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As we noted yesterday, the Rays are off to a franchise record setting start. Jeff Passan of ESPN took this opportunity to deliver this backhanded compliment:
The Rays are on their way to 8 wins in 11 games. They've allowed 20 runs all year. Was wondering about this last night with @karlravechespn and @Kurkjian_ESPN on Baseball Tonight, and now is a good time to re-up the question.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) April 8, 2019
Can you name five Rays players without looking? Go.
Although I’m sure Passan’s tongue was placed firmly in cheek, I will admit the jab got me a little worked up. Luckily some of my favorite voices chimed in.
Including the Rays own Jeff Sullivan:
yes
— Jeff Sullivan (@based_ball) April 8, 2019
As well as Statcast guru and Yandy Diaz pioneer Mike Petriello:
yes
— Mike Petriello (@mike_petriello) April 8, 2019
The Rays look to continue their best start in franchise history today, in yet another matinee on the South Side of Chicago. A win today would secure their fourth consecutive series win to start the season. Stay tuned for the recap from yours truly!
Also, this tweet made me chuckle:
Adam Kolarek
— Jeff Sullivan (@based_ball) April 8, 2019
Rays news
- The week 2 MLB Power Ranking are in! And those no-named Rays are No. 5 — and No. 4 in Jonah Keri’s ‘The 30’
- ICYMI: Rays option Christian Arroyo, promote Hunter Wood. Wood’s 3 inning save in yesterday’s game not only rested the bullpen, but puts the Rays in better position to make optimal pitching decisions for the rest of this road trip.
- Speaking of Mike Petriello: Yandy on verge of stardom for surging Rays. Because, who else?
- Josh Tolentino of The Athletic profiles former South Sider Avisail Garcia and his hopes for a big season with his new team. ($)
- This Week in Rays Baseball podcast is out and it’s always worth a listen:
Other Links
- Trump Administration rejects deal between MLB and Cuban Baseball Federation- A proposed posting system that would prevent top Cuban baseball players from having to defect has been halted. I can totally see this being the main story on a future episode of ‘Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.’
- After umpire Ron Kulpa’s happenings a few nights ago, Sheryl RIng of FanGraphs answers the question: Can umpires really do whatever they want?
- Michael Baumann of The RInger MLB documents the historically bad stretches of Trevor Rosenthal and Chris Davis, the former of whom yet to record an out this season, the latter yet to record a hit. Baseball is hard.
Finally, can you name five players on every team without looking? It’s harder than you think! I myself had a little trouble with the Tigers. Let us know in the comments!