DRaysBay: FanPosts

70- Joe Maddon(Manager)

63- Jim "The Rookie" Morris

62- Jeff Sparks

42- Jackie Robinson (Retired by the MLB)

12- Wade Boggs

6- John Flarherty

************************************************************************************************************

As voted by the Draysbay.com voters:

61- Travis Phelps (95% of the votes)

60- Jonny Gomes (61% of the votes)

59- Jorge Cantu (71% of the votes)

58- Wade Davis (54% of the votes)

57- Scott Kazmir (93% of the votes)

56- Tim Corcoran (50% of the votes)

55- Toby Hall (80% of the votes)

54- Geremi Gonzalez (53% of the votes)

53- Chad Bradford (83% of the votes)

52- Al Reyes (77% of the votes)

51- Trever Miller (60% of the votes)

50- Grant Balfour (64% of the votes)

49- Tanyon Sturtze (37% of the votes)

48- Joe Borowski (85% of the votes)

47- Victor Zambrano (94% of the votes)

46- Bobby Seay (57% of the votes)

45- Jim Mecir (67% of the votes)

44- Toby Hall (91% of the votes)

43- Esteban Yan (60% of the votes)

41- Paul Wilson (45% of the votes)

40- Troy Percival (52% of the votes)

39- J.P. Howell (66% of the votes)

38-(Still Pending)

Today, we'll discuss the number "37"

The Candidates:

Scott Aldred(1998-1999), Norm Charlton(1999), Billy Taylor(2000), Rusty Meacham(2001), Brandon Backe(2002-2003), Seth McClung(2003,2005-2007), Randy Choate(2009), Nathan Haynes(2008)

Scott Aldred earned an ERA of 4.37 with 40 strikeouts over 52.2 innings of work.

Norm Charlton would appear in 42 games, earning a ERA of 4.44 over 50.2 innings of work.

Billy Taylor played in 17 games and had an ERA of 8.56 in 1999.

Rusty Meacham played in 24 games pitching in 35.1 innings of service, while boasting an ERA of 5.60.

Bradon Backe played in 37 games pitching 57.2 innings, earning an ERA of 5.77.

Seth McClung was originally drafted by the Devil Rays in the 5th round of the 1999 amateur draft. He would make his major league debut in 2003 and work128 innings, earning 17 wins and 2 saves over that time period. McClung would be traded in 2007 for Grant Balfour.

Nathan Haynes played 20 games, boasting a batting average of .227 while knocking in 3 RBIs, and stealing 4 bases.

Randy Choate would have 5 saves and 3.47 ERA over 61 games played.

So, Draysbay, I turn to you. What was the great player for the (Devil) Rays while wearing the number "37?"

Poll

Who was the greatest (Devil) Rays player while wearing the number "37?"

Top 30 Starts of 2009 - Part 5

2009-11-06T04:07:31Z

This is part 5 of the 6 part series on the best 30 starts for the Rays in our most recent season. So far we have seen 11 - 30 and there have been some real humdingers in there. As a review, here are positions for each starter:

James Shields - 24, 23, 20, 19, 12

Matt Garza - 29, 28

Jeff Neimann - 25, 22, 21,16

Scott Kazmir - 14

David Price - 30, 26, 15, 13, 11

Wade Davis - 27, 18

Andy Sonnanstine - 17

If we assign points, such that 1st would be worth 30 and 30th worth 1, we can sum up for these guys to get an idea of who is beating whom. It would look something like this:

Price	60
Shields	57
Niemann	40
Davis	17
Kazmir	17
Sonnanstine	14
Garza	5

Of course, we aren't quite done yet, as there are still the 10 best to go.

