Tampa Bay Rays News and Links: Desmond Jennings Stays Hot as Rays are Victorious

Yesterday, Desmond Jennings continued his torrid pace this spring as he went 1-2, launching a two run homer to left -- although, it could have been aided by wind -- while also drawing a walk. He hit behind Logan Forsythe, who had an excellent day of his own, having three sharply hit balls go for hits, including his fourth double of the spring. Corey Dickeron also hit the ball really well against the southpaw, sending a ball to the warning track and then also lining into a double play. Oddly enough, his lone hit came on a pitch he was jammed and broke his bat on.

Now, for poor performance, look no farther than Evan Longoria, who has been in somewhat of a rut to open the spring. He went 0-4 while striking out three times.

On the rubber, Drew Smyly dominated and has everyone excited for having him, hopefully for a full season, as he was absolutely dealing against the Pirates. He pitched an out into the fourth inning, and then was relieved after surrendering a single, the lone hard hit ball against him. His final line was 3.1 IP, 2 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, and 3 strikeouts. The Rays bullpen all pitched well as well, with the Pirates scoring their lone run, via a solo homer off of Adam Wilk in the eighth, but it was moot as the Rays cruised to a 5-1 victory.

Links!

- The Rays players held a closed door, team meeting before yesterday's game in which they had their rookies sing from a karaoke machine. Luke Maile blew the competition away with him rendition of Pearl Jam's 'Daughter'. Also, from that same post, players will be allowed to have their phones on them during the game for a very unique experience where they can give a behind the scenes look.

- The Rays have a very strong future as they have a 'Fab-4' set to take over the Durham Bulls rotation in 2016. Those four representing the quartet have highly impressed thus far in spring.

- Jarrod Parker, a pitcher for the Athletics who is attempting to make a comeback after undergoing Tommy John Surgery and then fracturing an elbow, left his first start back, screaming in pain.

- Steve Kinsella has more on Smyly's performance, here, including post game interview and highlights.

- Bryce Harper is already the best offensive player in the game and is also one of the most charismatic and confident players and doesn't care who he offends on his path to baseball immortality.

- Goose Gossage went on quite the rant stating his displeasure about the current status of major league baseball