Rays Magical Season Comes to an End - No 2nd Guessing Here

Well, the magical 2008 baseball season has come to an end for Rays fans. First and foremost, I want to congratulate the Rays for a great season that exceeded everyone's wildest expectations. The Rays are the 2008 AMERICAN LEAGUE CHAMPIONS, for crying out loud (and I am crying inside, cause I selfishly wanted more). 9=8.com is not going to second guess Maddon's decision to let JP Howell hit, nor are we going to ask why Aki wasn't able to make that catch, nor are we going to second guess the saving of David Price until it was too late, nor are we going to second guess BJ Upton for swinging at the first pitch. No, we are not going to do that because that would cast a cloud on this great season.

But, I do expect to think about this loss for more than 30 minutes, sorry, Joe Maddon. There are so many "coulda" "shoulda" "woulda's" from this series that it does make my stomach churn. Not until Game 5 did we see the real Tampa Bay Rays of 2008 and even then, a costly baserunning mistake and a could of "coulda made" defensive plays were the difference in the game. Games 1-4 were full of errors, misplays and slumping hitters (no timely hitting this time around and not a lot of defense, either). Perhaps the boys were a little tight or even running low on gas after a very emotional August and September filled with many big and very tense games. We can learn from this great experience and return in 2009 with a burning hunger to get back to the big dance and win the trophy!

I can't explain what happened as I still believe the Tampa Bay Rays of 2008 had every chance to win the World Series if they'd been able to play their game. It is disappointing, but also inspiring to see this young team accomplish so much, but still fall short of the ultimate goal of every MLB team. That is now history and we must more forward.

Looking forward to 2009, the Rays are going to be a team to contend with for sure. With a starting rotation of James Shields, Scott Kazmir, David Price, Matt Garza and either Andy Sonnanstine or Edwin Jackson, it's hard not to get excited. Add to that mix a genuine closer through off-season dealing (or through grooming a guy like Edwin Jackson, who has closer-like stuff) and the bullpen is looking pretty stout as well. Can the Rays make a move in the offseason for a big right handed bat? Many think that it's imperative to do so and it's hard to disagree.

So, in closing (and until I have anything else interesting to say about the Rays of 2008), THANK YOU to the Tampa Bay Rays organization for a season baseball will be talking about for decades. This story is only bested by the 1969 Mets or maybe the 1991 Braves. It truly is one of the best stories in baseball in a very long time. A perennial cellar dweller wins its division (by far the hardest one in all of baseball) and goes to the World Series! Additionally, the Rays are doing things the right way. I am VERY excited about the 2009 season and can't wait for things to gear back up. Hey, pitchers and catchers report in a short 3 months, which really doesn't seem like that far away!

Fans, let's support this team. Buy up those season ticket packages (even if it's only a 20-gamer that you have to split with 2-3 friends) and get out to the Trop. Your team needs you!

GO RAYS!!!

World Series Joke? Umpires are Terrible; Rays Get a Break From Mother Nature

1) WS Umpires are terrible (missing calls for both teams) - umpires should be invisible and get the calls right! The new umpires CBA should allow only the BEST umpires to call WS games. Forget all this equal opportunity for umpires garbage and get the best officials for the biggest games! Until last night, the umpires have been inconsistent, at best. Last night they were either blatantly going after Kazmir or they are totally incompetent (either is very bad for the game).

2) Teams don't even know the rules (or at least the rules Selig says he will enforce) - the Rays thought the game would be over if they didn't score, which is what the "rules" say should have happened. Selig says he NEVER would have allowed the game to end early (huh? the rules don't say that). Is it really fair that the players don't know which rules are actually rules that will be followed by the commish? MLB looks so stupid for not removing that rule for WS play and I predict it will be gone after the 2008 season. You simply can't end a World Series game in less than 9 innings. The game is too big and important for that.

3) Instant replay is going to have to be discussed in the aftermath of this debacle. Why can't baseball move into the 21t century and allow 1 coach challenge per game on home run calls, bang-bang tag plays, etc.? I am not for automated ball-strike calls, but the umps are clearly unable to get it right.

