Rays Turn Tables With D.J., Win 5-4.
by R.J. Anderson on Sep 9, 2008 10:51 PM EDT
212 comments
Even in the darkest of nights the assurance of light is only hours away. In baseball terms this can feel like months and in April we reached the 10 year mark of the never-ending eclipse. Those old feelings began to creep back upon this five game losing streak, as they did during the seven game losing streak prior to the all-star break, but in the end we were again reminded that this is not 1998, or 2002, or 2006, but 2008.
With Scott Kazmir on the mound the Rays fell behind almost immediately 1-0. A fourth inning rally placed them ahead 3-1 and things would remain that way until a Mike Lowell homerun cut the lead to one. In the eight Dan Wheeler would face Jason Bay after walking Kevin Youkilis. A gut punch awaited on the other end of a Wheeler pitch that sailed into the Green Monster seats. 4-3. This was how we were losing first place in September, this was how it was going to be.
Jonathan Papelbon entered and amidst the claps and cheers Dan Johnson stepped to the plate fresh off of the plane from Durham. Here he was, in the middle of a pennant race when a day ago he was worried about the Governor's Cup. Johnson worked the count to 3-0 before Papelbon caught up. At 3-2 Dan Johnson took the biggest swing in his life and connected, sending the cowhide somewhere over the small fence in right-center.
I can only imagine his thought process, to which I will place this thought: "HOLY FUCKING SHIT!" As he touched home the scoreboard operator woefully changed the three into a four. Following an out Fernando Perez stepped to the plate. The man who, as we know, recites The Iliad for fun, here he was, facing Jonathan Goddamn Papelbon in the biggest game in Rays history.
The man of the epic battle delivered a courageous stab, delivering the ball into the monster of left. A dent in the nation. Dioner Navarro would bring Fernie home, and the Rays would take a 5-4 lead into the bottom of the 9th.
Troy Percival, the man under the most heat, although deservedly, ran in. Only after a shaky leadoff walk to Mark Kotsay did Percival unflinchingly strike Jason Varitek out, induce a flyball out from David Ortiz, and with pinch runner Jacoby Ellsbury standing on third force Coco Crisp into an uppercut that allowed Akinori Iwamura to grasp the final out in this amazing ballgame.
For all of those that believe there's something "different" about September, well, guess what, there's something different about these Rays too, and they simply aren't going away.
5 recs |
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Game of the year
Coming off the deck to stop a major streak…Huge, stones….Everyone contributes. What a story, I eat my words again….and again…
Joe
by joedobr on Sep 9, 2008 10:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Oh my god.
Brad Ziegler had a scoreless inning streak. Brad Ziegler had not met BJ Upton.
by P Brady on Sep 9, 2008 10:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
DJ is my hero. But please don't play him in LF.
Tools Whore
Sign Bonds!
by Tyler on Sep 9, 2008 10:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Perfect night
Dropkicked (Murphy) Papelbon in the crotch and got that little bitch Coco Crips out to end the game. We came to Boston as a first place team and we leave there as a first place team.
Jays follow us into Boston and they are roooooooolling.
by Jason Collette on Sep 9, 2008 10:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
LOVE LIFE LOVE LIFE LOVE LIFE LOVE LIFE LOVE LIFE LOVE LIFE LOVE LIFE LOVE LIFE !
Top Josh Paul Pornos- Big Navi Stroking, 2pitchers1cup, BJ to the Balls, Riggans Your Thingans
BELIEVE in 08!
by SRQman on Sep 9, 2008 10:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Fernie is so articulate.
Tools Whore
Sign Bonds!
by Tyler on Sep 9, 2008 10:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I am NOT shipping up to Boston tonight
No Tessie and no Dirty Water tonight…Love the songs, but not in the Old Towne tonight!!
Joe
by joedobr on Sep 9, 2008 10:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
RJ - impressive you got that well written recap up so fast
i love baseball
by stpetelawyer on Sep 9, 2008 10:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
No stats and amazing prose
Well fucking done sir
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 Sep 9, 2008 10:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Not amazing, but I can do stuff without stats.
I just don’t because nobody wants to read that stuff.
by R.J. Anderson on Sep 9, 2008 11:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
BS
Capable writing combined with thorough analysis is the wave of the future.
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 Sep 9, 2008 11:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've been doing more humor because people seem to like some of it.
We’ll see. I’m not doing as many analysis posts as I did before.
by R.J. Anderson on Sep 9, 2008 11:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i think occassional humor posts are good for off-topic, light discussion
and then the analysis posts can be more on-point. something for everyone.
by Sky Kalkman on Sep 9, 2008 11:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What are you talking about?
