Rays of Hope

If you’re a baseball fan – especially if you’re a follower of an American League east team – one burning question branded in your mind is “Are the Tampa Bay Rays for real?”

Through 90 games of this 2008 MLB season, the answer appears to be yes. The Rays are 55-35, have a dominant 36-14 record in their domed home of Tropicana Field, and lead the defending World Champion Boston Red Sox by two games.

All this sounds nice, but where are these Rays coming from? Who are they? And, do they have what it takes to battle the Red Sox and Yankees for American League East supremacy?

No, it’s not possible. It’s Tampa Bay. These guys are perennial losers. There’s just no way these guys can win more games than Boston or New York, right?

Well, let’s take a closer look.

True, Tampa Bay has been a losing franchise. Since its inception in 1998, the Rays (formerly the Devil Rays) have compiled a miserable 645-972 record – good for an MLB-worst 39.8 winning percentage over those 10 seasons.

Of those 10 seasons, they owned the worst record in the Major Leagues five times and finished dead last in the AL East in all but one of those seasons.

So, how have they been able to turn this around?

Pitching, thus far, has been the main reason. As of July 9th, Tampa Bay ranks ninth in American league defense and seventh in batting; however, the Rays pitching ranks third.

Thus far, the Rays have a team ERA of 3.60. This includes a 36-22 record and 3.67 ERA among its starting rotation. That’s great, but who are these pitchers and can they sustain their pitching prowess?

Since 2005, many faces have changed, but one pitcher has remained strong and reliable for Tampa Bay. Scott Kazmir is this pitcher. The Rays left-handed ace was an All-Star in 2006 and totes a career record of 42-33 with a 3.53 ERA.

Kazmir has been a stalwart for Tampa’s pitching staff through some very tough seasons.

From 2005 through 2007 Tampa Bay posted a 194-292 record. Despite the lack of team success, Kazmir was 33-28 and posted a 3.52 ERA through 537.1 innings pitched. The left-hander also recorded 576 strikeouts during that time-frame – including 239 in 2007.

Complementing Kazmir is Tampa’s current strikeout leader, right-hander James Shields. Through two-plus seasons with the Rays, Shields is 25-21 with a 4.06 ERA.

Thus far, in 2008, Kazmir and Shields have not disappointed. Kazmir is 7-4 with a 2.69 ERA. Shields, meanwhile, leads the team with 96 strikeouts and is 7-5 with a 3.64 ERA.

It’s after these two pitchers where the Rays have some question marks.

Tampa’s three, four, and five starters – Matt Garza, Edwin Jackson and Andy Sonnanstine – have combined for a 22-13 record and 3.93 ERA. These stats look good for now, but we’re talking about three pitchers who – prior to Sonnanstine’s 10 wins this season – had yet to win more than seven games in a season.

Garza had two seasons with Minnesota prior to joining Tampa this season. In these two years, the 24-year-old righty achieved an 8-13 record with a mediocre 4.46 ERA.

Jackson has a bit more experience than Garza, but not much success. The Rays right-hander lost 15 games for the Devil Rays in 2007 and owns an 11-19 record and 5.16 ERA through five seasons of MLB pitching prior to 2008.

Finally, perhaps the Rays greatest overachiever thus far is Sonnanstine. The Rays 25-year-old righty currently leads his team in wins (10), but went 6-10 with a 5.86 ERA last year for Tampa Bay – his only experience as a Major Leaguer thus far.

Besides the lack of success, these pitchers lack experience. Entering the 2008 season, Tampa’s starting five have a combined 14 years of MLB experience entering and they are an average of 24.6 years of age.

These things do not bode well for Tampa Bay down the stretch.

Also, as the Rays recently dropped three straight to the Yankees in New York as Boston swept a sizzling Minnesota Twins team in three games at Fenway.

So, are the Rays finally beginning to sink or will they be able to keep up its heated battled with Boston and New York?

Don’t be surprised if the Rays make a nice run, but playoffs? A winning season will be a step in the right direction for Tampa Bay this year, then, in 2009 or 2010, the Rays can start thinking about earning its first post-season bid.

Of course, you never know, if Kazmir and Shields stay healthy and the other three starters can maintain their 2008 success, get ready folks, Tampa Bay will have a baseball team ripe and ready to root for in October.

