwards, lets go back to making the yankees have an 80 win season :P
by spinz on Jun 30, 2008 1:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
ONE WAY TO HELP THE TEAM...
MAKE SURE YOU GUYS GET YOUR ASS TO THE GAME!!
Please, please. If you are lucky enough to make it to the game make sure that you make noise. Air horns, bells, whistles, flatulence, yell until your vocal chords are useless. You have got to show the Red Sox what the hell they are about to encounter.
There is nothing you can do to actually effect the game on the field literally and physically. But you can do your best to get on the nerves of the Red Sox players. I for one am tired of Red Sox nation! Yes, I’m a METS fan and yes they are on ESPN tonight but let me tell you, the game that should be televised is Rays vs. Red Sox. One week before the All Star break and there is a series that will set the tone for the second half and ESPN is showing METS / CARDS? UGGGGHHHH!!! AAAAGHHHHH!!!
If you have a chance to make it to the game RAISE HELL!!! If you know someone is going, tell them to RAISE HELL!!! If I find out that there is one empty damn seat at Tropicana Field for any of these games…I’m coming back to this site to RAISE HELL!!
Good luck…
"DUDE..."
by LOUtheMETandNATSfan on Jun 30, 2008 2:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
You're like an angry, somewhat insane God.
by R.J. Anderson on Jun 30, 2008 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
you bet your sweet a$$
"DUDE..."
by LOUtheMETandNATSfan on Jun 30, 2008 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Unless you're an AL East fan
or a fan of a potentially play-off bound team, or for whatever reason find your team making the right moves despite a not so great record…
...ok, let me rephrase. If you’re a Mariner fan, particularly one who frequents L.L., you’ve grown to love the Rays. You guys did it the right way, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
by Omerta on Jun 30, 2008 3:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Repost
Offered my best wishes elsewhere, but reiterated here.
Unlike the Sox fan above, I’d like to see your guys kick a** and bounce them from the playoffs. And I’ve been around here a lot longer so that should count for something – I’m no bandwagon opponent!
Should be a spectacular environment in your place tonight – enjoy it all!
by nyyfaninlaaland on Jun 30, 2008 3:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
uh sir...
if you’re referring to me, i’ll have you know first and foremost, i’m a BASEBALL fan. And if there is one thing a true baseball fan appreciates, it’s not having the same damn teams always winning. If I’m not mistaken I think everyone (w/the exception of Red Sox fans) have had enough of Boston, whatever the sporting venue is…Baseball, Football and/or Basketball.
If you weren’t referring to me…Well then…there’s nothing really to say.
"DUDE..."
by LOUtheMETandNATSfan on Jun 30, 2008 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wasn't you Louie.
Was taking the opposite view of the BoSox fan above looking to bounce NY from the playoffs – my opinion being that I’d be happy to see the Rays replace the Sox in October.
But I can’t agree “true” baseball fans concerns themselves much with playoff team turnover – they root first for their team. I completely understand others fans being tired of the Yanks & BoSox, but that doesn’t make their fans any less of a baseball fan. I’m sure you’ll agree – there’ve been times when the Mets weren’t the most popular team outside NY either. Fans root for their team, and often against others – NY and Boston are often the target in this regard. Perfectly understandable. Who’s gonna expend energy rooting against the Royals for example?
by nyyfaninlaaland on Jul 1, 2008 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
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