Rafael Soriano signing with the Yankees

This is definitely something I was hoping would NOT happen. Rays have lost another key player. Pending a physical on Tuesday, Rafael Soriano signing a three year deal, with the Yankees worth $35M.

Soriano’s contract claims he will make $10 million in 2011, $11 million in 2012, and $14 million in 2013. With the final two years as player options, means Soriano can opt-out after this season or after 2012.

Mariano Rivera obviously made sense to them. Allegedly convincing the Yankee Front Office of Soriano’s role as an eighth inning set up man.  Now sealing a shaky bullpen. The ‘Soriano, Rivera combo’ scares me…

In my eyes, Boras is one of my most disliked people right now. I think that’s the thought for most of the Rays Fans. First Crawford now, Soriano. The guy sure knows how to work it. Brian Cashman has been quoted saying  “He would not part with the Yankees No. 1 draft pick for a relief pitcher.”

A few days later that’s just what he did. Signed Soriano, a Type A free agent. Reportedly with a push from Rivera, The Yankees and Cashman, never to be underestimated. Snatching up Soriano, was beyond an excellent move for the Yankees. I absolutely hate the thought.

The best pitcher left on the market, is now a former Ray. The worst is I have to witness him in pinstripes. That makes me ill and I wish this deal was a bad dream! Since I try to be positive, I can think of only two happy thoughts right now:

1) Evan crushing a long ball off Soriano in the Bronx!

2) Every time the Rays prevent Soriano from a save or the Yankee lose- Untucking !

Jenny

Soriano to the Yankees… As a set up man?

As I get word on Garza and the possible trade to the Cubs, I hear Soriano maybe considering being a setup man for the Yankees. “That door is open for a number of different reasons,” Soriano’s agent, Scott Boras, told ESPNNewYork.com.

Paying Soriano closer money for a set up position, would be something he would consider. Can you imagine the combo of  Soriano in the eighth inning with closer Mariano Rivera. Is this payback for Cliff Lee snubbing the Bronx?

“I don’t think there is a team in baseball where he could be asked to be a setup guy other than the Yankees,” Boras said. As Spring Training is upon us, I was really hoping for the Rays to keep Soriano. I put nothing past Boras, Cashman or the Yankees at this point. With Andy Pettitte’s unknown status, this could be a huge score for the Yankees bullpen.

Rivera getting up there in age, Soriano in his prime. I smell Soriano replacing Rivera in 2yrs, if this all comes to fruition. What Soriano did last season, was a huge factor allowing the Tampa Bay Rays to win the AL East. The Yankees witnessed that first hand.

How many sighs of relief did Soriano give us Rays fans while we were all ‘untucking’ ?

Jenny

My Best Memory of the 2010 Rays “The Spirit of Soriano & Breast Cancer”

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As I started to write this yesterday, it really made me think. What was THE best moment of  the 2010 Rays for me? The more I thought about it, it was a no brainier. There was a bunch of memorable times. 2010 was a good season! I’ve had the pleasure of meeting a lot of great people this year. Donna Welch-Sweikow, is a die hard fan and an amazing human being. This year she’s my hero!

Talking to Donna about her best memory of 2010, I realized how lucky I am. How lucky we all are!

Donna Welch-Sweikow: My best Rays moments, other than MFIKY and his untuck, David Price responded to me on twitter. It was the night before he was to start in the All Star game. I said to David Price that he had a smile as great as Dave Winfield. It was a “thank you” I’ll always cherish. David’s tweet~still makes me smile.

Rafael Soriano aka: MFIKY! If you don’t know what that means, I’m not telling. Haa. Use your google! The “Un Tuck” man himself. The closer who is calm and serious. Looks inside his hat, scratches something in the sand, then dominates. Soriano was a bit underestimated in the beginning of 2010. The money the Rays spent on him was a debate. He proved himself, to say the least! So did Donna.

Donna received news in June, she had stage 2 breast cancer. After attending a meet and greet at Hooters for 1010am radio. Donna saw Lynne Austin, Dusty Showers and Coach Raheem Morris. She thought to herself, its been a while since I had a mammogram and decided to go. A simple “Feel your Boobies” comment saved her life! The irony of a Hooters event saving lives and boobies is priceless!

Donna aka @lovebees tweeted: I was recently diagnosed w/breast cancer. Had I not met @DustyShowers I never would have gotten a mammogram.

Donna has been a Rays fan from day one. Resides and raises her family in the Bay area, is highly involved in her children’s lives and the community. She is a true inspiration. Donna was treated at Susan Cheek Needler Breast Center by Dr. Kathleen G. Allen, MD. Donna had surgery on August 12th, some of the cancer was removed, a double mastectomy was mentioned. Other options and research were discussed. Through all this treatment, and an unimaginable stressful time, Donna remained positive, and continuously rooting on the Rays. Along with the inspiration Rafael Soriano gave her, Michael Weber and his very cool MFIKY bracelets were the good luck charm. Donna wore that bracelet religiously along with her Soriano All Star jersey. Uncountable mammograms, MRI’s, biopsy’s, you name it. At one point during treatment, one of the nurses accidentally cut the bracelet! Donna thought “There went my good ju ju”… With a call to Michael, she had another MFIKY bracelet in no time.