MLB '08 Predictions

**These are prognostications I made about three weeks ago, it just slipped my mind to post them. Yes, I understand it's nearly two weeks into the season now (which may cheapen the value of these predictions to certain readers); but, I know I stayed true with my selections and that's what matters.
-Jeff

MLB 2008 Preview

WORLD SERIES:
Los Angeles Angels over New York Mets (six games)

AMERICAN LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES (ALCS):
Los Angeles over Boston Red Sox (four games)

NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES (NLCS):
New York over Colorado Rockies (four games)

A.L. DIVISIONAL SERIES:
Los Angeles over Detroit Tigers (four games)
Boston Red Sox over Cleveland Indians (five games)

N.L. DIVISIONAL SERIES:
New York over Los Angeles Dodgers (three games)
Colorado over Chicago Cubs (five games)

Final Standings for American and National Leagues:
AL WEST
LA Angels 91-71
Seattle Mariners 88-74
Oakland Athletics 79-81
Texas Rangers 71-91
AL CENTRAL
Cleveland Indians 93-69
*Detroit Tigers 88-74
Kansas City Royals 83-79
Minnesota Twins 76-86
Chicago White Sox 68-94
AL EAST
Boston Red Sox 103-59
New York Yankees 86-76
Tampa Bay Devil Rays 84-78
Toronto Blue Jays 74-88
Baltimore Orioles 63-99
NL WEST
Colorado Rockies 89-73
*Los Angeles Dodgers 87-75
San Diego Padres 83-81
Arizona Diamondbacks 79-83
San Francisco Giants 68-94
NL CENTRAL
Chicago Cubs 90-66
Milwaukee Brewers 85-77
Houston Astros 79-81
Cincinnati Reds 79-81
Pittsburgh Pirates 77-83
St. Louis Cardinals 72-90
NL EAST
New York Mets 90-66
Philadelphia Phillies 89-67
Atlanta Braves 83-81
Washington Nationals 72-90
Florida Marlins 70-92
* Wild Cards

ALL-STAR GAME
Date: July 15th 2008
Location: Yankee Stadium (Bronx, New York, New York)
AL Starters:
SP — Fausto Carmona (CLE)
C — Victor Martinez (CLE)
1B — Justin Morneau (MIN)
2B — B.J. Upton (TB)
3B — Alex Rodriguez (NYY)
SS — Derek Jeter (SS)
LF — Ichiro (SEA)
CF — Torii Hunter (LAA)
RF — Vladimir Guerrero (LAA)

AL Reserves
Pitchers — Felix Hernandez (SEA), Justin Verlander (DET), Dontrelle Willis (DET), Daisuke Matsuzaka (BOS), Joe Blanton (OAK), John Lackey (LAA), Scott Kazmir (TB), Francisco Rodriguez (LAA), Bobby Jenks (CHW), J.J. Putz (SEA), Jonathan Papelbon (BOS)
Infielders — Carlos Pena (TB), Joe Mauer (MIN), Michael Young (TEX), Ivan Rodriguez (DET), Adrian Beltre (SEA), Chone Figgins (LAA), David Ortiz (BOS), Billy Butler (KC), Brian Roberts (BAL)

Outfielders — Gary Matthews Jr. (LAA), Jacoby Elsbury (BOS), Curtis Granderson (DET), Grady Sizemore (CLE), Vernon Wells (TOR)

NL Starters:
SP — Ubaldo Jimenez (COL)
C — Russell Martin (LAD)
1B — Mark Teixiera (ATL)
2B — Orlando Hudson (ARZ)
3B — David Wright (NYM)
SS — Jose Reyes (NYM)
LF — Alfonso Soriano (CHC)
CF — Juan Pierre (LAD)
RF — Hunter Pence (HOU)

NL Reserves:
Pitchers — Johan Santana (NYM), Brad Penny (LAD), Cole Hamels (PHI), Jake Peavy (SD), Aaron Harang (CIN), Carlos Zambrano (CHC), Ian Snell (PIT), Manny Corpas (COL), Kerry Wood (CHC), Eric Gagne (MIL)
Infielders — Brian McCann (ATL), Bengie Molina (SF), Prince Fielder (MIL), Ryan Howard (PHL), Hanley Ramirez (FLA), Chase Utley (PHI), Freddy Sanchez (PIT), Ryan Zimmerman (WAS), Troy Tulowitzki (COL), Chipper Jones (ATL)
Outfielders — Bill Hall (MIL), Eric Young (ARZ), Rick Ankiel (STL), Kosuke Fukudome (CHC)

