Rays/Sox Part III

[813Jag]

Big series at the Trop starts tonight. Hope lots of Rays fans can turn out and support the team. The front of the Tampa Tribune has a pic of James Shields swinging on CoCo Crisp (who incidentally was almost a Southern Jaguar).

[SunCoastBlueHen]

Big series at the Trop starts tonight. Hope lots of Rays fans can turn out and support the team. The front of the Tampa Tribune has a pic of James Shields swinging on CoCo Crisp (who incidentally was almost a Southern Jaguar).

Do you plan on catching a game, Jag?

[bodoyle]

Let's go Rays so I can keep making fun of CCUCheer's team!

[813Jag]

Do you plan on catching a game, Jag?
I may try to get over there on Tuesday, not sure though. Today and Wednesday are out for me. xnonono2x

[SunCoastBlueHen]

But Wednesday is Kazmir vs. Matsuzaka?!?!?! :p

[813Jag]

But Wednesday is Kazmir vs. Matsuzaka?!?!?! :p
I know that's why I'm upset. xmadx At least it's on TV.

[bodoyle]

Awww hell 813 is a Rays fan? *****. Do I side with the enemy and continue to give CCUCheer a hard time, or do I side with her and continue my feud with 813? xchinscratchx

[SunCoastBlueHen]

I know that's why I'm upset. xmadx At least it's on TV.

:p

I'm actually trying to find someone to head out to that game with me. My friend from Boston is actually in Beantown this week.

[813Jag]

Awww hell 813 is a Rays fan? *****. Do I side with the enemy and continue to give CCUCheer a hard time, or do I side with her and continue my feud with 813? xchinscratchx
Do the right thing and side with me. xthumbsupx


:p

I'm actually trying to find someone to head out to that game with me. My friend from Boston is actually in Beantown this week.
I saw the matchups this morning and I was pissed. I've got two meetings this week that I can't miss. xmadx

[andy7171]

I hope the Tropicana collapses and both teams are lost forever!

[bodoyle]

813: I think I am since I already left CCUCheer a nasty message.

[SunCoastBlueHen]

Do the right thing and side with me. xthumbsupx


I saw the matchups this morning and I was pissed. I've got two meetings this week that I can't miss. xmadx

Shoot me a PM if you end up going on Tuesday. xpeacex

[813Jag]

Shoot me a PM if you end up going on Tuesday. xpeacex
Will do. xthumbsupx

[813Jag]

813: I think I am since I already left CCUCheer a nasty message.
You're doing the right thing.

[bodoyle]

You're doing the right thing.

Now I'm beginning to wonder if I just made a deal with the devil.

[andy7171]

Now I'm beginning to wonder if I just made a deal with the devil.

No. They are just the Rays this year.

[bodoyle]

No. They are just the Rays this year.

I would rather make a deal with them than with 813 xeekx xwhistlex

[813Jag]

I would rather make a deal with them than with 813 xeekx xwhistlex
Aw Come On! I'm not that bad. xcoolx

[bodoyle]

Aw Come On! I'm not that bad. xcoolx

Says the person who tried to steal my wife while he still had a wife of his own!!!!

[813Jag]

Says the person who tried to steal my wife while he still had a wife of his own!!!!
Oh that? That's a minor thing. xlolx

[andy7171]

xpopcornx

[UNHWildCats]

Jesus how times have changed. A Sox/Rays thread getting to 3 pages in what four hours without me posting 2/3 of the posts.

[813Jag]

Jesus how times have changed. A Sox/Rays thread getting to 3 pages in what four hours without me posting 2/3 of the posts.
I know, I think I'll become the Rays version of you, if they can sustain their success. xlolx I knew I should have put that hex on the Sox when I visited Fenway Park. xoopsx xoopsx

http://media.tbo.com/photos/sports/2008/jun/0630rays385b.jpg
But seriously I hope the Rays stay focused on the task at hand and not get caught up in the emotion.

