The New York Yankees 2011 payroll $202,689,028 – #1 payroll in the Majors

The Boston Red Sox 2011 payroll $161,762,475 – #3 payroll in the majors

Look at that again.  The Rays trail the Red Sox by more than $120 Million and the Yankees by more than $160 Million…the Red Sox and Yankees spend 4-5 times the amount the Rays do and they are struggling to eliminate this team from playoff contention.  Which fan base do you think should be frustrated and which fan base should be backing their organization 100%??

Fine…you think the Rays should spend more – I agree, but the stadium needs to be filled more than 20k-25,000 a night to make that happen.  And please don’t tell me about stadium issues and blah blah blah.  To be honest…I have been to The Trop and to be honest – I absolutely enjoyed myself.  I wasn’t baking in 100 degree heat, the beer was cold, the dogs tasted great and every Rays player gives 100% every game (except for BJ Upton, of course…but obviously if BJ gives 100% 6o% of the time – that is ok with the organization).

I grew up watching the St. Louis Cardinals and I’m still a die-hard Redbirds fan…and I would give ANYTHING for the Cardinals to have GM Andrew Friedman and Manager Joe Maddon running the Cardinals organization rather than Mozeliak and Larussa.

Another thing Rays fans should be looking at.  The Rays best player in franchise history, Carl Crawford, signed with the Boston Red Sox.  Yes, that was his choice…but he didn’t HAVE to sign with a division rival…he was offered a huge contract from the Los Angeles Angels as well.  The Rays closer from 2010, Rafael Soriano, also signed with a division rival, the New York Yankees.  So the Red Sox add the Rays most dynamic player to an already sick lineup and they are still worrying about a team with a $41 Million Dollar payroll in late July.

Next thing that needs to be looked at.  How do the Yankees and Red Sox farm system look.  With the payroll the Rays have – I would say it is UNBELIEVABLE that they are still in this race.  How would you like to be a Yankees fan and know at this point, if you make the playoffs with your $200 Million Dollar + payroll…your starting pitching IN THE PLAYOFFS with THAT PAYROLL after CC Sabathia is AJ Burnett, Freddy Garcia, Bartolo Colon and if he’s healthy, Phil Hughes.  That to me, is the most embarrassing thing in Major League Baseball.  The team with a $200+ Million Dollar payroll has one legitimate starting pitcher.  ONE!!

The Rays have David Price (Ace)…and please don’t tell me he hasn’t been as dominant, blah, blah, blah – did you not see his performance last night?  James Shields (Ace) and a hot trade commodity, Jeremy Hellickson (would already be a #2 on most teams in MLB).

Another thing…the Rays record is 52-45 while playing in the AL EAST!!  They have to play the Red Sox & Yankees 18 times EACH year!  How much better would the Rays record be if they were to play the Oakland A’s & the Seattle Mariners 18 times a year in the AL West or basically any other division in baseball?  Are you all forgetting that???  On that note…Rays fans don’t come out and watch the Yankees and Red Sox…can you imagine if they had to play the A’s and Mariners 9 times each year…then how much lower would the Rays payroll have to be.  If The Trop is filled – I guarantee the Rays would be in the mix for big time free agents in the offseason, heck, Carl Crawford would probably still be playing here.  But, until The Trop is 75-80% filled…no one can complain about payroll.  We should be patting this team on the back for even being competitive in the AL East.  All anyone talked about at the beginning of 2011 was the Baltimore Orioles – and how are those 39 wins looking right now??  By the way…the O’s payroll – $ 85,304,038 (more than double the Rays).

This team is competitive with Evan Longoria having his worst year, but he is battling through foot issues.  What other quality MLB bats are in this lineup that would start for other teams…BJ Upton,  Ben Zobrist & maybe Casey Kotchman (who is having a career year).  Matt Joyce would start in some places, but like I said – he is the worst  All Star selection in the history of the All Star game.  You do know Joyce’s average was .377 on June 1st!?  He is a roll player that had one of the hottest month’s ever and he still only has 43 RBI’s hitting in an RBI spot in the order.  There is a reason he hit .252, .188 & .241 from 2008-2010, respectively and had 25 career homeruns in his 3 seasons in the Majors.  Joyce has 6 homeruns and 21 RBI’s outside the month of May.  So, like I said, Joyce is a 4th outfielder at BEST on any other team in baseball and he hits 7th for 80% of teams.  And no, Damon is too old and does not produce the way a DH needs to – so he is not a factor either.