REG. SEASON INDIVIDUAL AWARDS:
American League:
MVP — Vladimir Guerrero
CY — Daisuke Matsuzaka
Rolaids Relief — Francisco Rodriguez
R.O.Y. — Jacoby Elsbury
Comeback Player of the Year — Dontrelle Willis
Gold Gloves —
Pitcher: Francisco Liriano (MIN)
Catcher: Ivan Rodriguez (DET)
1st Base: Justin Morneau (MIN)
2nd Base: Nick Punto (MIN)
3rd Base: Chone Figgins (LAA)
Shortstop: Derk Jeter (NYY)
Outfield (3): Ichiro Suzuki (SEA), Curtis Granderson (DET), Torii Hunter (LAA)

National League:
MVP — Jose Reyes (NYM)
CY — Johan Santana (NYM)
Rolaids Relief — Manny Corpas (COL)
R.O.Y.— Felix Pie (CHC)
Comeback Player of the Year — Miguel Tejada (HOU)
Gold Gloves —
Pitcher: Johan Santana (NYM)
Catcher: Russell Martin (LAD)
1st Base: Mark Teixeira (ATL)
2nd Base: Luis Castillo (NYM)
3rd Base: David Wright (NYM)
Shortstop: Jose Reyes (NYM)
Outfield (3): Juan Pierre (LAD), Alfonzo Soriano (CHI), Mike Cameron (MIL)

Walking Off an Angel

Los Angeles Angels closer Francisco Rodriguez went down with an injury after surrendering the lead to the Cleveland Indians in the top of the 9th tonight. The man known as K-Rod was in danger of letting his Angels lose.

The defeat would've been the Angels first loss in 162 consecutive contests where they've entered the ninth with a lead.

So, what happened? Well, Rodriguez, could've easily earned a win instead.

The Angels' Torii Hunter hit a walk-off grand slam.

This does not make Hunter the American League MVP. (Although, for one night, he was at least Anaheim's MVP).

The home run didn't give K-Rod a W. And no, Hunter's blast didn't miraculously cure Rodriguez and make him healthy for the rest of April. The homer did, however, get the Angels star closer off the hook for at least one more night.

It also gave Angels reliever Scott Shields (1-0) a mulligan victory.

There is a Rose in Spanish Harlem

It's not only a Mamas & The Papas lyric, Derrick Rose is indeed a special Rose. Tonight, however, he was not quite special enough. Perhaps Rose was in Harlem preceding the NCAA tournament... Or, perhaps, Rose's team just fell short tonight. In any case, it was a nice season for Memphis and I still hope the Timberpup's draft Mr. Rose in the 2008 NBA lottery.

Also, don't worry Derrick. As Mama Cass and The Mamas & The Papas proclaimed, "Monday, Monday, how could you leave and not take me."

(For those interested in stats and so forth ... Sorry, I've got tendinitis at the moment, and a lot of writing and stat digging is not something I'm up for at the moment)

I could go on "every other day (every other day), every other day (every other day) of the week is fy-iii-nnn-ee yeah." ... Although tonight is not one of the finest nights in Rose's life, something tells me, he'll get over it.

4-7-08 Kansas Jayhawks 75, Memphis Tigers 68 in OT

Timberwolves sink near NBA's basement

Al Jefferson scored 22 points and corralled 10 rebounds for the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight; however, it was not enough as Minnesota fell short of the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight at Quicken Loans Arena 92-84.

Corey Brewer added 15 points and four steals for the Wolves, but the loss dropped Minnesota to 12-45 and last place in the NBA's western conference -- a mere half-game ahead of Miami in the NBA's overall standings.

Lacking Kevin Garnett, Minnesota's power forward Craig Smith led the Wolves in the paint with eight points and eight rebounds. Smith's performance was not enough, however, to suppress Cleveland. The Cavaliers cruised to victory as they were led by another astonishing performance its all-star phenom, LeBron James.