[bodoyle]

Oh that? That's a minor thing. xlolx

That's why she went with me xwhistlex

[UNHWildCats]

I know, I think I'll become the Rays version of you, if they can sustain their success. xlolx I knew I should have put that hex on the Sox when I visited Fenway Park. xoopsx xoopsx

http://media.tbo.com/photos/sports/2008/jun/0630rays385b.jpg
But seriously I hope the Rays stay focused on the task at hand and not get caught up in the emotion.
Shields should take lessons from Nolan Ryan so next time he might actually land the swing on Coco.... lol

Prediction time: Sox sweep the series.

[813Jag]

Shields should take lessons from Nolan Ryan so next time he might actually land the swing on Coco.... lol

Prediction time: Sox sweep the series.
Next time he should use his non pitching hand. Rays take 2 of 3. Send Sox fans back to their Tampa Bay homes crying. xbawlingx

[UNHWildCats]

Mon: Masterson vs Shields
Masterson has been great since he was called up and enters the game with a 4-1 record. Shields is 1-4 with a 5.66 era career vs Boston.

Tue: Wakefield vs Garza
Garza is 2-1 career vs Boston but Tim Wakefield has been near perfect in Tampa Bay in his career going 19-3 with a 3.16 era, and he is also currently on a very hot stretch.

Wed: Matsuzaka vs Kazmir
This is Tampa's best shot at a win in the series. Kazmir is 6-6 vs the Sox but has a career 2.82 era vs them. Matsuzaka is just 1-3 vs Tampa in his career, that all came last year though as he has been much improved this year.

[SunCoastBlueHen]

Mon: Masterson vs Shields
Masterson has been great since he was called up and enters the game with a 4-1 record. Shields is 1-4 with a 5.66 era career vs Boston.

Tue: Wakefield vs Garza
Garza is 2-1 career vs Boston but Tim Wakefield has been near perfect in Tampa Bay in his career going 19-3 with a 3.16 era, and he is also currently on a very hot stretch.

Wed: Matsuzaka vs Kazmir
This is Tampa's best shot at a win in the series. Kazmir is 6-6 vs the Sox but has a career 2.82 era vs them. Matsuzaka is just 1-3 vs Tampa in his career, that all came last year though as he has been much improved this year.

You forgot to mention Boston's is 0-3 record in St. Pete.

As for Wakefield...

Dome = no wind = less effective knuckleball.

The Sox best chance to win is tonight.

[UNHWildCats]

You forgot to mention Boston's is 0-3 record in St. Pete.

As for Wakefield...

Dome = no wind = less effective knuckleball.

The Sox best chance to win is tonight.
He's 24-12 in domes in his career including 9-1 at Tampa

"Pitching inside is always a big plus for me. Just the atmosphere that the dome creates, I think the ball moves a little more inside vs. outside when you have a lot of weather conditions that can probably hinder something. I'm just thankful it was cold and the roof was closed."

"You get much more action on a knuckleball in a dome," said Blue Jays DH Frank Thomas. "He threw a couple there and I was like, 'Wow.' I was amazed. With the movement on that ball, there were times Mirabelli couldn't even catch it."

[SunCoastBlueHen]

He's 24-12 in domes in his career including 9-1 at Tampa

"Pitching inside is always a big plus for me. Just the atmosphere that the dome creates, I think the ball moves a little more inside vs. outside when you have a lot of weather conditions that can probably hinder something. I'm just thankful it was cold and the roof was closed."

"You get much more action on a knuckleball in a dome," said Blue Jays DH Frank Thomas. "He threw a couple there and I was like, 'Wow.' I was amazed. With the movement on that ball, there were times Mirabelli couldn't even catch it."

Well, I must say that I find that surprising. I always thought a knuckleball needed air currents to create movement.

Though I humbly stand corrected, I still say the Rays take 2 of 3. xpeacex

[813Jag]

I just saw this. Boston Herald: Red Sox Dispatch Security (http://www.tboblogs.com/index.php/sports/comments/boston-herald-red-sox-dispatch-security-here-after-threat/) Here After Threat.

Lots of stuff in the Tribune, saw this also, it was kind of funny.

