The 2020 (and beyond) Tampa Bay Rays - Page 128

Art Deco · 08-16-2023, 10:19 PM

Game 1: The Rays eked out a 2-1 win in the opener at Publix Park behind a brilliant outing from Tim Johnson. The righty improved to 3-4 after going 7 2 1 1 3 8, allowing only a homer in the 6th which broke a 0-0 tie. His teammates immediately responded in the bottom of the inning on RBI singles from David Morales and Dantel Chinchilla. Steve Talbott handled the 9th for save #9.

Game 2: Tampa Bay made it four straight wins with a comfortable 7-4 win over Detroit, comfortable as Detroit scored 3 in the 9th to make the final respectable. Rookie sensation Randy Mastropietro ran his record to 7-0 with a 5 4 1 1 3 3 outing and he had plenty of support, led by Tony Vasquez whose 1st-inning 2-run homer (#6/13) got the ball rolling. Luis Barela added a 2-run shot (#6) and Ezequiel Avalos plated a pair as well.

Game 3: The Rays completed the sweep on a night when runs were once again scarce, walking it off against Detroit 3-2 in 13 innings on a Luis Barela blast (#7) deep into the Tampa night. Ben Hilton was solid at 6 6 2 2 2 4 and Sung-min Yang had a solo homer (a team-high #9) in regulation. The bullpen was stellar with 7 shutout innings and Mario Berumen (2-1) got the win.

Team record: 26-18. The Yankees lost once so we've cut their division lead to 3 games and gone 2 up in the second wild card. Next up: A day off then Baltimore visits for 3.

Art Deco · 08-18-2023, 01:41 PM

Game 1: Dave Rose was brilliant and the Rays took a 3-0 win in the opener over the Orioles at Publix Park. Rose won his third straight start to get to 3-4 after going 7 4 0 0 2 6 and lowering his ERA to 3.58. Steve Talbott finished up for his 10th save the offense came via RBI singles from Sung-min Yang, David Morales and Alex Brown.

Game 2: Vinny Miranda picked up his first Rays win as Tampa Bay beat Baltimore again 4-1 and made it 7 straight wins. Miranda went 5.2 5 1 0 1 3 in winning for the first time in four starts since coming over from Oakland but has pitched well with a 2.11 ERA in that span. And it was another guy who came over from Oakland late last month that had the big hit as Alex Brown had a 2-run homer (#2/5) in a 3-run 3rd.

Game 3: The Rays extended their win streak to 8 despite scoring only 8 runs over the 3 games of this series but it helps when your pitching only allows 1 as they got a Dantel Chinchilla walk-off RBI double in the bottom of the 10th to eke out a 1-0 victory over the Orioles. Tim Johnson turned in a great start at 6 3 0 0 3 8 and the pen did its job as well with Mario Berumen (3-1) picking up the win as Rays pitching held Baltimore to 3 hits on the day.

Team record: 29-18. The Yankees lost one so we continue to slowly chip away their division lead, now down to 2 games. Next up: Some interleague action as we head to Washington for 3 games. The Nats are off to a middling 24-24 start to the year.

MLB News: The Angels' superstar reliever Jake Cid needs Tommy John surgery and will be lost until mid-2054.

Art Deco · 08-19-2023, 08:28 PM

Game 1: It was one of those ridiculous games as the Rays scored 8 times in the 4th inning on their way to a 19-2 annihilation of the Nationals to make it 9 straight wins. Nesty de la Rosa got things going with a 3-run homer in the 3rd (#4) and added a 2-run double in that 4th inning to give him a 5-RBI day. Also going yard: Ezequiel Avalos (twice, #7 & 8), Tony Vasquez (#7/14), Luis Barela (#8) and Sung-min Yang (#10). The beneficiary of all this support was Randy Mastropietro, who ran his record to 8-0, 2.08 after going 6 7 0 0 2 3.

Game 2: A tough one for the Rays to lose their winning streak as they allowed 2 runs in the bottom of the 9th to let Washington walk it off 5-4. It looked like the streak would go to 10 wins when Ezequiel Avalos hit a 2-run homer in the 7th (#9) to put them up 4-3 but Steve Talbott (1-3) put men on 1st and 3rd in the 9th with one out before leaving with a herniated disc. Mario Berumen got a ground out with the infield in that moved the trail man up to 2nd and then gave up a 2-run single to Kelvin Owens, who got revenge on the Rays for keeping him stuck at Durham for 3 years before being taken by the Nats in the Rule 5 draft this past winter. Luis Barela homered earlier (#9) and Ben Hilton went 5 6 3 3 1 6 in his start.

Game 3: Pitching let Tampa Bay down again as Washington took a 10-7 win in the finale. Team ace Dave Rose didn't pitch like one today, going 3.2 10 6 6 0 3 but remarkably the Rays went up 7-6 in the 5th on an RBI double from Ezequiel Avalos, who earlier homered for the third straight day (#10). But Melvin Lopez gave up 4 runs in the bottom of the frame and the teams decided to stop scoring after that. Luis Barela also went yard for the third straight game, his 10th as well as he and Avalos each drove in 3.

Team record: 30-20. Thanks to the two losses, we dropped a game back in the division and are now 3 behind the Yankees. Next up: An off-day to travel coast-to-coast where we'll face the Dodgers in LA who have an identical 30-20 record.

Art Deco · 08-20-2023, 10:37 PM

Game 1: The Rays were blanked 4-0 by the Dodgers in the opener. Vinny Miranda didn't have his command and dropped to 1-3 with Tampa Bay after going 3.2 4 3 3 4 2.

Game 2: They nearly squandered this one, losing a 4-1 lead and falling behind 5-4 before scoring twice in the 9th to pull out a 6-5 win over LA. A solo homer from Alex Brown (#3/6) who had a 3-3, 2-RBI day and a 2-run shot from Ezequiel Avalos (#11) had them out to the early lead but Tim Johnson, brilliant through 6, fell apart in the 7th finishing 6 5 4 4 3 4 as he and Joe Roberts gave up 4 in the 7th to put the Dodgers on top. But Nesty de la Rosa's RBI single tied it in the 9th and the winner scored on a dropped fly ball. Steve Cleland, who's been a great waiver pickup, went to 3-0 and lowered his ERA to 1.42 in 26 IP while Willie Navarro notched his first save.

Game 3: Another anemic performance from the bats as the Rays dropped the rubber match 3-1 to LA. Randy Mastropietro pitched well but lost for the first time this season after 9 wins, with a key 2-run homer in the 6th the difference as he finished 6 7 3 2 0 1.

Team record: 31-22. We lost a game in the standings to the Yankees and dropped 4 back but still hold the first wild card. Next up: Back home for 3 against Cincinnati.

A bit of good news:

The baseball must have looked as big as a balloon to Ezequiel Avalos of Tampa Bay last week. The left fielder had quite a 6-game stretch and today he was named the American League Player of the Week.

Avalos delivered 11 hits in 26 at-bats to hit .423 with 5 home runs and 12 RBIs.

This season Avalos is batting .304 with 34 RBIs, 35 runs scored and 11 home runs.

Art Deco · 08-22-2023, 05:01 PM

Transaction: Forgot to mention this in the previous post but rookie 2B Jose Machado was activated off the IL during the last series and Juan de Oca was optioned to Durham. Since Machado got hurt we acquired Alex Brown so the two will kind of split time and Machado will definitely start against lefties.

Game 1: The Rays were rude hosts to the Reds, walloping them 11-3 in the opener at Publix Park. Jose Machado had his best game as a big leaguer, hitting 3 doubles including a 2-run two-bagger in a 5-run 2nd that broke the game open and he ended up knocking in 5. Jesus Avalos' 2-run shot (#9) capped the 2nd, and Tony Vasquez added a solo shot (#8/15). Ben Hilton (4-2) picked up the win after going 5.1 5 2 1 1 3.

Game 2: Tampa Bay took Cincinnati down again behind a dominant Dave Rose outing 4-1. After a rough April Rose has now evened his record at 4-4 thanks to an overpowering 7 3 0 0 1 11 performance. Willie Navarro handled the 9th for his 2nd save. The key hit came in the 2nd on Nesty de la Rosa's 2-run single which made it 3-0.

Game 3: The final score said 9-3 Rays but the sweep didn't come easy until they erupted for 6 runs in the 8th to break a 3-3 tie. Sung-min Yang's 2-run homer (#11) broke the deadlock and then they added four more runs including a 2-run Jesus Avalos single. Ezequiel Avalos earlier had a 2-run homer (#12) while Luis Barela was 3-5 with 2 RBI. Vinny Miranda started, going 6 2 2 2 1 7 and was in line for the win before Willie Navarro (3-0) vultured it by allowing a game-tying RBI single in the top of the 8th.

Team record: 34-22. The Yankees took 3 of 4 including one on our off-day so we trail them now by 2 1/2 games. Next up: After that off-day we head to Baltimore for 3 games.

Art Deco · 08-22-2023, 05:21 PM

Whitaker:

An elite pitching prospect whom we went over slot to sign, Whitaker has some drool-worthy potential ratings. Which is why it will be disappointing when next spring we see 10-15 points knocked off them in a development report update (maybe not, but it always seems that way). He is out of high school so the usual caveats apply.

Samuels:

Listed as a pitcher but we really took him for what you see all the way over to the right: 75 contact and 70 power potential as a hitter. These type of players always seem to be the market inefficiency of OOTP drafts so I had to grab one. He might not end up the worst pitcher either so there's some two-way possibility.

White:

A high-school catcher, always a risky demographic but White could follow in our long line of catchers who rake.

Hicks:

A safer (and cheaper) pick, Hicks could become a very good hitter and hopefully won't take as long do so as he's a college junior from VCU. Also looks to be a competent OF though CF would be pushing it.

Hardy:

A risky high-schooler who could have good stuff but will need to develop a third pitch to stay out of the bullpen and might be too homer-prone anyway.

Art Deco · 08-24-2023, 09:23 AM

Game 1: A strange game in which all the scoring took place in the 3rd inning went Tampa Bay's way 5-2 over the Orioles. Dantel Chinchilla led off the inning with his 2nd homer of the year and then the bases were loaded for Luis Barela to clear them with a double. In the bottom of the frame Tim Johnson gave up a 2-run homer and then hit the next man, precipitating a brawl that saw him ejected after going 2.1 2 2 2 2 4. The pen was magnificent from there, keeping Baltimore off the board thanks to the Steves with Bourassa (1-0) getting the win, Cleland going 2 scoreless and Talbott handling the 9th for his 12th save.

Game 2: Like yesterday the scoring came early with the Rays up 5-3 after 3 and going on to win 6-3 at Camden Yards. David Morales reached a professional career high with his 3rd homer among his 3 hits and Jose Machado had a 2-run blast (#3) to highlight the offense while Randy Mastropietro (9-1) survived a 3-run 3rd to get back in the win column after going 5 6 3 3 3 5. The pen was solid again and Steve Talbott earned save #13 despite walking a pair in the 9th (the 2 walks tripled his season total).

