There are few positives to take out of the weekend for Tampa sports fans, but we'll have a go.
First, the comeback of Cadillac Williams to the Bucs offense. True, he was part of an outfit which lost 34-21 to Dallas and never looked like doing anything but, but the very fact that Williams was there at all should give Tampa fans some hope this season.
Williams ran for 97 yards, combining with newcomer Derrick Ward (12 carries, 62 yards) to lead a ground game that produced 174 yards on 31 carries. "The loss just spoiled everything," Caddy said. "I didn't come to stand out as an individual and lose ballgames. I'm a winner, and this team is a winner. Unfortunately, we lost, but the team is going to get better."
Er, whatever you say old boy.
And if you follow the Rays, well, take heart in the notion that now the only way is up for a beleaguered team which has now gone 11 straight without a win after dropping both games of a doubleheader to the Red Sox, 3-1 and 4-0, for their 10th and 11th losses in a row.
That's the longest losing streak in the majors this year, and it has dropped the Rays to 12 1/2 games behind the Red Sox just two weeks after they looked like viable contenders for the AL's wildcard playoff berth.
"It's embarrassing," said James Shields after taking the loss in the second game. "Eleven losses is embarrassing. It's not fun right now. We've got to play better baseball from here on out … and end our season on a high note."
Well, and here is the only positive I can find, at least the Rays are above .500 (one game above at 72-71, but above none the less) and have 19 games remaining to add some of those high notes Shields is referring to.
Hands up who thinks they are going to...
Monday, 14 September 2009
Thursday, 20 August 2009
Black is the new silver for Maddon
Do not be concerned for your sanity if you tune in to tonight's Rays v Orioles game, Joe Maddon actually does have black hair.
In fact the Rays manager's wife, Jaye, dyed his familiar silver-gray hair jet black ahead of the team's next theme road swing, the "Ring of Fire" trip to Toronto and Detroit next week in which all members of the traveling party will be encouraged to wear all black on travel days in honor of Johnny Cash.
"I was going to wait until Sunday night to do it," Maddon said, "but I thought, why not, in advance, just to get it up there and loosen things up a bit?"
"I didn't recognize him – twice," said shortstop Jason Bartlett after finally recognising Maddon Tuesday. "After I saw him, and then I saw him again in the food room and I did a double [take] – I didn't know who it was. I heard his wife likes it, so that's all that counts."
Designated hitter Pat Burrell admitted he thought the look made Maddon look 10 years younger, and his math was about right. Though Maddon said he started going gray in his 20s, his hair didn't go "full-blown silver" until 1998 or 1999.
"The last time I dyed my hair was 2002," Maddon said. "Angels went to the World Series."
Whether or not is helps the Rays over the line this season remains to be seen, but at least the manager will look stylish trying.
When you get to Florida, be sure to call in on Anna Maria Island, a little gem of a place off the Gulf Coast. Check out www.annamaria.com for the very best in vacation rentals on this paradise island.
In fact the Rays manager's wife, Jaye, dyed his familiar silver-gray hair jet black ahead of the team's next theme road swing, the "Ring of Fire" trip to Toronto and Detroit next week in which all members of the traveling party will be encouraged to wear all black on travel days in honor of Johnny Cash.
"I was going to wait until Sunday night to do it," Maddon said, "but I thought, why not, in advance, just to get it up there and loosen things up a bit?"
"I didn't recognize him – twice," said shortstop Jason Bartlett after finally recognising Maddon Tuesday. "After I saw him, and then I saw him again in the food room and I did a double [take] – I didn't know who it was. I heard his wife likes it, so that's all that counts."
Designated hitter Pat Burrell admitted he thought the look made Maddon look 10 years younger, and his math was about right. Though Maddon said he started going gray in his 20s, his hair didn't go "full-blown silver" until 1998 or 1999.
"The last time I dyed my hair was 2002," Maddon said. "Angels went to the World Series."
Whether or not is helps the Rays over the line this season remains to be seen, but at least the manager will look stylish trying.
When you get to Florida, be sure to call in on Anna Maria Island, a little gem of a place off the Gulf Coast. Check out www.annamaria.com for the very best in vacation rentals on this paradise island.
Friday, 7 August 2009
Lewis suspended for 10 games
Orlando Magic will be without forward Rashard Lewis after the 29-year-old tested positive for an elevated testosterone level and was suspended Thursday for 10 games.
Lewis claimed in a statement that he took an over-the-counter supplement late last season which included a substance he did not realize was banned by the NBA.