10 TIPS FOR NEW RAYS FANS

As Tampa Bay's bandwagon starts to get a little crowded, here are 10 tips for new baseball fans heading to Tropicana Field:

REMEMBER THE NAME: Many locals still call the arena in downtown Tampa the Ice Palace, so you cannot be blamed for forgetting the baseball team's nickname. They are no longer Devil Rays, but Rays.

PURCHASE RAYS GEAR: There will be a lot of Red Sox fans sporting their team colors during this series, so local fans need to purchase at least a T-shirt or hat. New Rays logo only, please. And apparel comes in pink and white for women, so no excuses.

BRING THREE FRIENDS: If four people are in one car, including the driver, parking is free.

LEARN THE FIGHT SONG: Yes, the Rays have a fight song. It's set to rock music, and all you have to memorize is "Feel [pause] the Heat [pause] Rays."

NO FISHING IN RAYS TANK: Tampa Bay has a 35-foot, 10,000-gallon tank by the right-center field fence with actual rays swimming around. Fishing is not allowed, but you can feed rays food to them.

THE RIVALRY: Boston has taken the place of the "Evil Empire," the New York Yankees, as Tampa Bay's biggest rival.

IT'S EVAN, NOT EVA: The guy playing third base for Tampa Bay is Evan Longoria, not to be confused with actress Eva Longoria.

ENEMY NO. 1: Red Sox OF Coco Crisp is Rays enemy No..1 for confrontations with several Rays players and eventually charging the mound after Tampa Bay pitcher James Shields hit him during a series earlier this month.

WHERE'S RAYMOND?: The Rays have a furry blue mascot who wanders around Tropicana Field entertaining fans. You may not know what it is, but do not worry - neither does anyone else.

WHEN THE RAYS WIN, YOU WIN: If Tampa Bay Rays strike out 10 opponents in a game, you win a free pizza from Kane's and Papa John's Pizza. If the Rays win, you get a free donut at Dunkin' Donuts.

[UNHWildCats]

I just saw this. Boston Herald: Red Sox Dispatch Security (http://www.tboblogs.com/index.php/sports/comments/boston-herald-red-sox-dispatch-security-here-after-threat/) Here After Threat.

Lots of stuff in the Tribune, saw this also, it was kind of funny.

10 TIPS FOR NEW RAYS FANS

As Tampa Bay's bandwagon starts to get a little crowded, here are 10 tips for new baseball fans heading to Tropicana Field:

REMEMBER THE NAME: Many locals still call the arena in downtown Tampa the Ice Palace, so you cannot be blamed for forgetting the baseball team's nickname. They are no longer Devil Rays, but Rays.

PURCHASE RAYS GEAR: There will be a lot of Red Sox fans sporting their team colors during this series, so local fans need to purchase at least a T-shirt or hat. New Rays logo only, please. And apparel comes in pink and white for women, so no excuses.

BRING THREE FRIENDS: If four people are in one car, including the driver, parking is free.

LEARN THE FIGHT SONG: Yes, the Rays have a fight song. It's set to rock music, and all you have to memorize is "Feel [pause] the Heat [pause] Rays."

NO FISHING IN RAYS TANK: Tampa Bay has a 35-foot, 10,000-gallon tank by the right-center field fence with actual rays swimming around. Fishing is not allowed, but you can feed rays food to them.

THE RIVALRY: Boston has taken the place of the "Evil Empire," the New York Yankees, as Tampa Bay's biggest rival.

IT'S EVAN, NOT EVA: The guy playing third base for Tampa Bay is Evan Longoria, not to be confused with actress Eva Longoria.

ENEMY NO. 1: Red Sox OF Coco Crisp is Rays enemy No..1 for confrontations with several Rays players and eventually charging the mound after Tampa Bay pitcher James Shields hit him during a series earlier this month.

WHERE'S RAYMOND?: The Rays have a furry blue mascot who wanders around Tropicana Field entertaining fans. You may not know what it is, but do not worry - neither does anyone else.

