Tampa Bay Rays Pass on 2009 MLB Trade Deadline
by R.J. Anderson on Jul 31, 2009 4:52 PM EDT
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PrintThese past two trade deadlines have reminded me of Robert Frost's poem Fire and Ice. Burned by Boston and Jason Bay last year, my expectations were weighed down by reminding myself there are no white knights at this point. Victor Martinez, Cliff Lee, even modest options like Gregg Zaun, Carl Pavano, and the pyramid of semi-useful relievers. Instead most probably felt frozen out. Lots of rumors flew, few involved the Rays - Mark Lowe and a "just checking" call on Felix Hernandez - which, let's be honest, doesn't mean Andrew Friedman, Gerry Hunsicker, and Dan Feinstein weren't working the phones left and right, but I guess the presence of rumors acts as pleasant background music like to some.
After Bay, I wrote that we were getting Rocco Baldelli back and calling David Price up, and by golly we weren't going to miss the playoffs. This year, I wish I could write with such confidence in the destination. As I wrote a few days ago, the playoffs require luck. Lots of it. Gun to my head prediction: we won't make them. It's too bad, because this team is easily one of the five best in the majors, but that's reality.
Now, we can all go mope about how the Rays didn't try or how the team is going to play awfully now - I guess the front office told them a few weeks ago not to expect any moves? - or you can enjoy these next few weeks of baseball. For right now I don't care about WAR or playoff probabilities, simply as a common fan I'm begging you to not give up on the season because of what did and did not happen this week.
Fall will come soon enough; don't wish a season gone because of your illusions.
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It's gonna be a fun last 1/3 of the season
I can't help that I make some things look easier than they really are.
Time to get in Knife Fights with sox suckers.
Brad Ziegler had a scoreless inning streak. Brad Ziegler had not met BJ Upton.
I just use my mitts
I can't help that I make some things look easier than they really are.
by Sandy Kazmir on Jul 31, 2009 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Brawlfense against Boston will be much sweeter now.
Into the Wall : Sarcasm for the Soccer Guy
by ReasonableDoubt on Jul 31, 2009 4:56 PM EDT reply actions
Oh God yes
welcome to the ALE Vic
I can't help that I make some things look easier than they really are.
by Sandy Kazmir on Jul 31, 2009 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions
I wish this thread would perish twice
Support the Type Strong Movement, Like This Little Lady Does
Let's work together to combat Terminal Rocco Disease.
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jul 31, 2009 4:58 PM EDT reply actions
Things to remember
Sonnanstine, Davis are still a call away.
Rays can still make a deal in August and our waiver claim will come before Boston or New York unlike last year.
Fernando Perez and Akinori Iwamura could be back by late August.
Sept call ups should include Joyce, Brignac, Jaso (if not sooner).
As R.J. pointed out the offense isn’t this bad.
Maybe just maybe Scott Kazmir…
None of these are Victor Martinez or Cliff Lee, but it’s better than 1998-2007.
www.draysbay.com
by Tommy Rancel on Jul 31, 2009 4:58 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Well said fearless leader. I'm glad to know that behind that sea of
stats, stands a real fan
Can a "Fuck you Burrell
’, after a crucial K be far behind?
We shouldn't even have trade rumors for this team
its inevitable that we do nothing anyway. Bet we don’t even see Wade Davis up this year……friggan waste of time talking about potential rumors and of course the Red Sox have to do everything in their will to block people that the Rays mildy want.
"Doesn't Manny Ramirez look like the monster from Predator??" - Will Farrell as Harry Carey
Well, we were being positive for a few minutes.
Into the Wall : Sarcasm for the Soccer Guy
by ReasonableDoubt on Jul 31, 2009 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Gone Phishing is the New Millenium Raymondo
Support the Type Strong Movement, Like This Little Lady Does
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by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jul 31, 2009 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Don't be that guy
Nobody likes that guy. It’s going to be a sweet rest of summer regardless. 4.5 out of the WC, WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, we got this shit
I can't help that I make some things look easier than they really are.
by Sandy Kazmir on Jul 31, 2009 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Look I know I shouldn't be
But we don’t need blockbuster trades, just something of an improvement anywhere. Its just discouraging that we talk talk talk and nothing is done.
