Tampa Bay Sports Blog

   F*#K BJ Upton! I don’t care if BJ would have made that play, we all know he would have. HE took himself out of that ball game and Garza should whoop his ass for it. I’m extremely proud of Papa Joe right now as he is taking a stance against the super ass known as BJ Upton. I know I’ve been sick of watching him for a while and I dogged Maddon and company for not doing something about it sooner. I’m proud of Joe for doing something about it now. With all the talk around the deadline about “team chemistry” and the main reason behind no one wanting Barry Bonds here being the solid clubhouse atmosphere I would personally love to see a backdoor clubhouse ass-whoopin’ given to Upton’s punk ass! He struts around as if he’s the greatest player in the game and isn’t putting up the numbers or the effort to do so. I agree with all the BJ defenders in saying that he would’ve made that play in CF that Ruggiano botched, but I’m still happy to see his ass riding the pine. I fully expect Joe Maddon to sit his ass tomorrow also and I wouldn’t be surprised to hear the “why are they singling me out?” rhetoric out of the punk asses mouth now too. It’s you and your attitude BJ, nothing else, so shut up before you start!

Technorati Tags: Barry Bonds, BJ Upton, Joe Maddon, Justin Ruggiano, Matt Garza, Tampa Bay Rays

   The Rays won today if you hadn’t heard. EJax pitched decent, Pena homered and all that good stuff. The game wasn’t televised so I couldn’t watch, but it appeared that Percival wasn’t a complete nightmare today either. A good day all around. Onto the trade deadline stuff. The Rays are currently linked to Jason Bay and are said to have the best offer on the table. What worries me about this story is that the Rays appear set in their offer and not willing to budge. I understand this with Wade Davis, David Price and Jeremy Hellickson, but I don’t understand the unwillingness to move Reid Brignac. I know he’s a “top prospect” and I understand that there is basically no depth with middle infielders in the minors. What I don’t get is the unwillingness to mortgage a little bit of the future to go for it now. Bay isn’t the ideal guy to put in RF, but he’s the exact type of bat that we need there. It’s all conflicting reports but the boys at Rays Index are saying that he’s basically untouchable and I trust what they say. On to the Brian Fuentes stuff, I don’t see it happening so that’s over. Will Ohman is still a possibility but there’s not a lot of info there. It’s crazy but fun with all this stuff. There is more and more talk now that Rocco will be back soon and I’m conflicted on this (I think we all are). There is no way you can count on Rocco, but I think we all want him back. Also, looking at the minor league games over the last week, my boy Justin Ruggiano is getting more playing time in CF. That tells me (maybe I’m just hoping) that he is being prepped for another call up. The other thing I’m excited about is the fact that all of these possible moves make it tough to see a way that Jonny Gomes is on the roster after the deadline. That would make me very happy! To wrap up my completely senseless rambling now, if the Rays do get away with getting Bay for a deal centered around Niemann, that would be a ridiculously one sided deal to me. I stated at the start of the season that I thought Niemann was a bust waiting to happen and there’s been nothing that’s gone on to make me change my mind. Oh yeah, one more thing. My scout buddy (who’s proving to be completely useless right now) also told me that most of the teams the Rays are talking to want Ruggiano put in the deal somewhere. This should tell the Rays that they have someone worth giving the shot I’ve been begging for. Good times at the trade deadline. Sorry for the inane blather here but my head’s been spinning all day.

Scott Brannelly

Links: MLB Trade Rumors, Rays Index 

Technorati Tags: Brian Fuentes, Carlos Pena, David Price, Edwin Jackson, Jason Bay, Jeff Niemann, Jeremy Hellickson, Jonny Gomes, Justin Ruggiano, Reid Brignac, Tampa Bay Rays, Troy Percival, Wade Davis, Will Ohman