Did someone post a recap? All I saw was a bunch of whiny emo crap that reeked of “I cut myself to see if I can still feel anything.”
by kericr on Sep 9, 2008 11:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Almost
I thought it was emotional, but a tad corny. But it’s not like reading it is going to drive me away from the site never to return.
As alternatives, if P Brady posts this, it’s “FUCK BOSTON” repeated 100 times. If we’re in topsy-turvy world, TG#1 posts gay porn, I post about 15 holocaust jokes, and Sternfan goes on a mindless rant about how the Rays are going to somehow still miss the playoffs. I certainly think it’s better than any of those.
by kericr on Sep 9, 2008 11:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Most things emotional are corny.
I’ll do better when we clinch, I promise.
by R.J. Anderson on Sep 9, 2008 11:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You do what you gotta do. This post was a lot better then the pie chart thing you did today. That kinda sucked.
by kericr on Sep 9, 2008 11:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think most of my stuff is good.
by R.J. Anderson on Sep 9, 2008 11:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Self criticism
It’s hard to trust your own opinion, because usually the only stuff one feels is good writing is the stuff that’s REALLY good. You never feel good about stuff that’s pretty good, and a good amount of your stuff IMO is pretty good.
I also imagine that you don’t spend 1.5 hours on a recap like Graham.
by kericr on Sep 10, 2008 12:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What the hell I don't write recaps
Or much of anything really.
by Graham on Sep 10, 2008 12:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just remember thinking I was in the middle of reading Paradise Lost during the Rays series and I was reading the recaps of the game LL.
I don’t know if you were writing them or not, but I’ve come to understand from RJ that Graham = tRA = LL, and that’s all I need in the draysbay world to succeed.
by kericr on Sep 10, 2008 9:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Theres no crying in baseball.
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 Sep 10, 2008 12:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Satisfying?
Absolutely
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 Sep 9, 2008 10:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jerking off is gonna be really good tonight.
Top Josh Paul Pornos- Big Navi Stroking, 2pitchers1cup, BJ to the Balls, Riggans Your Thingans
BELIEVE in 08!
by SRQman on Sep 9, 2008 10:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
After watching the Rays shove their fist into the anus on Papelbon's face,
I don’t see how anybody wouldn’t be aroused.
by Vin on Sep 9, 2008 11:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
so happy the Jays are going to Boston
by stpetelawyer on Sep 9, 2008 10:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
We have one more to try and take
Top Josh Paul Pornos- Big Navi Stroking, 2pitchers1cup, BJ to the Balls, Riggans Your Thingans
BELIEVE in 08!
by SRQman on Sep 9, 2008 10:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
we showed those pricks
how dare they try to steal 1st from us? it is ours!
by joeybw on Sep 9, 2008 11:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thebaddancingraysfan:
Dear god NO DAN JOHNSON
It doesn’t make sense to waste Dale Thayers roster spot on a guy who will be DFA’d.
by thebaddancingraysfan on Sep 9, 2008 3:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Brad Ziegler had a scoreless inning streak. Brad Ziegler had not met BJ Upton.
by P Brady on Sep 9, 2008 11:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I've referred to Dan Johnson as the next Kevin Witt
So I have no place to say anything either.
by kericr on Sep 9, 2008 11:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I love everything about everybody everywhere
by steve-o1285 on Sep 9, 2008 11:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
How much X did you just eat?
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 Sep 9, 2008 11:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great game guys
I was having a lot of fun, but, um, percy took the wind out of my sails in the last inning.
Even Madden was getting upset—they showed a camera angle in the local (New England) coverage.
I guess I’m still a bit worried. I want to play for the division.
Oh, and Sandy? I was wrong, I admit it.
by plasticman on Sep 9, 2008 11:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Good man
no hard feelings
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 Sep 9, 2008 11:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That is what she said when talking to me during sexual intercourse.
Top Josh Paul Pornos- Big Navi Stroking, 2pitchers1cup, BJ to the Balls, Riggans Your Thingans
BELIEVE in 08!
by SRQman on Sep 9, 2008 11:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
While my penis was inside of her vagina
Vogt early, Vogt often.
by Brickhaus on Sep 9, 2008 11:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've been asking for Johnson since Longoria went gown
by sternfan1 on Sep 9, 2008 11:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
We know....
Top Josh Paul Pornos- Big Navi Stroking, 2pitchers1cup, BJ to the Balls, Riggans Your Thingans
BELIEVE in 08!
by SRQman on Sep 9, 2008 11:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You always like to ask for a Johnson.
