cooling off and heating up ....
As the Rays head into June, taking a season-long five-game losing streak into Wednesday's game, Maddon said he is confident that things are going to improve. The way he looks at it, the starting pitching has been better than expected, the bullpen has stabilized with the addition of Tyler Walker, the defense has improved and the offense can only get better with the expected return of both 2B Jorge Cantu and OF Rocco Baldelli within the next week to 10 days. Maddon also points to the number of close games the Rays have played, with 38 of their first 52 decided by three runs are fewer (Rays are 18-20). He figures that learning to win the close ones will help their overall growth too.
The decision to not change the name for next season, first reported in the Times on Sunday, was not really much of a surprise. Sure, Rays officials will have more time to work on the project, more time to gather opinions, try out options and make decisions on a new name, color scheme and logo, but they can also take advantage of better timing.
The Rays probably won't be much better in 2007, which will be marketed at the 10th anniversary season of the franchise. So why not wait until 2008, when they do expect to field a more successful team, and usher in the next decade of Rays baseball with a new name and new look? Any suggestions?
Follow Tampa Bay Rays baseball from spring training to the World Series with Marc Topkin, Joe Smith and the St. Petersburg Times sports staff. From Evan Longoria to B.J. Upton and Scott Kazmir, we're your source for Tampa Bay Rays scores and schedules.
It's very likely that by the time Baldelli (hello??) and Cantu get back in the lineup, the Rays will be 15+ games out. Spare me the beautification project and fan-friendly atmosphere; it's the team that's ugly. A mediocre rotation backed by a mediocre pen supported by an injury-plagued lineup full of streak hitters spells another 90-loss season.
Posted by: Anonymous | June 01, 2006 at 12:10 AM
Come on, all the Rays did was promote the Durham Bulls. We're getting AAA talent at a major league price. Look at the batting averages. It's not all pitching. How about a major shake up in the batting order? I see little passion in the team and find little reason to go to the games. All I see and hear is flustration. Just like the Bucs and Lightning- People want to be associated with a winner. In hindsight, a AAA team should have been established instead of throwing these guys to the wolves. Pinella spelled it out for everyone. Now it's just the same story you wrote three years ago.
Posted by: Anonymous | June 01, 2006 at 03:43 AM
Topkin: You are not getting any younger baby. How about some winning seasons before we all start dying. Its Waiting for Godot down there. The medical staff bears some scutiny. How these guys from the Rice sore-arms to Matt White to Baldelli and Cantu can't get back on the field. Of course, their purported misdiagnosis of Zambrano turned into the best thing that ever happened to the franchise. But what's the deal with the health of the top prospects? Seems like too much coddling.
Posted by: Anonymous | June 01, 2006 at 10:53 AM
The Rays have the potential to be a winning team. They have all the components, they just need to orchestrate it so it all works in rythym. Thats my two cents worth.Kimberly Kwww.charlotteonestop.com"Charlottes Local Site"
Posted by: Anonymous | June 01, 2006 at 01:13 PM
ABOUT J.HAMILTON: I'D LIKE TO PASS THE WORD SO HE CAN CONVERT TO 1ST BASE SINCE WE HAVE 6 GOOD [OF]. WHAT A NICE TALL TARGET. WITH DUKES & YOUNG COMING UP ... WE MIGHT TRADE GATHRIGHT STILL. I VISUALIZE CC, YOUNG & ROCCO IN THE [OF]& DUKES KNOCKING ON THE DOOR. GOMES THE DH AND HAMILTON AT 1ST. CANTU 2ND. PUT UPTON ON 3RD AND RESIGN LUGO. OK RICH !
Posted by: richie ricardo | June 02, 2006 at 07:04 PM