Two things today. It appears that 1B Carlos Pena broke his finger in his first at bat yesterday and, even though he went on to homer and double, has found himself on the 15 day disabled list. I think this could work out well for Carlos and the Rays. If he can take this time off to heal his finger and his hamstring and comeback a little more relaxed it could be the best thing for him. This is not exactly the best time for the Rays to lose their Gold Glove caliber first baseman but if a guy like Longoria or Hinske can find their power stroke and take over the four spot in the order it could relieve Pena of some pressure when he returns. He is being counted on to be a big time cleanup hitter and is just not responding at the moment. Hopefully it works out this way, I don’t even want to think about how bad this could be.

   The bet has been accepted and is now on after my banter with Rays Index yesterday. Rays Index wrote a post about TFC’s Historical Season in the making comparing him to the likes of Johnny Bench and Carlton Fisk and I felt the need to say something. I’m not disagreeing that TFC is off to a great start, I just felt it was a little premature to start comparing him to the greats. Rays Index weren’t really comparing him to Bench and the like, they were essentially making a point about his great season. It has worked out now between us in a wager that goes like this. If TFC hits below .300 for the year, I’ve been invited to write a post on Rays Index of my own choosing. If TFC hits .300 or above I have agreed to write 10 positive things about TFC and Jason Bartlett. It should be interesting to see how things work out although I do want to say one thing in general here, I never ever root against anyone that plays for the Rays. I’m very critical of the Rays but make no mistake, I’m a fan. If TFC does hit .300 I’ll be happy to write positively about him. Good times!

Scott Brannelly can be reached here.

Rays Index: Historic Season, Defending TFC

TBSB: Relax with praise of TFC