10) Jeff Niemann on August 30th at Detroit Tigers Box Highlights Pitch F/x

HBP

FIP

wOBA

7.0

2.29

0.207

This game is a great reason why R, ER, and ERA are poor indicators of performance. Look at that line above, nothing special right? Well if you saw the game you would know that Niemann left in the 8th with a 3-1 lead in a patented Joe Maddon let the starter go one more and yank him if a guy gets on. Stop me if you've heard this before, but Balfour comes in and promptly gives up a 3-run homer to Polanco, one of which goes on Niemann's totals. As for Jeff, I think the video above does him justice. Nobody made solid contact all night and he left with the lead. Thanks Grant. One thing that I really like is how Niemann challenged lefties inside for the most part:

9) James Shields at Baltimore Orioles on April 12th Box Highlights Pitch F/x

HBP

FIP

wOBA

7.0

2.72

0.150

James got an early lead in his second start of the year. The lead allowed him to throw 66% strikes with only 5 swinging on 88 total pitches. He threw the change 21 times for 76% strikes, although all were looking. A running theme for James has been his declining velocity late in the game. This start is not really indicative one way or another because it was his second start of the year and he only threw 88 pitches, but peep this:

James went 7 strong without giving up a run. With only 2 singles, a double, and a walk against him. The 3 K's are nice, but it's even nicer to see James not giving up multiple base-hits. In fact this was the 3rd best start of the year by a Rays starter according to wOBA. Lastly, how's this for an embarrassment of pitches:

8) Scott Kazmir on August 26th at Toronto Blue Jays Box Highlights Pitch F/x

HBP

FIP

wOBA

6.00

0.82

0.244

In Scott Kazmir's last start as a Tampa Bay Ray he gave us a glimpse of his former self. Perhaps it was this start that sealed the deal and got us Sean Rodriguez instead of a different PTBNL. We'll never know, until Andrew Friedman writes his tell-all book "Ball On A Budget: The Story of How Rich Wall Street Bankers Took A Team of Also-Rans to the Top." Back to the man formerly known as Scotty Dangerous. Of course he only got through 6 with Russ Springer starting in the 7th ::gasp::, but in that time Kaz rang up 10 on 13 swinging strikes (12%) while only walking 1. He did hit a guy and give up 3 doubles and a single, but the change and the fastball were dynamite, throwing both for over 2/3 strikes (12 of the swinging variety). The fastball was averaging 93 while touching 95, though if you watch the vid the Toronto gun only had him in the high 80's. Kaz only gave up 1, but this was during the height of the failpen, and those that remember this was an especially hurtful game as Pizzle gave up a solo jack, walked the bases loaded, and then let the winning run cross on a wild pitch. You can see below that Kaz used the slider to keep guys honest, while the money pitch was his change just f-f-fading away.

7) Matt Garza on September 7th at New York Yankees Box Highlights Pitch F/x

HBP

FIP

wOBA

7.00

1.58

0.199

Did someone say Failpen? In the first game of a doubleheader at New Yankee Bandbox Matt Garza threw an absolute gem. Garza went seven solid giving up only the one unearned run. Cormier started the 8th and wasn't good. Let's leave it at that. As usual Garza brought his A-game against an elite starter, this time C. C. Sabathia. Matty threw 96 four-seamers and when he's on it's diving away from lefties out of the zone allowing him to leave it on the corner for strike 3 when he needs to.

Matt gave up 4 singles, a double, and just the one walk while K'ing 7 on 5 whiffs. Garz has been known to have a long-leash when it comes to pitch-counts. Perhaps this is why:

No real appreciable drop in velocity ever after 115 pitches. The Crane was flapping his wings on this night and deserved better.

6) James Shields on June 4th vs. Kansas City Royals Box Highlights Pitch F/x

HBP

FIP

wOBA

8.00

1.15

0.210

Before you do anything, click that "highlights" link above. You'll get to see James Shields v. Coco Crisp, a couple of nifty double plays, and James fielding his position at a Maddux-ian level. I really like this start, a lot. He allowed 2 doubles and a single and allowed 2 runs, but he only faced 5 over the minimum over 8 occasionally shaky, but overall solid innings. Granted it's the Royals, but he threw the change, 4-seamer, and curve in almost equal proportions, with slightly less sliders. Even better he didn't throw many cutters. On the season he threw 18% cut fastballs at -0.19 wCT/c, his 4th best pitch by linear weights. (To be fair he only threw the slider 0.3% of the time.) This pitching pattern garnered him 17 WHIFFS, how very Hellickson-ian of him. I love this right here, when he can throw all of his pitches with confidence Shieldsy can keep batters completely off balance:

