Leave a question for Marc

Are you wondering about the Rays' postseason lineup? What their rotation or bullpen will look like? What role Carl Crawford might play? How they match up with their potential playoff opponents?

We want to hear from you. Leave us a question in the 'Comments' area below, and Times beat reporter Marc Topkin will answer it. We'll post a full transcript on Thursday, the day of the Rays' postseason opener.

Comments

[Amanda]

John-
Vitamins, vitamins, and more vitamins, from what I have heard. Is it extreme fatigue as in exhaustion, or fatigued muscles as well?

[John Hammen]

I know you guys are busy with your quest for the world series and good luck with that. But I need your help. During the Monday broadcast of the game, the announcers mentioned Rocco Baldelli's medical problems with Mitochondrial Disorders. I am a 55 year old retired police officer and have the extreme fatigue that Rocco has. The doctors have not been able to find the cause. Can you or Rocco please reply to let me know what course of treatment has helped. I am desperate. I live in Baltimore, so I could go to Johns Hopkins if I know what direction to point them in. Thanks and good luck.

2 questions: Can you find out if TBS is going to hire a color commentator who knows the name of our team? One who knows that Tampa BAY does not play or do anything, actually "down in Tampa"? I ended up turning the volume down on that moron and listening to am 1250 during the last 2 games.

Also: Can you find out what went so terribly wrong with the fan lotter codes that were supposed to help ensure at least a few local fans could get in to see a championship game? How did all those tix end up on stub-hub while the Times was barking: Rays Sell Out in on hour! Sell out is right.

[Tom]

If the Rays - Sox series goes 7 games it has an 8:00 Sunday night start on 10/19. The Bucs also play a night game on the 19th (the NBC game). Would MLB move the start time so there isn't a conflict?

[Steven H.]

Hey Marc,
I was wonderig if you or anybody else was thinking about moving Scott Kazmir to the bullpen. I think he will be highly successful there, seeing as he can only go 5 innings. He also could blaze heaters past hitters and gives us a more reliable option as setup man, or long reliever. Please answer!

[Don]

Why was Shawn Riggans not a part of the rally?

[Joe]

Marc,

I see what was written in both papers now, and seeing what ESPN has done in incorrectly identifying the Tampa Bay region. To me, there is a pride issue here. I know good folks in the Chamber of Commerce have paid decent money to have "St. Petersburg, Home of the Rays" on the behind the plate billboard. Other fans have commented on this, and I have heard somewhat roundabout answers on this.

The name of the team is the "Tampa Bay" Rays. I know this, and I would think everyone else would. Why not ask Stu or Matt to ask MLB's permission with all of this stuff to waive the two year requirement for uniform alterations and have "Tampa Bay" returned to our road uniform. I love Tampa, I love St. Pete, but this would at the very least alleviate some of this naieve confusion and the disgrace that is some of the national media, from Dayn Perry, to Ken Rosenthal, even to men like Stark, Kurkjian and Gammons.

Will this issue be put to rest? There is an important civic issue here, and I would love for the team once and for all say they will return "Tampa Bay" to our road uniforms. Especially when we got "Tampa Bay" chants, it would be heart-warming. And its time people nationally weren't so ignorant. They know better. Please, please ask this of Stu and Matt to please revisit the road uniform and have that changed. With respect, Joe

[JDCMV]

Can you explain why the Chisox and Twins had to have a one game playoff, while the Rays and Bosox would not have, if they finished with the same record? The Rays were going to be awarded 1st place based on more head to head wins against the Bosox, right?
Why didn't the same thing apply for the Twins, who I believe had more head to head wins against the Chisox?

[john]

Yeah I would like to know what color the fans are supposed to wear to game 1 and game 2. Havent heard anything yet. Blue makes sense to me. Personally i think everyone should wear the old green jerseys, so we can see who the band wagoners are:)

[Paul]

Marc,
Any idea if the Rays will be having a "Blue Out"? I had tried to get the idea of a "Paint Em Blue" going when we played Boston in July but it just never seemed to catch on. I thought the Trop would look pretty cool if we all wore blue Rays gear.

I also hope there is at least a cowbell giveaway, if blue shirts aren't handed out.