Not just after injury.
Sign lady must die.
by EminenceFront on Sep 9, 2008 11:16 PM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
rec this man.
Dear god NO DAN JOHNSON - thebaddancingraysfan hours before DanJo hit a game tying HR off Papelbon.
by Vin on Sep 9, 2008 11:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
3-2 pitch to Tek though
Absolute desperation. Even I will concede that Percival can’t close consistently. He has to command that fastball, and if he can’t get it over, then he is going to get roughed and nicked. That 3-2 pitch was like Favre’s TD pass on Sunday before the 1st half ended.
Tek was trying to bunt and Percy couldn’t locate
Joe
by joedobr on Sep 9, 2008 11:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
for percival today, that pitch was pretty much fourth down
by Sky Kalkman on Sep 9, 2008 11:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Certainly was
Sometimes you can be more lucky than good…Big win, but I will take a little luck
Joe
by joedobr on Sep 9, 2008 11:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
For those who care
My dog is much happier now.
Vogt early, Vogt often.
by Brickhaus on Sep 9, 2008 11:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That's what happens when you stop kicking it.
Dear god NO DAN JOHNSON - thebaddancingraysfan hours before DanJo hit a game tying HR off Papelbon.
by Vin on Sep 9, 2008 11:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ROFLONGORIA
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 Sep 9, 2008 11:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
One question, why green light Gross on 3-0?
by sternfan1 on Sep 9, 2008 11:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
He was obviously going to get a fastball and he's good at going the other way.
It was the right call.
Dear god NO DAN JOHNSON - thebaddancingraysfan hours before DanJo hit a game tying HR off Papelbon.
by Vin on Sep 9, 2008 11:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess som but i wanted the 2 run lead with Percy
by sternfan1 on Sep 9, 2008 11:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And you had a better chance of that on a 3-0 pitch with a runner on second
than you did with Barty coming up with runners on 1st and 2nd.
Gross on 1st woulda been worthless.
Dear god NO DAN JOHNSON - thebaddancingraysfan hours before DanJo hit a game tying HR off Papelbon.
by Vin on Sep 9, 2008 11:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Stephanie said how rude
Oh God did I just say that?
by steve-o1285 on Sep 9, 2008 11:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd fail you.
But I’m pretty sure you just failed yourself.
Dear god NO DAN JOHNSON - thebaddancingraysfan hours before DanJo hit a game tying HR off Papelbon.
by Vin on Sep 9, 2008 11:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
oh yeah and....
eeeeeeewwwwwwwwwwwww
by steve-o1285 on Sep 9, 2008 11:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
In other news, Dohmann
blows save… Durham loses in bottom of the 9th.
by rays_world_champs on Sep 9, 2008 11:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Price
6 IP 7 H 4 ER 1 BB 9K 1 HR
by rays_world_champs on Sep 9, 2008 11:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
SWB is pretty loaded compared to Durham
by sternfan1 on Sep 9, 2008 11:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
As soon as Durham is eliminated
Our bullpen gets some relief.
by rays_world_champs on Sep 9, 2008 11:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It is safe to say if Johnson doesn't start tomorrow Joe Maddon needs to be fired
And he needs to be hitting second w/ his walk skills
by matthan on Sep 9, 2008 11:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Hinske's playing time needs to vanish.
Dear god NO DAN JOHNSON - thebaddancingraysfan hours before DanJo hit a game tying HR off Papelbon.
by Vin on Sep 9, 2008 11:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
it's ONE GAME, guys
although, I agree
by Sky Kalkman on Sep 9, 2008 11:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't care if its to Perez, Ruggiano, or Johnson
Hinske just needs to play less.
Dear god NO DAN JOHNSON - thebaddancingraysfan hours before DanJo hit a game tying HR off Papelbon.
by Vin on Sep 9, 2008 11:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Magic Number down to 12
Dear god NO DAN JOHNSON - thebaddancingraysfan hours before DanJo hit a game tying HR off Papelbon.
by Vin on Sep 9, 2008 11:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
18
Screw the wild card. Wouldn’t it be amazing if the Blue Jays win it! They have 7 left against the Sox. Oh, and the Jays are 7-4 against the Sox so far.
by rays_world_champs on Sep 9, 2008 11:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i've been wondering why BPro has listed the Jays and not the Yankees as having an outside shot at the WC
the seven games left against the Sox must be why.
by Sky Kalkman on Sep 9, 2008 11:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I said this 2 weeks ago that if they can catch fire
with their pitching and defense they are an extreme longshot to sneak in. I wouldn’t want to play them but boy it would be cool to see
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 Sep 10, 2008 1:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd just like to give a big fuck you
to all my classmates who didn’t want GameDay up during class.