That's 6 - 10 of the greatest starts for the Rays this year. Here's the updated standings:

Shields	104
Niemann	61
Price	60
Kazmir	40
Garza	29
Davis	17
Sonnanstine	14

As always, thanks to Baseball-reference.com, Brooksbaseball.net, fangraphs.com, and MLB.com

The Greatest (Devil) Rays to Ever Wear... #38

2009-11-05T19:26:53Z

Uncontested Numbers:

98- Jae Soe

70- Joe Maddon(Manager)

63- Jim "The Rookie" Morris

62- Jeff Sparks

42- Jackie Robinson (Retired by the MLB)

12- Wade Boggs

6- John Flarherty

************************************************************************************************************

As voted by the Draysbay.com voters:

61- Travis Phelps (95% of the votes)

60- Jonny Gomes (61% of the votes)

59- Jorge Cantu (71% of the votes)

58- Wade Davis (54% of the votes)

57- Scott Kazmir (93% of the votes)

56- Tim Corcoran (50% of the votes)

55- Toby Hall (80% of the votes)

54- Geremi Gonzalez (53% of the votes)

53- Chad Bradford (83% of the votes)

52- Al Reyes (77% of the votes)

51- Trever Miller (60% of the votes)

50- Grant Balfour (64% of the votes)

49- Tanyon Sturtze (37% of the votes)

48- Joe Borowski (85% of the votes)

47- Victor Zambrano (94% of the votes)

46- Bobby Seay (57% of the votes)

45- Jim Mecir (67% of the votes)

44- Toby Hall (91% of the votes)

43- Esteban Yan (60% of the votes)

41- Paul Wilson (45% of the votes)

40- Troy Percival (52% of the votes)

39- (Still Pending)

Today, we'll discuss the number "38"

The Candidates:

Doug Creek(2000-2002), Lance Carter(2002-2005), Travis Harper(2000-2006), Andy Sonnanstine(2007-2009), Fernando Perez(2008-2009)

Doug Creek accumilated an ERA of 4.87 over 140 games played and had 1 save while with the Devil Rays.

Lance Carter had 29 saves for the Devil Rays and an All-Star appearance in 2003, all while having an ERA of 3.92 over 236.2 innings pitched.

Travis Harper had a 4.92 ERA over 411.2 innings pitched during his 7 seasons with the Devil Rays.

Andy Sonnanstine wore then number "38" for only one season where he had a 5.85 ERA and sported a record of 6 wins and 10 loses.

Fernando Perez played 41 games, showing a batting average of .238 while hitting 3 homeruns, and knocking in 10 RBIs.

So, Draysbay, I turn to you. Who was the greatest (Devil) Ray player while wearing the number "38?"

Poll

Who was the greatest (Devil) Rays player while wearing the number "38?"

OTTOTD 11/5: Back to Normal Edition

2009-11-05T14:48:25Z

[Doug] Williams has been impressed with Freeman's development, and said that he sees a gunslinger of a quarterback when he watches Freeman in practice. Morris said that is what the Buccaneers need.

"That is today's quarterback, you talk about all the great quarterbacks and they are gunslingers," Morris said. "They all go through their trials and tribulations. I guess Brett [Favre] is the guy you want to talk about now being the ultimate gunslinger. He leads the league in interceptions, but I don't think he ever remembers that stat. He just thinks of how many touchdowns he threw, and how many wins he has, and how many Super Bowls. That's got to be a quarterback's mentality in this league."

.....eff.

Actual Facebook status:

Congratulations to the New York Yankees on Number 27! In a summer of fucked upness and surrealism, its nice to see something to remind you of normalcy

My comment:

Since when is 27 out of 100+ tries normal in any way?

