Results tagged ‘ Chicago White Sox ’
ChiSox Return the Favor-Blank Rays 6-0
Edwin Jackson looked so good in his first two starts of the season that I actually believed he had grown up and become the major leaguer everyone in the Rays organization says he “can” be. But his last two starts have been typical of his last seasons with the Rays, and can be harnessed by one word: inconsistency. Jackson lasted just over 4 innings on Sunday and gave up 6 earned runs, including a blast to Jim Thome. He didn’t appear to have a consist rhythm at all, and, surprise, surprise, the Ray’s offense didn’t help, only mustering 4 hits in getting shut out 6-0. Jackson has a blazing fastball, but if he doesn’t have control of it early on, setting up his other pitches becomes a problem. It was a frustrating game to watch on both offense and defense, and a complete momentum killer after last nights great game by the Ray’s. It is this over all inconsistency that makes being optimistic so darn hard.
The Daily Turn:
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The Ray’s have an off day tomorrow and then travel to Orlando for a three game series with the Frank Thomas-less Blue Jays. While they are considered “home games”, these will feel more like away games for the Ray’s, as most will have to stay in a hotel.
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Evan Longoria was 0-3 today, making it two games in a row without a hit and dropping his average to .233.
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Jeff Niemann was optioned back down to Triple A to make room for Dan Johnson, who will join the team in Orlando. Navarro is set to come off the DL in time for Tuesday’s game, so
look for Mike DiFelice to be released as well. I hate that move, as necessary as it may be. I think Riggo and DiFelice would be a good combination to have with the young pitchers. Navarro has been handed the job for the second season in a row, and has proved little on the major league level. Let’s hope that DiFelice clears waivers and makes it back to our farm system so we can recall him once Navarro proves to be worthless.
Quote of the Day:
“We got Sonnanstined.”
-Joe Maddon in reference to being shutout today as teh Rays did to the White Sox yesterday.
Sonnanstine Blanks ChiSox
It’s all Sonny in St. Pete!
It may have been a night game at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, but the Rays were shining bright thanks to a complete game shut out by Andy Sonnanstine. Sonny was brilliant giving up only 3 hits, one walk and striking out 4 shutting down the hot White Sox offense. Sonny moves to 2-1 on the season after throwing his first career shutout.
The Daily Turn:
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Andy Sonnanstine was superb, something the Rays needed to get them back on track. Sonny was banged up earlier in the week against the
Yankees, giving up 7 runs in 3 and a third innings, and the sparkler he threw tonight reasserts him into the rotation mix once Kaz and Garza return from the DL.
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The Rays strung together some nice hits to post three runs in the 2nd inning, and BJ Upton was 3-4 bumping his average up to .343. Carlos Pena returned to the lineup as the DH and went 2-3. I hope the Ray’s offense has woken up, particularly their batting with runners in scoring position. All season they have lacked with men on base, something that is crucial to winning ball games.
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….as in the number of times the Ray’s found troubles on the base paths tonight. Crawford was picked off first, as was Gomes(who managed to get in a run down and slide safely into second) and Upton took too big
of a turn at third and was thrown out. The Ray’s base running has been horrid, not just tonight but in general. If they don’t tighten up, they will run themselves into a sub-500 season.
Quote of the Day:
“Incredible.”
-Joe Maddon on the performance of Sonnanstine.
RAYS GET CRUSHED
White Sox 9, Rays 2
The Rays were crushed by the ChiSox 9-2 Friday night. Rookie Jeff Niemann was lit up, making his second Major League appearance. The game got out of hand quickly and the White Sox never looked back. Jim Thome and Paul Konerko went deep off Niemman, back to back in the 3rd. Javier Vazquez looked sharp and picked up his third straight win.
The Daily Turn:
6 Evan Longoria doubled and walked on the night of his big contract announcement. In watching this kid play it’s obvious that he is going to be a contributor right off the bat. His hands are quick at the plate and soft in the field. Sorry, Willy Aybar. I think your stint in Tampa is over.
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As in possible DH’s the Rays now have after picking up Dan Johnson off waivers from Oakland. Johnson, who has decent pop with the bat, is a first baseman who will back up Pena and occasionally DH. The Rays also have Jonny Gomes, Eric Hinske and Cliff Floyd(on DL). Seems that things are getting a little crowded here and someone will most likely be sent down or sent packing. Hinske has been hitting well, Cliff Floyd is a solid veteran presence, and Gomes is a fan favorite. What to do, what to do.
3 As in the number of extra starting pitchers the Rays will have once Kazmir and Garza return, both at the end of the month. Shields is a lock and both Hammel and Jackson have started strong meaning Sonnanstine and Neiemann may find themselves back in Triple A.
Quote of the Day:
“We believe in Evan as a person and as a player or we wouldn’t do this.”
-Rays VP Andrew Freidman when asked why the Rays signed a guy wuth 7 days of MLB service to such a lucrative deal.
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