The Rays are still in the race with their Shortstops being Reid Brignac & Elliot Johnson and they would be in AAA with any other organization.  Their Catcher…don’t get me started.  Sean Rodriguez is the second baseman.  It is unbelievable that this team is within striking distance.  But just like from 2008-2010 – I think making the playoffs with this team rather than “BUYING” your way into the playoffs is much more satisfying.  From what I heard on sports radio – most fans think the Rays are more than a couple players away from being competitive in this division.  Why?  I know it won’t happen, but if this team would splurge in the offseason and just add 2 bats, Prince Fielder and Jose Reyes – and you add those sticks with this pitching staff – you don’t think the Rays are a contender for the AL East?  You’re crazy?  Will it happen – No!  But it just shows that this team is not far away at all.  And…I will say this – that kind of offseason splash has happened before – the Red Sox added Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford in the same offseason!

So, before you call in to another sports radio station and go off on this team – why not look at the positives at what Friedman and Maddon have done with the resources they have been given, rather than tearing them down and saying I don’t care anymore – the Buccaneers are back anyway!

The Rays have now pulled within 3 games of the AL East lead…and after Jeff Niemann’s gem last night…the Rays have their 3 best starters left to finish off the 1st half in Yankee Stadium.  Jeremy Hellickson, David Price & James Shields is the best 1-2-3 starting pitching trio in the AL.  You don’t think so?  The Rays are the only American League team to boast 3 starting pitchers with 100+ innings pitched and at least 8 wins each.  The Rays easily have the starting pitching edge in tonight’s and tomorrow’s games…and then Sunday I will say a push (even though Shields has been sick all year and it is unfortunate he doesn’t get to pitch on Tuesday night in the All-Star game).  I said it in yesterday’s blog post – it is a MUST that the Rays take 3 out of 4 in New York going into the All-Star break – and they now are set up to sweep.

Come on boys…keep this momentum rolling.  Ben Zobrist got this series off with a bang, ironically just missing the cycle by a double (he is tied for the AL lead with 28).  Sorry…but Matt Joyce needs to be benched.  He has not had a single to left since June 1st and his average has also dropped by 90 points since then as well…Matt was hitting .377 on June 1st – now – .287.  Like I have said via Twitter as well…Joyce is one of the worst and most embarrassing All-Star selections in recent memory.  One hot month makes him an All-Star – um – obviously not!

Lastly…Any chance The Trop could collapse so this team can play on the road the rest of the way?  At least at that point the Rays would get to play in front of some MLB fans and that in my opinion is a HUGE reason why this team plays great on the road!

The pitching matchups for the series: Tonight the Rays send Jeff Niemann to the mound against Bartolo Colon.  On Friday the Rays send Jeremy Hellickson against Yankees starter Freddy Garcia.  Saturday afternoon AJ Burnett takes the mound for the Yanks against Rays All-Star David Price and in the finale Sunday…the Rays send their other All-Star starting pitcher James Shields against Yankees ace CC Sabathia.

I would say I like the Rays in every pitching matchup, except for tonight’s…but Niemann is 2-0 versus the Yankees in his last 4 outings with a 3.74 ERA.  I think the Rays can go into New York and take 3 out of 4 and still finish the 1st half 10-6.  But, they HAVE to find a way to start hitting – it is getting to be critical at this point.  Shutout 6 times since June 1st – 6 TIMES!!  The Rays have to win this series and not split…because if they don’t – they should think about selling after the break.