James was the game's leading scorer with 30 points, on 11-for-22 shooting, and he also led the Cavs with 13 assists.

Also helping Cleveland tonight was Delonte West. As one of Cleveland's recent acquisitions in its three-team trade, West score 12 points and dished out five assists to aid the Cavs in disposing the Timberwolves and improving to 33-26 and 5th place in the Eastern conference standings.

Minnesota makes veteran move that may benefit Liriano

For the first time in many years, the Minnesota Twins opening day starter will not be either Johan Santana or Brad Radke.

Neither will this pitcher be Livan Hernandez.

Tuesday, the Twins signed Hernandez when the 32-year-old journeyman inked a $ 5 million contract for the 2008 season.

Santana brought his top-dollar, Cy Young award-award winning arm with him to New York. Radke retired in 2006 after spending all of his 12 Major League seasons with Minnesota.

The Twins 2008 opening day starter this March 31 will likely be either Francisco Liriano or Scott Baker. As for the other three spots in the Twins starting rotation, Hernandez should earn one and there will be battles for the other two.

Starting rotation aside, one thing is certain about Hernandez, the native of Cuba and 12-year MLB journeyman will add veteran leadership to this very young Twins pitching staff (something Radke gave Minnesota for a long time).

Known as a common choice for Twins opening day starter over the years, Radke is not similar to Hernandez in physical stature or pitching style, however, the two right-handers are similar in durability.

Radke pitched 12 seasons of Major League Baseball.

Eisler "Livan" Hernandez will enter his enter 13th season as an MLB starter.

Throughout his Twins career, Radke tossed 2,451 innings for a 204.1 per-season average. As for Hernandez, the 2007 Arizona Diamondbacks starter has chalked up 2,371 innings for a 197.6 inning-per-season average.

Also, the two pitchers' career records and ERA are similar.

Radke was 148-139 in his career with a 4.22 ERA. Hernandez has compiled a 134-128 record and a 4.25 ERA.

Now, if you go beyond regular season achievements, you'll find Hernandez -- a 6-foot-2-inch, 245-pound native of Villa Clara, Cuba -- has the upper hand on Radke.

Radke has appeared in one All Star game (1998). Hernandez has two All-Star appearances (2004, 2005) and a World Series ring.

Hernandez was also the MVP of the 1997 World Series when he pitched the Florida Marlins to a seven-game championship over the Cleveland Indians -- a series that became known as the "Latino Series."

The message here is that Hernandez is experienced and he's Latin.

What other Latin pitcher is competing for a Twins starting rotation position?

Minnesota's future ace and 24-year-old flame thrower, Liriano (who grew up in the Dominican Republic).

To sum up Minnesota's one-year agreement with Hernandez:

No, the result will not give Minnesota a 2008 championship. Neither will Hernandez be a 20-game winner for his new club.

On the bright side, however, for the Twins' youthful pitching staff this move should bode well both for the staff (as a whole) and for Liriano.

Hernandez should benefit Minnesota by aiding Twins pitching coach Rick Anderson in the development of Liriano.

Furthermore, with the absence of Santana the move might also can assist Anderson in doing something else. Hernandez could be the key in aiding Anderson to mold Liriano into a future Cy Young award winner.

Randy Moss or Cris Carter

Having made his first Super Bowl appearance, are we ready to proclaim Randy Moss as the best wide receiver Minnesota has ever seen?

Consistency is the key.

How many Super Bowls has Cris Carter won?

Zero.

How many catches does the 12-year Viking have? 1,101. Touchdowns? 130.

As great as Randy Moss is, let us recall the nine-year NFL veteran's two seasons in Oakland.

He caught 102 balls for 11 touchdowns.

Yes, he had quarterbacks with the likes of Andrew Walter and Kerry Collins, but 102 receptions in two years?

Carter, Moss' mentor while in Vikings uniforms together, averaged 91.75 receptions through his 16-year career.

Thus far, Moss has averaged 86 receptions and 13.8 touchdowns.

No, Carter does not have a Super Bowl ring. Yes, Jerry Rice has two.

As for Moss, the sky's the limit, but let's not anoint him supremacy yet.