Welcome to 9equals8.com (9=8.com): The Unofficial and Unsanctioned Blog of the Tampa Bay Rays

Welcome to 9equals8.com (9=8.com, but you can’t use “=” symbols in website addresses), the unofficial and unsanctioned blog of the Tampa Bay Rays’ hunt for October! As an avid Rays fan and regular home and road game attendee, I thought it might be fun to share my perspectives on the Tampa Bay Rays quest for the “Holy Grail” of Major League Baseball. Thus far, this season has been one of the most memorable ones in recent baseball history and includes a special story of intense competitive spirit and can-do attitude, teamwork, heart and character. My goal with this blog is to inspire dialogue and provide everyday fans with a different viewpoint and perspective on this remarkable team and season. The MLB.com news and analysis is great, but I’ve found it to lack a personal touch and connection with this team. Whether it's Carlos Pena's recent 12th inning blast at the A's, Gabe Gross' right field wall shot to right field against the Indians (and Carlos' ensuing walk-off shot to center field), Evan Longoria's epic at bat against Roy Halladay for his 1st career grand slam home run or any one of the other tremendous wins this ballclub has experienced this year, this blog intends to cover and talk about it all. I plan to take this discussion much deeper and to a personal level with the coaches and players. I hope you enjoy this blog, please comment regularly and freely and GO RAYS!!!

For those of you that are Rays newbies, you might be wondering what 9=8 is all about. In summary, this symbol represents Joe Maddon's (the Tampa Bay Rays' Manager) philosophy that 9 guys playing 9 innings everyday, the Rays will be one of 8 teams in the playoffs. Joe distributed 9-8 tee shirts to the team and it has become the rallying cry of this remarkable team in 2008.