If the Rays go into NY and either get swept or lose 3 out of 4…I hate to say it – but the Rays become sellers on Monday morning.  That would put them 9 games back in the loss column and 7.5 back of the Division lead and more than likely 5 or 6 back of the Red Sox for the wildcard.  Let’s face it – it is not pitching for the down falls of this team.  And look – it is tough to say down falls…the Rays are 48-39, which would lead every other Division in baseball except the NL East.  But it is what it is…they are in the AL East for now – no matter how unfair that is – this is the division they are in.  Without getting off on a tangent – I will say this – DO NOT mortgage any high level prospects to make a run this year – even if you go into Yankee Stadium and do the unthinkable and pull off the sweep.  There is talk of realignment, etc…and if Major League Baseball goes to 2 15 team divisions – the Rays have this organization built to win now and the depth & quality of the farm system puts them ready to be competitive and make the playoffs for the next 10-15 years.

Back to the topic at hand.  They need to grab a bat.  Los Angeles Dodgers Shortstop Rafael Furcal as mentioned in previous posts would be a good addition to this team and should not have a big price tag.  But he can go through LOOOOOOONG stretches of slumps…and that has been the entire Rays offense for the most part the entire season.  Yes – he can still be a very good, as long as he is cheap, addition.  But at the same time, why not think about gambling on Houston Astros Leftfielder Carlos Lee.  Yes, Lee is a bit older, 35, but he can still hit at a better clip than most of the Rays.  Lee is hitting .267 with 7 homeruns and 47 RBI’s, but he would be a bat with some thump that is desperately needed.  Local sports radio is all over Evan Longoria and his struggles.  But he is the ONLY bat in the lineup is feared.  If you were on that mound against the Rays – would Johnny Damon, Ben Zobrist, BJ Upton or Casey Kotchman even remotely scare you – ummm NO!  So why would any pitcher give Longo anything to hit…they don’t.

But – yeah BUT – isn’t there always a catch!?  Lee comes with a $18.5 Million Dollar contract through 2012.  Rays GM Andrew Friedman has already come out and said the Rays can add payroll if need be.  If you could throw the Astros a couple mid range prospects – maybe you can get them to pay 50% of his 2012 salary.  What?  You’re saying they won’t do that or something like that?  Oh yeah – go ask the Philadelphia Phillies about how much they paid Roy Oswalt after the Astros traded him to the Phils at the trade deadline last year.  Exactly!  Plus…if you trade BJ Upton and his salary to Washington for a couple mid level prospects…you lose the non hustling player that hurts your franchise more than helps, you dump his salary and gain a couple mid-level prospects back…well…what you get there is a BJ Upton for Carlos Lee trade and both of them free agents at the end of 2012.  Raise your hand if you would do that deal!  Yeah – I know me too!  And then we get Desmond Jennings called up and playing Centerfield immediately.

How much better does your lineup look now?

SS Rafael Furcal

2B Ben Zobrist

3B Evan Longoria

DH Carlos Lee

RF Matt Joyce

1B Casey Kotchman

LF Johnny Damon (please trade him now – so not worth holding Jennings down)

C  Does it really matter – Kelly Shoppach or John Jaso

CF Desmond Jennings

This puts zero pressure on rookie phenom Desmond Jennings to perform at the plate.  But look at how much better this lineup really is from 1-7 with just those 2 small acquisitions of Furcal and El Caballo. Now this lineup could make a run in the 2nd half of 2011 with the best pitching staff in the AL East and get into the playoffs.  And if the Rays can get in – they could easily do some damage with David Price, James Shields & Jeremy Hellickson in a 7 game series.  Plus – I’m telling you right now – if this team is in it in September – I expect Matt Moore to have the same impact on the Rays as Price did in 2008.

So what do you think Rays fans – leave us your comments!

Follow me on Twitter @Stelzy!  Also, ‘Like’ RaysCentral.com on Facebook and please send any questions or comments you might have via Twitter or FB – I will respond to all!