@LoveBees Donna: Early morning my sweets. Will check in as soon as I get home. Thanks for the love XOXO 25 Oct

@LoveBees Donna: I am home, went well (if your into flesh drilling and boob smashing that is).The Valium is pretty awesome though. Will know results tomorrow 26 Oct

@LoveBees Donna: More cancer, just a wee bit more. Surgery in week or so,also a B59 test, taking marrow from my hips for research. This makes me happy 27 Oct

After dropping her daughter off at school one day. Donna received a call, the cancer was anomaly, couldn’t be passed on to her precious daughter. Cancer was gone. Donna dominated the cancer like Soriano on the mound!

Donna tweeted on October 28th: Genetic tissue testing reports states breast cancer has less than 10% chance of recurrence. Slam Dunk of a day. Don’t want it to end!

Donna said something to me yesterday I’ll never forget … “I dreamt of him last night. He is #MFIKY and cannot be owned by anyone. The one thought that got me through 2010 is #UnTuck. That statement alone speaks volumes! The spirit of Soriano saw me through breast cancer this summer, for that I will always be grateful.

In the words of Michael Webber: “I would’ve never guessed an off-color nickname pilfered from a Braves fan message board would turn into a spark that could be used to fight cancer.”

Donna continues radiation at The Lykes Pavillion at Morton Plant. She is an amazing woman, wife, mother and friend. Not to mention all the people she has touched through her experience.

Donna’s courageous, humble attitude along with the inspiration of Rafael Soriano most definitely, is MY best memory of the Rays 2010 season.

Donna wanted to thank all that helped her through this past summer:
Paul Driscoll and his gang of merry tweeters of course… Clark Brooks, Kelly Hickman, Renee Warmack, Melissa Moore, Heather Stark, Jane Johnson Graves, Ed Bennett, Dusty Showers, Lynne Austin, Clarence Hill, Crystal Burnett, Suzette Borges, Kevin Fern, Jim Deitch, Jim Collier, Ashely Harrington, Tim Chong. I’m sure there’s many more… I LOVE YOU ALL! ~ Donna

LoveBees and Friends by the wonderful Ed Bennett

Dr. Kathleen Allen practices general surgery in Clearwater, Florida.
Dr. Allen graduated with an MD 12 years ago.

Susan Cheek Needler Breast Center
303 Pinellas Street
Clearwater, FL  33756
Office: (727) 298-6670
For appointments: (727) 461-8555

Mammography voucher program number from Susan Cheek Center 727-820-4177

Donna’s tough journey really hit home. I lost my dear friend last September to breast cancer. A 33yr old mom, who left three beautiful boys. Another friend was also taken too soon. Just 3 months later. After an on going battle and complications, Michael passed in December. It was a year last week. It still hurts. To honor their lives, and for Jen’s precious sons. I promised myself to try and help those who have a chance, until there is a cure.

My little sister, devotes her time, education and undying dedication to finding a cure. Kristen Jonathan is at Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute. I don’t say enough how proud I am of her. I admire you and commend the work you do everyday sister!

Early detection is extremely important. If this story urges one person to go get tested, mission accomplished.

Donna, thank you for who you are and sharing your story! XOXO

Truly, Jenny

What are your “Best Rays Moments of 2010″

With only a few more day till we say goodbye to another year, I’d like to reflect on 2010 Rays moments! There are many reasons this past year was fantastic! I really thought 08′ couldn’t be matched. Something inside me says, it’s just gonna keep getting better.

One of the surprising revelations for me was the die hard devotion to the Rays. Whether people agreed… agreed to disagree. The love for the Rays was there. I witnessed it. I saw it first hand!

The never ending talks of our fan base, stadium, the chatter in general, speaks for itself. Someone once told me there’s no such thing as bad publicity (slightly disagree). In general, The Rays are now being talked about. Which is an accomplishment in itself. Especially considering we were once the worst team in baseball! We’ve come a long way!

The Rays and Joe Maddon have so much to be proud of, and I’m proud to be a Rays fan!

What was your best Rays memory of 2010?

Was it the beginning?

Spring Training?

A favorite player meeting?

Opening Day?

Matt Garza’s No No?

Reid Brignac’s clutch homer in 11th inning?

Winning the AL east?

Maddon’s classic ejections?

MFIKY?

The BRayser?

A game that meant alot to you or your family?

The very cool plaid?

A special Rays romance?

Maybe even the Carlos toothbrush holder?

Let’s reminisce about the 2010 Rays. Whatever your moment was I’d love to know … I can’t wait to tell you all about mine!

Ciao for now!  Jenny

Finally. Cliff Lee decides on Philly.

A deep breath for the Rays. Exactly a year ago the Phillies traded Cliff Lee. Tonight they got him back. Cliff Lee agrees to a contract with the Phillies for what seem to be a lot less than the Yankee’s offered him. Rangers and the Yankees seemed to be the two clubs in the running. Phillies pushed harder for him during the winter meetings. Now back to the City of Brotherly Love for Lee. Word is Kristen Lee’s strong feelings toward the two cities was the icing on the cake…

Kristen Lee: Reportedly not happy with how the Yankees fans treated her.

During the American League Championship Series games in New York between the Yankeesand Rangers, fans were extremely rude to Kristen Lee, spitting and throwing beer in her direction and shouting obscenities.

Money has once again proven it’s power. Philadelphia’s bull pen is now stacked like crazy with; Lee, Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt and Cole Hamels.

Personally I’m glad this circus is over. I’m glad Cliff Lee is out of the AL. Also thankful for the blow to the Yankees ego. In other repetitive news… Farve, Farve and more Farve…

Ciao ~ Jenny

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