4) Baseball is not meant to be played in this kind of weather. It's kind of like asking basketball players to play on a wet court. It's just dumb and it underminds that game. Not to mention the risks to the players and how unfair it is to ask fans to pay $225+ per ticket to either wait 2 hours for a rain delay (Game 3) or sit in 40-degree, rainy, windy weather to watch professionals slip and slide around in a sloppy game. DUMB DUMB DUMB!!! WHAT WERE THEY THINKING???

The good news is that this turn of events actually helps the Rays, in my opinion. Cole is not out on the mound when play resumes and the boys are believing again (and Philly might just be thinking...here we go again...). The catch is that Cole could pitch a Game 7 on short rest if this thing gets stretched out to Saturday, but I'll take that scenario all day long ('cause it means we have a Game 7).

GO RAYS - BRING IT BACK TO THE TROP!!!

Lovin' the DOME! Rain Expected Tonight and Saturday in Philly

First of all, I don't have much to say about last night's game. Their Ace pitched like an Ace and Kazmir made 1 big mistake. That was the ballgame. Their best (by far) pitcher beat our (currently) 3rd best pitcher. I do like the way the Rays match up over the next 3 games and give the starting pitching edge to our boys. I also recall being shut out in Game 1 of the ALCS only to see our boys put on an offensive display in games 2, 3, 4 and 5. So, for those of you that are all worried about the Rays, chill out. This team is the most resilient team in MLB, we have VERY STRONG starting pitching and our bats will come alive.

Secondly, for all the hating Fox did on the Trop last night, they are thanking their lucky stars for the Dome (image above is what the weather might look like come Saturday - it's not actual radar). With an 80% chance of rain tonight and a 90% chance of rain on Saturday night in Philly, how messed up would the TV schedule be with 2 rainouts? If you are a Rays fan planning to travel to Philly for the game, you should read this article as it gives you some good detail on what happens if Saturday is a rainout.

Let's Go Rays! Get Fired Up for Game 1 of the 2008 World Series!

MLB Announces 2008 World Series (104th) Umpires

Just a few short hours ago, MLB.com announced the umpiring crew for the World Series. And, here they are (along with their playoff experience). Assuming I learn anything interesting about this crew, I will post updates. Feel free to comment on any of these guys if you have any notable knowledge. Enjoy!

HP Tim Welke (Game 1 HP Umpire)

6 DS (1995-96, 99, 2000, 03, 08)

6 LCS (1991, 98, 2001-02, 04, 06)

3 WS (1996, 2000, 03)

1B Kerwin Danley

5 DS (2000-01, 04, 06, 08)

1 LCS (2007)

2B Fieldin Culbreth

4 DS (2002, 04, 07-08)

3 LCS (2000, 03, 06)

3B Tom Hallion

3 DS (1996-97, 2008)

2 LCS (1998, 07)

LF Jeff Kellogg

5 DS (1998, 00, 03, 07-08)

5 LCS (1999, 01-02, 04, 06)

2 WS (2000, 03)

RF Tim Tschida

8 DS (1996-98, 01-02, 06-08)

3 LCS (1993, 99-00)

2 WS (1998, 02)

Vegas Odds for the World Series - What do the Bookies Say?

So, the Las Vegas odds makers have spoken and they are calling for an ever so slight Rays victory in the World Series. This just might be the first time all year that the Rays have been favored to win anything. To show you how little the Vegas odds makers really know, the Rays were given 300 to 1 odds of winning the World Series at the beginning of Spring Training (worst odds in all of baseball). So, how is it that they know so much now? They don't, but it's always fun to see how the money is flowing on things like this. Anyway, here they are for those of you that have an interest:

World Series Team Odds

Series Price

Tampa Bay Rays -140

Philadelphia Phillies +120

Exact Series Finish
Tampa Bay Rays 4-0 17/2

Tampa Bay Rays 4-1 9/2

Tampa Bay Rays 4-2 5/2

Tampa Bay Rays 4-3 15/2

Philadelphia Phillies 4-0 10/1
Philadelphia Phillies 4-1 7/2
Philadelphia Phillies 4-2 7/2
Philadelphia Phillies 4-3 9/1

So there you have it. According to Vegas, the most likely scenario is a Tampa Bay Rays victory in six. But, the second and third best scenarios are Philliess in 5 or 6. So, in 9=8.com completely unprofessional opinion, this thing is almost exactly even money. Of course, it can't be even money or Vegas would not make any money. So, it looks like the bookies called these two teams just about even and gave the Rays the edge due to homefield advantage (just my opinion). That sounds about right to me as I do think the Phillies are a tough and talented team.