The biggest surprise to me is Matt Joyce making the All-Star team.  Like I said a couple days ago…yes, Joyce is the Rays Offensive MVP for the 1st half…but it is because he had an unreal month of May.  Joyce is hitting .300 with 11 homeruns and 40 RBI’s so far in 2011!  Really!?  A guy on pace for 22 homeruns and 80 RBI’s makes the AL All-Star team??  80 RBI’s…as an outfielder no less.  Look…it’s a bit different if he is a catcher or even a middle infielder….but an outfielder.  If anything, at least Ben Zobrist leads the league in doubles (as of Sunday) and can play multiple positions – and one of those is a MI spot…2nd base.  And truth is…how do you take Joyce over Paul Konerko?  Konerko is hitting .317 with 21 HR’s and 62 RBI’s!  And don’t tell me that you have to have 4 reserve outfielders…just for the record, Adrian Gonzalez has played rightfield a few times during interleague play.  It is almost embarrassing that Joyce was picked…no – it is.  Good for Joyce, but bad for baseball…kind of like Commissioner Bud Selig.  Good for him for getting the job…but bad for baseball.

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So, the day individual tickets went on sale, my Dad logged on and purchased tickets for the Friday night game and the Sunday afternoon game.  At the time, I was living in California with my family…and he was like, “You are here for those dates, no questions asked!”  No problem Pops…I will figure out a way to be there.  Well, while down on vacation for Rays Spring Training in March, my wife was offered a position in the Sarasota area and she accepted.  Which obviously makes it that much easier to attend the game.  Well, unfortunately, my Father will not be able to go – and this tears at every fiber in my being.  He had a shoulder replacement 3-4 years ago and the shoulder became infected.  About a month ago, they had to take the shoulder out and he is in as much pain as you can get, as well as walking around with an IV with penicillin being put in to him 24/7.  So he is in obvious pain all the time.  I did write the Rays organization asking if we could maybe do a little behind the scenes kind of tour to get him in the baseball mood again.

My thinking was, he has had season tickets to the Rays new Spring Training facility since the day they moved there (he lives 7 miles from their park) and that request was denied.  Which I completely understand – I’m sure all they get is beggars every minute of the day…but I had to try.  I also asked if there was something we could do about our seats and maybe sitting where there isn’t anyone around so he wouldn’t have to worry about someone bumping his shoulder, or lack there of, and I was also told that they could not accommodate that request either.  So, unfortunately, the series of a lifetime will be spent without my Father sitting next to me in the stands.  Like I said – I am not bitter at all – I know they get requests all the time – but I was hoping that they would understand with all the medical issues he has going and since he has had season Spring Training tickets since their move to Port Charlotte…but Hey – I will still go and have a blast with my wife on Friday and my brother on Sunday.

Back to the series…it should be a great series and another important one for the Rays.  The excitement to the Cardinals coming to town might have taken a hit a couple weeks ago with All-Star 1st Baseman Albert Pujols breaking his left arm and being ruled out for 4-6 weeks.  Trust me when I tell you that Pujols will be out around 8 weeks with the injury he has, per the wife (I married the 2007 National Athletic Trainer of the Year).  And YES – I will disagree with her if I think she is wrong…but when it comes to diagnosing injuries…she is right 99.9% of the time.  Quoting her “If he does come back earlier , it is because he is worried about being a free agent and will not be 100%, 75% for that metter!”  So there you go!

On Friday, the Rays will send Wade Davis (7-5, 4.32 ERA) to the mound against the young gun Jake Westbrook (6-4, 5.32 ERA).  It was just announced about 30 minutes ago that the Cardinals were moving Jaime Garcia up from his Friday start to Thursday…a huge break for the Rays.  Garcia is filthy and Westbrook is the exact opposite of filthy (super clean,,,LOL) – he doesn’t put the fear into anyone and the Rays should rake and win big on Friday.  I can see them scoring 7-10 runs on Friday night – The Trop should be rockin’!  Saturday, the Rays send struggling Jeff Niemann (2-4, 5.58 ERA) to the mound against Righthander Kyle McClellan (6-4, 4.02 ERA).  Niemann needs to have a strong start sooner than later…otherwise I am looking for Matt Moore to come visit The Trop VERY SOON!  Heck – the kid should be here already, but the Rays do not rush anyone!  In the Finale Sunday afternoon, the Rays will send Jeremy Hellickson (7-7, 3.18 ERA) to the mound against the oft injured Kyle Lohse (8-4, 2.78).  Lohse is easily having the best season of his career at the halfway point of 2011.

