The Last Expansion: Tampa Bay Devil Rays

Alpha · 10-28-2004, 04:19 PM

1998 brought the last expansion of Major League Baseball. While across in the west, baseball fans in Arizona were gearing up to cheer on the new Diamondbacks, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays gave Floridians a second team after the Marlins.

It is these Devil Rays who are to become the central figure in this dynasty report. To expect much of this franchise would be utterly wrong - they are the epitome of 'poor'. However, there is optimism in the eyes of rookie manager Alex Cross, a background player in baseball history ever since his dream of becoming a major leaguer was shattered through injury.

Cross, 44, hasn't much of anything to work with, and all eyes should be towards the future. Today, though, Cross has a pitching staff without a genuine ace, and a lineup that is either past it, or has limited baseballing experience.

This will be difficult.

Alpha · 10-28-2004, 04:34 PM

1. Rolando Arrojo

This 27 year old right-hander will be the Devil Rays' front-line starter, and will pitch on opening day against the New York Yankees. A power pitcher who will amass many strikeouts in his career. It will be difficult for Tampa Bay to keep hold of Arrojo for the future, as he could achieve great things elsewhere.

Rating: 3/5

2. Wilson Alvarez

A 28 year old, and one of three southpaws amongs the Tampa Bay starters. From Venezuala, Alvarez is very much dependant on his movement, as from time to time he loses his control of the strike zone. Has been known to give up the big homeruns. Has very good endurance, and can relieve a flaky bullpen of excessive duties.Has a four year contract, and could have proven himself to be integral to Tampa in that time frame.

Rating: 3/5

3. Terrell Wade

At 25 years of age, could have used an extra season in the minor leagues, but will be a middle-of-rotation starter. Has above-average stuff, and could contend for the team-leader on strikeouts, despite only having a 91mph fastball. Generally avoids walks, though a lot of balls are often hit into play against him. Could prove to be a difficult decision for the front office when his contract is due for expiration at the end of the season.

Rating: 3/5

4. Tony Saunders

Not yet ready for the big leagues, this 23 year old prospect has been thrown in out of his depth. His raw ability is average, and has perhaps the best combined movement and stuff in the rotation, but has almost no control, and lacks consistency. A groundball pitcher, and should be expected to give up very few long bombs. Has certainly overpriced himself - he is not worth the $3.1m the Devil Rays are paying him for 1998.

Prospect rating: 2/5

5. Jason Johnson

With a fifth starter like the 24 year old Johnson, Tampa Bay were seriously contemplating a four man rotation. He just does not have the stuff or control needed to pitch in the big leagues, and is better suited as a long reliever than a starting pitcher.

Prospect rating: 1/5

Alpha · 10-28-2004, 05:00 PM

Jim Mecir

Mecir will act as one of the main set-up men for closer Roberto Hernandez. Equally adept at deally with right or left-handed batters, Mecir can really on his fabulous movement to create strikeouts. Batsmen are kept continually off-balance by Mecir's pitch selection, and his value to the team is increased by his ability to remain calm in difficult positions, with opponents on base.

Rating: 3/5

Rick White

There are no left-handed pitchers in the bullpen, and ideally Cross would prefer that he could have a mixed set-up pairing. However, Rick White will provide an effective anchor along with Mecir. White's control of the strike zone is amongst the best in the business, and does a good job keeping his pitches down.

Rating: 3/5

Albie Lopez

This young reliever, with limited experience against major league hitters, has been described as a pitcher who can 'dominate or be dominated'. A strikeout pitcher with good stuff, and has a knack of getting batters on the wrong foot with his ability to change speeds.

Rating: 2/5

Eddie Gaillard

Is very reminiscant of Albie Lopez, and with just twenty innings of relief under his belt, is going to have to be gently eased into the troubles of a 162 game season.

Rating: 2/5

Estaban Yan

Has an excellent 94mph fastball, but his secondary pitches require a lot of work. Can generate a little movement on the ball, and his control is adequate for a 22 year old prospect who can only improve.

Prospect rating: 2/5

Rick Gorecki

A mop-up reliever who is not a big league pitcher. Is likely only in the active roster to fill the numbers, and may be replaced by a bench position player before long.

Prospect rating: 1/5

Roberto Hernandez

One of the best closers in the league, and is the best player on the Devil Rays' payroll. He could use better control, and he does have a little more trouble with left-handed hitters than a closer of his calibre should, but these are only superficial factors. He will blow hitters away, and should Tampa ever generate a one-run lead, Hernandez can be relied upon to not blow it. Tampa are lucky to have his services until 2001.

Rating: 4.5/5

Alpha · 10-28-2004, 07:08 PM

C John Flaherty

As a catcher, John Flaherty is average defensively, but the strength of his arm will make base-runners think twice before attempting to steal. He has the speed of a catcher, in other words, he is extremely slow. Expect Flaherty to be at the bottom of every lineup, there are pitchers in the NL who can produce better swings. At 30 years old, it is difficult to project Flaherty improving very much, and so this must be considered as an area for serious improvement for the future.