So if you see any Arch Majors from SPC, punch them in the kidneys for EF.
Thanks.
Sign lady must die.
by EminenceFront on Sep 9, 2008 11:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Anyone else still shaking?
Top Josh Paul Pornos- Big Navi Stroking, 2pitchers1cup, BJ to the Balls, Riggans Your Thingans
BELIEVE in 08!
by SRQman on Sep 9, 2008 11:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
They just showed a Dan Johnson interview on SportsCenter
It was awesome. He’s a bright fellow.
Dear god NO DAN JOHNSON - thebaddancingraysfan hours before DanJo hit a game tying HR off Papelbon.
by Vin on Sep 9, 2008 11:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ah! I missed it!
Damn you Family Guy!
by steve-o1285 on Sep 9, 2008 11:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If we all die tomorrow because of the black holes it was all worth it.
This is about as good of a note to end on as any.
by R.J. Anderson on Sep 9, 2008 11:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I KNOW!!!
/squeals like a little girl
Dear god NO DAN JOHNSON - thebaddancingraysfan hours before DanJo hit a game tying HR off Papelbon.
by Vin on Sep 9, 2008 11:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I told SRQ the same thing.
Very little is making me remained clothed and not on the roads right now. Being shot mainly.
by R.J. Anderson on Sep 9, 2008 11:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wish I could just punch a Sawx fan right in the kisser
by rglass44 on Sep 9, 2008 11:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
stomach punch game
ask the sports guy!
by rglass44 on Sep 9, 2008 11:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't wanna go to sleep
but I have to work (drrrr) all day tomorrow.
by rglass44 on Sep 9, 2008 11:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
dan johnson for DH next year if floyd retires?
Evan Longoria=ROY. Andrew Friedman=Executive of the year. Joe Maddon=Manager of the year. David Price= the next best pitcher TB Rays fan 2002-the day i die!
by RaysOfHope on Sep 9, 2008 11:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That's been the plan
if we can’t sign a free agent. I hope we can sign a better option though.
Vogt early, Vogt often.
by Brickhaus on Sep 9, 2008 11:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I almost lost my faith in humanity tonight.
Seriously, I almost drifted away. Then that faith was restored, and I am happy.
It doesn’t change everything though.
Wheeler’s balls are still microscopic. He can get you the two outs usually. But when that third one comes up, the refrain is always the same. That’s our 8th inning guy. Our 9th inning guy as long as Maddon insists onm it has problems that go far beyond a ack of mental toughness. He simply cannot be trusted in the positions he is being put in. He’ll get credit for that 9th, but he was dying to blow that and he came damn close do doing so.
by Bobby Fenton on Sep 9, 2008 11:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
tomorrow's game on espn sonny vs beckett
i have a feeling tomorrow’s game is going to come down the pen’s tomorrow, so we have the huge advantage there, also i was just amazed with the rays beating papelbum tonight, i just hate that dude with a passion
Evan Longoria=ROY. Andrew Friedman=Executive of the year. Joe Maddon=Manager of the year. David Price= the next best pitcher TB Rays fan 2002-the day i die!
by RaysOfHope on Sep 9, 2008 11:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i was thinking the same thing at first, but i think he will step it up tomorrow
Evan Longoria=ROY. Andrew Friedman=Executive of the year. Joe Maddon=Manager of the year. David Price= the next best pitcher TB Rays fan 2002-the day i die!
by RaysOfHope on Sep 9, 2008 11:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maddon interview will be on BBTN.
For those who care.
Dear god NO DAN JOHNSON - thebaddancingraysfan hours before DanJo hit a game tying HR off Papelbon.
by Vin on Sep 9, 2008 11:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
ESPN.com frontpage
Something’s missing. I guess NESN2 doesn’t wanna remind the Nation.
by rglass44 on Sep 9, 2008 11:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
This was the comment of the day:
Dan Johnson: No ABs at all this game and his first one goes 3-2 and hits a homer. Love it.