WHEN THE RAYS WIN, YOU WIN: If Tampa Bay Rays strike out 10 opponents in a game, you win a free pizza from Kane's and Papa John's Pizza. If the Rays win, you get a free donut at Dunkin' Donuts.
if you were a sox fan advocating purchasing pink apparell, you'd end up being the target of some real rude comments.... personally i dont have anything against the pink hats and stuff, but a lot of sox fans do.

[813Jag]

if you were a sox fan advocating purchasing pink apparell, you'd end up being the target of some real rude comments.... personally i dont have anything against the pink hats and stuff, but a lot of sox fans do.
I don't have a problem with it, whatever it takes to get folks to rock the gear.

[UNHWildCats]

Red Sox

1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. J.D. Drew, RF
4. Manny Ramirez, DH
5. Mike Lowell, 3B
6. Kevin Youkilis, 1B
7. Brandon Moss, LF
8. Jason Varitek, C
9. Julio Lugo, SS

Justin Masterson, SP


Rays

1. B.J. Upton, CF
2. Carl Crawford, LF
3. Willy Aybar, 2B
4. Carlos Pena, 1B
5. Evan Longoria, 3B
6. Eric Hinske, DH
7. Dioner Navarro, C
8. Gabe Gross, RF
9. Jason Bartlett, SS

James Shields, SP

[SunCoastBlueHen]

I'm actually really excited to watch this game tonight. Let's go Rays!!!

[SunCoastBlueHen]

It's looking like a potential pitcher's duel tonight (Shields has good stuff). My favorite kind of baseball game. xthumbsupx

[mvemjsunpx]

Great picture on MLB.com (http://mlb.com)


http://www.myuploadedimages.com/images/dyvsobvj5wh50dme8ed.jpg

[SunCoastBlueHen]

Thanks, but I think we've seen that one before (at leat twice before in this very thread). :p xpeacex

[UNHWildCats]

Great picture on MLB.com (http://mlb.com)


http://www.myuploadedimages.com/images/dyvsobvj5wh50dme8ed.jpg
too bad shields missed xlolx xlolx

[mvemjsunpx]

Thanks, but I think we've seen that one before (at leat twice before in this very thread). :p xpeacex

Whoops.

I looked through the thread quickly seeing if it had been posted & I didn't see it. xoopsx

[SunCoastBlueHen]

Whoops.

I looked through the thread quickly seeing if it had been posted & I didn't see it. xoopsx


No worries. Just being a smart azz. :D

[Peems]

Travis is wrong again as the Rays win 5-4!!!!:p

Time for me to hope on that bandwagon!!!xlolx xlolx xnodx xnodx

[SunCoastBlueHen]

Despite an azz lucky dome ceiling ball double, the Sox come up short. 1-0 advantage Rays and a 1 1/2 game lead in the AL East.

I hate the Bosox, so I'll sleep well tonight.

I smell a sweep gently whifting through the air. :p

edit: I'm not sure "whifting" is a word, but who cares. :)

[Grizzaholic]

thank god the Sox lost.

[SunCoastBlueHen]

The Sox are going down like Dice-K in Travis' wet dream. :p

Sorry, that was bad. :o

[Peems]

Despite an azz lucky dome ceiling ball double, the Sox come up short. 1-0 advantage Rays and a 1 1/2 game lead in the AL East.

I hate the Bosox, so I'll sleep well tonight.

I smell a sweep gently whifting through the air. :p

edit: I'm not sure "whifting" is a word, but who cares. :)

I believe you're thinking of wafting. But maybe I'm wrong:)

[813Jag]

Travis is wrong again as the Rays win 5-4!!!!:p

Time for me to hope on that bandwagon!!!xlolx xlolx xnodx xnodx
Come aboard and grab a seat. The Rays need your support. xlolx xthumbsupx

[dbackjon]

Good to see my expansion brothers finally doing well.