[john]

Any idea if the Rays have asked the fans to wear a particular color? Like the "black out" in chicago?

[Carl]

Please ask the Rays organization if they will move the team if they do not get a new stadium.

On a side note, I agree with your selection of Bartlett as MVP. He has helped stabilize the infield which in turn has allowed the pitching staff to relax knowing the fielders behind them will catch the ball. He has come up time and again with key hits and while I don't think stealing bases is a smart tactic, he is easily the best in terms of baserunning instincts.

[Joe]

God bless you Brandon. Well said. Be that inspiration

[Brandon]

Can you get this to the Rays organization somehow?

To whom it may concern:

Dear Tampa Bay Rays Organization,

I am writing this letter on behalf of my passion and support that I have possessed for the organization for the past 10 years. The story of how I became a then Tampa Bay Devil Rays fan is quite unique and therefore the main reason that I have been unable to obtain tickets for the upcoming playoff series. My passion for the team began when I was only 7 years old, the expansion year of the Tampa Bay franchise. During this year many aspects of my life changed, however I have remained a strong fan over the years throughout the losing seasons and difficult times of the organization. In 1998, my parents sadly divorced, so baseball was my main focus in life and my first Little League Baseball Team happened to be the Devil Rays. Ever since that time, I have become a true diehard fan of Tampa, including all other sports as well as baseball. Baseball has always been my sport and always will be. I followed the then Devil Rays during the expansion year and became accustomed to doing everything I possibly could to watch the games on T.V. or internet, even radio, if possible. My friends and family as well as total strangers have called my names from crazy to stupid, etc. However, their criticism has not stopped my beliefs in the organization and their capability to be a contender and championship team. Like many others in the world, I have faced difficult family issues, including sudden deaths and diagnosed diseases, even some crisis’ that were almost deadly. My situation is unique in all aspects and although I understand the supply and demand for tickets to a playoff game, it would be a dream come true to attend.

My intentions as a fan are to watch and support the Rays throughout the playoffs and into the World Series. I expect no miracle such as tickets to all playoff games or any crazy promotional values to a “nobody” to most of, if not all of the organization. However, I wanted to inform the team that although the losing seasons have gone on, that support throughout the years has existed outside the Tampa area. My life has included few trips to Florida, where I witnessed the stands to be relatively empty for the duration of my visit. The empty seats made the losing season more frustrating, especially home games with more away fans then Tampa Bay fans. I have experienced all possible ridicule by fans for supporting what they called “a losing or nobody franchise”, but I paid them no attention. Fans in my home ballpark in Baltimore had told me they never saw Tampa Bay fans at games before, even those who went on a regular basis. Even for a long portion of this season, fans, friends, and family questioned me when I mentioned my support toward the Rays organization. Each year, I have hoped for a World Series Championship and had the dream of watching the celebration of victory. 2008 is no exception and I expect no less than a World Series Championship. I truly believe in the Tampa Bay Rays and their organization to put together a winner for the city and especially the fans.

Fans are an essential need for all sports teams and are somewhat considered vital for victory. The home field advantage for the Rays has been crucial in their winning efforts this season and I expect that trend to continue. Basically as a true fan of the team for years, I have seen the jersey color changes and new name change. Honestly, although I am only a teenager, I still understand the difficulty of constant losing over the years. So, I am asking for anything at all to remember this year because I know it will be a season to remember. As crazy as it may sound, I am requesting either playoff tickets to a Rays game or anything at all really. To be quite honest I feel as though the letter will most likely be a waste because no organization gives much to their fans outside the area because usually for small market teams, there are none. However, my family and friends know me best, they have joked and made their puns but I have stayed faithful to my team. Dreams are important in life, but can never be guaranteed in life to happen. For example, I realize that my lifelong dream to play for the Rays is near impossible, given the percent of athletes that actually turn professional. Another dream that I have had, inspired by Sportscenter, that there was nobody worthy of throwing out the first pitch of a playoff game in Tampa. Well here I am, I feel as though I am quite worthy of being the fan to throw out the first pitch of a Rays playoff game. Despite my location in Glen Burnie, Maryland I feel as though I am the Rays number 1 fan. Last week, I attended the 4 game series in Baltimore and had high hopes to see the division clinched, but sadly it fell short by a single game. My heart and support is and always will be with the Tampa Bay organization wherever it may go. So there you have it, I am just a true fan who wished to be part of the success of the Rays by more than simply watching the games on T.V. so as a fan and more importantly a person, I’m asking for a dream to come true. The cost of a trip to Tampa as well as tickets, a hotel, airfare, and rental car are extremely expensive, but as a true fan I really have the desire to be at a playoff game to cheer on the team that I have admired and believed in for so long over the years of the franchises history. Despite my assumptions that this letter will have virtually no meaning to whomever reads it, I truly appreciate that you have taken the time to hear me out and my story. Hopefully you understand my perspective and point of view, and if not then maybe you should consider what it was like being a fan as a kid, and thinking of how your dreams could become a reality.