Game 3: The Rays completed the sweep and made it 6 straight wins after bludgeoning Baltimore 10-2, although it wasn't until they put 4 on the board in the 9th the game was truly over. Tony Vasquez had his biggest day as a Ray, going 4-5 with HR #9/16 and 3 RBI, Luis Barela had a 3-run smack for his 11th of the year and 533rd of his career, and Ezequiel Avalos added a solo shot (#13). Ben Hilton (5-2) was sharp at 6 6 2 2 0 7 for the win.

Team record: 37-22. Thanks to the sweep we've gotten as close to the Yankees as we have all season, now only 1 1/2 back. Next up: Off to Houston for 3 games. The Astros are a middling 28-31.

Art Deco · 08-25-2023, 08:05 PM

June 9: Placed SP Tim Johnson the restricted list, activated SP Alec McInerney from his rehab assignment at AAA Durham.

Mac is back as the lefty had a 3.22 ERA in 5 rehab starts with the Bulls and will take Johnson's spot in the rotation while he serves his suspension. After that one start, McInerney will probably go to the bullpen as there's not a real rotation opening currently.

Game 1: Jesus Avalos and Dave Rose led the Rays to a 7-4 win over the Astros in the series opener at Minute Maid Park, their 7th straight. Avalos went deep twice including one to lead off the game, giving him 11 while Sung-min Yang also found the seats (#12) in the 2nd as Tampa Bay raced out to a 6-1 lead by the 5th. That was plenty for Rose (5-4) who won his fifth straight decision after going 7 6 2 2 1 8. Chris Hetzel made a mess in the 9th so Steve Talbott had to get the final batter for save #16.

Game 2: The win streak came to an end as the Rays had a stinker of a game in a 6-2 loss to Houston. And both Tampa Bay runs came in the 9th to avoid a shutout as Vinny Miranda (1-4) was roughed up to the tune of 3.1 8 6 6 2 2.

Game 3: The Rays took the rubber game from the Astros 6-3 as Alec McInerney won in his return to the team and Tony Vasquez belted a pair of homers. McInerney was a solid 5 6 2 2 1 3 after being handed a 6-0 thanks in large part to Vasquez, who belted solo shots in the 1st and 4th to give him 11 with the Rays and 18 overall. Jesus Avalos was also 3-5 with a double and 2 RBI. And we had a milestone in the 9th when Steve Talbott pitched around a couple of baserunners to earn his 17th save of the season and 300th of his career.

Team record: 39-23. The Yankees matched the Rays by taking 2 of 3 so New York remains 1 1/2 ahead.

Art Deco · 08-26-2023, 06:50 PM

Game 1: Jesus Avalos beat out an infield single to bring home the tying run with 2 out in the 9th and Tony Vasquez homered (#12/19) in the 10th to give the Rays a come-from-behind 4-3 win over the Angels in the opener at Anaheim. Avalos was 3-4 on the day with 2 RBI, Randy Mastropietro was 5.1 5 3 3 4 2 in his start, Jon Ward (1-0) got the win, and Steve Talbott earned save #16.

June 14: Activated P Tim Johnson from the restricted list, waived P Jon Ward.

Ward pitched well but somebody had to go with Alec McInerney back and Johnson returning from suspension.

Game 2: The Rays had an easier time of it in the second game, breaking open a 2-0 affair with 7 runs in the 6th and 7th to annihilate the Angels 10-3. Alex Brown had the game of his brief Rays career, going 3-4 with a homer (#4/7) and 5 RBI, Sung-min Yang was 3-5 with an RBI double, and Jose Machado knocked in a pair to power the offense. Meanwhile Dave Rose (6-4) made it 6 straight wins after going 5 3 0 0 4 6 on 100 pitches.

Game 3: A 4-run 8th broke a 1-1 tie and enabled the Rays to sweep the Angels with a 5-1 win in the finale, giving them 11 wins in their last 12 games. Alex Brown drew a bases-loaded walk to break the deadlock, Jesus Avalos singled in a run and Tony Vasquez singled in two more. Luis Barela earlier had a solo shot (#12). Tim Johnson (4-4) was excellent in his return from the restricted list at 7.1 5 1 1 3 4.

Team record: 42-23. The Yankees lost a game so the Rays are now only 1/2 game back. And next up are those very Yankees who come to Publix Park for 3 games. Win the series and take the division lead.

Art Deco · 08-28-2023, 03:05 PM

Game 1: It's taken them 2 1/2 months but the Rays have finally moved into first place in the AL East after beating the Yankees 5-3 in the series opener at Publix Park. Luis Barela's clutch 2-run homer (#13) broke a 3-3 tie in the 8th and made a winner of Joe Roberts (2-2) with Steve Talbott earning save #17. Earlier Tampa Bay got homers from Ezequiel Avalos (#14) and Tony Vasquez (#13/20) while Ben Hilton turned in a solid start at 6 5 3 3 1 8.

Game 2: The Rays' stay atop the AL East was short-lived as the Yankees answered with a 6-2 win. Vinny Miranda (1-5) was hit for 4 runs in the 2nd on his way to a lousy 5 8 4 4 2 1 outing. Both Tampa Bay runs came via the solo homer from the Joses, Lozada (#2) and Machado (#4).

Game 3: Tampa Bay took the rubber game and re-took the division lead with a 5-2 win in the finale behind another fine Randy Mastropietro outing. The rookie lefty improved to 10-1, 2.52 after a hit-scattering 6 9 1 1 0 3 performance. Tony Vasquez led the offense, driving in a pair with a single and a bases-loaded walk.

Team record: 44-24. Next up: An off-day then Boston visits for 3 games.

Art Deco · 08-29-2023, 10:01 PM

Game 1: The Rays snapped a 2-2 tie with a 7-run 4th inning and went on to rout the Red Sox 13-3 at Publix Park to begin their series with Boston. Luis Barela and Sung-min Yang each homered twice and drove in five runs, with Barela now at 15 and Yang 14 on the season. Also at 15 homers after tonight is Ezequiel Avalos, who had a solo shot. Dave Rose (7-4) didn't need all the support but welcomed it after going 7 6 2 2 0 10 in a typical Rose outing.

Game 2: The bullpen blew a 3-0 lead in the 8th, allowing Boston to tie but the offense picked them up by getting the three runs back in the bottom of the frame as the Rays beat Boston again 6-3. With a lefty starting for the Red Sox Sung-min Yang started on the bench but came off it to deliver a 2-run game-winning double in that 8th inning while they also received solo homers from Tony Vasquez (#14/21) and former Red Sox farmhand Jose Machado (#5). Tim Johnson was in line for the win after going 5.1 3 0 0 2 5 but it instead went to Willie Navarro (4-0), who allowed the game-tying 2-run double. Steve Talbott had a quick 1-2-3 9th for save #18.

Game 3: Vinny Miranda's been up and down since coming over from Oakland but today he was up as he and Mario Berumen combined on a 4-hit shutout and the Rays swept the series with a 5-0 win over Boston. Miranda (2-5) was an efficient 8 4 0 0 0 6 in his best Tampa Bay outing yet, Tony Vasquez homered again (#15/22) and Luis Barela and Jose Lozada each had 2 hits and a ribbie.

Team record: 47-24. The Yankees lost once over the weekend so the division lead is now 1 1/2 games. Next up: The homestand continues as Toronto visits for 4.

Art Deco · 08-31-2023, 06:44 PM

Game 1: Randy Mastropietro improved to 11-1 thanks to another fine outing and the Rays got by the Jays 4-2 in the opener at Publix Park. The rookie lefty went 6 5 1 1 0 5 for the win and Steve Talbott finished up for save #19 despite allowing a solo homer. All four Rays runs came on solo homers with Ezequiel Avalos clubbing a pair (#16 & 17) and the other two coming from Sung-min Yang (#15) and Jesus Avalos (#12).

Game 2: A 5-run meltdown by the bullpen in the 9th turned a 6-4 win into a 9-6 loss to Toronto. The culprit was Willie Navarro (4-1), who had been largely untouchable coming into the game with an 0.85 ERA but today was not his day. They had overcome a poor start from Ben Hilton (3.2 8 4 4 1 3) to come back from 4-1 down with a 2-run Luis Barela homer (#16) in the 6th putting them in front. Tampa Bay should have had more than the 6 runs they did score as they banged out 19 hits including 4 from Tony Vasquez but they left 12 on base in a game that turned out to be frustrating in more ways than one.

Game 3: Groundhog Day for the Rays as the bullpen blew another 9th-inning lead to cost them a game as Steve Talbott (1-4) surrendered a pair in the 9th to consign Tampa Bay to a 4-3 defeat. Dave Rose had turned in his usual excellent start (6 6 2 2 1 8), Luis Barela homered again (#17) and the Rays had a 3-2 lead. But Talbott blew his first save of the year, allowing the two runs on three hits.

July 25: Placed C David Morales on the 10-day IL with an oblique strain, purchased the contract of C Dave Gonzalez from AAA Durham.

To add injury to insult from the loss, Morales hurt himself on a play at second base and the all-star catcher will be out 4-5 weeks. Taking his place will be the fastest-rising prospect in the organization in Gonzalez, a 6th-round draft pick last year out of UCLA. Gonzalez has seen his ratings jump to 60 contact and 55 power with potential for 75 contact and had played at four MiLB levels this year, culminating in a 386/417/545 line at Durham (albeit in only 49 PA). He's a poor defensive catcher (35) but has 50 potential at 1B/3B so his future might be on the infield but for now we'll platoon his LH bat behind the plate with current backup Cesar Scroggins.

Game 4: The Rays salvaged a split of the series, breaking a 3-3 tie late and downing the Jays 6-3. Tony Vasquez's 2nd RBI of the day was a sac fly in the 7th which broke the deadlock and made a winner of Tim Johnson (5-4) who was a solid 7 5 3 3 2 7. Steve Talbott bounced back for save #20 although he did put a couple of runners on in the 9th. Jose Lozada was 3-4 and in his MLB debut Dave Gonzalez doubled to start a 2-run insurance rally in the 8th.

Team record: 49-26. Thankfully the Yankees didn't take advantage of our bullpen stumbles as they too split a 4-game series to remain 1 1/2 back. Next up: off to Baltimore for 3 games.

Art Deco · 09-02-2023, 11:19 PM

Game 1: The Rays dropped the opener in Baltimore as they fell to the Orioles 5-1 at Camden Yards. The bats were held to five hits and only Jesus Avalos' 13th homer in the 9th inning kept them from a shutout. Vinny Miranda wasn't bad at 6 7 3 3 0 4 but still fell to 2-6 as a Ray.

Game 2: An early 4-1 lead disappeared in the middle innings as Randy Mastropietro had a rare bad outing and the Rays fell to Baltimore once again 7-6. Jesus Avalos picked up where he left off in the 9th inning yesterday with 2 more solo homers to give him 15 and Luis Barela added one of his own (#18) but Mastropietro (11-2) found his Waterloo in the 5th when Baltimore scored 4 times off him with recording an out, leaving him to finish 4 8 5 5 4 3.

Game 3: The Rays salvaged the finale, waxing the Orioles 12-3 behind a monster game from Ezequiel Avalos. The All-Star LF was 4-5 with 2 HR (#18 & 19) and 5 RBI to lead the attack, while Tony Vasquez, Dave Gonzalez and Cesar Scroggins each knocked in a pair. They provided plenty of support to Ben Hilton (6-2), who was in good form at 7 5 2 2 2 5.