"Doesn't Manny Ramirez look like the monster from Predator??" - Will Farrell as Harry Carey
by Gone Phishing on Jul 31, 2009 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions
You mean like playing up to our potential?
For 2 months our pitching was awful, then for a month our batting was awful. Imagine when it comes together tonight in Kansas City. Shit is about to go down
I can't help that I make some things look easier than they really are.
by Sandy Kazmir on Jul 31, 2009 5:02 PM EDT up reply actions
At home.
Into the Wall : Sarcasm for the Soccer Guy
by ReasonableDoubt on Jul 31, 2009 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Thats what I said
I can't help that I make some things look easier than they really are.
by Sandy Kazmir on Jul 31, 2009 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Funny story.
A friend of mine wanted to make a barbeque pit in his back yard for a planned memorial day barbeque. He had done days of research and had bought the necessary materials he found to put this together. He had asked myself and another friend of mine to help build this pit. The previous weekend, those two had dug a nearly five-foot-deep hole in his backyard for the pit and the following week we came over to install materials and finish the job.
I noticed when I got there to do this, that his ‘materials were simply a pile of bricks and a 4×4 wooden board. I said to him, “is this really all we need?” He replied, "of course, I’ve looked into this. All we need to do is lay down the bricks and mortar them, let it dry, then cover the hole with the board so if it rains, the hole won’t flood."
“That doesn’t make a lot of sense,” I replied. “The bricks aren’t going to be airtight and runoff will just flow right into the pit. And you haven’t leveled off the surrounding area with concrete for a flush fit either.”
“Trust me,” he says, “this will work. None of that is necessary.”
I interject, “but water will get into the pit—”
He interrupts, “don’t worry man, we got this.”
Needless to say, we did not have a pit to barbeque at his place on memorial day.
I can't wait until we trade him for a reliever.
by kericr on Jul 31, 2009 5:27 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
That is the best story ever
Into the Wall : Sarcasm for the Soccer Guy
by ReasonableDoubt on Jul 31, 2009 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions
As much as I love my Rays
I hope Victor Martinez tears it up (assuming we have no chance) for Boston. Maybe it will send a message to the front office. They keep bitching about poor attendance, but imagine if we had Bay and Martinez on our roster. You can’t expect to draw fans when there’s no national star power coming to town.
Stupid Logic
…do you really consider VMart “national star power”
"I want to live in a world where a solo homerun in the 2nd inning counts as much as a solo homerun in the 8th."
Also Evan is about as much star power as you can get
Swav or Die (>'-')> <('-')> <('-'<)
For the lulz
vmart is not and never will be worth what they were asking for
and I hope you shrivel up and die for, firstly, saying we have no chance, and second off, rooting for Boston even when we’re out.
by Navi's_Navy on Jul 31, 2009 5:23 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
The front office hasn't done enough to earn your trust?
This team has like half the payroll of Boston. Whine about that, not the front office.
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by Sky Kalkman on Jul 31, 2009 11:54 PM EDT up reply actions
It's amazing, isn't it?
That and calling V-Mart/Bay national star power. Yes, guys from Pittsburgh and Cleveland really draw the ratings.
by R.J. Anderson on Aug 1, 2009 12:42 AM EDT up reply actions
Well then I guess there's only one thing left to do.
What’s that?
Win the whole fucking thing.
Yeah.
YES!
Sign lady must die.
by EminenceFront on Jul 31, 2009 5:01 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Especially if you're an uncreative middle-aged sportswriter
Support the Type Strong Movement, Like This Little Lady Does
Let's work together to combat Terminal Rocco Disease.