   The Rays activated reliever Gary Glover today and immediately designated him for assignment. Bye bye Glover, it’s been fun, uh not really. That’s all I’ve got to say about Mr. Glover. Anyway, I had a slow day today so I decided to look at some of the past games this year with Justin Ruggiano to try and get a better hold of what type of player he is. I have come away with the same impression I had before, why no shot for this guy yet? He has decent pop in his bat, is a good fielder, has a decent arm in RF and has basestealing ability. I keep seeing other sites call him a tweener and that is a stupid statement. You can’t call someone a tweener when they haven’t played much at the next level. He’s done enough to earn a shot here and there is no real reason to keep him down at AAA. The thing that is getting to me is that Gomes (I know and I’m not letting it go either) continues to get limited playing time and complains about it. He says that he needs consistent playing time to get himself going. How bout the time you’ve gotten before this Jonny? And if a guy can’t perform well in limited playing time, bring up the guy who has. Ruggiano has performed well enough in his limited time at this level this year to at least be considered. What’s the harm in all this? Why don’t the Rays let Gomes go? He doesn’t factor in here anymore, it’s obvious. Ruggiano might and should. If the Rays don’t make a deal for a legit right fielder, Ruggiano should be considered for the job. We’re all impressed with what Gabe Gross has done in the clutch, but he’s still sporting .224 avg, and Eric Hinske has been in a downward spiral for a while now. There should be more of a pressing attitude toward this from the Rays as there isn’t much left to be had trade wise. Unless somebody like Holliday, Magglio Ordonez or Hunter Pence become available, then Ruggiano should be looked at as the next best option. I’ve enjoyed this season more than I ever thought I would have and want the Rays to make a better effort towards staying near the top. It should scare everyone knowing that the Red Sucks are what they are and now the Yankees are steamrolling towards the top. I just want to remain excited all year.

Technorati Tags: Eric Hinske, Gabe Gross, Gary Glover, Hunter Pence, Jonny Gomes, Justin Ruggiano, Magglio Ordonez, Matt Holliday, Tampa Bay Rays

   There are a ton of rumors swirling around the Rays as the deadline approaches this Thursday and they’ve got everyone guessing as to what they’re gonna do. I know my stomach dropped Friday when I saw the Yankees had obtained Xavier Nady and Demaso Marte from the Pirates. I really wanted Nady and thought the Rays could’ve gotten him using some sort of package involvingguys like Edwiin Jackson, Jason Hammel, Jeff Niemann or Andy Sonnanstine. The Pirates need pitching and the Rays have some to spare, so what happened? It’s anybone’s guess. This is hard for me to swallow for two reasons. It really helps the Yanks, who are coming fast, and it blocked the Rays from the deal. They killed us twice so to speak. This all leaves me wondering what the Rays plan to do. They’re being linked to guys like Brian Fuentes, Ron Mahay, Clint Barmes (god no), Jason Bay (no way that’s going to happen), Matt Murton, Mark Texiera and Matt Holliday (just for fun on the last two). I’m getting more frustrated with this because they don’t seem to be actively trying to move a Jackson, Hammel or Sonnanstine the way they should be. When David Price is ready to come up, one of these guys needs to be gone and they’re not looking to create an opening. This makes me think that we won’t see Price this year until September at the earliest. Their lack of moves also makes me believe that they’re are counting on Rocco to make an impact and that’s just crazy. I love Roc but we all know he’s one step away from a hospital bed at all times. I’m really curious about this whole thing. If they do get a Brian Fuentes, who’s gone? I would like to see Trevor Miller take a walk as he’s been disappointing. Any move they make for a bat must involve Gomes’ removal from the roster (finally!). If they don’t want to mortgage the future for today then they need to start using some of that future to see if it fits. Gomes has to go and Ruggiano should be given a shot to replace him if no trade is made. There is no trade market for Gomes so a DFA should be made asap. I would love to have seen the Rays capitalize on Jackson’s improvement this year and move him to make room for Price. I would like to see Sonnanstine stay because we do need an innings eater and Jackson isn’t it. I will be following these rumors closely this week and I’ll begin to list what I see as it’s close enough to watch now. I really do hope a move is made, even if it’s not a trade but a move to bring someone up and try to improve this team.

Scott Brannelly

Technorati Tags: Andy Sonnanstine, Brian Fuentes, Clint Barmes, David Price, Demaso Marte, Edwin Jackson, Jason Bay, Jason Hammel, Jeff Niemann, Jonny Gomes, Justin Ruggiano, Mark Texiera, Matt Holliday, Matt Murton, New York Yankees, Pittsburg Pirates, Rocco Baldelli, Ron Mahay, Tampa Bay Rays, Trevor Miller, Xavier Nady

