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I
was at yesterday’s game and was too tired to write a real game recap once I got home, but I thought I’d share a few thoughts about what will be my last in person home game in 2025, and presumably my last Rays game at Steinbrenner Field (and my last Rays game just 15 minutes from home).
- I’ve heard some people say that the Rays lost a game they should have won, but I would say the Rays held close in a game that they were unlikely to win. Other than Yandy Diaz, there was pretty much NO OFFENSE. They were lucky to pounce in the first inning when Trey Yesavage, making his major league debut, probably had some butterflies, but after that there was nothing.
- Once again, the Lowe “brothers” combined for seven strikeouts. When Brandon Lowe slumps, generally striking out on 3 or maybe 4 pitchers on big swings, it’s hard to imagine he can ever hit anything. As the Rays aren’t contending, I’d say let the man sit and give us more Richie Palacios.
- The Lowes were in good company; Rays struck out 18 times.
- On a positive note, Joe Boyle, coming back after an earlier demotion, looked sharp for six innings.
- On another positive note, when was the last time both Fairbanks and Jax pitched clean innings? No hits, no walks?
- We’ve speculated that one reason the Rays have kept Morel despite not playing him very often is that they see him as a friend and mentor to their budding star, Junior Caminero. Well Morel clearly takes that job seriously; the two of them were like this all evening except when Caminero (who played DH) was batting:
- Some thoughts from the ballpark: I was sitting in the section behind first base, and that is the section to choose if you want to get a ball tossed to you by Yandy Diaz. He throws several balls into the stands at the start and the end of every inning the Rays are playing the field.
- There are some aspects of baseball that can be thoroughly, if not better appreciated watching the game on television but others you have to see in person. In the latter category, appreciating what great speed looks like on the base paths. Watching Simpson fly around the bases to score in the first inning was magical.
- Evening games outdoors have been better than I had expected. Rain delays have been few and even back in July and August the temperatures were bearable once the sun went down (although still pretty damned hot for those on the field no doubt) Last night was delightful.
- I want to tip my cap to the fan in section 204 responsible for the 80 grade heckling. It was the bottom of the sixth inning, and the Blue Jays had pulled Yesavage in favor of reliever Brendon Little. Little retired Brandon Lowe and Junior Caminero, and Josh Lowe was due up. Toronto manager John Schneider came out to the mound and it looked like he was calling to the bullpen. But, as the umpire presumably reminded him, Little had only faced two batters and had to remain in the game. So when Josh stepped up to the plate, my favorite heckler yelled: “Josh, the manager has no confidence in Little! The manager doesn’t think Little can get you out! They tried to pull Little but they weren’t able to do that!” Sadly this pep talk didn’t help Josh, who grounded out.
- It was Roberto Clemente night and also Puerto Rican Heritage Night which meant much better music between innings than we usually get.
- I have found my new favorite non-Rays player. He’s 5’9”, hails from NJ (home of all the greats), and doesn’t exactly have that “good baseball face” — but he’s a 28th round draft pick who is now sporting a .800 plus OPS on a first place team.
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