The Greatest (Devil) Rays to ever Wear... #39

2009-11-05T08:33:31Z

Uncontested Numbers:

98- Jae Soe

70- Joe Maddon(Manager)

63- Jim "The Rookie" Morris

62- Jeff Sparks

42- Jackie Robinson (Retired by the MLB)

12- Wade Boggs

6- John Flarherty

************************************************************************************************************

As voted by the Draysbay.com voters:

61- Travis Phelps (95% of the votes)

60- Jonny Gomes (61% of the votes)

59- Jorge Cantu (71% of the votes)

58- Wade Davis (54% of the votes)

57- Scott Kazmir (93% of the votes)

56- Tim Corcoran (50% of the votes)

55- Toby Hall (80% of the votes)

54- Geremi Gonzalez (53% of the votes)

53- Chad Bradford (83% of the votes)

52- Al Reyes (77% of the votes)

51- Trever Miller (60% of the votes)

50- Grant Balfour (64% of the votes)

49- Tanyon Sturtze (37% of the votes)

48- Joe Borowski (85% of the votes)

47- Victor Zambrano (94% of the votes)

46- Bobby Seay (57% of the votes)

45- Jim Mecir (67% of the votes)

44- Toby Hall (91% of the votes)

43- Esteban Yan (60% of the votes)

41- Paul Wilson (45% of the votes)

40- Troy Percival (52% of the votes)

Today, we'll discuss the number "39"

The Candidates:

Roberto Hernandez(1998-2000), Lee Gardner(2002,2005), Pete LaForest(2003,2005), Steve Parris(2003), Jason Childers(2006), JP Howell(2006-2009)

Roberto Hernandez pitched 207 games (3rd most in Rays history) with 3.43 (best in Rays history), recorded 104 (most in Devil Rays history) saves while with the D-Rays, and was an All-Star in 1999.

Lee Gardner would record a 4.35 ERA with 12 strikeouts over 20.2 innings pitched.

Pete LaForest .170 over 44 games and did smack 1 homerun between his stints with the D-Rays.

Steve Parris had a 6.18 ERA and 14 strikeouts over 43.2 innings pitched.

Jason Childers had a 4.17 ERA and 5 strikeouts over 7.2 innings of work.

JP Howell has recorded 20 saves, a 3.97 ERA, and 253 strikeouts over 249.1 innings of work.

So, Draysbay, I turn to you. Who was the greatest (Devil) Rays player while wearing the number "39?"

Poll

Who was the greatest (Devil) Rays player while wearing the number "39?"

Time for a little bullpen de ja vu

2009-11-05T00:27:02Z

There are times when some things deserve a second go-around. For the Rays bullpen, there is someone who deserves that chance--Danys Baez. The 32 year old reliever posted solid numbers for Baltimore this past season and was very effective against right-handed hitters, holding them to around a .200 average. With all the big name relievers out there, Baez is the type to get overlooked. But he is a workhorse, has a ton of experience pitching in the AL East and would be more than willing to return to Tampa Bay once again with his home still in Miami.

Based on financial cost and proven ability, Baez and Calero represent the best arms to target. Both have shown they can handle the AL, one is one year removed from surgery and the other has settled into a solid middle reliever on a bad team. Neither one of these guys will make the big bucks, but both of these guys can stablize our bullpen.

It still would be nice to add 1 more 'sure' thing (as if that even exists in the relief world) like a Rafael Betancourt, Billy Wagner, Mike Gonzalez or Rafael Soriano, but the Rays may not be able to afford that. But if they add Baez and Calero (and maybe resign Choate) that will still stabilize a bullpen in need of some tweaking.

Howell, Wheeler, Balfour, Baez, Calero, Choate, Cormier -- I could live with that...could you?

Pitch f/x ideas

2009-11-04T18:02:39Z

I have all of the 2009 pitch f/x data in a nice and organized MySQL database and I'm in the process of acquiring 2007-2008 data,. This allows me to get access to all the data for every single player which makes it easy to get league averages for certain data points. I have a few ideas up my sleeve already but I thought it might be useful to get a collective forum going here with different thoughts and ideas on how we can use the pitch f/x data to better analyze any of the Rays pitchers and hitters. Pitch counts, league averages, hit direction, baserunners, and umpires are possible points of analysis using my database.

