Snell struggles again as his personal swoon continues

June 5, 2019 general

Wednesday, 4 a.m. In Tampa Bay, we do not do encores very well. For instance, in 2002, the Bucs won the Super Bowl; in 2003, they fell to 7-9. In 2004, the Lightning won the Stanley Cup; in 2005, there was no hockey (they lost 11 more years afterward). In 2008, the Rays went to […]

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Can Rays’ relievers make a lead stand up?

June 4, 2019 general

Tuesday, 4 a.m. They still strike out too often. There are times the baserunners need a GPS. Their hitting can disappear against a good pitcher. But the Tampa Bay Rays won’t fall short of their playoff aspirations in any of those areas. If they fall short, it will probably be because of the back end […]

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Ex-Rays lead Minnesota to another victory over Rays

June 3, 2019 general

Monday, 4 a.m. The Minnesota Twins might be the best team in baseball. Certainly, the Tampa Bay Rays hope so, because they are definitely lagging behind. For the third straight day, the Twins humbled the Rays, this time in a 9-7 victory that was highlighted by former Rays. Over the last three games of the […]

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Twins thump Rays easily in 6-2 victory

June 2, 2019 general

Sunday, 4 a.m. There are days the Tampa Bay Rays look as if they belong in a pennant race. On those days, when the pitching is sharp, and the bullpen matchups work, and the hitting is on, the Rays look young, talented and hungry. Then there are days such as Saturday. When they simply look […]

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Random thoughts: Do Bucs’ fans desire nastiness?

June 2, 2019 general

Sunday, 4 a.m. Ndamukong Suh swears taht, really, he’s a teddy bear. As long as you keep in mind that the teddy bear will step on your neck. “Before you pass judgement on somebody I always take the time to get to know them, meet them, have coffee with them, whatever it may be and […]

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Rays’ bullpen shows the strain in defeat

June 1, 2019 general

SATURDAY, 4 a.m. Can anyone here own the ninth? Suddenly, that is the question that will determine how long this team can last into its post-season race. Suddenly, there are gaps in the blueprint. Suddenly, there are holes in the roster. Once again, the Rays were unable to close the door on the ninth inning, […]

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Rays’ offense erupts in victory over Minnesota

May 31, 2019 general

Friday, 4 a.m. Who are these guys? Can we keep them? And is it legal for them to run the bases like that? The heavy-hitting Tampa Bay Rays (and there’s a description that isn’t often used) walloped the hot Minnesota Twins Thursday night, rolling to a 14-3 victory on a night when every bat in […]

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Adames, bullpen lead extra-inning victory for Rays

May 30, 2019 general

THURSDAY, 4 a.m. Willy Adames was the last hero of the night. He was not the first. Oh, this will be remembered as Adames’ game, all right. After all, he hit a bases-loaded, walkoff single to lead the Rays to their fifth straight win, a 4-3 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. It was Adames […]

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Rays beat the Blue Jays again in front of tiny crowd

May 29, 2019 general

Wednesday, 4 a.m. They are off to a great start … and the community seems to ignore them. They have young stars … and the local fans yawn. They are on a roll … and the seats remain empty. The Rays, once again, are unable to reach the community in which they play. Tuesday night, […]

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Cash pulls Chirinos despite no-hit effort

May 28, 2019 general

Tuesday, 4 a.m. Once again, Kevin Cash has broken up a no-hitter. Despite watching Yonny Chirinos dominate the Toronto Blue Jays for five innings Monday afternoon, Cash went decisively to his bullpen. To Cash, it didn’t matter that the Blue Jays had no hits, or that he had only two walks, or that Chirinos had […]

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