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The Rays knocked off the Phillies yesterday, backed by some solid pitching, timely hitting, and great defense. Wander Franco had his best defensive day since his call up, and Nelly Cruz — playing his first day at first base in a game that didn’t involve a softball — was rock solid.
D E F E N S E
— Bally Sports Sun: Rays (@BallyRays) August 24, 2021
Nelson Cruz makes the backhanded scoop off the eye-catching play from Wander Franco! Oh by the way it's Cruz's 1ST TIME PLAYING 1ST BASE!
Bally Sports Sun
https://t.co/OCNidFNxb0
Bally Sports App pic.twitter.com/51iWhYaHGn
Oh, and Cruz also drove in the winning runs. Not a bad day for the old man!
After the @RaysBaseball 3-1 win over the Phillies, Nelson Cruz talks about his performance at 1st base, his hit to drive in the go-ahead run, and more! #RaysUp pic.twitter.com/jqj92Tl8BI
— Bally Sports Sun: Rays (@BallyRays) August 25, 2021
The series continues tonight at 7:05 PM
Mike Petriello on Wander’s breakout.
Wander Franco got off to something of a slow start after all the hype.
— Mike Petriello (@mike_petriello) August 24, 2021
Since the start of the Red Sox sweep on July 29, he's been one of the 10 best hitters in MLB, and whiffing less than almost anyone.
The breakout is happening, in front of our eyes.https://t.co/Cu9Me1qqAJ
This is fun. It’s the original scouting report on the then-fourteen year old Miggy Cabrera.
Miguel Cabrera’s original scouting report.
— Ryan M. Spaeder (@theaceofspaeder) August 23, 2021
What is most amazing to me:
Hitting ability:
Present - 25
Future - 70
Power:
Present - 25
Future - 70
I love analytics and numbers, but you just cannot discount scouts and the eye test. pic.twitter.com/HAdPHaAPEk
The Athletic on fan interaction in the time of COVID. Brett Phillips makes an appearance.
“Even on the road,” Phillips affirmed. “Yes, we get worn out, but if you smile, give them some baseballs, they’ll say you were a great sport. ‘We are now fans of Brett Phillips because you took the time.’ New York fans have given me the most trouble … the first time I went they were flicking me off, but by the second time they were chanting ‘Brooklyn Brett.’”
It’s a little weird how the Pham/Slapdick trade became the Cronenworth trade, but it is proof that sometimes the unexpected happens. Anyway, the proper Rays fan response is to be happy for Jake.
The Rays don't lose many trades. Increasingly though, it's become clear the Padres bested them in the deal that brought Jake Cronenworth to San Diego.https://t.co/zogwVTQY0Q
— Kyle Glaser (@KyleAGlaser) August 22, 2021
Javy Baez became the main character on Twitter last night.
Find you a girl that that misses you as much as Javy misses this pitch…
— Cody Decker (@Decker6) August 25, 2021
pic.twitter.com/VaxY5xxwc7
Eno Sarris on the spin rate battle.
Is the battle over spin-enhancing substances over? Or is spin creeping back in? (Aka is this winning) https://t.co/YhF5pRjklW
— Eno Sarris (@enosarris) August 24, 2021
If you’re up for a good hate read, this piece from Tom Verducci checks all the right boxes.
Over the last three seasons, the Rays have churned through 66 different pitchers—more than half of whom lasted less than 15 appearances.
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) August 23, 2021
If this is the model for winning, the players association should be concerned, says Tom Verducci: https://t.co/y5kDNc1D4t pic.twitter.com/XN01rqUoCi
How Wade Boggs became the Chicken Man.
After years of searching, I was finally able to get my hands on Wade Boggs' chicken cookbook. But when I spoke to @ChickenMan3010 himself, I was shocked by what I learned.
— Michael Clair (@michaelsclair) August 24, 2021
Wade Boggs started eating chicken FOR the cookbook! https://t.co/K1UBm3F8cm
Padres dismiss pitching coach and DRays legend Larry Rothchild. I’m sure that will fix things.
The #Padres have dismissed pitching coach Larry Rothschild: pic.twitter.com/hnjTqCiPpq
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) August 23, 2021
The Phillies also made some changes. Looks like Sam Fuld is safe for the moment.
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) August 24, 2021
Palate cleanser: This doggo is definitely a wizard.
oldman of dog bark of chicken pic.twitter.com/lOKIqWuihE
— serpy (@chefmaeda) August 24, 2021