(My pitch f/x profile of Jesse Chavez as a little teaser)

The Greatest (Devil) Rays to Ever Wear... #40

2009-11-04T16:54:37Z

Uncontested Numbers:

98- Jae Soe

70- Joe Maddon(Manager)

63- Jim "The Rookie" Morris

62- Jeff Sparks

42- Jackie Robinson (Retired by the MLB)

12- Wade Boggs

************************************************************************************************************

As voted by the Draysbay.com voters:

61- Travis Phelps (95% of the votes)

60- Jonny Gomes (61% of the votes)

59- Jorge Cantu (71% of the votes)

58- Wade Davis (54% of the votes)

57- Scott Kazmir (93% of the votes)

56- Tim Corcoran (50% of the votes)

55- Toby Hall (80% of the votes)

54- Geremi Gonzalez (53% of the votes)

53- Chad Bradford (83% of the votes)

52- Al Reyes (77% of the votes)

51- Trever Miller (60% of the votes)

50- Grant Balfour (64% of the votes)

49- Tanyon Sturtze (37% of the votes)

48- Joe Borowski (85% of the votes)

47- Victor Zambrano (94% of the votes)

46- Bobby Seay (57% of the votes)

45- Jim Mecir (67% of the votes)

44- Toby Hall (91% of the votes)

43- Esteban Yan (60% of the votes)

41- Paul Wilson (45% of the votes)

Today, we'll discuss the number "40."

The Candidates:

Wilson Alvarez(1998-1999,2002), Al Levine(2003), Doug Waechter(2003-2006), Jim Parque(2003), Joel Guzman(2007), Jea Seo(2006-2007), Troy Percival()

Wilson Alvarez would earn 17 wins and 26 loses while showing a ERA of 4.62 during his time with the Devil Rays.

Al Levine would pitch in 14 games for the Devil Rays, fronting a record of 3 wins and 5 loses, all while having an ERA of 2.90.

Doug Waechter had a record of 14 wins and 25 loses, while earning an ERA of 5.62 over 315.2 innings pitched.

Jim Parque would only play 5 games but, he would wear two numbers for the Devil Rays. While playing for the Devil Rays, Parque would pitch in 17.1 inngs worth of baseball and had an ERA of 11.94.

Joel Guzman would hit .243 with 2 triples, 4 RBIs while playing in only 17 games for the D-Rays in 2007.

Jea Seo would have a 6.15 ERA over the 2 seasons he played with the Devil Rays, earning only 4 wins while appearing in 28 games.

Troy Percival would save 34 games for the Rays and had an ERA of 4.86. Percival ranks 4th all time in Rays history in Saves.

So, Draysbay, I turn to you. Who was the greatest (Devil) Rays player while wearing the number "40?"

Poll

Who was the greatest (Devil) Rays player while wearing the number "40?"

OTTOTD 11/04: The Brains, the Looks, the Muscle, the Useless Chick, and the Wildcard Edition

2009-11-04T15:06:37Z

The A-team did it. Scooby Doo did it. The Ghostbusters did it.

Is there a DRB fantasy league? Keeper auction? That might be cool.

This song has been in my head and now its in yours. Sorry if that eats up your video budget, SBN, you cheap pricks.

And here's something for P Brady:

via cdn.fd.uproxx.com

"We swear to each other every day," said Morris. "I wouldn't call it a disrespect. The swear words that's talk on the football field. We do that all the time. We swear to them on the field talking about a play, and how we can do it better. It is just a form of communication of some sort. He has never ever disrespected me. He has always been as respectful as you can be to a coach, and to a brother-figure, or a father figure, or however he looks at me, and he has been like that to me. I've never had a problem with Talib."

Uncle RAW.

How new mayor affects Rays

2009-11-04T02:53:42Z

Now that we know who the mayor is, this is just a cut and paste out of a previous article that can be read in its entirety here.