So, what is 9=8.com's prediction? I believe it will be the Rays in 6 with a World Series win at the Trop and another Matt Garza gem!

GO RAYS!!!

RAYS WIN THE AMERICAN LEAGUE! We're Going to the World Series!!!

Can you believe the Tampa Bay Rays are going to the World Series? It's truly a dream come true. I have a few things I'd like to write about, time permitting, so stay tuned. In the mean time, I promised pictures from Game 6 and 7, so here they are (starting with Game 7 since it was so exciting).

ALCS Game 7 - the loudest sporting event I've ever been to!

ALCS Game 6 - much less exciting, but still a lot of fun.

GO RAYS!!!!

Pictures From Fenway: ALCS Game 4 and 5 Rays vs. Red Sox

For now, I just wanted to post these for you. I will add some color commentary a bit later. GO RAYS!!!

Game 4 at Fenway - October 14, 2008




Game 5 at Fenway - October 16, 2008

Rays Remove the Tarps for Game 6 & 7 of the ALCS!

Well, sometimes all you need to do is make enough noise. Despite repeated comments from the Rays that they were not going to remove the tarps, the St. Pete Times is reporting that the Rays have decided to remove the tarps for Game 6 and 7 of the ALCS (if these games are necessary). This is great for the fans and also the players. I think these guys realized that filling the seats with Rays fans will be a big lift for this team IF these games are played.

I like to think that we helped get this done for the fans (with our online petition to remove the tarps, but I doubt our 111 signatures made the difference - but, hey, maybe it did).

Now, let's just hope they don't need to play these games (i.e. they clinch in Boston)!

Go Rays!

WOW - Rays win Game 2 9 runs to 8 (9=8?)... Game 1 & 2 Pictures Posted

I just got home from the game and, WOW, what a game. Check back tomorrow for some pics from both Game 1 and 2 of the ALCS. My son and I had the time of our lives last night. Once again, his rally cap came thru for the Rays (it was missing in Game 1 as he was not able to come to that one with me). He put his rally cap on literally one pitch before Longo went yard last night. He was very excited as you might imagine.

Lastly, can I please get an apology from all of you that thought BJ Upton should be run out of Tampa Bay? What a difference maker he has proven to be in the ALDS and ALCS (so far).

UPDATE: As promised, below are pictures from the ALCS Game 1 and 2 (October 10, 2008 and October 11, 2008). Feel free to share these with all your friends and family. Go Rays!

American League Chamionship Series Game 1 - Tampa Bay Rays vs. Boston Red Sox (October 10, 2008)

American League Chamionship Series Game 2 - Tampa Bay Rays vs. Boston Red Sox (October 11, 2008)

ALCS Umpiring Crew is Set: What do you know about these guys?

MLB just announced that Tim McClelland will be the crew chief for the ALCS and he will be joined by Derryl Cousins, Brian Gorman, Brian O'Nora, Alfonso Marquez and Sam Holbrook.

I would love to hear your thoughts on these guys as well as any stories as it relates to any Rays games they worked over the years.

Here are some useful links if you want to learn about these guys:

Tim McClelland
Known to be a shoebox umpire. Could this be an edge for Game #1 when TM is behind the plate? Shields = 40BB in 215 IP vs. Matsuzaka = 94BB in 167 IP.