"First and foremost I take full responsibility for the situation and accept the corresponding penalty," Lewis said. "I apologize to Magic fans, my team-mates and this organization for not doing the research that should come with good judgment."
He will be suspended without pay for the first 10 regular-season games for which he is eligible and physically able to play.
Lewis averaged 19.0 points in the playoffs to help lead the Magic to the NBA finals and will leave a huge hole in those first 10 games.
There really is only one company to trust with your Anna Maria Island vacation, and only one website you need to visit. Click on www.annamaria.com for the very best in vacation rentals on the island. From two-bed cottages, to huge homes for the whole family, waterside, gulf front, secluded, we have it all.
Lewis claimed in a statement that he took an over-the-counter supplement late last season which included a substance he did not realize was banned by the NBA.
"First and foremost I take full responsibility for the situation and accept the corresponding penalty," Lewis said. "I apologize to Magic fans, my team-mates and this organization for not doing the research that should come with good judgment."
He will be suspended without pay for the first 10 regular-season games for which he is eligible and physically able to play.
Lewis averaged 19.0 points in the playoffs to help lead the Magic to the NBA finals and will leave a huge hole in those first 10 games.
There really is only one company to trust with your Anna Maria Island vacation, and only one website you need to visit. Click on www.annamaria.com for the very best in vacation rentals on the island. From two-bed cottages, to huge homes for the whole family, waterside, gulf front, secluded, we have it all.
Tuesday, 28 July 2009
Rays flouder against Yankees
Optimism is a wonderful thing. And any Rays fans who still think we can get back to the World Series this season might have to do some wishful thinking on an industrial scale right now.
Last night's 11-4 home loss to the Yankees felt just like a return to the bad old days. Admittedly the Yankees had a pitcher, in A.J. Burnett, who simply dominated the Rays' hitters all night, limiting them to a pair of hits and a lone unearned run in his seven innings.
But it was the lack of resistance, especially late on, which will most concern those who have recently learned to think happy thoughts about the Rays.
B.J. Upton's single in the third was the only hit the Rays recorded against Burnett in his first five innings. Their second hit brought the first run in the sixth. When Longoria grounded into a double play, allowing Upton to trot home and trim the deficit to 5-1, it looked like a fight back, but was actually as close as the Rays got all night.
"I think the hyperbole is really not necessary," said Rays manager Joe Maddon. "Just go after it, daily. We did a nice job with that last year as a front-runner and I think we can do the same thing trying to catch up."
Let's hope they can. Otherwise this is going to be a very long series against an old foe looking like returning to former glories.
There really is only one company to trust with your Anna Maria Island vacation, and only one website you need to visit. Click on www.annamaria.com for the very best in vacation rentals on the island. From two-bed cottages, to huge homes for the whole family, waterside, gulf front, secluded, we have it all.
Last night's 11-4 home loss to the Yankees felt just like a return to the bad old days. Admittedly the Yankees had a pitcher, in A.J. Burnett, who simply dominated the Rays' hitters all night, limiting them to a pair of hits and a lone unearned run in his seven innings.
But it was the lack of resistance, especially late on, which will most concern those who have recently learned to think happy thoughts about the Rays.
B.J. Upton's single in the third was the only hit the Rays recorded against Burnett in his first five innings. Their second hit brought the first run in the sixth. When Longoria grounded into a double play, allowing Upton to trot home and trim the deficit to 5-1, it looked like a fight back, but was actually as close as the Rays got all night.
"I think the hyperbole is really not necessary," said Rays manager Joe Maddon. "Just go after it, daily. We did a nice job with that last year as a front-runner and I think we can do the same thing trying to catch up."
Let's hope they can. Otherwise this is going to be a very long series against an old foe looking like returning to former glories.
There really is only one company to trust with your Anna Maria Island vacation, and only one website you need to visit. Click on www.annamaria.com for the very best in vacation rentals on the island. From two-bed cottages, to huge homes for the whole family, waterside, gulf front, secluded, we have it all.
Tuesday, 21 July 2009
Rays leave it too late this time
The Rays may not always bring home to runs, but they sure know how to make a game interesting, as the 4-3 loss to Chicago Monday night again showed.
The White Sox maintained their cool following a three-run homer from Paul Konerko, even though the Rays were at it again in the late innings after rallying to win each of their previous three games. This time, however, the Rays came up short.
Tampa, looked on course for another late steal but they failed to score in the eighth and then loaded the bases with two outs in the ninth against Bobby Jenks before Jason Bartlett struck out to end the game.
