The Rays Tank: Doubleheader at Fenway

Due to yesterday's crappy weather, the Rays and Red Sox are scheduled to play a doubleheader, with Cesar Ramos starting the 1:05 game and Chris Archer following at 7:10.

Boston just looks beautiful today, perfect setting for not one, but two games...

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Sure looks like a good day for baseball, huh? <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Rays&amp;src=hash">#Rays</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23RedSox&amp;src=hash">#RedSox</a> at 1 <a href="http://t.co/JDLFHwYm4x">pic.twitter.com/JDLFHwYm4x</a></p>&mdash; Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) <a href="https://twitter.com/TBTimes_Rays/statuses/461830576690196480">May 1, 2014</a></blockquote><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Let&#39;s play two today??? <a href="http://t.co/AZ0ZqnNPdx">pic.twitter.com/AZ0ZqnNPdx</a></p>&mdash; Dave Wills (@davewills34) <a href="https://twitter.com/davewills34/statuses/461840036498259968">May 1, 2014</a></blockquote><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

There was quite the debacle in concluding whether to schedule the doubleheader for today or later in the season, with the Red Sox pushing for the doubleheader, all because of some bobbleheads. When it was decided and confirmed, Rays players, especially Ben Zobrist (the current player rep in Matt Moore's absence), were none too pleased:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Zobrist says it was frustrating <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Rays&amp;src=hash">#Rays</a> had no say in DH decision, that MLB allows <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23RedSox&amp;src=hash">#RedSox</a> exception to CBA to &quot;do what they want to do&#39;&#39;</p>&mdash; Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) <a href="https://twitter.com/TBTimes_Rays/statuses/461660213821857792">May 1, 2014</a></blockquote><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Rays&amp;src=hash">#Rays</a> Zobrist also said &quot;it won&#39;t be frustrating if we win two games tomorrow.&quot;&quot;</p>&mdash; Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) <a href="https://twitter.com/TBTimes_Rays/statuses/461660275482329089">May 1, 2014</a></blockquote><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

And I quote,

In short, the Rays were told by MLB that the Red Sox (and Cubs) have exceptions to the standard rules in the Basic Agreement "to basically exercise their own right to do what they want to do."

That seems fair. Yay Red Sox. Time to go win two - if weather permits.

***

Chris Archer shared some exciting news via Twitter yesterday:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>I was informed today that I&#39;m an official MLB international ambassador. My first international trip is to S.Africa this offseason. </p>&mdash; Chris Archer (@ChrisArcher42) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisArcher42/statuses/461655715250462720">April 30, 2014</a></blockquote><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

And in lieu of a game, @RaysBaseball provided a few facts about the season thus far:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Positive notes: <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Rays&amp;src=hash">#Rays</a> drew club-record 100 walks in April. Ryan Hanigan&#39;s 15 RBI tied John Flaherty ('99) for most by Rays catcher in April.</p>&mdash; Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) <a href="https://twitter.com/RaysBaseball/statuses/461608728702119937">April 30, 2014</a></blockquote><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Talk about April showers: <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Rays&amp;src=hash">#Rays</a> 16 losses are their most in a month since September '09 (17). **Flips calendar to May.**</p>&mdash; Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) <a href="https://twitter.com/RaysBaseball/statuses/461607072518258689">April 30, 2014</a></blockquote><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Hanigan has also thrown out 4 of 10 attempted base stealers. His 40 percent caught-stealing rate leads major league backstops. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Rays&amp;src=hash">#Rays</a></p>&mdash; Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) <a href="https://twitter.com/RaysBaseball/statuses/461611690996404224">April 30, 2014</a></blockquote><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also: Alex Cobb threw off a mound for the first time in his road to recovery, tossing 20 fastballs at the Trop with no issues.

In this Tweet-heavy Tank, I leave you with some positive words from good ole Gabe Kapler, who is seeing the glass half full and drinking the same Kool Aid as Joe and I:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Rays&amp;src=hash">#Rays</a> fans, hang in there. Last year on this date, your boys had one more win than they have this season. April can be misleading.</p>&mdash; gabe kapler (@gabekapler) <a href="https://twitter.com/gabekapler/statuses/461523579784290304">April 30, 2014</a></blockquote><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>