Team record: 50-28. Once again the Yankees couldn't take advantage of our stumbles, also dropping 2 of 3 to remain 1 1/2 back. Next up: 3 games in Detroit after which we'll have reached the halfway mark of the season.

Art Deco · 09-05-2023, 04:34 PM

Game 1: The Rays fell to Detroit in the opener at Comerica Park 5-2. Tony Vasquez's 2-run homer (#16/23) brought parity at 2 but Dave Rose (7-5) had a poor outing at 5 8 5 5 2 7 and the offense went limp the rest of the way.

Game 2: Another loss to the Tigers as the Rays fell 8-4 in a scoreline that somewhat flattered them, given they scored twice in the 9th. It was 2-1 Rays before Detroit put up a 5-spot against Tim Johnson (5-5) in the 3rd and he finished 4 7 6 6 3 3.

Game 3: A miserable series in the Motor City for the Rays as they suffered the sweep after a 4-1 loss in the finale. Vinny Miranda dropped to 2-7 after going 5 6 4 4 2 5 and while his W/L record is a bit harsh considering how he's pitched, he hasn't been that great either as a 3-run 5th was the difference. Of course that bats were also to blame as they only scored 7 runs in total and they've now lost 7 of their last 9 games.

Team record: 50-31. The Yankees finally took advantage of our troubles, winning 2 out of 3 to move back into the first place by 1/2 game. Next up: An off-day then another big series with those same New Yorkers as they come to Tampa for 3 over the July 4 weekend.

Art Deco · 09-05-2023, 05:02 PM

It's been a bit of a rollercoaster season with lows at the beginning (starts of 0-3 and 5-8) and the end of the first half (2-7) but highs in between (43-16). It all adds up to a 100-win pace but given how strong the Yankees are this season it might be enough to win the division.

And it wouldn't be if the season ended today, although we'd otherwise get a chance to play that game in hand and maybe force a tie. A rare season in which no Rays hitters are among the top 3 in any category.

Nevertheless the offense is still very good, even if it isn't as dominant as it has been in some years. The one knock on it is that the squad is as slow as molasses with only 20 SB and poor baserunning. The pitching has been pretty good too despite some ups and downs and defense is back to its customary lousiness.

The Avaloses are leading the way and Luis Barela continues to age like a fine wine, so no complaints. Yang had a great rookie first half but has cooled off a little of late. The disappointment on offense has been David Morales, who was hitting for average but stopped hitting doubles before he got hurt a couple of weeks ago.

Can't really complain about the pitching either with Rose and Mastropietro having All-Star (and in Rose's case, Cy Young) caliber seasons and the other three starters good but not great. The bullpen has been fairly solid too despite a meltdown here or there.

All in all it's hard to complain about a team on pace for 100 wins even if this squad seems to lack a little something - i.e., they're perfectly "fine" but the "wow factor" seems missing.

Also there's no "wow factor" with the farm system. Whitaker was our top pick this year and he takes over the #1 prospect spot in the organization and most of these guys are at least 2-3 years away. One exception is the fast-rising Gonzalez, already on the team filling in at C for David Morales.

Art Deco · 09-07-2023, 11:10 AM

Game 1: The Rays kicked off the second half of the season by edging the Yankees 2-1 at Publix Park and moving back into first place in the AL East. Randy Mastropietro (12-2) was today's hero, going 6 3 1 1 1 5 in another outstanding outing and Steve Talbott finished for save #21. Jose Lozada's RBI double in the 5th was the difference.

Game 2: Runs were hard to come by again but the Rays got the most of them and beat New York again 3-2. Sung-min Yang's 2-run homer (#16) in the 2nd gave the Rays an early 2-0 lead but the Yankees equalized off Ben Hilton (5.2 9 2 2 2 7) in the 6th before Yang figured in again, singling to start a 7th-inning rally and brought home by Jose Machado's RBI single. Chris Hetzel (2-0) picked up the win and Steve Talbott saved again with a 1-2-3 9th, his 22nd.

Game 3: The offense flowed more freely in the finale and the Rays completed a massive sweep of the Yankees with a 9-5 win to go 2 1/2 games up in the AL East. Luis Barela homered twice to give him 20 on the year and 542 for his career, and Dantel Chinchilla drove in 3 including a 2-run single in a 4-run 1st that sent Tampa Bay on its way. Jesus Avalos chipped in a solo shot (#16). Dave Rose (8-5) pitched a lot better than his 7.1 6 5 5 1 11 line might indicate as he had one sequence where he put two on and gave up a 3-run homer and then left in the 8th with two of his runners on whom the pen allowed to score.

Team record: 53-31. Next up: 3 games in Texas against the Rangers.

Art Deco · 09-08-2023, 09:56 PM

Game 1: A 5-run 5th enabled the Rays to outscore the Rangers 8-6 in the opener at Globe Life Field. The big blow was a grand slam by Ezequiel Avalos, his 20th of the year, and the other big bat today belonged to rookie Jose Machado, who was 4-4 with a double, triple and 3 runs scored. The outburst enabled Tim Johnson (6-5) to pick up the win despite a largely lousy 5 8 5 5 3 5. The bullpen was sparkling however with Mario Berumen fanning all 5 men he faced and Steve Talbott nailing down save #23.

Game 2: It was a different kind of game than yesterday but the result was the same as the Rays squeezed out a 3-2 win over Texas. Solo homers from Jesus Avalos (#17), Tony Vasquez (#17/26) and Ezequiel Avalos (#21) account for the offense while Vinny Miranda (3-7) turned in a very solid start at 6.1 6 1 1 1 4. And Chris Hetzel bagged his first save of the year, getting Joe Roberts out of a bases-loaded, nobody-out jam in the 8th and handling the 9th himself.

Game 3: The Rays should have come away with the sweep, twice blowing multi-run leads in what would have been the game's final inning and eventually losing an 18-inning marathon to the Rangers 11-10. They took an 8-5 lead into the bottom of the 9th only for Steve Talbott to give up a 2-run homer and a solo shot, and then after putting 2 on the board in the top of the 13th, Steve Bourassa (who has been horrible this year) gave up a game-tying two-run double. Finally in the 18th Melvin Lopez (1-3) allowed a leadoff walk-off homer as he began his 4th inning of work. As a result they wasted a career game from Nesty de la Rosa, who was 5-8 with a double, two homers (#5 & 6) and 3 RBI. His second blast gave them the short-lived 13th inning lead. Also going yard was Tony Vasquez (#18/27) and Ezequiel Avalos had a 4-hit game. Randy Mastropietro gave up 4 runs in the 1st to squander an early 3-0 lead but settled in to finish 6 11 5 5 0 4. After the game the scouts advised that Talbott's lost 2 MPH off his fastball and his stuff was downgraded from 80 to 70, which tracks.

Team record: 55-32. The Yankees also won 2 of 3 so our division lead remains at 2 1/2.

Art Deco · 09-10-2023, 07:16 PM

Game 1: The Rays were pretty much a no-show for the opener in Oakland as they fell 5-0 to the A's. The bats only managed five hits and Ben Hilton (6-3) was ineffective at 4.2 8 4 4 2 6.

Game 2: Tampa Bay scored twice in the 9th to take a 4-3 win over the A's and even up their series. The venerable Luis Barela homered (#21) to break a 2-2 tie and Jose Machado's RBI double provided necessary insurance as Steve Talbott surrendered a run in the bottom of the 9th while notching save #24. Willie Navarro (5-1) got the win in relief and Dave Rose labored through 111 pitches to go 6 5 2 2 5 6.

Game 3: A 4-run 7th was what the Rays needed to take a 4-1 win and the series from Oakland. A wild pitch scored the first run and then Ezequiel Avalos' 3-run homer (#22) cleared the bases, making a winner of Chris Hetzel (3-0) in relief. Willie Navarro picked up his 3rd save and Tim Johnson had a fine 5.1 4 1 1 2 4 start.

Team record: 57-33 as we maintain a 2 1/2-game lead on the Yankees. Next up: The All-Star break followed by 4 games in Boston starting Thursday.

Art Deco · 09-12-2023, 01:42 PM

The rosters:

Leading the way for the American League All-Stars will be:

SP Marco Agria (LAA)* - 10-4, 2.69 ERA, 134.0 IP, 0.97 WHIP, 9.0 K/9, 4.2 WAR
SP Harris Bowness (NYY) - 9-8, 3.06 ERA, 111.2 IP, 1.10 WHIP, 7.9 K/9, 2.3 WAR
SP Mario Guererro (MIN) - 10-2, 2.24 ERA, 104.2 IP, 1.10 WHIP, 8.9 K/9, 3.1 WAR
SP Josh Hoffman (MIN)* - 8-4, 1.78 ERA, 76.0 IP, 1.04 WHIP, 7.7 K/9, 2.5 WAR
SP Chris Kemble (LAA) - 7-5, 3.00 ERA, 114.0 IP, 1.00 WHIP, 7.3 K/9, 2.1 WAR
SP David Marrero (TEX) - 9-2, 2.80 ERA, 119.0 IP, 1.18 WHIP, 8.2 K/9, 2.9 WAR
SP Randy Mastropietro (TB) - 12-2, 3.04 ERA, 100.2 IP, 1.31 WHIP, 5.7 K/9, 2.3 WAR
SP Mike Rizzo (NYY) - 10-2, 2.59 ERA, 118.0 IP, 1.19 WHIP, 8.5 K/9, 3.1 WAR
RP Jose Dulle (OC) - 3-6, 3.63 ERA, 79.1 IP, 1.39 WHIP, 6.1 K/9, 1.1 WAR
RP Sherwood Dwyer (OAK) - 1-5, 2.98 ERA, 45.1 IP, 1.12 WHIP, 7.7 K/9, 0.3 WAR
RP Randy Kneib (MIN) - 1-2, 1.42 ERA, 50.2 IP, 1.18 WHIP, 10.1 K/9, 0.9 WAR
RP Steve Talbott (TB) - 1-4, 24 SV, 2.92 ERA, 40.0 IP, 1.10 WHIP, 11.0 K/9, 1.3 WAR
CL Tim Pullen (NYY) - 3-1, 20 SV, 1.41 ERA, 38.1 IP, 0.70 WHIP, 12.0 K/9, 1.7 WAR
C David Evans (TOR)* - .363/.391/.653, 303 AB, 23 HR, 188 wRC+, 5.2 WAR
C Ju-zheng Kum (DET) - .304/.367/.399, 286 AB, 5 HR, 1 SB, 115 wRC+, 1.9 WAR
C David Luna (OAK) - .259/.315/.459, 266 AB, 11 HR, 114 wRC+, 2.3 WAR
C David Morales (TB) - .291/.335/.381, 244 AB, 3 HR, 98 wRC+, 0.6 WAR (Injured)
1B Mario Delgado (CWS)* - .357/.425/.576, 238 AB, 13 HR, 2 SB, 179 wRC+, 3.2 WAR
1B Adrian Jimenez (BOS) - .258/.350/.521, 330 AB, 27 HR, 137 wRC+, 2.5 WAR
2B Xavier Barraza (OC) - .332/.410/.497, 352 AB, 1 HR, 15 SB, 150 wRC+, 3.9 WAR
2B Juan Guerra (SEA)* - .304/.369/.633, 237 AB, 21 HR, 178 wRC+, 3.3 WAR
2B Victor Mendoza (LAA) - .301/.361/.457, 322 AB, 8 HR, 129 wRC+, 3.5 WAR
3B Luis Barela (TB)* - .254/.356/.495, 327 AB, 21 HR, 1 SB, 134 wRC+, 2.8 WAR
SS Mitch Glavas (AUS) - .299/.354/.433, 224 AB, 5 HR, 1 SB, 120 wRC+, 2.0 WAR
SS Agustin Orozco (MIN)* - .348/.406/.529, 342 AB, 13 HR, 161 wRC+, 5.1 WAR
LF Ezequiel Avalos (TB) - .318/.374/.567, 349 AB, 21 HR, 2 SB, 159 wRC+, 3.6 WAR
LF Pat Patterson (HOU)* - .296/.335/.592, 287 AB, 24 HR, 1 SB, 153 wRC+, 2.7 WAR (Injured)
LF Sung-min Yang (TB)* - .322/.395/.562, 242 AB, 16 HR, 3 SB, 165 wRC+, 2.3 WAR
CF Jesus Avalos (TB) - .300/.361/.505, 370 AB, 17 HR, 4 SB, 138 wRC+, 3.0 WAR
CF Keith Billingsley (TOR)* - .295/.366/.624, 319 AB, 26 HR, 8 SB, 172 wRC+, 4.2 WAR (Injured)
CF Kevin Hill (BAL) - .339/.387/.565, 333 AB, 14 HR, 3 SB, 162 wRC+, 4.0 WAR
CF Angel Pena (LAA) - .285/.355/.477, 344 AB, 15 HR, 25 SB, 130 wRC+, 3.3 WAR
RF Josh Cox (BAL) - .307/.360/.561, 287 AB, 17 HR, 2 SB, 153 wRC+, 2.4 WAR
RF Alex Duran (LAA) - .295/.351/.531, 322 AB, 19 HR, 1 SB, 145 wRC+, 2.5 WAR
RF Demetrius Huddleston (CLE) - .323/.400/.433, 254 AB, 6 HR, 13 SB, 135 wRC+, 1.6 WAR
RF Juan Martines (CWS)* - .292/.382/.641, 312 AB, 26 HR, 17 SB, 181 wRC+, 4.8 WAR
RF Omar Urrutia (NYY) - .295/.371/.557, 298 AB, 18 HR, 6 SB, 156 wRC+, 3.7 WAR