UPDATE: Losing 2 out of 3 to the Cincinnati Reds was very disappointing with the Rays pitching their top 3 starters in the series…Jeremy Hellickson, David Price & James Shields.  And if Evan Longoria doesn’t hit a walk off homerun in the bottom of the 9th on Tuesday evening – the Rays easily could have been swept!  The Rays need to win this series with the Cardinals – like I said a couple days ago…the finish to the 1st half (the last 16 games) really may determine if the Rays go for it and make a big trade at the deadline or sellers.

Last 16 games of the 1st Half…My Prediction 11-5…The Rays Record 4-2

What do you all think Rays fans?  Let me know your thoughts in the comment section.

Follow me on Twitter @Stelzy and please send any questions or comments you might have.  Also, ‘Like’ RaysCentral.com on Facebook

The Rays continue interleague play tonight at Minute Maid Park in Houston against the Astros (28-48, 13-25 Home).  Tampa Bay has really set themselves up well to make a little run before the All-Star break.  I can really see the Rays going on an 11-5 or a 12-4 run here to end the 1st half.  The Rays play a National League style of ball, but are hands down a better team all around than the 3 interleague teams they will be playing in the next 10 days.  Tampa plays a 3 game set in Houston and then host the Cincinnati Reds & the St. Louis Cardinals in 3 game series’ at The Trop.  If the Cardinals have Albert Pujols in the lineup – that is as an even matchup you could get in baseball.  But with Pujols fracturing his left forearm on Sunday, he is out 4-6 weeks and Rays pitching will really only need to worry about the bats of Matt Holliday and comeback player of the year in 2011, Lance Berkman.

The Rays will open the Houston series with All-Star to be James Shields and he will be followed by Wade Davis & Jeff Niemann.  I expect the Rays to take 2 out of 3 in the series…you just never know what you get from Davis & Niemann, so if you can split those games and win the series, you have to be happy, especially on the road.  But Houston is pathetic at home and on the road – so the Rays need to be thinking sweep!

Everyone thinks the Reds just rake and rake and rake.  That is true, but only against mediocre pitching.  Right now, the Rays will have Jeremy Hellickson, David Price and Shields all going in the 3 game series versus the Reds…so they could possibly sweep that series as well.  So they are 5-1 at this point with the Cardinals coming in.  And with no Pujols – I really see the Rays taking 2 out of 3 – and I’m sure all of you will be saying Nah Nah Nah Nah Nah at this point.  But I LOVE both these teams just the same and don’t know who to root for.  So on Friday night and Sunday afternoon, if you see a guy in a Rays t-shirt and a Cardinals hat – come and say hi…I would love to meet you.

After the 3 game set with the Redbirds, the Rays will travel to Minnesota and play a 3 game set against the Twins, before finishing up the 1st half in Yankee Stadium with a 4 game series.  If the Rays take 2 out of 3 from St. Louis, they could easily sweep the Twins (even though Minnesota is playing much better of late)…that will give the Rays a 10-2 record before ending the 1st half in New York.

So, in the near future you will see me write something about who the Rays could acquire at the trade deadline, or possibly even earlier.  But I will say this as a preview, how much better is this Rays team if they call up Matt Moore and trade a prospect or two for free agent to be Jose Reyes?  Think about how much better this would make the Rays lineup by adding a dynamic leadoff hitter.  And if Evan Longoria starts hitting the way Longo can in the 2nd half, that is as good a trade this team could make…I’m tellin’ you Rays fans – this team can win the wildcard…and it will SHOCK all major outlets (ESPN, CBSSports, etc), but not so much this guy!

What do you all think Rays fans?  Let me know your thoughts in the comment section.

Follow me on Twitter @Stelzy and please send any questions or comments you might have.  Also, ‘Like’ RaysCentral.com on Facebook

And then there is Ben Zobrist who plays every position on the field, heck he is probably the Head Athletic Trainer AND the Team Doctor.  He probably is the most versatile player in the Majors, but versatility will not get you to the Mid Summer Classic either.  Zobrist is hitting .268 with 9 homers and 38 RBI’s – but unfortunately for him and the Rays – I think he did all of that in a doubleheader earlier in the year.  BJ Upton is hitting .218, nuff said there.