Bill Foster[ix]:

I am fully aware of the desire of the Rays organization to have a new stadium, and equally aware of the respective economic impacts 1) for the owners with the construction of a new stadium, and 2) to the City by having a major league baseball team in St. Petersburg. Historically, in the late 80's and early 90's, I was a part of a team that sold seat deposits, and lobbied for the expansion of MLB to St. Petersburg. After a great effort, and many heartaches, we finally succeeded. With all of the community effort it took to get the team, we must exert as much, if not more, effort to keep this team in St. Petersburg. I will take a leadership role with our "partners and stakeholders" (our Citizens, Rays, MLB, Florida, Pinellas), to negotiate the use agreement of a new facility located in St. Petersburg, with construction beginning sometime after 2015, which encompasses all 85+ acres of the Trop site. Whatever the use and financing terms, it must be such that passes the muster of our citizen who may be asked to pay a portion of the bills. My terms: 1) approved by voter referendum; 2) construction to begin after 2015 (when the property is free and clear); 3) little taxpayer burden, with primary financing by the Rays, TDC, and bonds secured by revenues; and 4) constructed at existing Trop site. If we all do our jobs equitably and correctly, it should pass a vote by our citizens, but timing, location, design, and financing are critical elements.

Analysis: Candidate Foster’s plan contains more concrete details than any other and his history with Tropicana underscores a complete understanding of the issues. He is committed to keeping baseball at the current site, which the Rays and the ABC Committee have determined is no longer feasible. His statements regarding a potential financing structure are realistic and well balanced.

OTTOTD 11/3: The Swing Low, Sweet Chariot Edition

2009-11-03T14:42:58Z

You know, Sicilians, are great liars. The best, in the world. I’m Sicilian. My father was the world heavyweight champion of Sicilian liars. From growing up with him, I learned the pantomime. There are seventeen different things a guy can do when he lies, to give himself away. A guy’s got seventeen pantomimes. A woman’s got twenty, guy’s got seventeen. But, if you know them, like you know your own face, they’d be lie detectors all to hell. Now, what we got here, is a little game of show-and-tell: You don’t wanna’ show me nothing, but you’re telling me everything. I know you know where they are. So. Tell me. Before I do some damage, that you won’t walk away from.

The Greatest (Devil) Rays to Ever Wear... #41

2009-11-03T12:31:54Z

Uncontested Numbers:

98- Jae Soe

97- Joe Beimel

80- Julio Santana

71- Damian Rolls

70- Joe Maddon(Manager)

68- Ruddy Lugo

63- Jim "The Rookie" Morris

62- Jeff Sparks

42- Jackie Robinson (Retired by the MLB)

12- Wade Boggs

************************************************************************************************************

As voted by the Draysbay.com voters:

61- Travis Phelps (95% of the votes)

60- Jonny Gomes (61% of the votes)

59- Jorge Cantu (71% of the votes)

58- Wade Davis (54% of the votes)

57- Scott Kazmir (93% of the votes)

56- Tim Corcoran (50% of the votes)

55- Toby Hall (80% of the votes)

54- Geremi Gonzalez (53% of the votes)

53- Chad Bradford (83% of the votes)

52- Al Reyes (77% of the votes)

51- Trever Miller (60% of the votes)

50- Grant Balfour (64% of the votes)

49- Tanyon Sturtze (37% of the votes)

48- Joe Borowski (85% of the votes)

47- Victor Zambrano (94% of the votes)

46- Bobby Seay (57% of the votes)

45- Jim Mecir (67% of the votes)

44- Toby Hall (91% of the votes)

43- Esteban Yan (60% of the votes)

Today, we'll discuss the number "41."

The Candidates:

Jason Johnson(1998), Danny Clyburn(1999), Paul Wilson(2000-2002), Rob Bell(2003-2005), Brian Stokes(2006-2007), Andy Cannizaro(2008), Michel Hernandez(2008-2009)

Jason Johnson would appear in 13 games for the Devil Rays in 1998. During Johnson's time he would earn 2 wins over 5 loses with an ERA of 5.70 over 60 innings of service.

Danny Clyburn played 28 games where hit .198 over 89 plate appearances, racked up 3 HRs and 5 RBIs while playing with the Devil Rays 1998.

Paul Wilson would appear in 78 over three year span, earning 15 wins over 25 loses, all while having an ERA of 4.66.

Rob Bell would earn 14 wins over 13 loses, all while earning 1 complete game, and having a an ERA of 5.28.

Brian Stokes earned 3 wins over 7 loses and a ERA of 6.46 over his two year stint with the Devil Rays.