While the National League will feature these star players:

SP Joe Boulay (CIN) - 6-4, 3.28 ERA, 96.0 IP, 1.25 WHIP, 6.7 K/9, 1.9 WAR
SP Luis de la Torre (SF) - 6-5, 2.37 ERA, 102.1 IP, 1.00 WHIP, 6.4 K/9, 2.9 WAR
SP Randy Heller (LAD) - 10-2, 2.22 ERA, 109.2 IP, 1.04 WHIP, 8.0 K/9, 3.7 WAR
SP Bobby Kuhlemeier (CHC) - 11-1, 2.15 ERA, 108.2 IP, 1.10 WHIP, 6.5 K/9, 2.8 WAR
SP Randy Morton (CHC) - 8-2, 2.28 ERA, 114.1 IP, 1.08 WHIP, 6.7 K/9, 2.9 WAR
SP Lienhard Moser (STL) - 11-3, 2.77 ERA, 110.1 IP, 1.16 WHIP, 9.6 K/9, 2.3 WAR
SP Ted Vanegas (COL)* - 11-5, 2.72 ERA, 109.0 IP, 1.08 WHIP, 9.7 K/9, 3.0 WAR
SP Jose Velasquez (MIL) - 5-6, 2.93 ERA, 113.2 IP, 1.23 WHIP, 8.7 K/9, 2.7 WAR
RP Tim Bast (PIT) - 0-2, 3.19 ERA, 53.2 IP, 1.19 WHIP, 7.4 K/9, 0.4 WAR
RP Steve Kay (COL) - 4-2, 7 SV, 1.32 ERA, 47.2 IP, 0.82 WHIP, 9.4 K/9, 1.6 WAR
RP Freddy Zamora (STL) - 6-3, 2.40 ERA, 41.1 IP, 0.94 WHIP, 8.9 K/9, 1.2 WAR
CL Steve Falcon (CHC) - 2-5, 26 SV, 2.48 ERA, 40.0 IP, 1.00 WHIP, 11.5 K/9, 1.8 WAR
CL Devin Martin (ARI) - 2-2, 24 SV, 2.60 ERA, 34.2 IP, 1.21 WHIP, 9.3 K/9, 1.1 WAR
CL Bill Sutherland (COL)* - 0-5, 25 SV, 2.85 ERA, 41.0 IP, 1.05 WHIP, 9.4 K/9, 1.8 WAR
C Ben Caperon (COL)* - .235/.304/.360, 272 AB, 2 HR, 5 SB, 76 wRC+, 0.8 WAR
C Steve Eason (NYM) - .229/.279/.449, 227 AB, 10 HR, 101 wRC+, 1.1 WAR
C Akiyuki Kobayashi (IND) - .208/.264/.388, 240 AB, 12 HR, 77 wRC+, 1.4 WAR
1B Chris Davison (COL) - .305/.360/.622, 344 AB, 27 HR, 1 SB, 161 wRC+, 3.2 WAR
1B Alex Mendoza (WSH)* - .357/.391/.491, 375 AB, 2 HR, 42 SB, 142 wRC+, 3.0 WAR
1B Manny Muniz (COL)* - .306/.368/.515, 363 AB, 16 HR, 1 SB, 135 wRC+, 1.9 WAR
1B Andy Randall (LAD) - .280/.370/.506, 322 AB, 19 HR, 139 wRC+, 2.5 WAR
2B Juan Davila (PHI) - .257/.326/.394, 335 AB, 8 HR, 6 SB, 99 wRC+, 0.9 WAR
2B Mat Gurley (MIL) - .323/.392/.457, 328 AB, 3 HR, 18 SB, 138 wRC+, 3.3 WAR
2B Gerald Minotes (LAD)* - .322/.406/.558, 335 AB, 19 HR, 2 SB, 166 wRC+, 4.1 WAR
2B Victor Ocana (WSH) - .291/.374/.515, 326 AB, 17 HR, 1 SB, 141 wRC+, 2.7 WAR
3B Ricky Ulloa (CLB)* - .264/.341/.456, 329 AB, 16 HR, 8 SB, 122 wRC+, 3.0 WAR
SS Kareem Powell (ATL)* - .295/.366/.431, 339 AB, 9 HR, 9 SB, 122 wRC+, 3.8 WAR
LF Jaden Warfield (LAD)* - .322/.363/.557, 357 AB, 15 HR, 6 SB, 156 wRC+, 3.8 WAR
LF Zach Wells (NYM) - .312/.376/.410, 288 AB, 4 HR, 7 SB, 125 wRC+, 1.6 WAR
CF Hector Gomez (CHC) - .306/.346/.489, 356 AB, 12 HR, 26 SB, 129 wRC+, 3.3 WAR
CF Danny Saldana (ARI) - .289/.347/.491, 336 AB, 10 HR, 7 SB, 129 wRC+, 3.6 WAR
CF Malik Sexton (SD)* - .306/.358/.557, 350 AB, 19 HR, 12 SB, 152 wRC+, 4.5 WAR
RF Greg Barrett (MIL) - .267/.328/.505, 315 AB, 19 HR, 128 wRC+, 3.0 WAR
RF David Ramos (CHC)* - .347/.406/.565, 329 AB, 16 HR, 6 SB, 169 wRC+, 3.7 WAR

A healthy (in the numerical sense) contingent of Rays selected for the Midsummer Classic. It's the first selection of course for rookies Randy Mastropietro and Sung-Min Yang as well as first-full-season man Jesus Avalos while it's the second for Steve Talbott and Ezequiel Avalos, the third for the injured David Morales, and the 14th (consecutive) for the legendary Luis Barela.

The derby, with Barela and Tony Vasquez participating:

I guess the wind was blowing in given these numbers. Barela made the final but lost to Joe "Home Run" Baker.

The game:

Rays players had their fingerprints all over this one with Luis Barela coming through with a 2-RBI single in the 8th (off former Ray Steve Falcon) to win it for the AL, Ezequiel Avalos intentionally walked in front of Barela to load the bases, and Randy Mastropietro and Steve Talbott turning in scoreless innings.

Art Deco · 09-14-2023, 10:22 AM

Game 1: The Rays returned to action after the All-Star break with a 6-4 win over Boston thanks to a 5-run rally in the 8th. Ezequiel Avalos' RBI double in that inning but Tampa Bay ahead to stay while Nesty de la Rosa was 3-5 with an RBI single in the outburst. Ben Hilton started and went 5.1 5 2 2 3 4, Joe Roberts (3-2) picked up the win after coming in with the bases loaded and 1 out in the 7th and striking out the two men he faced to escape, and Steve Talbott picked up save #25 after Steve Cleland gave up a 2-run homer in the 9th.

Game 2: Boston roughed up Rays ace Dave Rose as they got the better of Tampa Bay 8-5. Most of the damage came in a 5-run 2nd and Rose (8-6) finished with a brutal 4 8 8 7 4 4 outing. The bats tried to come back with Luis Barela hitting a 2-run blast (#22) and Jesus Avalos driving in their other three runs but it wasn't enough.

Game 3: Tampa Bay squandered a 4-0 lead before Alex Brown came to the rescue with an RBI single in the 8th to give the Rays a 5-4 win. Dave Gonzalez had a 2-run double and Tony Vasquez hit a solo shot (#19/26) to help them to that early lead but Tim Johnson gave it all back in the 4th. Johnson pitched well otherwise and finished 6 9 4 3 0 3, keeping it tied. This set the stage for Jose Machado's 2-out 8th-inning double with Brown bringing him home with his third hit of the day. Willie Navarro (3-1) got the win and Steve Talbott saved again (#26).

Game 4: Another big inning gave the Rays a series win as they put up 4 runs in the 6th to break a 2-2 tie and take a 7-4 win over Boston. Joe Koutnik, getting a rare start, laced an RBI single to break the tie and then Dave Gonzalez came off the bench to clear the bases with a double. Vinny Miranda (4-7) turned in a solid start at 6 7 2 2 0 5 and Steve Talbott picked up his third save of the series and 27th of the season.

Team record: 60-34. The Yankees dropped 2 of 3 at home to Oklahoma City so the division lead has expanded to 4 games. Next up: Back home for 4 games in 3 days against the White Sox as we'll make up a rainout in Chicago from earlier in the season.