Now what is more embarrassing…that Johnny Damon is 5th in the DH voting (how sad are the DH’s in the AL if JD is the 5th best DH) or that Jorge Posada is in 3rd…pick your poison.  Pretty much if you voted for either of these 2, your All-Star voting license should be suspended for life.  Major League Baseball should research anyone’s email address that voted for Damon and/or Posada and they should eliminate them from the system!

Like I have been saying since I took over this blog a long time ago (what was it…Saturday or Sunday) – it is absolutely incredible that Rays Manager Joe Maddon has this team at 40-33.  Seriously – 1 word – HOW?????

Obviously Starting Pitcher James Shields is on the team and if the report that came out today is true that Justin Verlander will not pitch in the All-Star game – then Shields may be the starter.  Shields may have deserved it anyway, but Verlander is the most dominant pitcher in baseball right now and he threw a no-hitter in the 1st half.  And truth be told, Shields is just as well deserving.  James has 13 quality starts in his 15 starts, a record of 7-4 with a 2.40 ERA, 108 K’s and just about a 5:1 K:BB ratio.  Oh yea- and 5 complete games.  Yes – you read that right FIVE!!!  That just doesn’t happen before the All-Star break anymore unless your name is Doc and you pitch of the Philadelphia Phillies.  Just filthy.  And unless Jeremy Hellickson or David Price throw back to back Complete Game Shutouts…Shields will be the only Rays representative for this year’s All-Star game in Arizona.  Kyle Farnsworth may get a look, but it is just doubtful to me that he gets in.

Here is the American League All-Star Balloting as of June 21st, 2011

CATCHER
Russell Martin, Yankees: 2,226,797
Alex Avila, Tigers: 1,730,511
Joe Mauer, Twins: 1,341,474
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Red Sox: 1,135,617
Yorvit Torrealba, Rangers: 980,697

FIRST BASE
Adrian Gonzalez, Red Sox: 3,017,960
Mark Teixeira, Yankees: 2,407,665
Miguel Cabrera, Tigers: 1,771,893
Mitch Moreland, Rangers: 890,468
Paul Konerko, White Sox: 676,194

SECOND BASE
Robinson Cano, Yankees: 3,664,498
Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox: 2,239,172
Ian Kinsler, Rangers: 1,452,880
Orlando Cabrera, Indians: 910,941
Ben Zobrist, Rays: 828,771

THIRD BASE
Alex Rodriguez, Yankees: 2,876,537
Adrian Beltre, Rangers: 2,307,380
Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox: 2,025,438
Evan Longoria, Rays: 1,639,405
Brandon Inge, Tigers: 490,734

SHORTSTOP
Derek Jeter, Yankees: 2,654,040
Asdrubal Cabrera, Indians: 2,242,157
Elvis Andrus, Rangers: 1,513,929
Jhonny Peralta, Tigers: 875,371
Marco Scutaro, Red Sox: 813,888

DESIGNATED HITTER
David Ortiz, Red Sox: 3,116,578
Michael Young, Rangers: 1,760,195
Jorge Posada, Yankees: 1,120,830
Victor Martinez, Tigers: 932,711
Johnny Damon, Rays: 864,535

OUTFIELD
Jose Bautista, Blue Jays: 4,156,940
Curtis Granderson, Yankees: 3,473,227
Josh Hamilton, Rangers: 2,400,408
Jacoby Ellsbury, Red Sox: 2,249,323
Carl Crawford, Red Sox: 1,789,097
Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners: 1,537,101
Nelson Cruz, Rangers: 1,462,426
Nick Swisher, Yankees: 1,271,843
Brett Gardner, Yankees: 1,120,179
J.D. Drew, Red Sox: 1,112,720
Matt Joyce, Rays: 1,038,098
Jeff Francoeur, Royals: 906,983
Grady Sizemore, Indians: 867,281
David Murphy, Rangers: 785,630
Shin-Soo Choo, Indians: 764,817

So, Mr. Shields, have a blast at your 1st All-Star game appearance…and if you need someone to work your video recorder for you so you can take everything in – I AM THERE for ya man!!

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