The Matt Joyce Show

Ok, ok, so it's just Kansas City, but maybe, just maybe the Matt Joyce for Edwin Jackson trade isn't as nearly lopsided as it looks.  It's tough to witness to wonderful show Jackson is putting on in Detroit with the way our staff has been semi-floundering.  It's funny that one of the two trades that turned the Rays around (getting Kazmir), would've probably best been served if he was the pitcher we dealt (actually, I still think that would've been Sonnanstine) instead of Edwin Jackson, but Edwin Jackson is not walking through that door so I digress.

It's probably not too late to trade Kaz and get some much needed relief help.  I really don't know who's out there, but with a name like Kazmir I bet we could get somebody, anybody to close out a game consistently.  Say we lose him.  That makes our staff Garza, Shields, Niemann, Price and Sonnanstine.  Sure it'd be nice to take Andy out of there, but every now and then he pitches well, and for a fifth starter, that's not too bad, especially if Niemann can keep up with the learning curve.

Seeing there's probably not a major closer out there that we could probably land, maybe a lesser closer, and mix-in a utility man to help cover 2B with Aki out.    Something, I'm sure we can get something for Kazmir.  Or maybe, it's always best not to trade a solid starting pitcher, because you never know when you may need one, something we should've learned before we traded Edwin Jackson.

Now for Matt Joyce.  

Thank you Matt Joyce thank you.   Whatever you can do to block out the view of the awesome numbers Jackson is putting up in Detroit will be fantastic.  As Rays fans, aside from seeing Garza and Bartlett turn into borderline all-stars when they came here, it was also nice to see Delmon Young not turn into some superstar.  No ill will towards Delmon Young (wouldn't want him to throw a bat at me), but seeing Josh Hamilton bud into one of the games perennial superstars hurts just a bit.  The only reason we're not crying over that one is we are still the current American League Champions.  So keep up the good work Matt Joyce, every little bit helps.

Post-May Rays Report

It's been quite an up and down season.  If last year never happened, us die hard Rays fans would be quite ecstatic with this year, because we've been floating around .500 which would be our best season ever IF last year never happened.  IF last year never happened, I probably wouldn't be writing my Rays reports either.

 

First the pitching.  The bullpen is just terrible.  I can't think of one positive thing to say, so, if I can't say anything nice, why say anything at all.  It's just that bad.  Basically, every break in the world went in the Rays favor last year, and this year it's not happening for example ... the hitting.  These guys are hitting so much better this year, and they're losing more, because the hitting isn't as timely.  Goes to show you how important relief and fielding are.

 

All-stars right now:

 

1B - Pena

SS - Bartlett (it's too bad he's on the DL right now, this guy for some reason is the new Derek Jeter)

3B - Longo

LF - Crawford ... every time you blink your eyes, Crawford is stealing a base

 

Pitchers = None

 

The only guy worth anything really is Garza.  Shieldsy pouts if he doesn't get enough fan support.  Kasmir already lost it.  I don't think he's getting it back.  Sonnanstine schmonanstine.  Niemann is doing a good job for a rookie and Price has got the power.  He'll probably be our second best pitcher in a few months.  Hopefully because he's taking steps forward and not because everyone else is taking a step back.

 

Outlook - reserved but hopeful

 

It looks like the Jays are starting to suck which is helpful ,but the Yanks are starting to play like the highest paid team in baseball and the Sox, well, they're good.  It looks like Jason Bay is taking over for Manny just fine.  Which sucks.  I don't like Jason Bay.  He kind of bothered me on the Pirates and now that he's a dirty Sock, well, poor dude doesn't have a chance.  I have no reason for this, it's just the way it is.  I like nemesis' on the Sox though, its what sports are all about.  Now if someone can just give Papi his steroids back.

 

Bottom line:  Rays will not lose another game this season and win it all (of course)