GOD.
by R.J. Anderson on Sep 9, 2008 11:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Apparently Sweet Caroline is theres
I don’t even want to hear it about this
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 Sep 10, 2008 1:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
OT: what the hell has gotten into the bluejays? 10 in a row wow
i wish that they could jump over the red sox to win the wild card
Evan Longoria=ROY. Andrew Friedman=Executive of the year. Joe Maddon=Manager of the year. David Price= the next best pitcher TB Rays fan 2002-the day i die!
by RaysOfHope on Sep 9, 2008 11:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
They're doing what they should've done all year.
by steve-o1285 on Sep 9, 2008 11:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
twinkies bullpen sucks
they keep putting matt guerrier and boof bonser out there and both of them have been getting litten up like a christmas tree
Evan Longoria=ROY. Andrew Friedman=Executive of the year. Joe Maddon=Manager of the year. David Price= the next best pitcher TB Rays fan 2002-the day i die!
by RaysOfHope on Sep 9, 2008 11:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
twins vs. rays would go to extra innings at 0-0 every game
by Sky Kalkman on Sep 9, 2008 11:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jays vs. Rays .. 1-0 games?
I want nothing to do with the Jays. Hopefully they keep it going vs. the Sawx.
by RATW on Sep 10, 2008 12:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It would be better...
But I just don’t want Delmon to make the playoffs.
by steve-o1285 on Sep 9, 2008 11:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
he got booed today after he struck out and the ball got away and he just stood there for a couple of seconds
if he wouldve token off right away we wouldve made it easily
Evan Longoria=ROY. Andrew Friedman=Executive of the year. Joe Maddon=Manager of the year. David Price= the next best pitcher TB Rays fan 2002-the day i die!
by RaysOfHope on Sep 9, 2008 11:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
who holds the record for the hidden/deleted comments?
by daveh33 on Sep 9, 2008 11:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
TGN1, I'm sure.
Dear god NO DAN JOHNSON - thebaddancingraysfan hours before DanJo hit a game tying HR off Papelbon.
by Vin on Sep 9, 2008 11:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You were right, Vin..
NESN has the old D’Rays logo when they go to break. Those bastards.
(watching replay on mlb.com)
by RATW on Sep 9, 2008 11:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's only on that one screen though.
Every other one has the new logo. They even have a different boxscore format with the right logo. It’s dumb.
Dear god NO DAN JOHNSON - thebaddancingraysfan hours before DanJo hit a game tying HR off Papelbon.
by Vin on Sep 10, 2008 12:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's a good question.
And I’m not sure he’s the right answer.
by kericr on Sep 10, 2008 12:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know why everybody hates Reich Raccoon so much.
by kericr on Sep 10, 2008 12:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've probably got about 15 hidden by RJ since the beginning of the year, and I think a couple by Patrick.
I might not lead for the year, but I’ve easily got it for the last month or so.
by kericr on Sep 10, 2008 12:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
OT again but, is there a real possibility that Mark McGuire could come out of retirement next year/
according to MLBtraderumors.com there is
Earlier today, Joe Stiglich reported that the A’s would seek to add power to the lineup this off-season and that they would be more likely to acquire a power-hitter through free agency. Would Billy Beane try to coax McGwire out of retirement? McGwire did play 11 seasons for the A’s and they do have an opening for a DH in ’09 along with a dire need to add an impact bat.
The possibility does seem far-fetched, but this is the type of move that Beane would not shy from. And if McGwire did decide to lace up the sneakers for one more season, this is the exact situation under which it would have to happen.
so barry doesnt get a shot to play again, but McGuire might? just complete Bullshit
Evan Longoria=ROY. Andrew Friedman=Executive of the year. Joe Maddon=Manager of the year. David Price= the next best pitcher TB Rays fan 2002-the day i die!
by RaysOfHope on Sep 10, 2008 12:02 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
consider the source please.
Dear god NO DAN JOHNSON - thebaddancingraysfan hours before DanJo hit a game tying HR off Papelbon.
by Vin on Sep 10, 2008 12:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No way
He’s 45 and has back problems. I couldn’t imagine him wanting to play at all.
by kericr on Sep 10, 2008 12:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
im not saying he could, just wanted to see your guys opinion on this
Evan Longoria=ROY. Andrew Friedman=Executive of the year. Joe Maddon=Manager of the year. David Price= the next best pitcher TB Rays fan 2002-the day i die!
by RaysOfHope on Sep 10, 2008 12:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
opps i meant McGwire not McGuire
Evan Longoria=ROY. Andrew Friedman=Executive of the year. Joe Maddon=Manager of the year. David Price= the next best pitcher TB Rays fan 2002-the day i die!
by RaysOfHope on Sep 10, 2008 12:02 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The look on Papelbon's face on BBTN...
freaking orgasmic!!!
by steve-o1285 on Sep 10, 2008 12:07 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Great segment.