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jul 31, 2009 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Almost as good as Almost Famous
I can't help that I make some things look easier than they really are.
by Sandy Kazmir on Jul 31, 2009 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Almost Famous is the new millenium caddyshack
Support the Type Strong Movement, Like This Little Lady Does
Let's work together to combat Terminal Rocco Disease.
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jul 31, 2009 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions
YOU LEAVE CADDYSHACK OUT OF THIS
I can't help that I make some things look easier than they really are.
by Sandy Kazmir on Jul 31, 2009 5:48 PM EDT up reply actions
BE THE BALL LMAO
Support the Type Strong Movement, Like This Little Lady Does
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by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jul 31, 2009 5:49 PM EDT up reply actions
On the 8th day he created Rodney
and it was good.
I can't help that I make some things look easier than they really are.
by Sandy Kazmir on Jul 31, 2009 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Do you know where I could go to get 50+ quotes from this movie?
www.bucem.com - SBNation's source for all things Buccaneer
Amen RJ
People…we’re over .500. We’ve played 102 games, and we’re not 30 games behind. That’s fucking HUGE. If even a year and a half ago you had said “The Devil Rays will be in the top 5 of the AL” people would have laughed.
We’re not doormats anymore. Far from it. And we have the season series lead on the Sox at this point, and we’re only 4 games out of the playoffs, for pete’s sake.
Let’s roll. No whining, no giving up.
Thats it.....
Its time to destroy the competition…….and Sonnanstine better get back in the rotation. He pitched 8 innings of 4 hit, 2 run ball against the SWB Yanks and he looked good (cause I was at the game).
"Doesn't Manny Ramirez look like the monster from Predator??" - Will Farrell as Harry Carey
It was a fun week. But you know what? Velociraptor Jesus takes the mound tonight. Let's rock this shit.
Into the Wall : Sarcasm for the Soccer Guy
by ReasonableDoubt on Jul 31, 2009 5:03 PM EDT reply actions
great....
"Doesn't Manny Ramirez look like the monster from Predator??" - Will Farrell as Harry Carey
by Gone Phishing on Jul 31, 2009 5:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes! It is great! Cheer up! We're going to go win this shit!
Into the Wall : Sarcasm for the Soccer Guy
by ReasonableDoubt on Jul 31, 2009 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions
HE WILL BITE THE HEAD OFF OF ZOMBIE PONSON, HEAL HIM, AND THEN BITE HIS HEAD OFF AGAIN
Into the Wall : Sarcasm for the Soccer Guy
by ReasonableDoubt on Jul 31, 2009 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions
cue da miracles
So long, Sweet Lime!
by PlayOnWords on Jul 31, 2009 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Rec'd!
Into the Wall : Sarcasm for the Soccer Guy
by ReasonableDoubt on Jul 31, 2009 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions
TAMPA
Support the Type Strong Movement, Like This Little Lady Does
Let's work together to combat Terminal Rocco Disease.
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jul 31, 2009 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions
BAY
Support the Type Strong Movement, Like This Little Lady Does
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by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jul 31, 2009 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Now when I say Tampa, you say Bay! Tampa!
Into the Wall : Sarcasm for the Soccer Guy
by ReasonableDoubt on Jul 31, 2009 5:07 PM EDT up reply actions
If come Sep 1 if we're 8 GB in the WC
i want to ssee Davis, Joyce, Hughes and maybe Johnson up here along with the additions of Aki and Perez
You will see them regardless of where we are in the standings
"I want to live in a world where a solo homerun in the 2nd inning counts as much as a solo homerun in the 8th."
So let me get this right
You want to bench Zobrist, Upton and the Gabes
"I want to live in a world where a solo homerun in the 2nd inning counts as much as a solo homerun in the 8th."
I want to see these guys play
You can bench Upton anytime as far as i’m concerned
Nah but search any players name under his profile and you get some gems
Follow Me on Twitter @FreeZorilla
Can't wait for Shawn Riggans to come back from Durham
i’ve been waiting
"Doesn't Manny Ramirez look like the monster from Predator??" - Will Farrell as Harry Carey
Support the Type Strong Movement, Like This Little Lady Does
Let's work together to combat Terminal Rocco Disease.
