Tampa Bay Rays News and Links: Brad Miller's Secret? He's Always Angry

Rays News:

• The Rays won last night, 3-2, thanks to a clutch three run homer from Brad Miller in the eighth inning. It was the Rays first win in a game decided by one run since June 15th. Here's Neil Solondz's recap with post-game audio from Brad Miller, Drew Smyly, and Kevin Cash
• Brad Miller has been excellent on the offensive side this season, but he is still losing his short stop job to Matt Duffy....much to Miller's chagrin.
• In San Francisco, Duffy was blocked at short by Brandon Crawford, so he had to settle in at third. But, he should transition smoothly at his natural position
• Baseball America released their list of players with the best tools in Double-A (some of whom, have since been promoted) with Jake Faria and Casey Gillaspie making appearances
• The Rays optioned Curt Casali to Durham and claimed Bobby Wilson off waivers from the Rangers
• Evan Longoria has regained the offensive side of his game and has reemerged as one of the stars of the game
• The Charlotte Stone Crabs featured three players rehabbing last night with Matt Duffy, Mikie Mahtook, and Alex Cobb playing for them

Around the League:

• The opening ceremony to the Olympics occurred last night, which I did not watch but assuming it was a disaster just due to how events have unfolded leading up to it...anyway, baseball will be back in 2020 along with four other sports
• The Blue Jays surprisingly announced that for the time being, Aaron Sanchez will remain in the starting rotation, despite his career high in innings pitched
• Brewers Indians prospect, Francisco Mejia has extended his minor league hit streak to 46 games
• Ren and Stimpy are making a comeback, thanks to the Brooklyn Cyclones