[UNHWildCats]

The Rays were thrilled with their TV ratings for Monday night's game, and for good reason: The numbers were the best in franchise history.,

Here are the lineups:

Red Sox
Jacoby Ellsbury CF
Dustin Pedroia 2B
J.D. Drew RF
Manny Ramirez DH
Mike Lowell 3B
Kevin Youkilis 1B
Brandon Moss LF
Alex Cora SS
Kevin Cash C

Tim Wakefield P

Rays
Akinori Iwamura 2B
Carl Crawford LF
B.J. Upton CF
Carlos Pena 1B
Evan Longoria 3B
Cliff Floyd DH
Dioner Navarro C
Eric Hinske RF
Jason Bartlett SS

Matt Garza P

[Cleets]

There's really no way to dislike the Rays... (is there..?)
I'm an evil Red Sox fan and I like the Rays

I want to see them in the payoffs (it would be good for the game) xnodx

[UNHWildCats]

they'd be more likable if they were in the NL

[SunCoastBlueHen]

they'd be more likable if they were in the NL

:p

The Rays are a team of mostly young guys with no primadonna superstars. They play the game like it is supposed to be played - they hustle, they play hard, and they do the little, unselfish things that other teams have abandoned like hitting to the right side with a runner on second. You may have ill feelings toward the Rays (because your Sox are currently in second ;) ), but you have to admire how they go about winning games. It is a true team effort and a refreshing break from what baseball, and all other professional sports have become - a multi-million dollar clash of egos. xnodx

[UNHWildCats]

:p

The Rays are a team of mostly young guys with no primadonna superstars. They play the game like it is supposed to be played - they hustle, they play hard, and they do the little, unselfish things that other teams have abandoned like hitting to the right side with a runner on second. You may have ill feelings toward the Rays (because your Sox are currently in second ;) ), but you have to admire how they go about winning games. It is a true team effort and a refreshing break from what baseball, and all other professional sports have become - a multi-million dollar clash of egos. xnodx
it goes way beyond that. This rivalry hasnt been pretty and the Rays are well on there way to be as hated as the Yankees in Red Sox Nation.

[SunCoastBlueHen]

it goes way beyond that. This rivalry hasnt been pretty and the Rays are well on there way to be as hated as the Yankees in Red Sox Nation.

Becuase Boston fans see the Rays as little, upstart punks who are trying to take over their turf... and that they may! xnodx

[minuteman65]

Becuase Boston fans see the Rays as little, upstart punks who are trying to take over their turf... and that they may! xnodx

There's actually much more to it than that - quite the history between the two teams. For example, the infamous Pedro/Gerald Williams incident.

[Peems]

There's actually much more to it than that - quite the history between the two teams. For example, the infamous Pedro/Gerald Williams incident.

That's what he was trying to say. When the Yanks and Sox brawl it's just "dismissed" as part of the rivalry. But when the Rays and Sox do, it's because the Ray's are "punks" who are trying to beat up on the big kid on the playground.

[Peems]

Rays win again!!! 3-1. That Bandwagon is getting bigger by the moment!

[bodoyle]

SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP

[813Jag]

Rays win again!!! 3-1. That Bandwagon is getting bigger by the moment!
You can feel the Bay Area getting behind this team everyday. It's a good feeling. The Lightning seem to be getting it together. This place is finally a sports town.


SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP
One more game, Kaz takes the monud tonight. xthumbsupx

[UNHWildCats]

Ellsbury grounds out to lead off the game.

[UNHWildCats]

Pedroia hits his 9th homer of the year, 1-0 Sox.

[UNHWildCats]

Drew flies out to center. He's starting to slump after a very solid June that earned him AL Player of the Month honors.

[UNHWildCats]

Manny strikes out. Here comes Tampa.

[UNHWildCats]

Dice K gets Iwamura on 1 pitch then walks Crawford.

[UNHWildCats]

Upton grounds into a force and then steals second.

[UNHWildCats]

Pena walks and the Longoria singles in Upton 1-1.

[UNHWildCats]

after Floyd walks to loead the bases, Navarro flied out to Drew to end the inning, 1-1

[UNHWildCats]

Lowell walks and then Pena makes a good play to rob Youk of extra bases and gets a force out at second.

[UNHWildCats]

Pedroia added a triple to his HR, after 4 2-1 Sox Pedroia leads off 5th

[UNHWildCats]

Pedroia has a double now... he needs a siongle for the cycle and has 5 innings to go. He has gone in reverse order so far Home run, triple, double.