Your gratitude would be well appreciated,

Sincerely, the true Tampa Bay Rays fan #1

Brandon Stower

P.S. Go TAMPA BAY RAYS! BRING HOME THE WORLD SERIES TITLE!!!

I BELIEVE IN THEM AND THIS ORGANIZATION TO THE FULLEST!

[Chip32]

Marc,

Any idea why potential Game 5 AL playoffs are scheduled on Kol Nidre?

Chip32

[M. Percifield]

Any idea why Willy Aybar was not introduced at the Rays rally on Monday?

[a fan]

What positions should the team look to bolster in the off-season?

[re: Riggans]

he is on the DL .. out for the year

[attn: Terry --- LEARN THE GAME!!!]

Terry: before you spout off, why don't you learn the game ???
neither of those guys has enough AB's to qualify

now go get your friggin' shinebox!

[Ann]

QUESTION; What happened to our catcher Riggans? I miss him and his name is not mentioned anymore. Thanks!!

[Jeff]

Please ask the Rays about the definite plans putting Tampa Bay back on the road uniforms!! All of these "Tampa Bay" chants and we got to see Rays on the road! I am tired of all of this "Tampa" talk, everyone says the Rays play in Tampa, it's St. Pete! I love Tampa, St. Pete and the whole bay area, but why do national people continue to deliberately misrepresent the area? Putting Tampa Bay on the road uniforms would be very prudent, wise and helpful.

[Jim]

This is more of a last man deal. I just hope Price's spot if it comes down to include Price isn't done to spite someone like Percival. Price should be on the roster, regardless.

M, if what you are saying is true, the Bartlett should be the MVP of the league. Of course, you would say stats don't tell the whole story, then what about Pena's leadership, or Navi's rise? It's a team effort!!

[Terry]

On 09/30 Times page 4c under Rays Leaders, who wrote that Iwamura was the average leader with .274? If it was a sports writer he should turn in his badge, if it was a food writer send him back to the kitchen. Anyone that follows the Rays team knows that Navarro and Bartlett both have higher averages.

[M]

I need to respond to Tyler's post at 11:02. This is not to rip BJ or Aki. They are valuable components to this team. They strike out way too much for the position they bat in.I'm not going to spew a seasons worth of stats, but offensively, BJ has higher slugging pct. but is that what you want in the 2 spot. Since the All Star break, both Bartlett and BJ have the same OBP. Great! But Bartlett's BA is 62 points higher and has struck out 25 times less. That's a lot of production lost at the #2 spot which traditionally is reserved for someone who is concerened with "playing small ball" and having a high baseball IQ (i.e. not getting picked off base an inordinate amount of times). This is the playoffs and I would feel more comfortable with Bartlett in that spot.

As far as the team MVP, if you were the Angels and you could remove one person from the Rays starters, whose glove, bat and BRAIN would be missed the most? Bartlett plays the hardest position in baseball and stats don't always tell the entire story. Navi would be a close second.

That's my opinion

[Jerry]

Marc,

I hate the AL division champ hats.
They do not show AL East on them.
The NL hats do show the division.
Any idea where to get a hat the shows the Rays as 08 AL East Champs?
Thanks

[Angie]

Who scheduled the time for the first play off game? Is that the owner of the Rays or the managers? I'm clueless. I just want to know who to channel my anger towards for making it in the middle of the afternoon! :)

[Charlie G]

Marc, in the Rays Notebook today (9/30) it is paraenthetically suggested that Justin Ruggiano might be a consideration if CC is unable to go for the ALDS. Separately it is suggested that Perez may be the odd man out if CC is able to go. First question is how can Ruggiano be realistically considered to be in the running for any roster spot? Second, I know that Gomes brings an unquestionable emotional quotient to the bench, but how can Gomes be seriously considered over Perez if quality defense is the priority (its what got us here)? And offensively, isn't Perez a better objective choice than Gomes?