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jul 31, 2009 5:09 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
So you're saying that Ricky Oh could defeat Price?
Not bloody likely
I can't help that I make some things look easier than they really are.
by Sandy Kazmir on Jul 31, 2009 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't think you're reading that right.
Support the Type Strong Movement, Like This Little Lady Does
Let's work together to combat Terminal Rocco Disease.
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jul 31, 2009 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Bad guy crushes head
Bad guy represents Dave Price
Ricky Oh killed bad guy
Dave Price would destroy Ricky Oh, that’s your logic fail
I can't help that I make some things look easier than they really are.
by Sandy Kazmir on Jul 31, 2009 5:49 PM EDT up reply actions
I see
Support the Type Strong Movement, Like This Little Lady Does
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by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jul 31, 2009 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions
I hope we have a good ass kicking tonight
then some Aybar free stylin at Flo Rida
Swav or Die (>'-')> <('-')> <('-'<)
For the lulz
Support the Type Strong Movement, Like This Little Lady Does
Let's work together to combat Terminal Rocco Disease.
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jul 31, 2009 5:09 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Support the Type Strong Movement, Like This Little Lady Does
Let's work together to combat Terminal Rocco Disease.
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jul 31, 2009 5:10 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Support the Type Strong Movement, Like This Little Lady Does
Let's work together to combat Terminal Rocco Disease.
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jul 31, 2009 5:10 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
We need to change the mantra this year. Not 09>08, but Tiger Style.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=27zhsc_O508
So long, Sweet Lime!
If what you say is true The Rays and the Wu-Tang could be dangerous
Swav or Die (>'-')> <('-')> <('-'<)
For the lulz
Think we're dissapointed look here
cleveland.com/indians forum
Support the Type Strong Movement, Like This Little Lady Does
Let's work together to combat Terminal Rocco Disease.
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jul 31, 2009 5:12 PM EDT reply actions
You still don't use headers, huh?
Sign lady must die.
by EminenceFront on Jul 31, 2009 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions
No one is to minimize my image posts
Support the Type Strong Movement, Like This Little Lady Does
Let's work together to combat Terminal Rocco Disease.
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jul 31, 2009 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Support the Type Strong Movement, Like This Little Lady Does
Let's work together to combat Terminal Rocco Disease.
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jul 31, 2009 5:12 PM EDT reply actions
And on the 40th day of wandering in the desert, Raptor Jesus ate all twelve disciples, leaping from one to another, making odd clicking sounds and squeaking shrieks. Full of the Holy Spirit, Raptor Jesus regurgigated Peter’s small intestine. Noticing it hanging from his sharp teeth, Rapter Jesus looked up to our Heavenly Father, and continued to swallow Peter again. All of course, for our sins.
Raptor Jesus, in his righteousness and supreme holiness, is at ease with all of God’s small furry creatures, even more so while holding a posh Israeli-made automatic machine gun.
To worship further on the altar of Raptor Jesus, consult what some now believe to be God, The Google. Or you may find Raptor Jesus, in all of his divine dinosaur, robed glory at this Raptor Jesus water hole…
Support the Type Strong Movement, Like This Little Lady Does
Let's work together to combat Terminal Rocco Disease.
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jul 31, 2009 5:13 PM EDT reply actions
Support the Type Strong Movement, Like This Little Lady Does
Let's work together to combat Terminal Rocco Disease.
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jul 31, 2009 5:14 PM EDT reply actions
Wait a minute, this is a 4-Chan thing? GOD DAMMIT
Support the Type Strong Movement, Like This Little Lady Does
Let's work together to combat Terminal Rocco Disease.
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jul 31, 2009 5:15 PM EDT reply actions
As a non-faggot, I wouldn't know
Support the Type Strong Movement, Like This Little Lady Does
Let's work together to combat Terminal Rocco Disease.