   I have to take a minute and get on B.J. Upton since no one else seems to want to. I’m completely sick of hearing the excuses being made for Upton by people saying he’s an “effortless athlete”. Let’s clear this up now. He is a very smooth athlete who CAN do things other can’t in a effortless manner. The problem is he is more of an athlete with no effort. I’m sick of watching him dog it down to first, make bonehead decisions and loaf after balls in the gap. More so though, I’m sick of no one doing anything about it. Grow a pair Maddon! The coddling of this whiny ass in CF has gotten out of control. We’re already in a situation where the Rays have no real candidate to play center and yank this jerk out of the lineup when he does this crap, but no one seems to want to let him know about it. Why did we sign Cliff Floyd again? Oh that’s right, as a “mentor” to our young players like Upton and Crawford. Do something Cliff! It’s so aggravating because B.J. IS so talented. This is what made me lose it in last night’s game. In the first inning Upton hit a ball up the middle to second and the second baseman Mark Grudzielanek couldn’t make the out at second and threw to first to get B.J. If Upton had ran hard down the line, like you’re taught to do, he would have easily beaten this out. This really got to me a couple innings later  when Grudzielanek made a throwing error to second and B.J. made a very heads up play and went to third. He showed on this play how freakin fast he is when he RUNS! There are only a handful of guys in the league that could’ve made it to third on that play, and Upton is one of them. I know that athletes are Prima Donna’s now and it’s hard to get in their face about this stuff but at least try. It’s a shitty thing to see a talented guy like Upton let his whiny punk ass attitude get in the way of his progress. This is why I would like to see a guy like Ruggiano or Fernando Perez on the big league club so there is someone you can put out there when you need to check this guy. This needs to stop. Grow some balls Rays and discipline this guy when he needs it!

Scott Brannelly

Technorati Tags: BJ Upton, Carl Crawford, Cliff Floyd, Fernando Perez, Joe Maddon, Justin Ruggiano, Mark Grudzielanek, Tampa Bay Rays

   Yes I am as excited as anyone out there that the Rays are in first. Now this means a few things to me and my few readers out there. First thing is that this series will be intense on the field and in the stands. Going to these games means I will be dealing with all these annoying Sox fans and if the shit goes down on the field, we could be brawling in the stands as well. Anyone ready to post bail for me? My son going to his mother’s for the week doesn’t help either, more free time more to drink is bad news! It should be fun though and I’ll try to keep my cool here. Now all that leads to the fact that my posts will be few and far between over the next few days. I’ll be taking my camera with me to these games so I’ll try to have some cool pics when the series is done. Good times. Now, on to my bitch fest. First thing is regarding something I saw over at DRays Bay. In a quick reference on Saturday’s game I saw something about B.J. Upton being moved into the leadoff spot, which I like by the way, and then there was this statement. “But he’s not a team leader or anything like that, nope.” Are they inferring that this guy IS a team leader? God I hope not. I try not to dog Upton too much because he is young and still developing, but if he’s a team leader there is a problem. I’ve got a friend who’s a coach in the area and is in close with some coaches and scouts for the Rays and he tells me that Upton is a straight up punk. You can see it in his game too. He lacks hustle and just has that look about him. Like I said, I’m not going after him too much because he’s young and has a lot of growing up to do, hell I was a punk too so I get it. I’ll let that go now as it’s not a big deal, it just rubbed me the wrong way. Now on to the real problem. Jonny Gomes. I know I’m about to rip this guy on the heels of him hitting a pinch hit homer last night but I don’t give a shit. He is the most useless player on this team and needs to be gone. I’ve heard fans saying that they like him because he’s an “enforcer” on the roster. What?! It’s not freakin Hockey, it’s Baseball. I don’t see any Red Sox or Yankees players shivering in fear over the fact that Gomes is sitting in the dugout, do you? I also don’t see a need to keep this guy on the team when a guy like Justin Ruggiano has performed better at this level this year and should be sharing time with Gross and Hinske in RF. Gomes is not helping this team and it’s about time the fans started to see that. I know the first thing out of everyone’s mouth is, hey he hit a homer last night that HELPED. True, but what about all the other at bats he’s had where he strikes out or pops out weakly. I actually get queasy when I hear the fans cheering for this guy at the games. What is it about him that you’re cheering? The music? The Pro Wrestler look? The ugly swing? What is it? I don’t get this at all. Please Rays, remove Mr. Gomes from our sight, he serves no purpose at ALL!

Scott Brannelly

Source: DRays Bay

Technorati Tags: BJ Upton, Eric Hinske, Gabe Gross, Jonny Gomes, Justin Ruggiano, Tampa Bay Rays

   This is where I don’t understand the politics of baseball and what not. It appears that Ben Zobrist is still holding those pictures of someone making love to a sheep. Mr. Zobrist is a guy who I have always wondered how he made it. The Rays needed another infielder and now the big Z is here to fill that need. I’ll deal with that. My biggest question here is with Justin Ruggiano. Why send him down? Let’s be honest here, Jonny Gomes is the one who should be gone. Gomes is completely useless in the field and is almost as useless at the plate. I know they’re paying him and he doesn’t have options, but isn’t it time they just DFA’d the guy? I feel pretty confident he’ll get through waivers, and if he doesn’t, he can go somewhere else and strike out with the bases loaded. Justin has earned his shot and brings more to the table than the Pro Wrestler. He can actually play the field, he hits well enough and should be someone the Rays are looking at to platoon with Gabe Gross. Now we still have Gomes and the big Z is back. Outstanding!

