Tampa Bay Rays 2014 Season time to "Rays Up!"

[Tobywan]

That is this year's slogan.

We're getting down to it now, just a little over a week away from the Rays home opener and Maddon has picked his fifth starter, it was not Erik Bedard. He picked Jake Odorizzi.

Maddon is so gracious he gave Bedard an invite to stick around, he would most likely do some good later, but he decided quickly to opt out. The Rays told him though if he didn't find a place the door was open if they could find a spot for him. Well, if we're being nice I guess I'll wish him luck.


So the rotation for now is David Price, Alex Cobb, Matt Moore, Chris Archer and Jake Odorizzi.

I can't wait for the opener, looking forward to seeing the new renovations.

Whoo hoo! Go Rays!

[nappy roots]

Odorizzi was absolutely the right choice. All I heard down here on the radio was the fact that Bedard was the #5 starter. Then a day later Maddon went with Jake.

I understand spring stats don't mean much. But if your in a battle. You have to perform. Bedard didn't.

I have high hopes for Odorizzi. He's developed that changed up. Problem becomes what do you do when Helli comes back if Jake is performing well?

It is a good problem to have.

[Tobywan]

The radio guys were wrong it was always between Bedard, Odorizzi and Ramos, I like the choice of Jake too, for a couple reasons. He's fresher, Bedard is just about at his expiration date as a starter. It also seems to be easier for the younger guys to adapt to being sent down or put in other roles as evident by Bedard's start me or I am gone mentality.

It is awesome to have so much depth in pitching after all those lean years with not much after even the 2nd or third starter. With Hellickson out for almost 2 months anything can happen an injury or meltdown or just have an extra guy in the pen that could take starts when needed.

[nappy roots]

Well they knew it was a competition. But the sources coming to them was saying Bedard had won the job based on Maddon.

[Tobywan]

RHP Alex Colome was suspended 50 games for testing positive for the banned substance, Boldenone.
What an ignoramus.

[Tobywan]

Bedard was officially released on Tuesday. Brandon Guyer was named to the 25 man roster, with Mark Lowe, Jayson Nix and Wilson Betemit being told they would not be included as of now.

Brandon Gomes and Josh Lueke are front runners for bullpen spots but in an interview yesterday Maddon said "something else could be in play".


*****
Just to jog some memories Guyer was the player that lent his truck to Matt Bush in spring of 2012 when he ran over a motorcyclist in Charlotte. Brandon wasn't charged criminally and the lawsuit against him and Matt was settled last year though supposedly for a lot less than was filed. Matt pleaded guilty in Dec. 2012 and was sentenced to 3 years and currently serving in Jasper. The elderly man that was struck did survive even after a brief time in a coma, he will never fully heal but has made remarkable progress considering his injuries.

[Tobywan]

Mark Lowe was released.

Sooooooooooo, the 25 man roster looks like this

Sarting rotation-David Price, Alex Cobb, Matt Moore, Chris Archer, Jake Odorizzi

Bull pen- Joel Peralta, Jake McGee, Heath Bell, Grant Balfour, Brandon Gomes, Josh Lueke, Cesar Ramos

Infielders- James Loney, Evan Longoria, Yunel Escobar, Ben Zobrist, Logan Forsythe

Outfielders-David Dejesus, Wil Myers, Matt Joyce, Sean Rodriguez, Brandon Guyer, Desmond Jennings

Catchers- Ryan Hanigan, Jose Molina


****Juan Carlos Oviedo arrived very late due to visa problems so he was not slated to be ready for opening day, though he is expected to be part of the pen at some point. We'll probably find out later he is really 45 years old or has gone by more names than we already know.

[Tobywan]

The Rays did re-sign Bedard to a minor league deal and will report to Durham. I am so glad for Joe he seems to really want him at his disposal since it's all he can friggin' talk about!! He's such a big %$&#ing kid, I love it!

Mike Fontenot is also back, he spent most of 2013 with Durham. He was trying to make the Nationals team, but they released him so he comes back to fold.

[Tobywan]

lawn chairs-check
cooler full of water and alcohol-check
snacks-check
playing cards and Yahtzee-check
Longoria jersey-check
scorebook and pencil-check
camera-check
tickets-check

Opening Day!!!!! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

[nappy roots]

Go rays

[Tobywan]

Great time! Awesome game! Love the new boardwalk.


Jake Odorizzi


My niece w/ a graying Stu Sternberg



Different view of the rays tank



The new Porch











Starting line ups

[Tobywan]

Wil Myers


David Price hugging his favorite catcher















Only one is missing!

[Tobywan]

The Rays first big promotion of the 2014 season was the "Rays Fan For Life", where they would give any baby born at Bayfront Hospital (just minutes from the Trop) on Opening Day 4 tickets to Rays Home Openers for life. 12 lucky families were doubly blessed with a bundle of joy (4 girls and 8 boys) and tickets presented to them by Sean Rodriguez, Heath Bell along with Raymond. Bell who has 4 children said he and his wife are considering adopting another child, his wife jokingly told him, "See if you can steal one while you're there."




You know you are somewhat famous when people let you get your germs on their brand new baby, no word yet if Heath was able to sneak one out.

[Tobywan]

Chris Archer brought to tears at a press conference as he signs a 6-year $25.5 deal with a 2 year option (possibly $44+ mil by the 8th year) deal with the Rays. Happy early birthday and Christmas, kid!

He will make his first start of the season tomorrow.

[nappy roots]

Fantastic amazing deal for TB. They do it again.