08-16-2023, 10:19 PM	#2541
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,567	May 19-21, 2053: vs Detroit (3) Game 1: The Rays eked out a 2-1 win in the opener at Publix Park behind a brilliant outing from Tim Johnson. The righty improved to 3-4 after going 7 2 1 1 3 8, allowing only a homer in the 6th which broke a 0-0 tie. His teammates immediately responded in the bottom of the inning on RBI singles from David Morales and Dantel Chinchilla. Steve Talbott handled the 9th for save #9. Game 2: Tampa Bay made it four straight wins with a comfortable 7-4 win over Detroit, comfortable as Detroit scored 3 in the 9th to make the final respectable. Rookie sensation Randy Mastropietro ran his record to 7-0 with a 5 4 1 1 3 3 outing and he had plenty of support, led by Tony Vasquez whose 1st-inning 2-run homer (#6/13) got the ball rolling. Luis Barela added a 2-run shot (#6) and Ezequiel Avalos plated a pair as well. Game 3: The Rays completed the sweep on a night when runs were once again scarce, walking it off against Detroit 3-2 in 13 innings on a Luis Barela blast (#7) deep into the Tampa night. Ben Hilton was solid at 6 6 2 2 2 4 and Sung-min Yang had a solo homer (a team-high #9) in regulation. The bullpen was stellar with 7 shutout innings and Mario Berumen (2-1) got the win. Team record: 26-18. The Yankees lost once so we've cut their division lead to 3 games and gone 2 up in the second wild card. Next up: A day off then Baltimore visits for 3.

08-18-2023, 01:41 PM	#2542
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,567	May 23-25, 2053: vs Baltimore (3) Game 1: Dave Rose was brilliant and the Rays took a 3-0 win in the opener over the Orioles at Publix Park. Rose won his third straight start to get to 3-4 after going 7 4 0 0 2 6 and lowering his ERA to 3.58. Steve Talbott finished up for his 10th save the offense came via RBI singles from Sung-min Yang, David Morales and Alex Brown. Game 2: Vinny Miranda picked up his first Rays win as Tampa Bay beat Baltimore again 4-1 and made it 7 straight wins. Miranda went 5.2 5 1 0 1 3 in winning for the first time in four starts since coming over from Oakland but has pitched well with a 2.11 ERA in that span. And it was another guy who came over from Oakland late last month that had the big hit as Alex Brown had a 2-run homer (#2/5) in a 3-run 3rd. Game 3: The Rays extended their win streak to 8 despite scoring only 8 runs over the 3 games of this series but it helps when your pitching only allows 1 as they got a Dantel Chinchilla walk-off RBI double in the bottom of the 10th to eke out a 1-0 victory over the Orioles. Tim Johnson turned in a great start at 6 3 0 0 3 8 and the pen did its job as well with Mario Berumen (3-1) picking up the win as Rays pitching held Baltimore to 3 hits on the day. Team record: 29-18. The Yankees lost one so we continue to slowly chip away their division lead, now down to 2 games. Next up: Some interleague action as we head to Washington for 3 games. The Nats are off to a middling 24-24 start to the year. MLB News: The Angels' superstar reliever Jake Cid needs Tommy John surgery and will be lost until mid-2054.

08-19-2023, 08:28 PM	#2543
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,567	May 26-28, 2053: at Washington (3) Game 1: It was one of those ridiculous games as the Rays scored 8 times in the 4th inning on their way to a 19-2 annihilation of the Nationals to make it 9 straight wins. Nesty de la Rosa got things going with a 3-run homer in the 3rd (#4) and added a 2-run double in that 4th inning to give him a 5-RBI day. Also going yard: Ezequiel Avalos (twice, #7 & 8), Tony Vasquez (#7/14), Luis Barela (#8) and Sung-min Yang (#10). The beneficiary of all this support was Randy Mastropietro, who ran his record to 8-0, 2.08 after going 6 7 0 0 2 3. Game 2: A tough one for the Rays to lose their winning streak as they allowed 2 runs in the bottom of the 9th to let Washington walk it off 5-4. It looked like the streak would go to 10 wins when Ezequiel Avalos hit a 2-run homer in the 7th (#9) to put them up 4-3 but Steve Talbott (1-3) put men on 1st and 3rd in the 9th with one out before leaving with a herniated disc. Mario Berumen got a ground out with the infield in that moved the trail man up to 2nd and then gave up a 2-run single to Kelvin Owens, who got revenge on the Rays for keeping him stuck at Durham for 3 years before being taken by the Nats in the Rule 5 draft this past winter. Luis Barela homered earlier (#9) and Ben Hilton went 5 6 3 3 1 6 in his start. Game 3: Pitching let Tampa Bay down again as Washington took a 10-7 win in the finale. Team ace Dave Rose didn't pitch like one today, going 3.2 10 6 6 0 3 but remarkably the Rays went up 7-6 in the 5th on an RBI double from Ezequiel Avalos, who earlier homered for the third straight day (#10). But Melvin Lopez gave up 4 runs in the bottom of the frame and the teams decided to stop scoring after that. Luis Barela also went yard for the third straight game, his 10th as well as he and Avalos each drove in 3. Team record: 30-20. Thanks to the two losses, we dropped a game back in the division and are now 3 behind the Yankees. Next up: An off-day to travel coast-to-coast where we'll face the Dodgers in LA who have an identical 30-20 record.

08-20-2023, 10:37 PM	#2544
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,567	May 30-June 1, 2053: at LA Dodgers (3) Game 1: The Rays were blanked 4-0 by the Dodgers in the opener. Vinny Miranda didn't have his command and dropped to 1-3 with Tampa Bay after going 3.2 4 3 3 4 2. Game 2: They nearly squandered this one, losing a 4-1 lead and falling behind 5-4 before scoring twice in the 9th to pull out a 6-5 win over LA. A solo homer from Alex Brown (#3/6) who had a 3-3, 2-RBI day and a 2-run shot from Ezequiel Avalos (#11) had them out to the early lead but Tim Johnson, brilliant through 6, fell apart in the 7th finishing 6 5 4 4 3 4 as he and Joe Roberts gave up 4 in the 7th to put the Dodgers on top. But Nesty de la Rosa's RBI single tied it in the 9th and the winner scored on a dropped fly ball. Steve Cleland, who's been a great waiver pickup, went to 3-0 and lowered his ERA to 1.42 in 26 IP while Willie Navarro notched his first save. Game 3: Another anemic performance from the bats as the Rays dropped the rubber match 3-1 to LA. Randy Mastropietro pitched well but lost for the first time this season after 9 wins, with a key 2-run homer in the 6th the difference as he finished 6 7 3 2 0 1. Team record: 31-22. We lost a game in the standings to the Yankees and dropped 4 back but still hold the first wild card. Next up: Back home for 3 against Cincinnati. A bit of good news: The baseball must have looked as big as a balloon to Ezequiel Avalos of Tampa Bay last week. The left fielder had quite a 6-game stretch and today he was named the American League Player of the Week. Avalos delivered 11 hits in 26 at-bats to hit .423 with 5 home runs and 12 RBIs. This season Avalos is batting .304 with 34 RBIs, 35 runs scored and 11 home runs.

08-22-2023, 05:01 PM	#2545
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,567	June 2-4, 2053: vs Cincinnati (3) Transaction: Forgot to mention this in the previous post but rookie 2B Jose Machado was activated off the IL during the last series and Juan de Oca was optioned to Durham. Since Machado got hurt we acquired Alex Brown so the two will kind of split time and Machado will definitely start against lefties. Game 1: The Rays were rude hosts to the Reds, walloping them 11-3 in the opener at Publix Park. Jose Machado had his best game as a big leaguer, hitting 3 doubles including a 2-run two-bagger in a 5-run 2nd that broke the game open and he ended up knocking in 5. Jesus Avalos' 2-run shot (#9) capped the 2nd, and Tony Vasquez added a solo shot (#8/15). Ben Hilton (4-2) picked up the win after going 5.1 5 2 1 1 3. Game 2: Tampa Bay took Cincinnati down again behind a dominant Dave Rose outing 4-1. After a rough April Rose has now evened his record at 4-4 thanks to an overpowering 7 3 0 0 1 11 performance. Willie Navarro handled the 9th for his 2nd save. The key hit came in the 2nd on Nesty de la Rosa's 2-run single which made it 3-0. Game 3: The final score said 9-3 Rays but the sweep didn't come easy until they erupted for 6 runs in the 8th to break a 3-3 tie. Sung-min Yang's 2-run homer (#11) broke the deadlock and then they added four more runs including a 2-run Jesus Avalos single. Ezequiel Avalos earlier had a 2-run homer (#12) while Luis Barela was 3-5 with 2 RBI. Vinny Miranda started, going 6 2 2 2 1 7 and was in line for the win before Willie Navarro (3-0) vultured it by allowing a game-tying RBI single in the top of the 8th. Team record: 34-22. The Yankees took 3 of 4 including one on our off-day so we trail them now by 2 1/2 games. Next up: After that off-day we head to Baltimore for 3 games.

08-22-2023, 05:21 PM	#2546
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,567	The 2053 Amateur Draft Whitaker: An elite pitching prospect whom we went over slot to sign, Whitaker has some drool-worthy potential ratings. Which is why it will be disappointing when next spring we see 10-15 points knocked off them in a development report update (maybe not, but it always seems that way). He is out of high school so the usual caveats apply. Samuels: Listed as a pitcher but we really took him for what you see all the way over to the right: 75 contact and 70 power potential as a hitter. These type of players always seem to be the market inefficiency of OOTP drafts so I had to grab one. He might not end up the worst pitcher either so there's some two-way possibility. White: A high-school catcher, always a risky demographic but White could follow in our long line of catchers who rake. Hicks: A safer (and cheaper) pick, Hicks could become a very good hitter and hopefully won't take as long do so as he's a college junior from VCU. Also looks to be a competent OF though CF would be pushing it. Hardy: A risky high-schooler who could have good stuff but will need to develop a third pitch to stay out of the bullpen and might be too homer-prone anyway.

08-24-2023, 09:23 AM	#2547
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,567	June 6-8, 2053: at Baltimore (3) Game 1: A strange game in which all the scoring took place in the 3rd inning went Tampa Bay's way 5-2 over the Orioles. Dantel Chinchilla led off the inning with his 2nd homer of the year and then the bases were loaded for Luis Barela to clear them with a double. In the bottom of the frame Tim Johnson gave up a 2-run homer and then hit the next man, precipitating a brawl that saw him ejected after going 2.1 2 2 2 2 4. The pen was magnificent from there, keeping Baltimore off the board thanks to the Steves with Bourassa (1-0) getting the win, Cleland going 2 scoreless and Talbott handling the 9th for his 12th save. Game 2: Like yesterday the scoring came early with the Rays up 5-3 after 3 and going on to win 6-3 at Camden Yards. David Morales reached a professional career high with his 3rd homer among his 3 hits and Jose Machado had a 2-run blast (#3) to highlight the offense while Randy Mastropietro (9-1) survived a 3-run 3rd to get back in the win column after going 5 6 3 3 3 5. The pen was solid again and Steve Talbott earned save #13 despite walking a pair in the 9th (the 2 walks tripled his season total). Game 3: The Rays completed the sweep and made it 6 straight wins after bludgeoning Baltimore 10-2, although it wasn't until they put 4 on the board in the 9th the game was truly over. Tony Vasquez had his biggest day as a Ray, going 4-5 with HR #9/16 and 3 RBI, Luis Barela had a 3-run smack for his 11th of the year and 533rd of his career, and Ezequiel Avalos added a solo shot (#13). Ben Hilton (5-2) was sharp at 6 6 2 2 0 7 for the win. Team record: 37-22. Thanks to the sweep we've gotten as close to the Yankees as we have all season, now only 1 1/2 back. Next up: Off to Houston for 3 games. The Astros are a middling 28-31.