Konerko's three-run drive in the third gave the White Sox a 4-1 lead, but solo homers from Ben Zobrist and Evan Longoria went deep and Carl Crawford had an inside-the-park homer to bring the Rays back to 4-3. Crawford's inside-the-park homer was the first at U.S. Cellular Field since Chris Singleton hit one for Chicago against Kansas City on Sept. 29, 2000. But it was in vain.
The tension mounted when Bartlett worked the count to 3-2 in the ninth before fouling off a pitch. The crowd chanted ''Bobby! Bobby!'' as fast-baller Jenks got him on a slider to end it.
Sure, Rays fans love the way their team makes life fun, but sometimes just batting in those spare runners would be nice too. You don't always have to score off homers - in or out the park - to win you know...
The White Sox maintained their cool following a three-run homer from Paul Konerko, even though the Rays were at it again in the late innings after rallying to win each of their previous three games. This time, however, the Rays came up short.
Tampa, looked on course for another late steal but they failed to score in the eighth and then loaded the bases with two outs in the ninth against Bobby Jenks before Jason Bartlett struck out to end the game.
Konerko's three-run drive in the third gave the White Sox a 4-1 lead, but solo homers from Ben Zobrist and Evan Longoria went deep and Carl Crawford had an inside-the-park homer to bring the Rays back to 4-3. Crawford's inside-the-park homer was the first at U.S. Cellular Field since Chris Singleton hit one for Chicago against Kansas City on Sept. 29, 2000. But it was in vain.
The tension mounted when Bartlett worked the count to 3-2 in the ninth before fouling off a pitch. The crowd chanted ''Bobby! Bobby!'' as fast-baller Jenks got him on a slider to end it.
Sure, Rays fans love the way their team makes life fun, but sometimes just batting in those spare runners would be nice too. You don't always have to score off homers - in or out the park - to win you know...
Tuesday, 14 July 2009
Pena strikes out as Prince rules
Tampa Bay's Carlos Pena was knocked out early in the 2009 Home Run Derby at Busch Stadium, St. Louis, but Prince Fielder was a king among men in the annual slugfest.
With home big-hitters Albert Pujols and Ryan Howard eliminated early, Fielder won baseball's slugging crown on Monday night in relative comfort - and hit one huge drive estimated to have been 503ft.
The Milwaukee Brewers' first baseman outslugged Texas outfielder Nelson Cruz 6-5 in the final before acknowledging how the home fans must have felt seeing their hometown heroes miss out.
"It's what I expected. This is Albert's stadium and Ryan is from here," Fielder said. "I was just happy I was able to put on a show, and I'm glad I won."
Pujols, the Cardinals' big first baseman, and Howard, who grew up in St. Louis, were knocked out in the second round.
With three outs remaining in the final round, Fielder smacked a drive on to the grassy hill in center field to clinch the crown. He posed for a moment with his bat held high, then embraced Brewers teammate Ryan Braun near home plate.
Pena, Minnesota's Joe Mauer and Pujols each hit five home runs in the first round. In a five-swing tiebreaker, Pena hit one homer and Mauer was shut out and Pujols homered twice to move on.
None of the participants were able to match Josh Hamilton's performance last year at Yankee Stadium, where he hit a record 28 homers in the first round — including 13 on the bounce.
Don't just visit Anna Maria Island, stay here. For the very best in vacation rental properties visit www.annamaria.com and spend your vacation in a real home from home.
With home big-hitters Albert Pujols and Ryan Howard eliminated early, Fielder won baseball's slugging crown on Monday night in relative comfort - and hit one huge drive estimated to have been 503ft.
The Milwaukee Brewers' first baseman outslugged Texas outfielder Nelson Cruz 6-5 in the final before acknowledging how the home fans must have felt seeing their hometown heroes miss out.
"It's what I expected. This is Albert's stadium and Ryan is from here," Fielder said. "I was just happy I was able to put on a show, and I'm glad I won."
Pujols, the Cardinals' big first baseman, and Howard, who grew up in St. Louis, were knocked out in the second round.
With three outs remaining in the final round, Fielder smacked a drive on to the grassy hill in center field to clinch the crown. He posed for a moment with his bat held high, then embraced Brewers teammate Ryan Braun near home plate.
Pena, Minnesota's Joe Mauer and Pujols each hit five home runs in the first round. In a five-swing tiebreaker, Pena hit one homer and Mauer was shut out and Pujols homered twice to move on.
None of the participants were able to match Josh Hamilton's performance last year at Yankee Stadium, where he hit a record 28 homers in the first round — including 13 on the bounce.
Don't just visit Anna Maria Island, stay here. For the very best in vacation rental properties visit www.annamaria.com and spend your vacation in a real home from home.