Source: Rays Report

Technorati Tags: Ben Zobrist, Gabe Gross, Jonny Gomes, Justin Ruggiano, Tampa Bay Rays

   James Shields took the hill and looked bad from the first pitch tonight. These things happen. Shields is a good pitcher and this is just something that happens to all pitchers from time to time. The bullpen is starting to come down to earth as Howell and Dohman both gave up runs. Anyone who thought this team would finish the season with the best bullpen was crazy anyway. It was a bad night all around and there does need to be some changes made soon. I’m sick of watching Dioner Navarro act like he’s sitting on a bar stool behind the plate and not even attempting to move sideways or even drop down to block wild pitches. You can visually see each and every pitcher on the staff working to keep the ball down and in doing so they are ALL bouncing more pitches to the plate than normal. When you are having your pitchers do this the catcher must be aware and REACT accordingly. The fat catcher is a statue behind the plate and it’s getting worse. He will no longer be referred to by his given name on this site as the fat catcher has earned his new name and will not lose it. The fat catcher is definitely swinging the bat better but it’s not helping the pitching staff when he can’t move out of his squat! There are other problems that must be addressed soon. First we need a leadoff hitter now! I like Aki and he did hit a homer tonight but he is no leadoff hitter. This is killing the offense. Something must be done to fix this. The other problem is the Gabe Gross project. Defensively he looks adequate but his bat is not going to cut it. Gross hit a homer tonight but he is now batting .143. He came into the game batting .105 and someone like Jonny Gomes or even Justin Ruggiano must be thinking, ‘am I that bad against righty’s that a guy batting .105 is starting ahead of me?’. I’m not a huge fan of Gomes but c’mon here, why is he benched in favor of Gabe Gross? Even put Nathan Haynes out there and bat him leadoff and I could swallow that better than Gabe Gross. I appreciate the patience these guys have sometimes but we need a little better sense of urgency and competition now. I hope the Rays are looking to go after a guy like Willy Tavares or someone like that who could fill both the RF and leadoff problem. I’m happ with the progress the Rays have made but with the progress comes a new sense of urgency to stop running guys out there and ‘waiting’ for them to get going.

Technorati Tags: Akinori Iwamura, Dioner Navarro, Gabe Gross, J.P. Howell, James Shields, Jonny Gomes, Justin Ruggiano, Nathan Haynes, Scott Dohman, Tampa Bay Rays

   If the Rays keep this up the ownership group may look at a new ballpark in Orlando instead. Just kidding (hopefully). Shields pitched well, Longoria homered, Navarro made a nice return and Eric Hinske had a good time bashing his former team. I’m of course speaking literally here as Hinske darn near hit for the cycle against his former team. A nice game all around for the Rays and they have won four straight in Orlando now dating back to the last years sweep of the Rangers. The fun part of this win today was that earlier today DRaysBay interviewed Drunk Jays Fans and they seemed pretty happy not to have Eric Hinske anymore. How bout now? I’m not going to make too much of that because we can relate with Aubrey Huff. Huff kills us every time it seems but I don’t want him back, so believe me I can relate.

   In other Rays news today the Rays picked up another lefthanded outfielder from the Milwaukee Brewers in Gabe Gross for minor league pitcher Josh Butler. You can read about the trade in a brief mention over at MLBTR. I’m puzzled as to why the Rays need another LH outfielder. What exactly are they trying to do here? We now have Dan Johnson, Eric Hinske, Nathan Haynes and eventually Cliff Floyd. Hmmmmm…… Hinske has definitely earned more playing time and Jonny Gomes is hitting his way into an everyday spot soooooo…… OK, sorry. I’ve got to assume that Haynes is on the way out and don’t forget Justin Ruggiano is still on the roster, for now. I’ve never seen Gabe Gross play so I’m not knocking him, maybe he’s good. This is just strange though. I’m not a fan of Nathan Haynes but I think he’s done a good enough job to keep a roster spot and when Pena can play first again I’ve got to assume that Hinske will be the DH with Gomes receiving most of the playing time in right. This is why I like Haynes on the roster as with Hinske or Gomes in right we need someone to be a late inning defensive replacement. I guess this will all sort itself out and we need to see what Gross can do but this is still very questionable right now. I’ll leave it alone and see how it goes.

Technorati Tags: Carlos Pena, Cliff Floyd, Dan Johnson, Dioner Navarro, Eric Hinske, Evan Longoria, Gabe Gross, James Shields, Jonny Gomes, Justin Ruggiano, Nathan Haynes, Tampa Bay Rays