08-25-2023, 08:05 PM	#2548
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,567	June 9-11, 2053: at Houston (3) June 9: Placed SP Tim Johnson the restricted list, activated SP Alec McInerney from his rehab assignment at AAA Durham. Mac is back as the lefty had a 3.22 ERA in 5 rehab starts with the Bulls and will take Johnson's spot in the rotation while he serves his suspension. After that one start, McInerney will probably go to the bullpen as there's not a real rotation opening currently. Game 1: Jesus Avalos and Dave Rose led the Rays to a 7-4 win over the Astros in the series opener at Minute Maid Park, their 7th straight. Avalos went deep twice including one to lead off the game, giving him 11 while Sung-min Yang also found the seats (#12) in the 2nd as Tampa Bay raced out to a 6-1 lead by the 5th. That was plenty for Rose (5-4) who won his fifth straight decision after going 7 6 2 2 1 8. Chris Hetzel made a mess in the 9th so Steve Talbott had to get the final batter for save #16. Game 2: The win streak came to an end as the Rays had a stinker of a game in a 6-2 loss to Houston. And both Tampa Bay runs came in the 9th to avoid a shutout as Vinny Miranda (1-4) was roughed up to the tune of 3.1 8 6 6 2 2. Game 3: The Rays took the rubber game from the Astros 6-3 as Alec McInerney won in his return to the team and Tony Vasquez belted a pair of homers. McInerney was a solid 5 6 2 2 1 3 after being handed a 6-0 thanks in large part to Vasquez, who belted solo shots in the 1st and 4th to give him 11 with the Rays and 18 overall. Jesus Avalos was also 3-5 with a double and 2 RBI. And we had a milestone in the 9th when Steve Talbott pitched around a couple of baserunners to earn his 17th save of the season and 300th of his career. Team record: 39-23. The Yankees matched the Rays by taking 2 of 3 so New York remains 1 1/2 ahead.

08-26-2023, 06:50 PM	#2549
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,567	June 13-15, 2053: at LA Angels (3) Game 1: Jesus Avalos beat out an infield single to bring home the tying run with 2 out in the 9th and Tony Vasquez homered (#12/19) in the 10th to give the Rays a come-from-behind 4-3 win over the Angels in the opener at Anaheim. Avalos was 3-4 on the day with 2 RBI, Randy Mastropietro was 5.1 5 3 3 4 2 in his start, Jon Ward (1-0) got the win, and Steve Talbott earned save #16. June 14: Activated P Tim Johnson from the restricted list, waived P Jon Ward. Ward pitched well but somebody had to go with Alec McInerney back and Johnson returning from suspension. Game 2: The Rays had an easier time of it in the second game, breaking open a 2-0 affair with 7 runs in the 6th and 7th to annihilate the Angels 10-3. Alex Brown had the game of his brief Rays career, going 3-4 with a homer (#4/7) and 5 RBI, Sung-min Yang was 3-5 with an RBI double, and Jose Machado knocked in a pair to power the offense. Meanwhile Dave Rose (6-4) made it 6 straight wins after going 5 3 0 0 4 6 on 100 pitches. Game 3: A 4-run 8th broke a 1-1 tie and enabled the Rays to sweep the Angels with a 5-1 win in the finale, giving them 11 wins in their last 12 games. Alex Brown drew a bases-loaded walk to break the deadlock, Jesus Avalos singled in a run and Tony Vasquez singled in two more. Luis Barela earlier had a solo shot (#12). Tim Johnson (4-4) was excellent in his return from the restricted list at 7.1 5 1 1 3 4. Team record: 42-23. The Yankees lost a game so the Rays are now only 1/2 game back. And next up are those very Yankees who come to Publix Park for 3 games. Win the series and take the division lead.

08-28-2023, 03:05 PM	#2550
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,567	June 16-18, 2053: vs NY Yankees (3) Game 1: It's taken them 2 1/2 months but the Rays have finally moved into first place in the AL East after beating the Yankees 5-3 in the series opener at Publix Park. Luis Barela's clutch 2-run homer (#13) broke a 3-3 tie in the 8th and made a winner of Joe Roberts (2-2) with Steve Talbott earning save #17. Earlier Tampa Bay got homers from Ezequiel Avalos (#14) and Tony Vasquez (#13/20) while Ben Hilton turned in a solid start at 6 5 3 3 1 8. Game 2: The Rays' stay atop the AL East was short-lived as the Yankees answered with a 6-2 win. Vinny Miranda (1-5) was hit for 4 runs in the 2nd on his way to a lousy 5 8 4 4 2 1 outing. Both Tampa Bay runs came via the solo homer from the Joses, Lozada (#2) and Machado (#4). Game 3: Tampa Bay took the rubber game and re-took the division lead with a 5-2 win in the finale behind another fine Randy Mastropietro outing. The rookie lefty improved to 10-1, 2.52 after a hit-scattering 6 9 1 1 0 3 performance. Tony Vasquez led the offense, driving in a pair with a single and a bases-loaded walk. Team record: 44-24. Next up: An off-day then Boston visits for 3 games.

08-29-2023, 10:01 PM	#2551
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,567	June 20-22, 2053: vs Boston (3) Game 1: The Rays snapped a 2-2 tie with a 7-run 4th inning and went on to rout the Red Sox 13-3 at Publix Park to begin their series with Boston. Luis Barela and Sung-min Yang each homered twice and drove in five runs, with Barela now at 15 and Yang 14 on the season. Also at 15 homers after tonight is Ezequiel Avalos, who had a solo shot. Dave Rose (7-4) didn't need all the support but welcomed it after going 7 6 2 2 0 10 in a typical Rose outing. Game 2: The bullpen blew a 3-0 lead in the 8th, allowing Boston to tie but the offense picked them up by getting the three runs back in the bottom of the frame as the Rays beat Boston again 6-3. With a lefty starting for the Red Sox Sung-min Yang started on the bench but came off it to deliver a 2-run game-winning double in that 8th inning while they also received solo homers from Tony Vasquez (#14/21) and former Red Sox farmhand Jose Machado (#5). Tim Johnson was in line for the win after going 5.1 3 0 0 2 5 but it instead went to Willie Navarro (4-0), who allowed the game-tying 2-run double. Steve Talbott had a quick 1-2-3 9th for save #18. Game 3: Vinny Miranda's been up and down since coming over from Oakland but today he was up as he and Mario Berumen combined on a 4-hit shutout and the Rays swept the series with a 5-0 win over Boston. Miranda (2-5) was an efficient 8 4 0 0 0 6 in his best Tampa Bay outing yet, Tony Vasquez homered again (#15/22) and Luis Barela and Jose Lozada each had 2 hits and a ribbie. Team record: 47-24. The Yankees lost once over the weekend so the division lead is now 1 1/2 games. Next up: The homestand continues as Toronto visits for 4.

08-31-2023, 06:44 PM	#2552
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,567	June 23-26, 2053: vs Toronto (4) Game 1: Randy Mastropietro improved to 11-1 thanks to another fine outing and the Rays got by the Jays 4-2 in the opener at Publix Park. The rookie lefty went 6 5 1 1 0 5 for the win and Steve Talbott finished up for save #19 despite allowing a solo homer. All four Rays runs came on solo homers with Ezequiel Avalos clubbing a pair (#16 & 17) and the other two coming from Sung-min Yang (#15) and Jesus Avalos (#12). Game 2: A 5-run meltdown by the bullpen in the 9th turned a 6-4 win into a 9-6 loss to Toronto. The culprit was Willie Navarro (4-1), who had been largely untouchable coming into the game with an 0.85 ERA but today was not his day. They had overcome a poor start from Ben Hilton (3.2 8 4 4 1 3) to come back from 4-1 down with a 2-run Luis Barela homer (#16) in the 6th putting them in front. Tampa Bay should have had more than the 6 runs they did score as they banged out 19 hits including 4 from Tony Vasquez but they left 12 on base in a game that turned out to be frustrating in more ways than one. Game 3: Groundhog Day for the Rays as the bullpen blew another 9th-inning lead to cost them a game as Steve Talbott (1-4) surrendered a pair in the 9th to consign Tampa Bay to a 4-3 defeat. Dave Rose had turned in his usual excellent start (6 6 2 2 1 8), Luis Barela homered again (#17) and the Rays had a 3-2 lead. But Talbott blew his first save of the year, allowing the two runs on three hits. July 25: Placed C David Morales on the 10-day IL with an oblique strain, purchased the contract of C Dave Gonzalez from AAA Durham. To add injury to insult from the loss, Morales hurt himself on a play at second base and the all-star catcher will be out 4-5 weeks. Taking his place will be the fastest-rising prospect in the organization in Gonzalez, a 6th-round draft pick last year out of UCLA. Gonzalez has seen his ratings jump to 60 contact and 55 power with potential for 75 contact and had played at four MiLB levels this year, culminating in a 386/417/545 line at Durham (albeit in only 49 PA). He's a poor defensive catcher (35) but has 50 potential at 1B/3B so his future might be on the infield but for now we'll platoon his LH bat behind the plate with current backup Cesar Scroggins. Game 4: The Rays salvaged a split of the series, breaking a 3-3 tie late and downing the Jays 6-3. Tony Vasquez's 2nd RBI of the day was a sac fly in the 7th which broke the deadlock and made a winner of Tim Johnson (5-4) who was a solid 7 5 3 3 2 7. Steve Talbott bounced back for save #20 although he did put a couple of runners on in the 9th. Jose Lozada was 3-4 and in his MLB debut Dave Gonzalez doubled to start a 2-run insurance rally in the 8th. Team record: 49-26. Thankfully the Yankees didn't take advantage of our bullpen stumbles as they too split a 4-game series to remain 1 1/2 back. Next up: off to Baltimore for 3 games.

09-02-2023, 11:19 PM	#2553
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,567	June 27-29, 2053: at Baltimore (3) Game 1: The Rays dropped the opener in Baltimore as they fell to the Orioles 5-1 at Camden Yards. The bats were held to five hits and only Jesus Avalos' 13th homer in the 9th inning kept them from a shutout. Vinny Miranda wasn't bad at 6 7 3 3 0 4 but still fell to 2-6 as a Ray. Game 2: An early 4-1 lead disappeared in the middle innings as Randy Mastropietro had a rare bad outing and the Rays fell to Baltimore once again 7-6. Jesus Avalos picked up where he left off in the 9th inning yesterday with 2 more solo homers to give him 15 and Luis Barela added one of his own (#18) but Mastropietro (11-2) found his Waterloo in the 5th when Baltimore scored 4 times off him with recording an out, leaving him to finish 4 8 5 5 4 3. Game 3: The Rays salvaged the finale, waxing the Orioles 12-3 behind a monster game from Ezequiel Avalos. The All-Star LF was 4-5 with 2 HR (#18 & 19) and 5 RBI to lead the attack, while Tony Vasquez, Dave Gonzalez and Cesar Scroggins each knocked in a pair. They provided plenty of support to Ben Hilton (6-2), who was in good form at 7 5 2 2 2 5. Team record: 50-28. Once again the Yankees couldn't take advantage of our stumbles, also dropping 2 of 3 to remain 1 1/2 back. Next up: 3 games in Detroit after which we'll have reached the halfway mark of the season.

