Best Record in (American League) Baseball

by R.J. Anderson on Aug 19, 2008 9:35 PM EDT Comment 91 comments

If you wondered how the Rays win games it was pretty clear tonight:

- Defense

- Pitching

- Defense

- Timely runs

- Defense

Maddon obviously got tossed after one of the worst calls you'll ever see. Karma owed us a Scot Shields implosion.

14 games against the Sox, Cubs, and Angels at the Trop this season, and 14 losses for those teams.

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you forgot to add....

Balls of Steel

most teams give up after terrible calls

by joeybw on Aug 19, 2008 9:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

It wasn't a Carlos Marmol explosion, but I'll take it.

by Cory Alexander on Aug 19, 2008 9:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Aybar should be our DH

when Longo comes back, I mean if he cant play the OF.

But that same man played SS for the first time ever and did fine.

by joeybw on Aug 19, 2008 9:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

he is doing his job

I am glad that Aybar is doing well. His interview was good too, as he said he is getting a chance to play. That is helping him

by Underdogs on Aug 19, 2008 9:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It is amazing

I was soooooo pissed very recently and now I am so fucking happy. This team makes me love them more and more everyday.

by joeybw on Aug 19, 2008 9:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I drive home and eat, and then I see we won!

Wow, guys. Wow!

by rglass44 on Aug 19, 2008 10:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

ZOMG! Clickable line scores at mlb.com!!! Splooge!

I can’t believe this! I just clicked on the bottom of the 8th and now I’m watching it!

by rglass44 on Aug 19, 2008 10:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

One complaint

PH for Floyd with Baldelli

by sternfan1 on Aug 19, 2008 10:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

On second thought, maybe not

they bring in a RHP and then Aybar bats LH

by sternfan1 on Aug 19, 2008 10:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Saw Mad Dog's interview

“I can’t make it any clearer than that.”
“That was a fabricated call.”

I love this coach.
I love this team.
I love this season.

FTW

Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.

by Sandy Kazmir on Aug 19, 2008 10:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

This.

So fucking hard. This.

by Vin on Aug 19, 2008 10:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

So true, so true

by rglass44 on Aug 19, 2008 10:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fay is history

Let’s get 25K tomorrow

by sternfan1 on Aug 19, 2008 10:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Also,

LOL @ Johnny Damon.

Wow.

by Vin on Aug 19, 2008 10:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

What happened?

by rglass44 on Aug 19, 2008 10:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He squeezed the glove too early

not once, but twice. The second one led to the winning run.

He looked like a child in CF. Seriously.

by Vin on Aug 19, 2008 10:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's awesome

by rglass44 on Aug 19, 2008 10:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i'm not sure how playing center field influenced either play

they were awful, but aren’t any proof he’s out of his element there.

my blog // calling BJ Upton lazy is lazy // past results do not guarantee future performance

by Sky Kalkman on Aug 19, 2008 11:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Garza tomorrow

How nice would a sweep be?

by rglass44 on Aug 19, 2008 10:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Very.

Especially since its on national television.

by Vin on Aug 19, 2008 10:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

on ESPN

by Dbullsfan on Aug 19, 2008 10:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mitch Talbot had another solid but not spectacular outing tonight.

I really think he is going to be a real nice addition to our pen in September.

by Dbullsfan on Aug 19, 2008 10:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Who gets SEP call?

Nieman, Talbot, D. Johnson, Thayer, Price?

by sternfan1 on Aug 19, 2008 10:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

All depends on playoffs.

by Vin on Aug 19, 2008 10:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

How do you figure?

Nobody called up Sep 1 or later is on playoff roster

by sternfan1 on Aug 19, 2008 10:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Minor League Playoffs

Ya doof.

by Vin on Aug 19, 2008 10:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I would guess Guzman, E.Johnson, D. Johnson, Talbot, Birkins

Niemann will most likely get shut down, Thayer isnt on the 40 and I dont see them making another move (already will need to add D. Johnson and talk is they want to try to get Defilece as well.) and Price hasnt looked that great and they may just want to give him some rest and let him pitch in the AFL

by Dbullsfan on Aug 19, 2008 10:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

oh and either Gomes or Perez

by Dbullsfan on Aug 19, 2008 10:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bullpen help, maybe a third catcher and a SP for the make up game v BAL

by sternfan1 on Aug 19, 2008 10:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well

for SP: Price, Niemann and Talbot should get the call
3rd C: I really hope we call

by joeybw on Aug 19, 2008 11:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

damn

call up Jaso and not DeFelice*

as far as bullpen help, I guess Thayer and Dohmann can help but not much exciting down there with Salas in the majors.

by joeybw on Aug 19, 2008 11:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why would they want DiFelice?

