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It sure would have been nice to sweep the Twins. Usually a series win feels good, but this is one of those times when it’s pretty disappointing. Tampa Bay Times beat reporter Mark Topkin has quotes from inside the dugout. Said Steven Souza Jr.:
I haven't done the math, but I know we have to win a lot of games to get back in it and win the wild card," Souza said. "That's why this was an important game.
BOOR-ring. Souza, quotes like that will put me to sleep in my grave.
Rays Radio also had interviews from Kevin Cash and Blake Snell. Cash thinks the team’s playing well, that they can win some games. Snell felt good, wishes he executed better.
Speaking of feeling good, here’s some welcome news:
Archer said he was obviously pleased with how forearm responded to treatment, told #Rays he could go Friday, they talked about it + agreed
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) September 6, 2017
And finally, Hurricane Irma. Connor Mount of MLB.com wrote about how the Rays are preparing (they’re flying loved ones out of town, and are packing for six road games rather than three, in case the next series is rained out). Said Kevin Kiermaier:
I'm preparing for the worst. I'm not a Floridian—I'm from Indiana, this is all new stuff for me—but I'm kind of panicking about it a little. I don't know what to do.
Good man, KK. I am a Floridian, so from that position of authority let me reaffirm that panic is the appropriate thing to be feeling.
Quick PSA: If Irma is heading for you, leaving is a great idea. Follow all instructions from government and emergency personnel, prepare your home as best you can, and remember that in the face of 180 mph winds or a major storm surge, there is absolutely nothing you can do to protect your home by being there. No reason to be macho about it.
Links
- Mike Hattery started off his September FanGraphs residency with a very interesting, thought-provoking article. There is large and growing information asymetry between baseball front offices and players/agents. This has potential implications both for contract negotiations, and healthcare issues.
- Matthew Trueblood is ranking the major league third basemen defensively, with an eye to what makes them good or bad. It’s interesting to read through and think about, because third base is a position with players of vastly different body times and athletic profiles. Evan Longoria does not appear in the 30-16 range.