Tuesday, 7 July 2009
Four Rays seeing stars
Tampa Bay fans have got used to only seeing one of their beloved players in the All-Star game.
Nine times in the first 10 years, the then-Devil Rays had only one player picked for the Midsummer Classic - and in those days it would have been hard to justify including any more.
But times have changed and this year there will be at least four Rays players representing the American League under manager Joe Maddon in the July 14 game in St. Louis. That three of those were chosen by either fans around the country or their peers makes it all the sweeter.
And third-baseman Evan Longoria will be the first Tampa Bay player to start an All-Star Game after winning the fan vote. Jason Bartlett and Carl Crawford made the team as reserves, voted in by their fellow players. And Ben Zobrist was one of Maddon's picks to fill out the roster.
In addition, Carlos Pena is one of five players vying for the final spot on the AL team in fan voting.
Longoria was an easy selection at third, with his impressive .925 OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage) and 63 RBIs making him an All-Star for the second time in as many big-league seasons.
"Obviously, with the caliber of third basemen that there are in the American League, to be the leading vote-getter is just a tremendous honor," he said.
Boston knuckleballer Tim Wakefield made his first All-Star roster in his 17th season, one of a major league-high six Red Sox headed to Busch Stadium for the big game. The 42-year-old right-hander is tied for the big league lead with 10 wins.
Cardinals firstbasman Albert Pujols was the leading vote-getter by a long way. The NL MVP is well on his way to another amazing year, leading the majors with 31 homers and 82 RBIs. He collected 5,397,374 votes to finish with the second-highest total in major league history, trailing only Ken Griffey Jr.'s six million votes in 1994.
The AL starting lineup: Teixeira at first, Pedroia at second, Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, Tampa Bay third baseman Evan Longoria, outfielders Bay, Josh Hamilton of Texas and Ichiro Suzuki of Seattle, and Minnesota catcher Joe Mauer.
Starting for the NL: Albert Pujols at first, Philadelphia second baseman Chase Utley, Florida shortstop Hanley Ramirez, Wright at third, Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina and Carlos Beltran, Milwaukee's Ryan Braun and Philadelphia's Raul Ibanez in the outfield. Ibanez has been sidelined by a groin injury and could sit out.
Should be a special occasion...
Don't just visit Anna Maria Island, stay here. For the very best in vacation rental properties visit www.annamaria.com and spend your vacation in a real home from home.
Nine times in the first 10 years, the then-Devil Rays had only one player picked for the Midsummer Classic - and in those days it would have been hard to justify including any more.
But times have changed and this year there will be at least four Rays players representing the American League under manager Joe Maddon in the July 14 game in St. Louis. That three of those were chosen by either fans around the country or their peers makes it all the sweeter.
And third-baseman Evan Longoria will be the first Tampa Bay player to start an All-Star Game after winning the fan vote. Jason Bartlett and Carl Crawford made the team as reserves, voted in by their fellow players. And Ben Zobrist was one of Maddon's picks to fill out the roster.
In addition, Carlos Pena is one of five players vying for the final spot on the AL team in fan voting.
Longoria was an easy selection at third, with his impressive .925 OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage) and 63 RBIs making him an All-Star for the second time in as many big-league seasons.
"Obviously, with the caliber of third basemen that there are in the American League, to be the leading vote-getter is just a tremendous honor," he said.
Boston knuckleballer Tim Wakefield made his first All-Star roster in his 17th season, one of a major league-high six Red Sox headed to Busch Stadium for the big game. The 42-year-old right-hander is tied for the big league lead with 10 wins.
Cardinals firstbasman Albert Pujols was the leading vote-getter by a long way. The NL MVP is well on his way to another amazing year, leading the majors with 31 homers and 82 RBIs. He collected 5,397,374 votes to finish with the second-highest total in major league history, trailing only Ken Griffey Jr.'s six million votes in 1994.
The AL starting lineup: Teixeira at first, Pedroia at second, Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, Tampa Bay third baseman Evan Longoria, outfielders Bay, Josh Hamilton of Texas and Ichiro Suzuki of Seattle, and Minnesota catcher Joe Mauer.
Starting for the NL: Albert Pujols at first, Philadelphia second baseman Chase Utley, Florida shortstop Hanley Ramirez, Wright at third, Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina and Carlos Beltran, Milwaukee's Ryan Braun and Philadelphia's Raul Ibanez in the outfield. Ibanez has been sidelined by a groin injury and could sit out.
Should be a special occasion...
Don't just visit Anna Maria Island, stay here. For the very best in vacation rental properties visit www.annamaria.com and spend your vacation in a real home from home.
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