Rays lose to O's 8-7, waste chance

Date: Sun, Sep 5, 2010

The Rays wasted a rare chance to gain ground on the Yankees by losing 8-7 to the Orioles today.

Down 2-0 early in a shaky start by rookie Wade Davis and 4-1 in the sixth, the Rays suddenly came alive, with Evan Longoria and B.J. Upton each hitting two-run homers.
The 5-4 lead didn’t last, as they followed the impressive offensive outburst with some uncharacteristically horrible relief work, as Dan Wheeler, Chad Qualls and Randy Choate teamed to give up four runs.
Wheeler got one out and walked two, then Qualls made it worse, allowing three consecutive run-scoring singles, then loading the bases by walking Ty Wigginton. Choate capped the mess by allowing a sac fly to Luke Scott to make it 8-5. More frustrating, B.J. Upton had a chance to throw out each of the last three runners at the plate and didn’t get any of them.

The Rays closed to 8-7 when Rocco Baldelli hit a two-run pinch-homer in his first at-bat of the season, but got no closer.

They dropped to 83-53 after losing two of three to the last-place Orioles and remained 2 1/2 behind the Yankees, who lost to Toronto.

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Baldelli returns with a blast

Date: Sun, Sep 5, 2010

Rocco Baldelli marked his return to the Rays in styleSunday, hitting a two-run homer on his first swing since being called up on Wednesday.

Baldelli spent most of the season as a special assistant coach in the minor leagues before starting his comeback in mid-July in Class A ball.

Baldelli's homer drew the Rays within 8-7 in the seventh inning.

It was Baldelli's first big-league homer since Sept. 3 of last year when he was with Boston and went deep off the Rays'David Price. And it made for home runs in consecutive at-bats for Baldelli in a Rays uniform - the last one in Game 5 of the 2008 World Series.

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Rays at O's, seeking series win

Date: Sun, Sep 5, 2010

UPDATE, 1:29: Cal Ripken to throw out first pitch, marking 15-year anniversary of tying Lou Gehrig record.

UPDATE, 12:36:Manager Joe Maddon said there's nothing wrong with Pena's foot, or anything else, that Maddon thought hejust needed a day off after going 0-for-8 in the first two games. ... RHPJeremy Hellickson could be availableout of the bullpen again as soon as Monday, though that won't be known for sure untilthen. ... Maddon saidit was a possibility Rocco Baldelli could bein the lineup on Monday against Boston lefty Jon Lester, but that also wasn'tforsure. ... And as forthe higher than usual number of righties in the lineuptoday(ie, S-Rod), Maddon said the thinks they match up well withO'sRHPChris Tillman.

UPDATE, 11:20: Rays lineup w/no Pena:
Jaso dh,
Zobrist 1b,
Crawford lf,
Longoria 3b,
Joyce rf,
Rodriguez 2b,
Upton cf,
Navarro c,
Bartlett ss,
Davis p

DEVELOPING: The Rays are gathering at Camden Yards this morning for the usual Sunday routine of no batting practice or organized pre-game workout.

Rookie Wade Davis will be on the mound seeking his team-record tying seventh straight win, as the Rays try to win the series from the last-place Orioles and at least keep pace with the Yankees, who have won 8 straight and now lead the ALEast by 2 1/2 games.

After finishing up here, the Rays will turn their attention to the Red Sox, with a three-game series in Boston starting Monday that could either knock the Sox out of the wild-card race, or get them back in enough to at least make it interesting.

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Morning after video: Shields on rough night

Date: Sat, Sep 4, 2010

Rays pitcher James Shields felt his night was more about bad luck than bad pitches in the loss to Baltimore.

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Garza to Proverbs-quoting Scott: Don't go there

Date: Sat, Sep 4, 2010

UPDATE, 11:22: Scott's response, afterBaltimorewriterstold him what Garza said: "He’s just saying religion is not something you bring into baseball; it’s all a matter of choice. That’s not how I view it. Like I said, I consider it a blessing to be here and I am thankful for the opportunity to play. And that’s just my personal beliefs.''

Scott also defended his home-run celebrations:"That’s OK. That’s part of the game. You celebrate with your teammates. I play this game because I like to have fun. When I celebrate with my teammates, I am celebrating because I am enjoying the competition and am enjoying success. It’s just as simple as that. I mean, I am pretty sure he gets pretty pumped up when he is in a big game and he does well and he gets some key outs when he needs them. I bet you he is in there and he is fired up. We all have different ways of expressing emotion in this game and that’s what makes us all unique.''

And inconclusion:"I respect everyone that steps out on the mound that I face. I respect all my opponents because they are the best in the game and they deserve it.""