09-05-2023, 04:34 PM	#2554
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,567	June 30-July 2, 2053: at Detroit (3) Game 1: The Rays fell to Detroit in the opener at Comerica Park 5-2. Tony Vasquez's 2-run homer (#16/23) brought parity at 2 but Dave Rose (7-5) had a poor outing at 5 8 5 5 2 7 and the offense went limp the rest of the way. Game 2: Another loss to the Tigers as the Rays fell 8-4 in a scoreline that somewhat flattered them, given they scored twice in the 9th. It was 2-1 Rays before Detroit put up a 5-spot against Tim Johnson (5-5) in the 3rd and he finished 4 7 6 6 3 3. Game 3: A miserable series in the Motor City for the Rays as they suffered the sweep after a 4-1 loss in the finale. Vinny Miranda dropped to 2-7 after going 5 6 4 4 2 5 and while his W/L record is a bit harsh considering how he's pitched, he hasn't been that great either as a 3-run 5th was the difference. Of course that bats were also to blame as they only scored 7 runs in total and they've now lost 7 of their last 9 games. Team record: 50-31. The Yankees finally took advantage of our troubles, winning 2 out of 3 to move back into the first place by 1/2 game. Next up: An off-day then another big series with those same New Yorkers as they come to Tampa for 3 over the July 4 weekend.

09-05-2023, 05:02 PM	#2555
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,567	2053 Midseason Review It's been a bit of a rollercoaster season with lows at the beginning (starts of 0-3 and 5-8) and the end of the first half (2-7) but highs in between (43-16). It all adds up to a 100-win pace but given how strong the Yankees are this season it might be enough to win the division. And it wouldn't be if the season ended today, although we'd otherwise get a chance to play that game in hand and maybe force a tie. A rare season in which no Rays hitters are among the top 3 in any category. Nevertheless the offense is still very good, even if it isn't as dominant as it has been in some years. The one knock on it is that the squad is as slow as molasses with only 20 SB and poor baserunning. The pitching has been pretty good too despite some ups and downs and defense is back to its customary lousiness. The Avaloses are leading the way and Luis Barela continues to age like a fine wine, so no complaints. Yang had a great rookie first half but has cooled off a little of late. The disappointment on offense has been David Morales, who was hitting for average but stopped hitting doubles before he got hurt a couple of weeks ago. Can't really complain about the pitching either with Rose and Mastropietro having All-Star (and in Rose's case, Cy Young) caliber seasons and the other three starters good but not great. The bullpen has been fairly solid too despite a meltdown here or there. All in all it's hard to complain about a team on pace for 100 wins even if this squad seems to lack a little something - i.e., they're perfectly "fine" but the "wow factor" seems missing. Also there's no "wow factor" with the farm system. Whitaker was our top pick this year and he takes over the #1 prospect spot in the organization and most of these guys are at least 2-3 years away. One exception is the fast-rising Gonzalez, already on the team filling in at C for David Morales.

09-07-2023, 11:10 AM	#2556
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,567	July 4-6, 2053: vs NY Yankees (3) Game 1: The Rays kicked off the second half of the season by edging the Yankees 2-1 at Publix Park and moving back into first place in the AL East. Randy Mastropietro (12-2) was today's hero, going 6 3 1 1 1 5 in another outstanding outing and Steve Talbott finished for save #21. Jose Lozada's RBI double in the 5th was the difference. Game 2: Runs were hard to come by again but the Rays got the most of them and beat New York again 3-2. Sung-min Yang's 2-run homer (#16) in the 2nd gave the Rays an early 2-0 lead but the Yankees equalized off Ben Hilton (5.2 9 2 2 2 7) in the 6th before Yang figured in again, singling to start a 7th-inning rally and brought home by Jose Machado's RBI single. Chris Hetzel (2-0) picked up the win and Steve Talbott saved again with a 1-2-3 9th, his 22nd. Game 3: The offense flowed more freely in the finale and the Rays completed a massive sweep of the Yankees with a 9-5 win to go 2 1/2 games up in the AL East. Luis Barela homered twice to give him 20 on the year and 542 for his career, and Dantel Chinchilla drove in 3 including a 2-run single in a 4-run 1st that sent Tampa Bay on its way. Jesus Avalos chipped in a solo shot (#16). Dave Rose (8-5) pitched a lot better than his 7.1 6 5 5 1 11 line might indicate as he had one sequence where he put two on and gave up a 3-run homer and then left in the 8th with two of his runners on whom the pen allowed to score. Team record: 53-31. Next up: 3 games in Texas against the Rangers.

09-08-2023, 09:56 PM	#2557
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,567	July 7-9, 2053: at Texas (3) Game 1: A 5-run 5th enabled the Rays to outscore the Rangers 8-6 in the opener at Globe Life Field. The big blow was a grand slam by Ezequiel Avalos, his 20th of the year, and the other big bat today belonged to rookie Jose Machado, who was 4-4 with a double, triple and 3 runs scored. The outburst enabled Tim Johnson (6-5) to pick up the win despite a largely lousy 5 8 5 5 3 5. The bullpen was sparkling however with Mario Berumen fanning all 5 men he faced and Steve Talbott nailing down save #23. Game 2: It was a different kind of game than yesterday but the result was the same as the Rays squeezed out a 3-2 win over Texas. Solo homers from Jesus Avalos (#17), Tony Vasquez (#17/26) and Ezequiel Avalos (#21) account for the offense while Vinny Miranda (3-7) turned in a very solid start at 6.1 6 1 1 1 4. And Chris Hetzel bagged his first save of the year, getting Joe Roberts out of a bases-loaded, nobody-out jam in the 8th and handling the 9th himself. Game 3: The Rays should have come away with the sweep, twice blowing multi-run leads in what would have been the game's final inning and eventually losing an 18-inning marathon to the Rangers 11-10. They took an 8-5 lead into the bottom of the 9th only for Steve Talbott to give up a 2-run homer and a solo shot, and then after putting 2 on the board in the top of the 13th, Steve Bourassa (who has been horrible this year) gave up a game-tying two-run double. Finally in the 18th Melvin Lopez (1-3) allowed a leadoff walk-off homer as he began his 4th inning of work. As a result they wasted a career game from Nesty de la Rosa, who was 5-8 with a double, two homers (#5 & 6) and 3 RBI. His second blast gave them the short-lived 13th inning lead. Also going yard was Tony Vasquez (#18/27) and Ezequiel Avalos had a 4-hit game. Randy Mastropietro gave up 4 runs in the 1st to squander an early 3-0 lead but settled in to finish 6 11 5 5 0 4. After the game the scouts advised that Talbott's lost 2 MPH off his fastball and his stuff was downgraded from 80 to 70, which tracks. Team record: 55-32. The Yankees also won 2 of 3 so our division lead remains at 2 1/2.

09-10-2023, 07:16 PM	#2558
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,567	July 11-13, 2053: at Oakland (3) Game 1: The Rays were pretty much a no-show for the opener in Oakland as they fell 5-0 to the A's. The bats only managed five hits and Ben Hilton (6-3) was ineffective at 4.2 8 4 4 2 6. Game 2: Tampa Bay scored twice in the 9th to take a 4-3 win over the A's and even up their series. The venerable Luis Barela homered (#21) to break a 2-2 tie and Jose Machado's RBI double provided necessary insurance as Steve Talbott surrendered a run in the bottom of the 9th while notching save #24. Willie Navarro (5-1) got the win in relief and Dave Rose labored through 111 pitches to go 6 5 2 2 5 6. Game 3: A 4-run 7th was what the Rays needed to take a 4-1 win and the series from Oakland. A wild pitch scored the first run and then Ezequiel Avalos' 3-run homer (#22) cleared the bases, making a winner of Chris Hetzel (3-0) in relief. Willie Navarro picked up his 3rd save and Tim Johnson had a fine 5.1 4 1 1 2 4 start. Team record: 57-33 as we maintain a 2 1/2-game lead on the Yankees. Next up: The All-Star break followed by 4 games in Boston starting Thursday.

