Hey Rays fans. I wrote an article for a website talking about how the Rays will win the East and defended their early struggles.
Take a look ... http://sports2debate.com/index.php?opti ... &Itemid=12
Rays article
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Rays article
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murray
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craig01
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What is missing from last year is the loss of Eric Hinske (who was crucial during last years early success) and Chad Bradford (who was critical during the second half of last season).
They were replaced with Shouse and Kapler.
Shouse is a journeyman one batter pitcher and Kapler can not hit.
Not strengthening the back end of the bullpen could prove to be disastrous (the combination of Balfour, Wheeler, and Percival is at best inconsistent, and sometimes just plain bad).
I disagree on JP Howell. His performance last year was clutch most of the year, and I'd expect the same again this year. He has great command of his "out pitch", his curve .
Offensively, the Rays are not as potent as many believe........far too many K's, and a general non aggressive approach at the plate. Steve Henderson, the batting coach, has had less than stellar results.
I don't see a Rays repeat at all. Boston is clearly a better team, and the Yanks while old in the field, did bolster their rotation......but offensively and defensively they too will struggle.
The Rays may compete for a wild card.......
They were replaced with Shouse and Kapler.
Shouse is a journeyman one batter pitcher and Kapler can not hit.
Not strengthening the back end of the bullpen could prove to be disastrous (the combination of Balfour, Wheeler, and Percival is at best inconsistent, and sometimes just plain bad).
I disagree on JP Howell. His performance last year was clutch most of the year, and I'd expect the same again this year. He has great command of his "out pitch", his curve .
Offensively, the Rays are not as potent as many believe........far too many K's, and a general non aggressive approach at the plate. Steve Henderson, the batting coach, has had less than stellar results.
I don't see a Rays repeat at all. Boston is clearly a better team, and the Yanks while old in the field, did bolster their rotation......but offensively and defensively they too will struggle.
The Rays may compete for a wild card.......
Basketball is driven by three principles:
1) Movement 2) Application of fundamentals 3) Predictability
1) Movement 2) Application of fundamentals 3) Predictability
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murray
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JP just gave up a homer to youk and put the tying run on 1st. This is after James Shields pitched an awesome game. Sorry, but my analysis on Howell was dead on.
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craig01
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You'd be right after this game, but the season has a long way to go.
BTW- Howell's ERA was 2.70 going into today's game.
BTW- Howell's ERA was 2.70 going into today's game.
Basketball is driven by three principles:
1) Movement 2) Application of fundamentals 3) Predictability
1) Movement 2) Application of fundamentals 3) Predictability
Re: Rays article
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murray
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Re: Rays article
craig01 wrote:You'd be right after this game, but the season has a long way to go.
BTW- Howell's ERA was 2.70 going into today's game.
His ERA is getting better, but he has choked numerous times in clutch situations this year. I just doubt he is everything that people make him out to be. He is an average reliever at best, and that is when he has his head on strait.