Tampa Bay Rays Sweep Red Sox; Gaining Momentum for the 2009 AL East CHASE!

It's official, the bandwagon is leaving the station, so hop on. After a number of scorching articles from the local rags (see below), the Tampa Bay sports writers seem to be jumping back on the Rays bandwagon. Today, after the Rays finished a 2-game sweep of the Boston Red Sox, Joe Henderson of the Tampa Tribune writes that the "Sweep Puts the Rays Right Back in the Race" and Gary Shelton from the St. Pete Times writes that "It's Official: Tampa Bay Rays Are a Playoff Contender."

Of course, as recently as July 28, 2009, Gary wrote that "By now, however, this has happened too many times to believe the Rays will simply wake up one day and snap out of it." He was talking about the need for the Rays to cash in their deep farm talent pool for someone like Halladay or Lee because the Rays don't have what it takes. And, on July 30, 2009, Martin Fennelly of the Tampa Tribune wrote that Rays May Not Have Answers and said such silly things as: "[The Rays] won't see [the Yankees] again until September in New York, and by that point they might need binoculars to spot them"; "But it's also hard to believe that the current crew will emerge from its slumber for a true September run"; and "Wednesday [July 29, 2009], you could almost hear a playoff race disappear."

So I get that these guys are trying to sell newspapers and all that, but I also understand that they've never really been through a AL East Pennant CHASE either. So, I'll cut them a little bit of slack just this once.

Last night was a big night for the Rays. First and foremost, the Rays took care of their business by winning the second of a 2-game mini series against the Red Sox. This brings the Rays to within 3.0 games in the Wild Card race and gives the Rays an 8-4 head-to-head record against the Red Sox (this could be important if the Wild Card or AL East Pennant comes down to a tie breaker). In addition, with the Texas Rangers loss to the Oakland A's, the Rays have now drawn even with the Rangers in the Wild Card Race. For our friendly local sports writers, take note of how quickly things can change in baseball (Rays gained 2 games int he Wild Card on each of the Red Sox and Rangers in just 2 short days).

However, as I wrote in an earlier post, this is only the beginning of a very important week of baseball for the Rays. The Rays depart for a tough 6-game West Coast road trip where the Rays will meet the Seattle Mariners and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (that's a mouthful). The good news is that the Rays appear to be catching a break as it relates to pitching matchups. While the Rays will face the Mariners' Ace on Friday, they will miss two of the Mariners young lefties and they will avoid the LA Angels two best pitchers (Jared Weaver; 11-3 and 3.79 ERA and LAA Ace John Lackey; 7-4 and 3.96 ERA).

Perhaps more importantly, some of the key players on the Rays are showing some signs of life. Carlos Pena hit a giant home run last night (on a full count), but he also worked a great at bat in earning a walk later in the game (again on a full count). If you've watched much Rays baseball, you know that Carlos Pena is hitting best when he's walking often. If he can take yesterday's game and carry that forward, we'll see some good things from Carlos Pena in the coming weeks. Secondly, Pat Burrell has 2 home runs in his last 8 games and looks more comfortable at the plate. It's way to early to suggest that Pat is breaking out of his season long slump, but it's encouraging to see him contribute.

While the Rays have their hands full with a west coast road trip, the Yankees and the Red Sox are going to duke it out in the Bronx for a 4-game set. This is sure to be a taxing series on both team and should provide the Rays with an opportunity to gain some ground (if we take care of our business). Following that series, the Red Sox will face the HOT Detroit Tigers for a 4-game set at home followed by a brief road trip down to Texas. The sum of all this is that the Rays may very well have a huge opportunity to make a move over the next week or so in the AL East (or at least the Wild Card).

Rays fans should stock up on Red Bull as we have a number of late nights ahead of us this coming week.

Scott Kazmir IS key to 2009 (and he's improving)

A recent game preview article on MLB.com stated that Scott Kazmir "could be" key to the Rays this year. I am willing to take this one step further and state that he IS ABSOLUTELY key to the Rays success in 2009.

In looking at the Rays rotation, Garza and Shields are legitimate "stoppers" and should continue to be strong starters for the remainder of the year. Niemann has been a very pleasant surprise, but it's not a sure thing that he will remain as consistent as he's been (hey, he's a rookie). Price has been anything but consistent girating from one strong start to the next lousy one. IF the Rays are to make it to the playoffs this year and have any success in the playoffs, they need three solid, consistent starters with intermitant strong performances from their #4 and #5 guys. This is why Kazmir is so important. In addition to the fact that Kazmir is one of the highest paid players on the Rays roster $6 million in 2009), which hamstrings the club's ability to pay up for additional pitching, Kazmir has shown that he can still be a dominant pitcher in this league. We already know that Sonnanstine is far from a sure bet. After a very good 2008 season, he's regressed to the point where we really can't count on him. Other options in Triple-A are also far from a sure thing, although one never knows (Wade Davis and Carlos Hernandez are both pitching VERY well for the Bulls).

So, if Kazmir can become a consistent 4.00 ERA starter (or better) and can pitch into or through the 6th inning on a consistent basis, I really like the Rays chances of making a run at the AL East title given their prolific (at least up until lately) offense and strong defense (at least it should be strong, on paper - I tend to think that the offense will moderate a little bit in the second half, but the defense should also revert back to the mean thereby offsetting each other in large part). But, without Kazmir at or better than this level, it's going to be a much more difficult road to hoe because we've seen how streaky the offense can be.

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!!!

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.

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!!!!

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

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!!!