09-12-2023, 01:42 PM	#2559
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,567	All-Star Break 2053 The rosters: Leading the way for the American League All-Stars will be: SP Marco Agria (LAA)* - 10-4, 2.69 ERA, 134.0 IP, 0.97 WHIP, 9.0 K/9, 4.2 WAR SP Harris Bowness (NYY) - 9-8, 3.06 ERA, 111.2 IP, 1.10 WHIP, 7.9 K/9, 2.3 WAR SP Mario Guererro (MIN) - 10-2, 2.24 ERA, 104.2 IP, 1.10 WHIP, 8.9 K/9, 3.1 WAR SP Josh Hoffman (MIN)* - 8-4, 1.78 ERA, 76.0 IP, 1.04 WHIP, 7.7 K/9, 2.5 WAR SP Chris Kemble (LAA) - 7-5, 3.00 ERA, 114.0 IP, 1.00 WHIP, 7.3 K/9, 2.1 WAR SP David Marrero (TEX) - 9-2, 2.80 ERA, 119.0 IP, 1.18 WHIP, 8.2 K/9, 2.9 WAR SP Randy Mastropietro (TB) - 12-2, 3.04 ERA, 100.2 IP, 1.31 WHIP, 5.7 K/9, 2.3 WAR SP Mike Rizzo (NYY) - 10-2, 2.59 ERA, 118.0 IP, 1.19 WHIP, 8.5 K/9, 3.1 WAR RP Jose Dulle (OC) - 3-6, 3.63 ERA, 79.1 IP, 1.39 WHIP, 6.1 K/9, 1.1 WAR RP Sherwood Dwyer (OAK) - 1-5, 2.98 ERA, 45.1 IP, 1.12 WHIP, 7.7 K/9, 0.3 WAR RP Randy Kneib (MIN) - 1-2, 1.42 ERA, 50.2 IP, 1.18 WHIP, 10.1 K/9, 0.9 WAR RP Steve Talbott (TB) - 1-4, 24 SV, 2.92 ERA, 40.0 IP, 1.10 WHIP, 11.0 K/9, 1.3 WAR CL Tim Pullen (NYY) - 3-1, 20 SV, 1.41 ERA, 38.1 IP, 0.70 WHIP, 12.0 K/9, 1.7 WAR C David Evans (TOR)* - .363/.391/.653, 303 AB, 23 HR, 188 wRC+, 5.2 WAR C Ju-zheng Kum (DET) - .304/.367/.399, 286 AB, 5 HR, 1 SB, 115 wRC+, 1.9 WAR C David Luna (OAK) - .259/.315/.459, 266 AB, 11 HR, 114 wRC+, 2.3 WAR C David Morales (TB) - .291/.335/.381, 244 AB, 3 HR, 98 wRC+, 0.6 WAR (Injured) 1B Mario Delgado (CWS)* - .357/.425/.576, 238 AB, 13 HR, 2 SB, 179 wRC+, 3.2 WAR 1B Adrian Jimenez (BOS) - .258/.350/.521, 330 AB, 27 HR, 137 wRC+, 2.5 WAR 2B Xavier Barraza (OC) - .332/.410/.497, 352 AB, 1 HR, 15 SB, 150 wRC+, 3.9 WAR 2B Juan Guerra (SEA)* - .304/.369/.633, 237 AB, 21 HR, 178 wRC+, 3.3 WAR 2B Victor Mendoza (LAA) - .301/.361/.457, 322 AB, 8 HR, 129 wRC+, 3.5 WAR 3B Luis Barela (TB)* - .254/.356/.495, 327 AB, 21 HR, 1 SB, 134 wRC+, 2.8 WAR SS Mitch Glavas (AUS) - .299/.354/.433, 224 AB, 5 HR, 1 SB, 120 wRC+, 2.0 WAR SS Agustin Orozco (MIN)* - .348/.406/.529, 342 AB, 13 HR, 161 wRC+, 5.1 WAR LF Ezequiel Avalos (TB) - .318/.374/.567, 349 AB, 21 HR, 2 SB, 159 wRC+, 3.6 WAR LF Pat Patterson (HOU)* - .296/.335/.592, 287 AB, 24 HR, 1 SB, 153 wRC+, 2.7 WAR (Injured) LF Sung-min Yang (TB)* - .322/.395/.562, 242 AB, 16 HR, 3 SB, 165 wRC+, 2.3 WAR CF Jesus Avalos (TB) - .300/.361/.505, 370 AB, 17 HR, 4 SB, 138 wRC+, 3.0 WAR CF Keith Billingsley (TOR)* - .295/.366/.624, 319 AB, 26 HR, 8 SB, 172 wRC+, 4.2 WAR (Injured) CF Kevin Hill (BAL) - .339/.387/.565, 333 AB, 14 HR, 3 SB, 162 wRC+, 4.0 WAR CF Angel Pena (LAA) - .285/.355/.477, 344 AB, 15 HR, 25 SB, 130 wRC+, 3.3 WAR RF Josh Cox (BAL) - .307/.360/.561, 287 AB, 17 HR, 2 SB, 153 wRC+, 2.4 WAR RF Alex Duran (LAA) - .295/.351/.531, 322 AB, 19 HR, 1 SB, 145 wRC+, 2.5 WAR RF Demetrius Huddleston (CLE) - .323/.400/.433, 254 AB, 6 HR, 13 SB, 135 wRC+, 1.6 WAR RF Juan Martines (CWS)* - .292/.382/.641, 312 AB, 26 HR, 17 SB, 181 wRC+, 4.8 WAR RF Omar Urrutia (NYY) - .295/.371/.557, 298 AB, 18 HR, 6 SB, 156 wRC+, 3.7 WAR While the National League will feature these star players: SP Joe Boulay (CIN) - 6-4, 3.28 ERA, 96.0 IP, 1.25 WHIP, 6.7 K/9, 1.9 WAR SP Luis de la Torre (SF) - 6-5, 2.37 ERA, 102.1 IP, 1.00 WHIP, 6.4 K/9, 2.9 WAR SP Randy Heller (LAD) - 10-2, 2.22 ERA, 109.2 IP, 1.04 WHIP, 8.0 K/9, 3.7 WAR SP Bobby Kuhlemeier (CHC) - 11-1, 2.15 ERA, 108.2 IP, 1.10 WHIP, 6.5 K/9, 2.8 WAR SP Randy Morton (CHC) - 8-2, 2.28 ERA, 114.1 IP, 1.08 WHIP, 6.7 K/9, 2.9 WAR SP Lienhard Moser (STL) - 11-3, 2.77 ERA, 110.1 IP, 1.16 WHIP, 9.6 K/9, 2.3 WAR SP Ted Vanegas (COL)* - 11-5, 2.72 ERA, 109.0 IP, 1.08 WHIP, 9.7 K/9, 3.0 WAR SP Jose Velasquez (MIL) - 5-6, 2.93 ERA, 113.2 IP, 1.23 WHIP, 8.7 K/9, 2.7 WAR RP Tim Bast (PIT) - 0-2, 3.19 ERA, 53.2 IP, 1.19 WHIP, 7.4 K/9, 0.4 WAR RP Steve Kay (COL) - 4-2, 7 SV, 1.32 ERA, 47.2 IP, 0.82 WHIP, 9.4 K/9, 1.6 WAR RP Freddy Zamora (STL) - 6-3, 2.40 ERA, 41.1 IP, 0.94 WHIP, 8.9 K/9, 1.2 WAR CL Steve Falcon (CHC) - 2-5, 26 SV, 2.48 ERA, 40.0 IP, 1.00 WHIP, 11.5 K/9, 1.8 WAR CL Devin Martin (ARI) - 2-2, 24 SV, 2.60 ERA, 34.2 IP, 1.21 WHIP, 9.3 K/9, 1.1 WAR CL Bill Sutherland (COL)* - 0-5, 25 SV, 2.85 ERA, 41.0 IP, 1.05 WHIP, 9.4 K/9, 1.8 WAR C Ben Caperon (COL)* - .235/.304/.360, 272 AB, 2 HR, 5 SB, 76 wRC+, 0.8 WAR C Steve Eason (NYM) - .229/.279/.449, 227 AB, 10 HR, 101 wRC+, 1.1 WAR C Akiyuki Kobayashi (IND) - .208/.264/.388, 240 AB, 12 HR, 77 wRC+, 1.4 WAR 1B Chris Davison (COL) - .305/.360/.622, 344 AB, 27 HR, 1 SB, 161 wRC+, 3.2 WAR 1B Alex Mendoza (WSH)* - .357/.391/.491, 375 AB, 2 HR, 42 SB, 142 wRC+, 3.0 WAR 1B Manny Muniz (COL)* - .306/.368/.515, 363 AB, 16 HR, 1 SB, 135 wRC+, 1.9 WAR 1B Andy Randall (LAD) - .280/.370/.506, 322 AB, 19 HR, 139 wRC+, 2.5 WAR 2B Juan Davila (PHI) - .257/.326/.394, 335 AB, 8 HR, 6 SB, 99 wRC+, 0.9 WAR 2B Mat Gurley (MIL) - .323/.392/.457, 328 AB, 3 HR, 18 SB, 138 wRC+, 3.3 WAR 2B Gerald Minotes (LAD)* - .322/.406/.558, 335 AB, 19 HR, 2 SB, 166 wRC+, 4.1 WAR 2B Victor Ocana (WSH) - .291/.374/.515, 326 AB, 17 HR, 1 SB, 141 wRC+, 2.7 WAR 3B Ricky Ulloa (CLB)* - .264/.341/.456, 329 AB, 16 HR, 8 SB, 122 wRC+, 3.0 WAR SS Kareem Powell (ATL)* - .295/.366/.431, 339 AB, 9 HR, 9 SB, 122 wRC+, 3.8 WAR LF Jaden Warfield (LAD)* - .322/.363/.557, 357 AB, 15 HR, 6 SB, 156 wRC+, 3.8 WAR LF Zach Wells (NYM) - .312/.376/.410, 288 AB, 4 HR, 7 SB, 125 wRC+, 1.6 WAR CF Hector Gomez (CHC) - .306/.346/.489, 356 AB, 12 HR, 26 SB, 129 wRC+, 3.3 WAR CF Danny Saldana (ARI) - .289/.347/.491, 336 AB, 10 HR, 7 SB, 129 wRC+, 3.6 WAR CF Malik Sexton (SD)* - .306/.358/.557, 350 AB, 19 HR, 12 SB, 152 wRC+, 4.5 WAR RF Greg Barrett (MIL) - .267/.328/.505, 315 AB, 19 HR, 128 wRC+, 3.0 WAR RF David Ramos (CHC)* - .347/.406/.565, 329 AB, 16 HR, 6 SB, 169 wRC+, 3.7 WAR A healthy (in the numerical sense) contingent of Rays selected for the Midsummer Classic. It's the first selection of course for rookies Randy Mastropietro and Sung-Min Yang as well as first-full-season man Jesus Avalos while it's the second for Steve Talbott and Ezequiel Avalos, the third for the injured David Morales, and the 14th (consecutive) for the legendary Luis Barela. The derby, with Barela and Tony Vasquez participating: I guess the wind was blowing in given these numbers. Barela made the final but lost to Joe "Home Run" Baker. The game: Rays players had their fingerprints all over this one with Luis Barela coming through with a 2-RBI single in the 8th (off former Ray Steve Falcon) to win it for the AL, Ezequiel Avalos intentionally walked in front of Barela to load the bases, and Randy Mastropietro and Steve Talbott turning in scoreless innings.

09-14-2023, 10:22 AM	#2560
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,567	July 17-20, 2053: at Boston (4) Game 1: The Rays returned to action after the All-Star break with a 6-4 win over Boston thanks to a 5-run rally in the 8th. Ezequiel Avalos' RBI double in that inning but Tampa Bay ahead to stay while Nesty de la Rosa was 3-5 with an RBI single in the outburst. Ben Hilton started and went 5.1 5 2 2 3 4, Joe Roberts (3-2) picked up the win after coming in with the bases loaded and 1 out in the 7th and striking out the two men he faced to escape, and Steve Talbott picked up save #25 after Steve Cleland gave up a 2-run homer in the 9th. Game 2: Boston roughed up Rays ace Dave Rose as they got the better of Tampa Bay 8-5. Most of the damage came in a 5-run 2nd and Rose (8-6) finished with a brutal 4 8 8 7 4 4 outing. The bats tried to come back with Luis Barela hitting a 2-run blast (#22) and Jesus Avalos driving in their other three runs but it wasn't enough. Game 3: Tampa Bay squandered a 4-0 lead before Alex Brown came to the rescue with an RBI single in the 8th to give the Rays a 5-4 win. Dave Gonzalez had a 2-run double and Tony Vasquez hit a solo shot (#19/26) to help them to that early lead but Tim Johnson gave it all back in the 4th. Johnson pitched well otherwise and finished 6 9 4 3 0 3, keeping it tied. This set the stage for Jose Machado's 2-out 8th-inning double with Brown bringing him home with his third hit of the day. Willie Navarro (3-1) got the win and Steve Talbott saved again (#26). Game 4: Another big inning gave the Rays a series win as they put up 4 runs in the 6th to break a 2-2 tie and take a 7-4 win over Boston. Joe Koutnik, getting a rare start, laced an RBI single to break the tie and then Dave Gonzalez came off the bench to clear the bases with a double. Vinny Miranda (4-7) turned in a solid start at 6 7 2 2 0 5 and Steve Talbott picked up his third save of the series and 27th of the season. Team record: 60-34. The Yankees dropped 2 of 3 at home to Oklahoma City so the division lead has expanded to 4 games. Next up: Back home for 4 games in 3 days against the White Sox as we'll make up a rainout in Chicago from earlier in the season.