Dear god NO DAN JOHNSON - thebaddancingraysfan hours before DanJo hit a game tying HR off Papelbon.
by Vin on Sep 10, 2008 12:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
How about
ESPN front cover this AM.
Hip, Hip, Hur-Rays!
The Rays (61-42) have set the pace in the AL East since July 18.
Both are likely headed to the postseason. But Tuesday night in Boston, the Rays weren’t ready to hand over the AL East lead to the Red Sox, as Tampa Bay scored twice off Jonathan Papelbon to win 5-4
by Underdogs on Sep 10, 2008 7:45 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
oh yea on TSN.ca this am it says
Rays get to Papelbon in ninth to stun Red Soxoh yea and the Jays look pretty hot right now… lets just hope they do it to the Sox
by Underdogs on Sep 10, 2008 7:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The morning after thoughts
1- Dan Johnson’s AAA numbers may not have neen a fluke
2- Can Perez be a Gardner, Ellsbury tclone?
3- Wheeler returning to earth as his tRA suggested
4- Anyone else getting worried about Longo, still only swinging at “flipped balls”?
by sternfan1 on Sep 10, 2008 7:55 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I love how you say #1 after one at-bat.
He’s not going to be that good.
2. Gardner.
3. tRA isn’t an ERA predictor.
by R.J. Anderson on Sep 10, 2008 8:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I said "MAY" and as for Wheeler i looked at his FIP and FIP-ERA and all other numbers on hardball times and albeit last year this is his worst since brfore '04
Are you not concerned about Longo?
by sternfan1 on Sep 10, 2008 8:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
BS
Garnder is a scrub. Perez is better than Gardner.
Vogt early, Vogt often.
by Brickhaus on Sep 10, 2008 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
why do you say tRA isn't an ERA predictor?
there are certainly other factors, like ballpark and fielding, but would you say it’s like 75% of the story?
by Sky Kalkman on Sep 10, 2008 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We need a new SBN blog called "It's all about Graham and the tRA" so he can answer these questions himself
Instead of us relying on RJ to interpret it for us.
I’ve tried to view it as a relative performance indicator with the utility to help predict results-based performance stats.
by kericr on Sep 10, 2008 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why rush him back
Wrists take a while thanks to all the bones. As we have seen time and again this year they will err on the side of caution, which I am fine with. As is we are all but assured October baseball and I would be fine with him coming back the last week with Craw to get their timing down and get into when it matters rolling.
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 Sep 10, 2008 9:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
1 – They weren’t, once you make the MLE adjustment, they’re in line with what he’s always done in the majors
2 – I’ve always maintained ‘switch-hitting Dave Roberts’
3 – Yes, as his FIP suggests. He gives up a lot of dingers and always has, and the worse his defense is behind him, the worse he will look.
4 – Not really. Aybar has hit well lately. If he misses another week, it’s not the end of the world, as long as he’s ready for the playoffs.
Vogt early, Vogt often.
by Brickhaus on Sep 10, 2008 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dan Johnson's AAA numbers aren't a fluke.
1. He is better than AAA players. He’s a ML average hitter, which, if you are wondering is very good. And because he’s a ML average hitter, he can kill the level below the ML level.
2. Gardner isn’t anywhere near Ellsbury.
Tools Whore
Sign Bonds!
by Tyler on Sep 10, 2008 8:21 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
and great point about DJ, by the way
he’s always been an average major league hitter and should be an average major league hitter going forward
by Sky Kalkman on Sep 10, 2008 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Excitement is tempered...
…because the Joel Guzman Era has offically ended. It is a sad day.
Jamie DeLuca
by JDeLuca on Sep 10, 2008 8:36 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I know you may be joking, but it is
Guzman came with high expectations, who along with Chuck Tiffany are huge dissapointments
by sternfan1 on Sep 10, 2008 8:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They are prospects this is what prospects do.
Others like Mitch Talbot succeed. It is a crap shoot and one of the big reasons teams are over-valuing young talent at the moment.
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 Sep 10, 2008 9:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We've already gotten more value
out of below-replacement play from Ruggiano than we would have had we kept Lugo for another couple months.
Vogt early, Vogt often.
by Brickhaus on Sep 10, 2008 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
2000+ comments last night
Is that some kind of 9 inning record or what?
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 Sep 10, 2008 11:22 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I said it last night.
But I’ll say it again.
I was wrong about getting swept, and I’m happy I was wrong.
by plasticman on Sep 10, 2008 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I saw the other thread, but again
It takes a big man to admit when he’s wrong. Lets tee off on a rusty Beckett early tonight, ride out Andy’s bad inning and take this series from these punks.