DEVELOPING:RHP Matt Garza didn’t really care what Orioles DH Luke Scott had to say about him after Friday's game.
But he did not care much for how Scott did so, invoking biblical proverbs.
“To each his own interpretation; that’s what the Bible is. I’m a Christian too; a Catholic Christian. He’s throwing something in that shouldn’t even be allowed to be brought in,’’ Garza said. “That’s a topic where you don’t ever bring that up. …
“My feeling is that God has a lot better things to worry about than if I’m going to throw a strike on a certain pitch. A lot of other things. I’d rather (Scott) not bring it up.’’
The backstory was that going into Friday’s game, Garza said was going to seek payback for how the Orioles did in their previous meeting. After Garza led the Rays to a win, Scott admitted that Garza was successful, but chastised him for boasting, citing a Proverb that “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’’
Garza, though, said Scott is being somewhat hypocritical given his elaborate home run celebration that includes pointing to the sky, hugging the on-deck hitter and high-fiving multiple teammates, including a choreographed slap-fest with Felix Pie.
“It’s the same thing, where you’re showing up the other guy,’’ Garza said. “The game’s gone that far to where it’s acceptable. It’s just what it is,’’ Garza said.’’

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Rays at O's, seeking more

Date: Sat, Sep 4, 2010

UPDATE, 5:52: Not much news from Maddon's pre-game, as he explained the decision between Brad Hawpe and Dan Johnson at DH comes down primarily to statistics and matchups, but also a sense of obligation to give Hawpe some opportunity since he chose to sign with the Rays after being released by Colorado. ... The Rays are looking to go a season-high 10 games without an error tonight. ... Also, closer Rafael Soriano is now two saves from tying Roberto Hernandez's 1999 team record.

UPDATE, 3:52: The Rays lineup looks a lot like Friday's, except that Brad Hawpe will be the DH instead of Dan Johnson. And here is is:

Jaso c,
Zobrist 2b,
Crawford lf,
Longoria 3b,
Pena 1b,
Joyce rf,
Hawpe dh,
Upton cf,
Bartlett ss,
Shields p

DEVELOPING: The Rays are looking to run their record against the Orioles to 11-3 with another win tonight, and they'll have James Shields on the mound seeking his 14th win.

Shields has been on something of a roll, with a 6-2 mark since the All-Star break.

With their win Friday, the Rays improved to 83-51 remaining 1 1/2 games behind the Yankees, who are playing this afternoon. They started the day with a seven-game wild-card lead over the Red Sox, who are playing a doubleheader today with the White Sox.

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Morning after video: Garza on the game, and the game

Date: Sat, Sep 4, 2010

Rays pitcher Matt Garza talks about the game within the game, as he talked big going into Friday's start against the Orioles, and then backed it up.

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Showalter responds to Garza comments

Date: Fri, Sep 3, 2010

Matt Garza's comments in today's Times about "seeking payback" from the Orioles forhis last start (when he allowed four home runs), and his plan to "shove it down" their throats this time were popular topics of conversation before Friday's game.

Here's what Orioles manager Buck Showalter had to say: "There's a lot of people that feel that way they just don't say it publicly. So what's the difference?A lot of them feel that way. Certainly you got a pitcher that was a real break from the norm. Pitchers do have a memory plus guys that pitch once every fifth day like that. I think it's something a lot of guys feel. I think the difference is from what you tell me, and what I've been exposed to, he just did it publicly."

Asked if he was amused, Showalter said, "I wouldn't go that far. It's not bragging if you can back it up."

Showalter figured his players already knew about what Garza said so he had no plans to bring it to their attention:"That stuff's real short lived. But in today's world I bet you somebody here has already asked our players about it. And between the internet and friends and buddies and whatever, there's not many secrets here."

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Rays vs. O's, with a decent forecast

Date: Fri, Sep 3, 2010

UPDATE, 6:01:Maddon, genuinely touched by the ceremonies on Thursday at Lafayette College, said he'll continue to work the callups into the lineup based on matchups, as he has been doing with the other players. Tonight, he's playing Reid Brignac at short because he's hit well in Baltimore and it was a chance to give JasonBartlett a day off following an off day. ... Maddon said he'd look to get Rocco Baldelli in the lineup at DHagainst a lefty, but with the Orioles scratching Brian Matusz from Sunday's game, and the Red Sox pitching unsettled due to rain, he wasn't sure when that would be, though Monday is possible if Jon Lester starts for the Sox.

DEVELOPING:The Rays are getting ready to play the Orioles tonight in Baltimore, and the big news is just that they are playing, with minimal, if any, impact from Hurricane Earl. That's a significant change from a couple days ago, when it appeared the whole series was in question. Tonight, there's just a chance for some light showers and slightly stronger winds.

Matt Garza will be on the mound, and looking to make the Orioles uncomfortable after they hit four homers off him last time.

The Rays lineup is relatively normal, though Jason Bartlett has the night off with Reid Brignac at shortstop, and Dan Johnson is the chouce at DH:

Rays lineup:
Jaso c
Zobrist 2b
Crawford lf
Longoria 3b
Pena 1b
Joyce rf
Johnson DH
Upton cf
Brignac ss
Garza p

And for the Orioles:
Roberts 2b
Markakis rf
Wigginton 1b
Scott dh
Pie lf
Patterson cf
Wieters c
Izturis ss
Bell 3b
Millwood p

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It's now Dr. Maddon

Date: Fri, Sep 3, 2010

Rays manager Joe Maddon was all smiles Thursday after receiving his honorary doctor of letters degree fromLafayette College.