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jul 31, 2009 5:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Why didn't you tell me this?
Ugh. Velocity Jesus it is.
by R.J. Anderson on Jul 31, 2009 5:18 PM EDT up reply actions
or are you over 15
Support the Type Strong Movement, Like This Little Lady Does
Let's work together to combat Terminal Rocco Disease.
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jul 31, 2009 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions
ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?
Into the Wall : Sarcasm for the Soccer Guy
by ReasonableDoubt on Jul 31, 2009 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions
NO DON'T
Support the Type Strong Movement, Like This Little Lady Does
Let's work together to combat Terminal Rocco Disease.
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jul 31, 2009 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions
OR ALDAILY.COM FOR GODSAKES
Support the Type Strong Movement, Like This Little Lady Does
Let's work together to combat Terminal Rocco Disease.
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jul 31, 2009 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions
NO DON'T
Support the Type Strong Movement, Like This Little Lady Does
Let's work together to combat Terminal Rocco Disease.
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jul 31, 2009 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions
DON'T DO IT
Support the Type Strong Movement, Like This Little Lady Does
Let's work together to combat Terminal Rocco Disease.
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jul 31, 2009 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions
It's 90% child and/or cartoon porn
Support the Type Strong Movement, Like This Little Lady Does
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by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jul 31, 2009 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Because they aren't really children, rather they are the spirits of 10,000 year old witches
Support the Type Strong Movement, Like This Little Lady Does
Let's work together to combat Terminal Rocco Disease.
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jul 31, 2009 5:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Is that what this Strike Witches bullshit is?
Brad Ziegler had a scoreless inning streak. Brad Ziegler had not met BJ Upton.
"us"
Support the Type Strong Movement, Like This Little Lady Does
Let's work together to combat Terminal Rocco Disease.
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jul 31, 2009 5:45 PM EDT up reply actions
The pool is closed on scientology, even now.
Support the Type Strong Movement, Like This Little Lady Does
Let's work together to combat Terminal Rocco Disease.
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jul 31, 2009 5:47 PM EDT up reply actions
I only visit /a/
/shrugs
Brad Ziegler had a scoreless inning streak. Brad Ziegler had not met BJ Upton.
.
Into the Wall : Sarcasm for the Soccer Guy
by ReasonableDoubt on Jul 31, 2009 5:16 PM EDT reply actions
Time to come up with a new Price nickname
Support the Type Strong Movement, Like This Little Lady Does
Let's work together to combat Terminal Rocco Disease.
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jul 31, 2009 5:18 PM EDT reply actions
Burn it to the ground, I accept my responsability for my contributions
Support the Type Strong Movement, Like This Little Lady Does
Let's work together to combat Terminal Rocco Disease.
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jul 31, 2009 5:20 PM EDT up reply actions
I think people forget that it was made clear to us at the beginning of the season that we didnt have the money to do what we might want
for the RedSox this deal was passable because they have the money, but Vmart is not good enough to warrant dumping even Kaz for cash. I’m happy this deal didn’t go through, and people who are complaining need to realize that their expectations were out of line from the very beginning.
We could still win 90 games
but the Rays are toast unless NYY or Boston start getting injuries. The rich keep getting richer. Bad day to be a fan of the little guy!!
I agree with you in every particular.
I also think the Rays intention is to have a team that contends-or at least competes-for at least 7 years in any 10 year cycle, with in-between years devoted to rebuilding. We are at the beginning of the cycle of contention, and I don’t think they will waver from that approach by bargaining away the near future to bolster a long shot try at a flag. I think had the Rays been leading the division or the wild card race, or maybe even within a game or two, they might have gambled, but at 41/2 games back, the risk was too great.
In addition, I still think this is a good team, and one that can contend even this year, although as you say with quite a bit of luck thrown in. The Rays may yet do some sort of waiver deal, but I don’t think they will trade away anyone of value unless they are in closer striking distance of the playoffs.
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