Carlos Pena Hits Rays Career Homerun Number 100

by R.J. Anderson on Jun 27, 2009 10:53 PM EDT

The bullpen might be alright after all. Last year, I felt the bullpen was overrated since it ranked middle of the pack in FIP, this year, would you believe it's a top 10 relief staff? A generous ERA may lead to overrating of the collection, but still, this is a solid group.
Speaking of which, Chad Bradford is back. About 60% of Bradford's pitches within the zone were placed in the lower half. His average fastball speed was 78 miles per hour, his average ‘curve' speed: 67 miles per hour. Yeah.
I'm befuddled at the Marlins not expecting a squeeze play out of the Rays. I guess nobody was paying attention during the mound visit when B.J. Upton checked in with Tom Foley.
The Rays are a homerun away from 100 on the season.
Carlo Pena now has 100 homers as a Ray. Seems like days ago that Pena was quoted as ‘dreaming' about being the Rays opening day first baseman. Now he's one of the best players and stories in franchise history. Go figure.
At some point tonight I realized the Rays are paying Pat Burrell to walk, trot, and sit most days.
The Rays have three more games in June, and a 16-7 mark to date. This guarantees the first +60% winning month of the season. This after going 9-14 in April and 16-14 in May. The Rays won a single series in April, six in May, and six in June.

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OT:DeRosa traded to Cards

Good, didn’t need Yanks to grab him

by Raymondo on Jun 27, 2009 11:03 PM EDT reply actions

Also

2 straight wins for The Vulture

2009 Rays Baseball: Still Kings of the Sunshine State

by JMB on Jun 27, 2009 11:04 PM EDT reply actions

he tied Kazmir for wins

He won 6 last year

Can he get 7+ this year? Stay tuned.

Rotation: 1. James Shields 2. Matt Garza 3. David Price 4. Scott Kazmir 5. Jeff Niemann

by joeybw on Jun 27, 2009 11:22 PM EDT up reply actions

And this is our third win when scoring three or less

by Raymondo on Jun 27, 2009 11:32 PM EDT up reply actions

What's your point?

Boston only has 5 wins when they score 3 or less.

by ReyL on Jun 28, 2009 8:27 AM EDT up reply actions

Thanks to the Carrol and Pena HR’s, Tropicana Field remains the only park this season to have a HR hit every game. The Rays are 1 HR away from being the first team in ML history to have 100 HR and 100 SB before the all-star break.

by Dbullsfan on Jun 27, 2009 11:59 PM EDT reply actions

Forget by the ASB

Should be done easily before June 30th

by Transplanted on Jun 28, 2009 12:07 AM EDT up reply actions

should be done tomorrow

It WILL be done tomorrow

"Doesn't Manny Ramirez look like the monster from Predator??" - Will Farrell as Harry Carey

by Gone Phishing on Jun 28, 2009 12:19 AM EDT up reply actions

Not sure that is something to be proud of.

by putupyourDUKES on Jun 28, 2009 1:47 AM EDT up reply actions

Why wouldn't you be proud of a team to have 100 HRs and 100 SBs before the break?

RD over and out.

by ReasonableDoubt on Jun 28, 2009 3:12 AM EDT up reply actions

He probably means the streak of a HR being hit in every game played at the Trop.

Which, if so, represents an example of being a wet blanket for no good reason, considering Rays pitchers have only given up 36 of those 99 HRs. That comes out to just less than 1 per game.

Maybe I’m just an old fashioned BJ suck-off-er. (Good call Sandy)

by Lurch's Lobbyists on Jun 28, 2009 5:56 AM EDT up reply actions