About 200 people attended the public on-campus ceremony in Easton, Pa., as Maddon spoke about his experiences at Lafayette - where he attended and played football and baseball before going into pro baseball - and some about his methods as a manager.

He did wear his BRayser for part of the day, and had agreed to allow the school to auction it off, thoughnot until theend of the season.

Maddon was also the featured guest later Thursday at a private receptionfor about 75 people, including college trustees and staff, former classmates and family. He was awarded thedegree by Lafayette president Daniel H. Weiss and chairman of the board Edward Ahart, receiving a diploma, hood andbaseball
cap. (see above, photo courtesy of Lafayette College.)

There was a video greeting from Maddon's children and grandchildren, and his family presented him with a bible that his father had carried when he was in World War II.

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Soriano wins MLB's Delivery Man of the Month

Date: Thu, Sep 2, 2010

Rays closer Rafael Soriano won Major League Baseball's Delivery Man of the Month Award for August, the third time this season he's received the honor for most outstanding relief pitcher.

Soriano, who has 40 saves in 42 chances, recorded a .84 E.R.A and led majors with 10 saves during the month.

Soriano, who also won the award in May and July, joins Trevor Hoffman (four times) and Joe Nathan as the only relievers with three career Delivery Man of the Month Awards.

-- JOE SMITH, Times Staff Writer

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Morning after video: Price on sweet 16

Date: Wed, Sep 1, 2010

Rays pitcher David Price talk about his 16th win, and the help he got from his teammates.

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Rays vs. Jays, with Jennings, Navarro and Hawpe playing

Date: Wed, Sep 1, 2010

UPDATE, 6:06: Maddon's plans for the new additions aren't set yet, but here's a quick rundown:

Jaso will still catch against righthanded pitchers; Shoppach will catch most of the time against lefties, but there will be some times when they'll use Navarro. Also, Navarro, who is the best thrower of the three, could get some starts against teams that steal a lot of bases (Seattle, KC on remaining schedule; Rangers, possibly White Sox in postseason?).

Jennings is getting a start tonight, but is primarily going to be used as a pinch-runner. He could also be used as a defensive replacement if Hawpe is in right.

Hawpe will be used at DHagainst righthanders, along with Dan Johnson, with the decisions based on matchups. For example, Hawpe is starting tonight even though Marcum is tough on lefties because Maddon likes the way his swing matches how Marcum pitches. He could also play some in rightfield.

Hellickson will be used in relief, and somewhat sparingly. Ideally, Maddon said he's only be used to start an inning, so he has plenty of time to warm up, and won't be used on consecutive days in any scenario.

Baldelli will be used as a DH, pinch-hitter and occasionally in the outfield (though probably if he entered during a game).

UPDATE, 5:56: Balfour has since been activated from the DL, but it is unlikely he would pitch tonight. Also, Navarro will bat righthanded against Marcum tonight; he homered off him last time, on June 9.

UPDATE, 3:51: RHP Grant Balfour says simulated game "went great" and he's "ready to go."

UPDATE, 3:45: Rays lineup includes Desmond Jennings making his big-league debut in RF, Navarro catching and Hawpe at DH.

Upton cf,
Jennings rf,
Crawford lf,
Longoria 3b,
Pena 1b,
Rodriguez 2b,
Hawpe dh,
Navarro c,
Bartlett ss,
Price p

Also, Dale Thayer was outrighted to make room on the 40-man roster for Baldelli.

DEVELOPING: With a handful of Sept. 1 roster additions, the Rays are seeking to rebound from Tuesday's loss and win the series against the Jays before heading out on a nine-game, 10-day roadtrip to Baltimore, Boston and Toronto.

Added to the roster today are OFs Rocco Baldelli, Brad Hawpe andDesmond Jennings; CDioner Navarro and RHPJeremy Hellickson.

Still waiting word on how the Rays made room on the 40-man roster for Baldelli. Hawpe was added last night, with LHPJ.P. Howell going from the 15- to the 60-day DL, and then Andy Sonnanstine being optioned to Class AHudson Valley, allowing him to return as soon as Monday.

The Jays lineup:
Lewis lf
McDonald 3b
Bautista rf
Wells cf
Lind 1b
Buck c
Hill 2b
Arencibia dh
McCoy ss
Marcum p

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Stone Crabs' Moore has quite a fan club

Date: Wed, Sep 1, 2010

Class ACharlotte LHPMatt Moore added to his remarkable seasonTuesday by becoming the first minor-leaguer to surpass the 200-strikeout mark in five years, and thefirst Florida State League pitcher to do so since 1971.

Moore struck out 11 on Tuesday, running his minor-league leading season total to 208, in 144 2/3 innings.

The last pitcher to surpass the 200 mark was Twins prospect Francisco Liriano, who had 204 in 167 2/3 inningsin 2005 at the Double-Aand Triple-A.

The last minor-leaguer to strike out more was Clint Nageotte, who fanned 214 for Class A Advanced San Bernardino in 2002.

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