Riggans is adequate to back up, and as long as DiFelice waits until after the playoffs are over to decalre free agency, the Rays can still call him up during the playoffs if Navi or Riggans gets injured (Jaso could get the call as well).

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Aug 20, 2008 12:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wanna see DiFelice come up because he's old

Well that, and because when he came up while Navi was on the DL he did a good job. I thought he should have made the team out of spring training at the beginning of the season. In retrospect, Riggans has done a great job as well and I understand why Maddon made the decision to keep DiFelice off the 40 man. We’ve had really good backstops this year, all year long.

by kericr on Aug 20, 2008 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I would have been pissed if he made it over Riggo

I’ve wanted him on the team for a while. Any chance Jaso comes up next year to DH?

by rglass44 on Aug 20, 2008 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wouldn't put it out of the realm of possibility to see him up next year as the new backup.

I have a feeling the Rays may be able to successfully offer Riggans as part of a trade to a team that is either in need of a backup catcher or wants to give him a shot at as a starter. I remember seeing something not too long ago that, despite Navi’s vast universal improvements this year versus last, that Riggans is still a little bit better at calling games and getting baserunners out who are stealing. I think if he is indeed solid enough at defense, the fact that he stayed healthy this year might be enough for a team to see if he can produce full-time.

by kericr on Aug 20, 2008 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not a big one

Jaso will probably have another full season in the minors, at least, and his bat isn’t a given.

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Aug 20, 2008 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Chris Nowak

I may be reading more into this than I should but did anyone notice that Nowak played right field tonight for Durham? His reputation is that he is pretty athletic and maybe the front office or scouts are playing him there as a possible RF in the future. If he can hit for some XBH and show some power the corner outfield could be a possible place for him.
He sure won’t be playing 3rd on the big club with Longo there. Interesting to see what he does the rest of the year and where he plays in the field from now on.

SC raysfan

by SC raysfan on Aug 19, 2008 10:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

You’re reading into it more than you should. There’s all kinds of weird positional problems in Durham right now. Too many corner infielders, not enough anything else. Also, Nowak having the ability to be a superutility vastly increases the chances that he ever gets the call.

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Aug 20, 2008 12:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

he turned back to first base from his left shoulder instead of his right.

He didn’t though… He turned the correct way.
Click here and then click on the bottom of the 6th on the boxscore and its about 4 minutes in…

He comes to a complete stop, turns to his right and then gets tagged.

by Vin on Aug 19, 2008 10:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

ugh

reply fail.

by Vin on Aug 19, 2008 10:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I just watched it on MLB.TV

since I was at the game. That just makes me more pissed off at that call. Game was amazing tonight, B.J.‘s throw to Gabe’s catch to Barty doubling them up on that nice grab. Defense was spectacular. I am angry I can’t go tomorow. :(

Top Josh Paul Pornos- Big Navi Stroking, 2pitchers1cup, BJ to the Balls, Riggans Your Thingans

BELIEVE in 08!

by SRQman on Aug 19, 2008 10:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You should of seen it on the live FSN feed.

MLB.TV’s doesn’t give you the depth of the live HD feed.

The rulebook states that there has to be intent, BJ was pulling up awkward because he didn’t want to interfere with a ball that was rolling in front of him and still in play.

Maddon’s post game interview pretty much sums it up.

by twenty5psi on Aug 20, 2008 12:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I saw the highlights on ESPN in HD and it just made me more mad.

Then Maddon’s interview and the win made it better.

Top Josh Paul Pornos- Big Navi Stroking, 2pitchers1cup, BJ to the Balls, Riggans Your Thingans

BELIEVE in 08!

by SRQman on Aug 20, 2008 1:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You're right. I have no idea what I was looking at now.

I like what he said at the end to Bill Miller, “Fuck you Bill. That’s bullshit. Fuck you Bill.”

Maddon was pissed.

by kericr on Aug 19, 2008 10:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He certainly was...

