Rays readying for possible party

Update 6:09 pm: CF B.J. Upton, who missed 10 games with strained left quadriceps, made his return Saturday in the fifth inning as a pinch-hitter. Batting with the bases loaded and one out, Upton grounded into an inning-ending double play.

But Upton took the field in the next inning, back in his usual spot in centerfield. Manager Joe Maddon has said he expects Upton to return to the starting lineup Sunday.

Buzz is already building at Tropicana Field, with fans lined up as the gates opened.

CF B.J. Upton is still not back in the lineup, though he is expected to be available to pinch-hit.

The Tampa Bay chapter of the BBWAA will present its annual awards before the game - the Paul C. Smith Champion Award, the Outstanding Rookie and the MVP.

LHP Scott Kazmir, who made the bold statements on the first day of spring training that the Rays were good enough to be in the playoffs, will be on the mound today.


The Rays lineup:

Iwamura, 2b
Bartlett, ss
Pena, 1b
Longoria, 3b
Floyd, dh
Navarro, c
Gross, rf
HInske, lf
Perez, cf
Kazmir, p

Comments

[Amanda]

Zeke-
I agree with the lack of hustle from Upton. It's just that the first part of your post was about Perez' hitting vs. Upton's hitting, and I assumed that last part was about that, too.

[zeke]

Amanda, once more, my problem with Upton is with his desire and hustle and that has zero, zip, zilch, nada to do with a shoulder injury. Perez no doubt doesn't have the natural ability that Upton has but he plays the game with everything he has and Upton doesn't. Another subject, who is this clown calling the game for Fox with Magrane--I have never heard of him but I can see why he doesn't get much work as he makes Magrane sound like the best announcer in the world. Uninformed and dull.

jimmy, your idiocy precedes you. Can't hit huh? Those homers and clutch hits he's belting are just a mirage I guess. B.J. Upton, TAKE A SEAT! Your LAZY PLAY and pi** poor attitude have found you a place on the bench FOR GOOD! Have fun playing in other 5th game next year, IF you even make the team. Personally I'll be glad to NEVER have to scream from the stands at you again to RUN YOU LAZY BAST***! Maybe jimmy will come visit you in Toronto next year where you'll be "acting" like your playing in a Blue Jays uniform...GOOD RIDDANCE!

[Amanda]

Zeke-
Don't think we can REALLY grade Upton right now either, given that injury that was hidden from us for so long.

[zeke]

yeah Jimmy, Perez can't hit. Let's see, Perez has 3 homers in the very short time he has been up and Upton has 8 playing most of the year. Who can't hit? You sure as heck can't grade Perez yet, give him some time in the biggies but you sure can grade Upton, can't you??

[Jeff]

Perez can't hit or slug??? Are you even watching the games? He now has 3 HRs in just over 40 at bats, since being called up. Much better option than Upton right now.

[Amanda]

Jimmy-
Really? You were saying? :)
I do believe that was HR number 3, in his 15th game.
Seriously, I think it's too soon to decide either way on this kid. Love him in the field, though!

[Dave]

5-0 one out bases loaded bottom 5?

Ssssssssssssssssssssssssh.

But I can taste it baby.

Oh, and my Gators are whooping the Vols.

Ssssssssssssssssssssssh.

[jimmy]

For all those who have already placed Perez in CF inplace of Upton, do you still think that way after watching this kid hit? He can't hit, perhaps he can bunt and beat out slow grounders but he would be like a Pierre outfielder with no slugging power whatsoever. If Upton's shoulder is repaired or whatever needs to be done is done and he can return to the player he was last year, Perez will be back in Durham.