Derryl Cousins
Kazmir blows up at Cousins, Maddon ejected (Story HERE)

Brian Gorman

Brian O'Nora

Alfonso Marquez

Sam Holbrook

Begging for Rays Game 5 ALDS Tickets: Best Entry

Well, by now everyone knows that the Rays won the ALDS series in 4 games, so there is no Game 5. While I am very happy for our Rays, the tickets I was going to sell for my cost are no longer worth anything (except the processing and ticketfast fees that Ticketmaster is not going to refund...grrrr). Anyway, I did want to share what would have been the winning entry with the rest of you 9=8.com readers. So, here is the best entry I received from John D of Tampa (nice job):

My son and I are baseball fans, through and through. I coach HS baseball, as well as my son's LL and AAU teams. Even though I was brought up a Mets fan from the day I was born, I have loved the Rays since the day they opened the doors. I struggled through the rough years like everyone else here but it has paid off. They have become the most exciting team in baseball to watch. I have attended multiple games EVERY season. I was able to attend close to 20 games this year, but like most of the other true Rays fans that I know was shut out on the random draw for playoff tickets, so here goes...

I HEREBY RENOUNCE ALL CLAIMS OF BEING A METS FAN!!! From this day forward I will no longer cheer for/watch/listen to/read about anything having to do with that other team(unless of course it is in regards to the Rays beating them). I will ONLY cheer for the one true, pure baseball team in America, the Tampa Bay Rays!!! I will ring my cowbell loudly at all of the appropriate times. I will NOT be a WAVE BUSTER. I will high five every surrounding neighbor at the stadium on every run scored, K registered by Shields, Kazmir and company, and Web Gem made by Longo. I will help the lucky fan spot the Chick-Fil-A cow, I will help the next lucky fan win the MLB2K8 Trivia contest...or shut up if I do NOT know the answer..., If I catch a foul ball, I will give it to the first kid I see, I will eat hot dogs, french fries, pretzels, etc. but will do so without missing a single pitch!!! I will NOT talk on the cell phone while at the game to let my third cousin know that I was just on TV("I am the little dot over the umpires shoulder when he makes a strike call"). And for no other reason, I need these tickets because my 1 legged grandmother with the hunchback only has a week to live and her only wish was to see the Rays win an ALDS Game 5 at home in Tropicana Field!!!

RAYS WIN ALDS, Advance to ALCS!!! Petition to Remove the Tarps!

Wow, what an exciting series. BJ Upton came alive and Cliff Floyd hit a key RBI double to close out the 5-game series against the Chicago White Sox.

What can you say about this team? It always seems to be a different guy. Game 1 was the Shields/Longoria show. Game 2 it was Kazmir battling through a tough start and Aki launching a HR that proved to be the difference. Game 4 was Sonny pitching a gem and BJ Upton coming alive and Cliff Floyd making himself known.

I honestly feel like this team is starting to get things going at the right time. They are healthy (except for Percy, of course) and they believe. Is it just me or does this team believe that it belongs in the hunt? I'm looking forward to the ALCS and will post lots of pictures from those games as well. Stay tuned to 9=8.com as we might have more giveaways on here as well.

On another note, there has been a lot of talk on other blogs about how badly the ALCS ticket sales went (i.e. people that did not get tickets are unhappy). Someone suggested we start a petition to have the Rays remove the Tarps in the upper deck. So, I figured, why not? Here is the petition. If you want to see that Tarps removed for the ALCS, sign it and tell your Rays fan friends!

Credit Picture: [James Borchuck, Times]

Last Day for Emails - Get Tix to Game 5 of ALDS

Today is the last day for you to send me emails explaining why you should be given the opportunity to buy tickets to Game 5 of the ALDS at face value (plus Ticketmaster fees).

Read our previous post to get the details. Deadline is 5PM today.

Rays Win Game 2 of 2008 ALDS and take 2-0 Lead; 9=8.com Was There (again)! 50+ Photos

Game 2 of the ALDS was a tremendous game that included many gutty performances, clutch hitting and some great bullpen work by the Rays. Scott Kazmir, after throwing 37 pitches in the first inning (and loading the bases with 0 outs), was able to battle through his rough start to give 5 1/3 strong innings giving up only 2 runs. In doing so, he earned his first career post season win and the Rays left for Chicago with a 2-0 lead in the ALDS. 9=8.com was there and we took 50+ pics that I wanted to share with all of you Rays fans (entire slide show is embedded below)! Oh, and it was LOUD at the Trop today. Someone said it was the 3rd loudest crowd in MLB history (that's been measured) and I believe it. It's certainly the loudest one I've ever been to.