Andy Cannizaro would appear in 1 game in 2008 and received one at-bat where he did not earn a hit, and had a batting average of .000 in 2008.

Michel Hernandez played 40 games for the Rays where had a batting average of .237, all while having 1 HR, 1 3B, and 12 RBIs.

So, Draysbay, I turn to you. Who was the greatest (Devil) Rays player while wearing the number "41?"

Poll

Who was the greatest (Devil) Rays player while wearing the number "41?"

OTTOTD: The Where Is Everybody Edition

2009-11-02T15:57:53Z

You see, the night that Corky walked into the Blue Bottle, and before he knows what's happening, Bob here takes a shot at him! And he misses, 'cause he's so damn drunk. Now that bullet whizzing by panicked old Corky, and he did the wrong thing. He went for his gun in such a hurry that he shot his own damn toe off. Meantime Bob here, he's aiming real good, and he squeezes off another, but he misses, because he's still so damn drunk, and he hits this thousand-dollar mirror up over the bar. And now, the Duck of Death is as good as dead. Because Corky does it right. He aims real careful, no hurry, and... BAM! That Walker Colt blew up in his hand, which was a failing common to that model. You see, if old Corky had had two guns instead of just a big dick, he'd would have been there right to the end to defend himself.

The Greatest (Devil) Rays to Ever Wear... #43

2009-11-02T12:37:16Z

Uncontested Numbers:

98- Jae Soe

97- Joe Beimel

80- Julio Santana

71- Damian Rolls

70- Joe Maddon(Manager)

68- Ruddy Lugo

63- Jim "The Rookie" Morris

62- Jeff Sparks

42- Jackie Robinson (Retired by the MLB)

12- Wade Boggs

************************************************************************************************************

As voted by the Draysbay.com voters:

61- Travis Phelps (95% of the votes)

60- Jonny Gomes (61% of the votes)

59- Jorge Cantu (71% of the votes)

58- Wade Davis (54% of the votes)

57- Scott Kazmir (93% of the votes)

56- Tim Corcoran (50% of the votes)

55- Toby Hall (80% of the votes)

54- Geremi Gonzalez (53% of the votes)

53- Chad Bradford (83% of the votes)

52- Al Reyes (77% of the votes)

51- Trever Miller (60% of the votes)

50- Grant Balfour (64% of the votes)

49- Tanyon Sturtze (37% of the votes)

48- Joe Borowski (85% of the votes)

47- Victor Zambrano (94% of the votes)

46- Bobby Seay (57% of the votes)

45- Jim Mecir (67% of the votes)

44- Toby Hall (91% of the votes)

Today, we'll discuss the number "43."

The Candidates:

Esteban Yan(1998-2002), Jon Switzer(2003,2005-2007), Mike Venafro(2003), Joey Gathright(2004-2006), Dicky Gonzalez(2004), Chad Harville(2006), Elliot Johnson(2008)

Esteban Yan earned an ERA of 5.01 over his 266 games played all while recording 42 saves.

Jon Switzer wore "43" for only his first season, in 2003. During his time wearing "43" Switzer would go on and earn an ERA of 7.45 over 5 games.

Mike Venafro played in 24 games earning 1 win and sporting an ERA of 4.74 over 19 innings pitched.

Joey Gathright would wear "43" for his first season which spanned 19 games. Gathright would sprinkle 13 hits over 52 at-bats, while stealing 6 bases.

Dicky Gonzalez would play in 4 games earning an ERA of 5.02 over 7.1 innings played.

Chad Harville would play in 32 games for the Devil Rays, earning an ERA of 5.93 and earned 1 save.

Elliot Johnson had 3 hits over his 19 at-bats which earned him a batting average of .158, all while playing in 7 games for the Rays.

So, Draysbay, I turn to you. Who was the greatest (Devil) Rays player while wearing the number "43?"

Poll

Who the Greatest (Devil) Rays player while wearing the number "43?"

The Greatest (Devil) Rays to Ever Wear... #44

2009-11-01T12:38:44Z

Uncontested Numbers:

98- Jae Soe

70- Joe Maddon(Manager)