I love seeing that side of Joe.

by Vin on Aug 19, 2008 10:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think there is actually a possibility that Maddon indirectly encouraged that call. With Maddon benching Upton twice in the last two weeks, and with that bad baserunning blunder yesterday, it’s possible that the umpires are unfairly scrutinizing Upton, looking for even the finest of things that they can interpret as fallacy; turning his head slightly towards 2nd is an example of that. What I thought I saw was that he completely turned from his left shoulder and obviously that’s not right, but they could have interpreted that head turn as such. I’m certain that that call isn’t made against any other player if that’s the case.

by kericr on Aug 19, 2008 11:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think so

The umps do a pretty decent job of calling it as they see it. They don’t let outside influences affect their judgment. Obviously, he blew this one and if he was a man and not a vagina he will admit that publicly, but I don’t think there was any carryover from the suspensions.

Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.

by Sandy Kazmir on Aug 19, 2008 11:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Also, I would like to say that

Added adversity makes overcoming the obstacle that much more rewarding. We didn’t let this beat us and found a way to pull it out. I am so proud of our team.

Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.

by Sandy Kazmir on Aug 19, 2008 11:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just to be clear

I’m only throwing it out as a theory, I’m not saying that’s how I feel, which is why I kept using ‘possibly’, but I don’t agree with the idea that umpires are completely impartial. They may not consiously hold any ill will, but they are human and there are simply far too many for there not to be a few who are influencable. There is established proof that officials in all sports are prone to at times let their feelings and perception interfere with their ability to do their jobs. Mike Winters (the guy who was involved in the incident that wrecked Milton Bradley’s knee last year) and Joey Crawford (the guy who challenged Tim Duncan to a fight) are easy examples.

by kericr on Aug 19, 2008 11:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

A friend of mine umped in the minors

He told me that they routinely got back at players they didn’t liike for whatever reason. And if a player thought that he could mouth off because the crew was rotating out of town, my friend said that didn’t work. Umps would have notes left from the prior crew if they wanted someone hammered for something.

Except for me, people are generally vindictive SOB’s. I don’t think umps are any different. They widen the strike zone for guys like Maddux and narrow the strike zone for guys like Jackson, because of the reputations each has. BJ took a pitch for strike three that some guy on the Angels took for ball three. No wonder the umps are against instant replay.

by Fox 71 on Aug 20, 2008 12:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Im surprised.....

Noone has mentioned Damon’s Defense tonight…..

by Rays4ever on Aug 19, 2008 10:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah,

I covered that, chief. Check a few comments up.

by Vin on Aug 19, 2008 10:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

From the heater

There is no accountability for these umpires. That call was beyond bad; it was corrupt and cost us the game.

Posted by: Adam Tebrugge | August 19, 2008 at 09:03 PM

Good job waiting until the game was over Adam Teabagger. FAIL.

by kericr on Aug 19, 2008 11:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

hahah

teabagger

Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.

by Sandy Kazmir on Aug 19, 2008 11:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I've gotta say...

I’m going to be rooting pretty damned hard for Toronto tomorrow.

by Vin on Aug 19, 2008 11:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

If they Yankmes think they have a shot at the wild card

Toronto has to think they have an outside shot as well. That pitching staff is filthy. (and defense)

Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.

by Sandy Kazmir on Aug 19, 2008 11:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The jays are a better team then the Yankees

by putupyourDUKES on Aug 19, 2008 11:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Jays have been playing extremely well as of late

18-11 since the ASB will get you back in the race pretty quick.

by kericr on Aug 19, 2008 11:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

There’s just something about seeing the Yankee’s in 4th place in August that makes my soul smile.

by Vin on Aug 19, 2008 11:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Here is what crew chief Gary Darling said:

“He made an attempt to run to second base. Little jab step and a shoulder. I’ve called out guys for less.”

by Vin on Aug 19, 2008 11:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Thats the crew chief mind you

not the douche bag who made the initial call.

by Vin on Aug 19, 2008 11:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Honestly, I don't believe these guys are still defending this.