As has been typical for the Rays all season, it was a total team effort. At the plate, every Rays starter collected a hit (there were 12 hits in all for the Rays). This balanced offensive attack was complemented by strong defense (as usual). Fernando Perez made a crucial out in the 2nd inning; an out that I believe made a huge impact on Kazmir as he was looking to get things on track. That catch is not supposed to be made and only a handful of major leaguers could have made that play. Truly sensational for the rookie’s playoff debut! The trio of Crawford, Upton and Perez in the outfield has to be a big concern for MLB. Those guys are SO FAST, that it is much tougher to get hits against this alignment.

And, what can you say about our bullpen? Whether it’s JP Howell, who is probably the top middle reliever in ALL OF MLB, Grant Balfour (he shut down a 2-baserunner situation in the fifth, which was a key moment in the game) or even Chad Bradford, they were all outstanding. Chad Bradford closed things out for the Rays allowing Dan Wheeler to get some rest before Sunday’s game.

I had the pleasure of attending this game again with my father and son (3 generations). We will remember these first two games forever and are looking forward to more Rays baseball (hopefully in the ALCS, but Game 5 of the ALDS is worst case). We already have our tickets and hope to see you there. Enjoy the pictures I took below!!!

Rays Win Game 1 of 2008 ALDS; Set More Records! 9=8.com Was There!

WOW! That is about all you can say. Three generations of the 9=8 boys were there (My dad, me and my son) and it was an amazing experience. I took 40+ pictures and wanted to share them with some of you that either had to work or were not able to get tickets for a wide variety of reasons. I even caught Longo's first home run with a still shot (wanted to get his first post-season pitch on camera and it just so happened that he hit A BOMB!!!

So, please disregard my lack of talent as a photo journalist and enjoy the slide show below. It was an amazing experience, for sure and 9=8.com will be there again tonight (I'll try to post pics from each game if I can find the time).

For a little guidance, here is generally what I took 1) Game opening, national anthem, Rays taking the field, etc. 2) First pitch in Rays playoff History 3) First pitch for each of the Rays first 7 batters (including one of Longo's 1st Home Run! and 4) Various pictures during and after the game (including scoreboard shots).

Watch the whole slide show to experience the game as I did from behind home plate. It is truly an experience to remember! GO RAYS!!!

BUY GAME 5 TICKETS AT COST (Lower Box Sec 133 for $52.50 each) from 9=8.com

Rays fans, here is the deal you've been waiting for. I was fortunate enough to get some extra tickets to Game 5 of the ALDS (if necessary). So, rather than make a killing on StubHub, I thought I would offer them to some true Rays fans at MY COST ($45 face value + Ticketmaster fees of $7.50 = $52.50 per ticket). That's a steal since tickets to this game on StubHub in the lower box are going for $85 to $1,250 EACH!!! You are not going to find this deal anywhere and your chances lof winning are actually are really good. This contest is to win the right to buy 2 tickets in Section 133, Row GG of the Lower Box for $52.50 each.

So, here's the deal. Send me an email at 9equals8@gmail.com and beg for tickets. While it's be great if your story were true, I would encourage as much fantasy and embellishment as possible (this is supposed to be fun). Why do you deserve these tickets at cost? Do you have economic hardship (my dog ate my paycheck)? Is your one-eyed grandmother in need of an escort? Do you have special powers that will jinx the White Sox hitters? Get creative, people!!! I will choose the winner from this list and publish the winning story on this blog.

The only catch is that the email address that you use to submit your story must be an email that is on our feedburner roster (e.g. you need to sign up to receive 9=8.com via email - CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP).

That's it, Rays fans. Just send me your story and you could win this opportunity. With our email list at only 26 people right now, you have about a 1 in 26 chance of winning this contest (and you know not all 26 of these subscribers is going to email me a story). Where else are you going to get odds like these?

The deadline for submitting your story is Monday, October 6th at 5:00PM EST.