Saturday, May 16, 2009

Bossman brings back a little of that 2008 magic

Thanks, BJ.  Last night, you were able to bring back some of that 2008 magic to a team that has sorely been lacking any emotion.  As you rounded the bases after hitting your walk-off homer, the team was waiting for you at the plate. You did a little dance and were mobbed.  The Trop rocked. Dionar Navarro got you with the shaving creme. Fun and games all around for a team that hasn't had much to celebrate this year. Now, can you keep it going?

Despite the feel good emotions of last night's victory, the Rays need to go out this afternoon and show they've turned the corner.  Right now, the starters are struggling.  Even James "Big Game" Shields and Scotty Kazmir couldn't turn the corner for that group. Both looked horrible in successive nights against the Indians.  The Rays are still having trouble scoring early. Last night, they were retired in order the first time through.  But, Bossman gave us a glimpse of hope... a glimpse that Rays fans everywhere can hope carries over.

Here are some things I noticed:

  • Last night's rally from down 7-0 represented the biggest comeback in franchise history. That's big news for a team who has been unable to mount serious comebacks all season.  It was a hallmark of the 2008 team.
  • I'm still missing the 2007 Scott Kazmir.  He's describing it as a "funk," but he's going to have to snap out of it if the Rays are going to make any noise this year.  They can't afford for the Kazmanian Devil to give up big innings early every start.
  • The Bullpen looked good.  Even though they're getting severely overworked, they were able to put up goose-eggs on a tough Cleveland lineup. Troy Percival even took the mantel as a leader and led the cheerleading in the dugout before Bossman's walk-off home run.  Bossman credited Percy for telling him to "play Rays baseball."
  • The Rays have 2 afternoon games this weekend.  Fans to today's game will get a Evan Longoria Rookie of the Year figurine (some assembly required).  Kids will get a Matt Garza t-shirt to tomorrow's game.

All in all, the Rays have to keep it going today.  They need to beat teams like Cleveland at the Trop. They can't afford a let down. 

3 Comments:

Jeff said...

It amazes me that Upton was O-for-2009 in dingers until last night.

That's epic.

Michael Weber said...

It doesn't amaze me. He was barely batting over .150. Not only wasn't he hitting dingers, he wasn't hitting anything.

DirtbagFan said...

I posted a poll at Rays the Stakes to see if i should leave Melvin "on-notice"... please help determine the Rays' fate.

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