[UNHWildCats]

Pedroia is now 13-21 against Kazmir in his career.

[UNHWildCats]

Drew triples in Pedroia

[UNHWildCats]

3-1 Sox

[UNHWildCats]

Mannk Ks, lowell grounds out, there intentionally walking Youk now to face Varitek.

[UNHWildCats]

Drew scores on a wildpitch

[UNHWildCats]

4-1 Sox heading to the bottom of the 5th

[UNHWildCats]

Pedroia lines out to CF in the 6th... He will get atleast one more AB to attempt the cycle.

[Cleets]

Pedroia lines out to CF in the 6th... He will get atleast one more AB to attempt the cycle.

why was Pedroia swining at the first pitch with Jacoby on first..?
(STUPID) xoopsx

[UNHWildCats]

i know, but when ur as hot as he is, you dont want to wait.

[UNHWildCats]

THIS IS GETTING VERY FRUSTRATING

[UNHWildCats]

FU HANSEN FU DELCARMEN

[TheValleyRaider]

Figures, even in a game I was pulling for the Sawks to win, they can't pull it out....

No wonder I don't like them :p

[UNHWildCats]

xbawlingx xbawlingx xbawlingx xbawlingx xbawlingx xbawlingx

DAMN THIS BULLPEN..... FU**ING RECALL BUCHHOLZ!

[chantster]

****ing 6 runs on 5 hits and 3 walks. xmadx

Sorry ass bullpen blows again.

[UNHWildCats]

There coming to NY, I should go to their hotel and beat the crap outta them!

[UNHWildCats]

Pedroia misses out on the cycle unless 9 batters coime up over the next 4 outs as Pedroia got his fourth hit of the game and second double of the game driving in Lugo making it 7-5.

[UNHWildCats]

UGH Pathetic!

[bodoyle]

SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP

[UNHWildCats]

This series could have easily gone the other way completely, but Tampa's bullpen came through and the Sox' didnt.

THEO RECALL BUCHHOLZ TONITE!

[SunCoastBlueHen]

3 1/2

[UNHWildCats]

enjoy it while you can

[813Jag]

enjoy it while you can
We will. but there's still much work to be done.

[SunCoastBlueHen]

We will. but there's still much work to be done.


To be honest, I'll be pleasantly surprised if the Rays hold on to win the division, but very disappointed if they do not at least get the wild card. xpeacex

[tribe_pride]

Shields should take lessons from Nolan Ryan so next time he might actually land the swing on Coco.... lol

Prediction time: Sox sweep the series.


Whoops

[813Jag]

To be honest, I'll be pleasantly surprised if the Rays hold on to win the division, but very disappointed if they do not at least get the wild card. xpeacex
I agree. xthumbsupx

[UNHWildCats]

Whoops
It may appear that I was WAYYY off, but the Sox easily could have swept this series, give Tampa credit, they have some very good pitching.

Give me credit too, back in early April I said Tampa would compete this year and people laughed at me.

[813Jag]

a parting shot

http://www.tampabay.com/multimedia/archive/00029/3069161_29429c.jpg

[SunCoastBlueHen]

Just a side note -

The Rays next have a four game series at home vs. the lowly Royals while the BoSox, who have been a poor road team, travel to the Big Apple for a four game set. It is not inconceivable that Boston will find itself in a bigger hole come the beginning of next week. xthumbsupx

[813Jag]

Just a side note -

The Rays next have a four game series at home vs. the lowly Royals while the BoSox, who have been a poor road team, travel to the Big Apple for a four game set. It is not inconceivable that Boston will find itself in a bigger hole come the beginning of next week. xthumbsupx
The Royals series is a big one, hopefully the Rays won't get caught riding high after the Sox Sweep.

[tribe_pride]

It may appear that I was WAYYY off, but the Sox easily could have swept this series, give Tampa credit, they have some very good pitching.

Give me credit too, back in early April I said Tampa would compete this year and people laughed at me.

Just messing with you.