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 Sep 10, 2008 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Per the Boston Globe by Bob Ryan
“But Dan Johnson must have misplaced the memo. Dan Johnson pinch hit for pinch hitter Justin Ruggiano when Terry Francona switched from Hideki Okajima to Papelbon, and he cranked a 3-2 Papster heater over the Mastercard sign, over the Red Sox bullpen, and into the bleachers. It was a stadium silencer here and it would have been the cause of immense celebration in the Tampa-St. Pete area if only anyone actually cared about baseball down there. Dan Johnson hasn’t even been to the Trop as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays yet, but we can safely say those people don’t deserve him.”
I bolded the important part.
Top Josh Paul Pornos- Big Navi Stroking, 2pitchers1cup, BJ to the Balls, Riggans Your Thingans
BELIEVE in 08!
by SRQman on Sep 10, 2008 11:51 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Bob Ryan is an alcoholic that doesn't know dick about sports outside of Boston
He reminds me of Teddy Kennedy in that he is landed gentry that allows him to get away with being obnoxious and never having to put anything up in the debit column.
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 Sep 10, 2008 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sour Grapes
I watched the game last night but I wasn’t on the board as I usually am while doing so. This is the type of victory that is so much sweeter after you have endured the internal doubt and you have already conceded the sweep in your mind and you have prepared to be in 2nd again, something happens that you can not explain. I must admit I thought of turning off the game after Jason Bays’ HR in the bottom of the 8th. I said well whats the worst that could happen we go down 1-2-3. I said I have to stay to the bitter end. I also thought to myself well at least I won’t have to endure Percy and a save situation. The Rays broadcasters were touting Pappelbums numbers when they came back and I thought to myself. Its been a while since a blown save and he had limited opportunity to warm up. Trying to psych myself up thinking we still had a chance. The rest is history you all know what happened after that. Then after the highest of highs came the fear and intrepidation that I has found solace in earlier for not having to endure, Percys’ save situation. I firmly believe that for everything Percy is not the right guy for the job. Sometimes even though he isnt right for the job, the job still gets done. my heart dropped when Ortiz gave him a ride. then even further when I see the pick off attempt going into center field. I thought Crisp is at the plate he has motivation against us … he will get it tied. I didn’t exhale till I saw the ball fall into Aki’s glove. That was one of the best games I have seen in my life.
Win or Lose … I thank the Rays for the entertainment this season has provided.
Also on a side note…. Boston may have inevatibally provided us with our theme song for the year. The PA was blaring “Living on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi when they came back from break for the Papplebom save situation. It’s funny I am not a Bon Jovi fan at all … I think he is a tool. But I actually listened to that song this morning with a whole new attitude.
Remember Boston …. Sometimes Prayers are answered. Sometimes more than others especially when the “DEVIL” isn’t involved any longer.
by PewterPirate55 on Sep 10, 2008 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dear Beejus
anything but Bon Jovi. I would rather listen to Sammy Hagar tell me about all the groupies he banged last night than Bon Jovi. God I hate both those guys.
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 Sep 10, 2008 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s a good sign when they’ve resorted to attendance cracks. Just an attempt to ease the hurt and bruised inflated egos caused by a painful loss. Hopefully his next column will be equally douchey.
by RATW on Sep 10, 2008 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
does anyone know his email address?
so we can email him and tell him that there are rays fans accross the US
by Underdogs on Sep 10, 2008 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No
No it won’t. I just hope he is not too drunk from lunch to make out the mail I sent him. Booze it up ya old boozehound.
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 Sep 10, 2008 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So, are you saying a shouldn't have sent him an email saying "Now I know why your son killed himself?"
Oh well, what’s done is done.
by rglass44 on Sep 10, 2008 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
wow thats pretty rough
I’m sure he will be reading that one and changing his opinion on the classiness of Rays fans.
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 Sep 10, 2008 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i try to be classy
read my thing below
by Underdogs on Sep 10, 2008 6:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's not like he doesn't deserve it.
He’s a tool. Always has been, always will be. It’s not like any of us are going to change his opinions, they’re like gospel to him. If you can trigger an angry reaction, that’s better than triggering complete dismissal, which is what he is guaranteed to do to any reasonable email stating a valid argument.
Besides, I doubt he reads any of that shit.
by kericr on Sep 10, 2008 6:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
thanks, here is what I wrote while cooking dinner
Hello Mr. Ryan,
I do enjoy reading your articles online and watching you on ESPN. But I have to say, being a making a comment about the Rays fan don’t deserve Dan Johnson did not make me happy. As you said “Dan Johnson hasn’t even been to the Trop as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays yet but we can safely say those people don’t deserve him.”