Thanks

[Tom]

Ask Joe:

Who's your closer? Who's your setup guy? What role will David Price play? How will your lineup differ when facing a lefty starter? How big of a role will CC play, if at all?

[Alex Gonzalez]

Man, I played for the Marlins and won a world series championship in 03 and I played in Boston in 2006. What makes me any better of a player than Jason Bartlett? Should Bartlett get top 5 in the AL MVP vote? How good was I then, with similar batting skills than him, senor?

[Jake]

I don't think its loneliness, but people are mad at the perceived arrogance of the beat writer. Why take a shot at "experts" when good, honest people don't think Jason Bartlett was even deserving of the honor?

Personally, I am not happy about it. It does bother me in the sense that the mantra of "run prevention" and the whims of the front office I believe entered Marc's mind. If that is the case, then I do believe that Marc should put Bartlett in the same category as Youkilis, Pedroia and A-Rod in league MVP consideration. Its the logic and the consistency I am concerned about.

Hopefully for me, the road uniforms are fixed at the earliest convienence, period. This is the biggest complaint I have, and it is shared by dozens of others, just not as loud or demonstrative.

This has been an outstanding season. A lot of theories have been proven wrong, although I find some of the arrogance of select members of the front office also peculiar. I just hope that the starting pitchers are allowed to work without restrictions and CC is ready to go. No excuses, they may only get one shot at it, and make it count, boys! HAVE FUN!!

[E]

How do you think Maddon will fill the rightfield slot during the playoffs? With or w/o CC back in left.
Is Gabe the answer, this year and next?
If not, where do you see the Rays going for a full time RF player?

[Tyler]

Well M, I find it comical that you think two guys who get on base at a higher rate than Bartlett and hit for more power than him should be moved down for him. As for your assertion that he is clearly the team MVP please explain your reasoning? I'd like you not to cite the teams record when he's playing because that tells us very little. In fact the team has a higher winning percentage when Hinske, Floyd and Navarro play than when Bartlett plays, so if that's your logic, Hinske should be the MVP.

[M]

I have two questions.

Is there any chance Maddon will deviate from what he has done all year and at least move Bartlett up to the two spot in the batting order? Honestly, I think Aki and BJ are weak as our leadoff guys. Btw, it's comical to question how valuable Bartlett is to this team. No doubt he ias the MVP of this team.

Second question, are you as embarrassed as I am for some of these idiots? There is a lot of anger and loneliness out there.

[PTownFan]

Do September callups who don't make the playoff roster work out and travel with the team during the playoffs?

[On The Bubble]

Percival, Price or Perez?

If only one can make the cut, who is it?

Only room for one.

[Zach]

Marc,

Today Torii Hunter made a comment about the effect the crackdown on performance enhancing drugs has had on home runs hit this year. He said it's a huge part of the reason for the slump in HRs this year. Do you agree? And, how much of a role do you think this played in the success of a team like the Rays, who specialize in pitching and defense?

[Marcus]

All of this hostility on here, I wonder why? I have to agree on the road uniforms and the MVP vote. Marc, will you please elaborate on the choice. With all due respect to you and your judgment, I vehemently disagree with the selection. Navarro, Pena, Longoria, Howell and Wheeler deserve at least the same if not more than Bartlett.

[Civic enthusiasts]

Will Tampa Bay be definitively be coming back to the road uniforms in 2009? All of the success is great, but seeing the return of proper road monicker would be nice.

[Silent Majority]

Marc,

Are you going to vote Jason Bartlett for your top 5 in the AL MVP voting? Are you going to live up to your reputation as the area chapter president of Tampa Bay BBWAA??

[rayalan]

Any idea why Gomes name was left off of the AL East championship jersey? They misspelled Dioner Navarros's name also!!!!!!!!!!!