I mean, there’s no possible way that Upton was, you know, moving closer to the base line to avoid the ball, or the guy going after the ball. None at all.

by kericr on Aug 19, 2008 11:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He should be fined/fired if he believes this after seeing the replay

by td32 on Aug 19, 2008 11:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

if he called guys out for less than what upton did, he should be fired

Longo=ROY. Friedman=Executive of the year. Maddon=Manager of the year. Gabe Gross= clutch.

by RaysOfHope on Aug 20, 2008 1:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Keep in mind, Shields took the loss

by Matt C on Aug 19, 2008 11:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

keep it up, fuck the angels

for the rangers: believe it or not we have had 2 good starts in a row, I KNOW, HOLY SHIT, then what do you know here comes the bullpen and the tigers score 4 and 9 in one inning!!! go strangers!

more like, go rays

Feliz and Hurley. The 1-2 punch of the future

by Steal Home on Aug 20, 2008 12:25 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

welcome

Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.

by Sandy Kazmir on Aug 20, 2008 12:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good news for the Rays

Scot Shields didn’t get anyone killed, though he tried hard to. Was that Rick “Wild Thing” Vaughn out there??

by sofladude77 on Aug 20, 2008 12:37 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Upton-Maddon mini feud = OVER

Here’s what BJ had to say about Maddon sticking up for the war-crime that was committed.

“Things haven’t really been the best lately … and he went out there and he had my back,” Upton said. “You’ve got to love it, and I’m glad he did. It shows me a lot.”

That bad call might be a blessing in disguise, it seems to single handedly patched up any potential rift that grew between the two.

by atlantaray on Aug 20, 2008 1:26 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Will Carroll not impressed

et up with a small group of readers in Indianapolis to take in Price’s second Triple-A start. We were seated next to his family and a crew from ESPN who was shooting an E:60 piece on Price, and it was an interesting perspective. Remember that I am not a scout, but to me Price was merely good, not great. He’s very polished, but didn’t dominate, as his final line showed. His changeup is average at best, and the hitters were laying off the slider. One surprise was that, for a power pitcher, he was missing down regularly. Good hitters (and by good, I mean major league-level hitters) like Jose Bautista and Ronnie Paulino could hit his fastball. Price was never flustered, though it appeared his pant legs were bothering him. He does have a bit of an uphill motion, but he comes way over the top so that the ball planes down. He’d be very solid in the rotation, but I think that even without an effective third pitch, he’d do better right now in the bullpen.

Ian Kinsler (45 DXL)

by sternfan1 on Aug 20, 2008 11:29 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, he had to be there the one night he had a bad night

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 Aug 20, 2008 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Saw that as well

The bullpen comment resonated, as well.

by rglass44 on Aug 20, 2008 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Attendance tonight

I bought tickets this morning and was able to get section 114 (Yikes). Hope they start selling quick, it will be pretty embarassing if we only draw 16,000 or so for an ESPN game.

by steve-o1285 on Aug 20, 2008 1:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I gave them a pass because of Fay

but it seems we only draw on weekends or BOS

by sternfan1 on Aug 20, 2008 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I just did a little research on Rays draft picks

Nick Fuller should have signed(3rd round) with Rays

Instead he goes to college (South Carolina) and gets kicked off the team for burglary

by sternfan1 on Aug 20, 2008 1:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Sounds like Lonny Chisenhall

by rglass44 on Aug 20, 2008 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Same incedent

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Aug 20, 2008 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Stole a ton of laptops if I recall.

by R.J. Anderson on Aug 20, 2008 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, Fuller and Chisenhall were both dismissed from the team for this particular incident.

by RATW on Aug 20, 2008 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Clay Buchholz would be proud

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Aug 20, 2008 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

What's Fuller doing now?

Chisenhall was the top pick of the Tribe

by sternfan1 on Aug 20, 2008 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pitches for Walters State CC -- drafted by Braves this year, did not sign

Google is your friend.

by RATW on Aug 20, 2008 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks

i did google him, but when i saw the burglary story i stopped

by sternfan1 on Aug 20, 2008 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

His stats at Walters State weren’t that impressive.

PG Crosscheckers had this to say about him in the JUCO playoffs this spring:

Fuller’s fastball topped at 92, though was more consistently in the 87-89 mph range. His best pitch was his breaking ball which has the makings of becoming an above-average pitch.

Apparently he’s been losing velocity on his fastball.

As best I can tell from scanning the internets, he committed to play next year at Georgia State .. but unless his velocity suddenly rebounds to that of his high school days, it looks like the Rays didn’t lose out on anything by not signing him.

by RATW on Aug 20, 2008 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs