My Dream Series is Bitter Sweet!

I grew up in St. Louis, so tonight the dream series begins for me…the St. Louis Cardinals come to The Trop for a 3 games series vs. the Tampa Bay Rays.  When Major League Baseball released the schedule…the 1st thing my Dad said was, “This may be the only time during my lifetime that our 2 favorite teams play each other at The Trop!”  See…My Dad & I both grew up in baseball heaven…St. Louis.  We both grew up listening to Jack Buck on KMOX radio while playing every sport imaginable in our backyards.

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 Should Finish the 1st Half on a BIG Run!

The Tampa Bay Rays next 16 games may determine if they are buyers or sellers at the trade deadline.  It is no secret that the Rays are in desperate need of offense – and like I have been saying Rays fans…you do not know how great of a job Manager Joe Maddon is doing.  I grew up in St. Louis (yes, I am a die-hard Cardinals fan, just like I am with the Rays), you do not understand the pressure the Cardinals organization would be under from the fans and the media if the Cardinals offense was as dreadful as this Rays team offense has been in 2011.  How far back would the Rays be of the New York Yankees & the Boston Red Sox if Matt Joyce doesn’t have a LEGENDARY month of May.  To be blunt – the season would be over.  Yes, I know the Rays went 14-13 in the month of May, but they probably go 5-22 if not for Joyce’s Ruthian like month.

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

Rays All-Star Vote Update

Major League Baseball released their most recent count of All-Star voting today and unless there are tons of Tampa Bay Rays fans out there that are going to stuff the ballot, the Rays will not have 1 field player among the All-Stars this year.  Usually Evan Longoria is a gimme, but he has struggled most of the 2011 season and trails Alex Rodriguez in the vote for starting 3rd Baseman by 1.25 million votes.  And when you go around the diamond, there really isn’t any Rays that are deserving to be an All-Star – EXCEPT for whoever toes the rubber every night.  I’m sure most of you out there (assuming you are a Rays fan while reading this) think Matt Joyce is deserving with his .312 batting average and 10 homers and 36 RBI’s.  But, unfortunately, that gets you an atta boy.  Yes, Joyce did CARRY this team through the month of May & that is an understatement, but a 1 month hot streak does not get you in the All Star game.

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!!

Rays Rotation Will Be Awesome in 2011

For any Rays’ fan who really believes the Tampa Bay Rays will struggle in 2011, look no further than the starting rotation to wipe away that fear. Any team that’s postseason bound has to have the horses to get them there. Have no doubt, barring injury, the Rays have the horses to get them there. David Price is as good as it gets as a 1. We’ve all seen his rise through the system, his maturity, and his ability to pitch. Now it’s time for David Price to solidfy himself as one of the best pitchers in all of baseball. He has to take the ball every 5th day and dominate. I think he will…don’t you? Okay nice- the Rays have an ace. How about a 2? James Shields? Nope. Jeff Niemann? Pass. Okay…Wade Davis. Nope, not him either. Jeremy Hellickson is going to emerge as the clear cut number 2 in this rotation. I’m a big believer in stuff. Hellickson has it. I’m a big believer in mound presence. Hellickson has it. Put those together? And you have a special pitcher. I believe Jeremy Hellickson is going to be more than special, and I think we’re going to have a good time watching this kid throw. Barring an injury, there’s no reason why this kid can’t win 16 games this year. If he does- expect the Rays to be right there in the smack of the race come September.

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

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