As I do go to a few games here and there at the trop. But over the past few years, I been spending most of my time in northern NY for schooling. So I dealt with all kinds of fans from high payroll teams like your Sox or Yanks to low payrolls like the Rays and Pirates. I am personally a fan of underdogs but to say a comment about the fans of Tampa is something wasn’t right to me. Since I grew up in CT and I was a big Whaler Fan before Peter K moved the team to NC. So I know how it is for a small market team for fans. Lets see how things happen once the economy gets better. Look at how the Lightning and Bucs was for a few years before there fan base grew.
J.J.
by Underdogs on Sep 10, 2008 6:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I imagine an intern is filtering this stuff out anyway so no harm in putting it up here
Good Afternoon Mr. Ryan:
I hope you take the time to read this and that you are already not too drunk from lunch. I read your comments this afternoon:
"But Dan Johnson must have misplaced the memo. Dan Johnson pinch hit for pinch hitter Justin Ruggiano when Terry Francona switched from Hideki Okajima to Papelbon, and he cranked a 3-2 Papster heater over the Mastercard sign, over the Red Sox bullpen, and into the bleachers. It was a stadium silencer here and it would have been the cause of immense celebration in the Tampa-St. Pete area if only anyone actually cared about baseball down there. Dan Johnson hasn’t even been to the Trop as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays yet, but we can safely say those people don’t deserve him."
I would think you would see Johnson’s situation as a testament to the depth of our franchise from top – to – bottom. This may be a foreign concept as you are no doubt a fan (make no mistake nobody outside of Boston takes your “journalism” seriously) of the Boston Red Sox whom trade young commodities at will in the vain attempt to improve over the short term. I am of the opinion that you are boorish and loud, the characteristics of a city that is otherwise a fine place to visit. I feel you use cliche’s and/or outdated statistics to affirm your love of the city of Boston. That is fine as everyone is entitled to an opinion, but when you rag on a region of the country that is starting to take over the world I take it personal.
Tampa Bay will not be going away any time soon. Not everybody sees the world through bloodshot eyes so put down that fifth of Jameson’s and do some research. Our attendance is up over the prior year, just like last year was as well, and next year will again. I prefer to love a team that does not so easily allow bandwagon fans to jump on and off depending on our place in the standings. Make no mistake people will come. I envy you in a way. Boston is a city where one can get to a game in little time if you don’t mind fighting traffic. Tampa draws from all over the state. I live in Orlando which is a good 2.5 hour drive to the Trop and have still managed to attend a half-dozen games this year.
I realize this is not the easiest read and is rather scattershot, but I felt I needed to get my thoughts out sooner rather than later. The world has enough homer journalists and the world has passed you by. Good luck fooling the sheep into thinking Tom Brady’s knee injury is a blessing in disguise (I have no doubt that you will) and that the Bruins are only a grizzled veteran (more cliche, feel free to use) away from making the playoffs for once. You are an ambassador to your city and your pompousness is how I classify everyone from Boston. I am sure they appreciate it.
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 Sep 10, 2008 6:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
nicely done
being a hockey fan, I love the Bruins comment….
lets see if Mr. Ryan will email us, I know other ESPN poeple have emailed me back in the past. I just got back one from a hockey person. so we see what happens.
by Underdogs on Sep 11, 2008 12:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anyone unhappy with the three year deal for Wheeler?
by sternfan1 on Sep 10, 2008 12:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Not at all
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 Sep 10, 2008 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No.
He’s similar to Linebrink and got a better deal.
by R.J. Anderson on Sep 10, 2008 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yes, a bit
for a team loaded with pitching prospects and a low payroll, spending $3.5MM per year on an aging non-dominant reliever seems like a waste of resources. of course, i’m sure after his low 2008 ERA plenty of teams would trade for him.
Beyond the Boxscore // Calling BJ Upton lazy is lazy.
by Sky Kalkman on Sep 10, 2008 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Buster Olney of Espn
Just acted like last nghts win wasn’t special. He went on to say the bullpen of the sox is going to be good. He pointed out one pitcher however, Justin Masterson. He went on to say “They’re just as dangerous as they ever were right now”
I really hate espn.
by Thermacold on Sep 10, 2008 2:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
It is one game in 162
A great thrill to be sure, but lets not get too carried away.
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 Sep 10, 2008 6:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
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