2012 Tampa Bay Rays

[Rusty]

It would really set the tone for the year and get the fan base juiced to attend games. I'd like to see the Rays push 25,000 to 30,000 per game this year. They just can't go into an early slump, gotta get hot early.

I'd like to see that too... Not a chance it happens.

This team could lead the majors from day 1 and they won't pull those numbers at the trop. Just way more playing a role than just the team.

25,000 is possible.  They averaged around 23,000/game from 2008 -2010.

I was reading more on the 30,000 side.

I still don't think we end up with 25. 23 again would be a solid start.

25,000 for 82 games gives them 2 million for the year. It's a magic milestone

[Col. Klink]

161-1

[-ts]

Jake McGee has me worried. I would prefer he not be used in high leverage situations for awhile. I don't think he has "earned" the right to pitch when it matters. Although I understand how going against Det's lineup is going to eat up a lot of good pitchers.

He should be closer material but instead he is a liability.

We also really need Luke Scott to get 100% so he can be in the lineup everyday. His bat is much needed.

[olafberserker]

Jake McGee has me worried. I would prefer he not be used in high leverage situations for awhile. I don't think he has "earned" the right to pitch when it matters. Although I understand how going against Det's lineup is going to eat up a lot of good pitchers.

He should be closer material but instead he is a liability.
\

He got the job done on Friday.  Got us out of the 7th today.   According to the radio guys he threw a pitch that could (should?) have been strike 3 to Cabrera before giving up a double to him and a single to Fielder, a couple of pretty good hitters.  He's earned the right to be in our pen at this point.  He's still young and has a heck of an arm.  Hopefully he has more good days than bad ones.

[Detrimental]

Jake McGee has me worried. I would prefer he not be used in high leverage situations for awhile. I don't think he has "earned" the right to pitch when it matters. Although I understand how going against Det's lineup is going to eat up a lot of good pitchers.

He should be closer material but instead he is a liability.
\

He got the job done on Friday.  Got us out of the 7th today.   According to the radio guys he threw a pitch that could (should?) have been strike 3 to Cabrera before giving up a double to him and a single to Fielder, a couple of pretty good hitters.  He's earned the right to be in our pen at this point.  He's still young and has a heck of an arm.  Hopefully he has more good days than bad ones.

Agreed. Tigers have a damn good offense with Fielder in that line-up. Let the kid take his lumps now. He'll get better as the year progresses. Now if this becomes a trend then we should start to get worried.

[-ts]

Jake McGee has me worried. I would prefer he not be used in high leverage situations for awhile. I don't think he has "earned" the right to pitch when it matters. Although I understand how going against Det's lineup is going to eat up a lot of good pitchers.

He should be closer material but instead he is a liability.
\

He got the job done on Friday.  Got us out of the 7th today.   According to the radio guys he threw a pitch that could (should?) have been strike 3 to Cabrera before giving up a double to him and a single to Fielder, a couple of pretty good hitters.  He's earned the right to be in our pen at this point.  He's still young and has a heck of an arm.  Hopefully he has more good days than bad ones.

I didn't say he shouldn't be in our BP. I said he shouldn't be given high leverage situations.

I just think he needs to be worked up to facing righties as strong as Cabrera when it matters. I think he is going to be a damn good pitcher for us eventually, he just needs to be worked up to it. Right now I still consider him a liability, until he consistently proves otherwise.

I will however say that going up against the Tigers lineup is no easy task, and this early in I understand giving him the benefit of the doubt. I'm just going on what I have seen from him since he has been moved to our pen. Would like to see some more growth from a "future closer".

[olafberserker]

http://www2.tbo.com/news/breaking-news/2012/apr/11/4/rays-hellickson-hit-by-ball-in-bullpen-taken-to-ho-ar-390890/

Hellickson taken to hospital after being hit by ball in bullpen during Tigers BP.  Sounds like he'll be alright.

[Detrimental]

Its crazy how the top of the order has been single handily winning us games with these hits. After Zobrist our batting line-up is worthless. I know Upton isn't a fan favorite but he helps out tremendously in the batting order. Great rally in the 9th and Fernando Rodney has been good thus far as a closer.

[Sweep]

Zobrist took a good pitch to hit for a strike.  I thought it might  be over at that point. 

Great win on such a long, tough, competitive road trip.

[dbucfan]

161-1

I love a positive attitude.  We'll see how it goes... LMAO

[Detrimental]

Pena is a beast. Great pick-up.

I suspect his annual slump to kick in soon though in a few months. But once Los is hot, he is a hot.

[Biggs3535]

I like Maddon have Pena in the 2-hole.  He should see a buttload of fastballs in front of Longo.

[BucsFan4090]

Niemann with a terrible 5th inning.

[Biggs3535]

Bullpen struggled today.  And the guys had multiple chances to score runs, but couldn't come through.

Detroit is fine squad.  Gotta feel good @ 4-2 after playing them and the Yankees to start off the year.

[dbucfan]

Yep, win a couple in Boston and you have a rip-roaring start