Rating: 2/5

1B Fred McGriff

Among active players, McGriff is tied for sixth when it comes to numbers of homeruns with 339. Certainly, he can expected to put up some excellent power numbers each year. His patience at the plate has become signifcantly better in recent years, also. However, that comes at a cost. Building himself purely as an offensive weapon has had a negative impact on his fielding of first base. With the game going at a lightning pace in that position, McGriff needs to remain alert at all times. No speed whatsoever, but has good running instincts, and can surprise with occasional stolen bases.

Rating: 3/5

2B Miguel Cairo

Not a big-time prospect, but has managed to work his way into the starting line-up mainly by default. Does not have much of a batting mentality, but that will come with time for this 22 year old. Defensively, Cairo has decent range and average arm strength, and while the flashy plays are not likely to come from second base, he will be a reliable member of the infield.

Prospect rating: 2/5

3B Wade Boggs

It is obvious that the best days of Wade Boggs are in the past. At 39 years old, it is possible that he may not see out both of the years on his contract for Tampa. As a third baseman, he can look as if he is fielding out of position, and his hitting is not close to his glory days with Boston. What Boggs does provide, however, is star power. Boggs will draw in large crowds to Tropicana Field, and he will give the younger players a role model and a leader, providing he does not have as his main aim achieving history.

Rating: 2.5/5

SS Aaron Ledesma

An average all-round shortstop. Hits for contact as opposed to power, but doesn't really ever do that consistently. Cannot rely on the patience of some of his cohorts, and often strikes out on poor pitches. Can be erratic defensively, and though he has an excellent arm, he can make bad reads and miss routine balls. In general, Ledesma seems to be a bit of an anomoly on this ballclub, and shortstop is a definite position for improvement.

Rating: 2.5/5

LF Jerome Walton

Walton provides an essence of the spectacular for Tampa Bay. One of the most gifted outfielders in the big leagues, Cross would wish that he could count on Walton offensively, also. Alas, he is lacking in this area, and while he may be able to poke a couple of longballs out of the park, it will be a rare sight. Still, with his diving catches and remarkable jumps on the ball in the outfield, he can only become more confident as an all-round player.

Rating: 2/5

CF Randy Winn

Winn has a very bright future ahead of him, and is one of the best prospects in the Devil Rays organisation. While his hitting skills are not yet properly advanced, he is already displaying average contact, and has learnt to become more patient at the plate. It is his defensive capabilities that earn him a regular spot in the lienup, however, marshalling the outfield, and the ability to play in all three positions makes him a highly useful utility outfielder.

Prospect rating: 2.5/5

RF Dave Martinez

Whilst lacking the abilities of his outfield team-mates with the glove, Martinez is certainly more proficient when at the plate. Martinez can be expected to hit for a good average, and not strike out as often as many other Tampa players. His running speed is above average, though his experience on the basepaths suggests that he is not a viable base stealing threat.

Rating: 2/5

DH Paul Sorrento

Along with Fred McGriff, the 32 year old Sorrento is one of the few Devil Rays with homerun-hitting capabilities, having hit 17 last season for Seattle. About as skilled as McGriff at first base, it was a toss-up as to which would take the role as designated hitter, roles which are likely to be switched regularly throughout the regular season. Sorrento is another highly paid player, raking in $3.7m until 2000.

Rating: 2/5

Alpha · 10-28-2004, 07:27 PM

C Mike DiFelice

Will be used as a defensive replacement when used, for he has a better throwing arm than John Flaherty. Struggles greatly against right-handed pitching, and with practice could develop into a useful hitter for contact, but currently does not have the batting skills to face major league pitching.

Rating: 1/5

3B Bobby Smith

Smith is on the cusp of making this side, but has Wade Boggs holding him down. Smith has already developed good power hitting, and is an excellent defensive third baseman, with the ability to also play at second or shortstop. He does suffer in clutch situations, however, a fact which is slowing his progression into an above-average prospect.

Prospect rating: 1.5/5

SS Ken Stocker

Providing the bench with pinch-run capabilities, Stocker seems to be a natural at running the bases. He can barely field his position, and the .208 average he achieved in 1997 accurately portrays his hitting abilities.

Rating: 2/5

CF Quinton McCracken

McCracken hits well for contact, but loses out on a starting position to Randy Winn as he has a very limited defense. His baserunning is superior to a lot of the team, and at 28, still has a chance to progress in the system.

Rating: 2/5.

UngratefulDead · 10-28-2004, 07:33 PM

Wow... uhh.. good luck.

I like the idea though, see if you can bring Tampa Bay the trophies that Arizona managed to get so fast.

YankeeFanatic04 · 10-28-2004, 08:09 PM

I'm liking it. Good Luck.

Alpha · 10-28-2004, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UngratefulDead

Wow... uhh.. good luck.

I like the idea though, see if you can bring Tampa Bay the trophies that Arizona managed to get so fast.

Quote:

Originally Posted by YankeeFanatic04

I'm liking it. Good Luck.

Thanks guys. I appreciate all comments. The first game will be posted in a second, and it is a classic.

Alpha · 10-28-2004, 08:23 PM

DEVIL RAYS CONCEDE 8 RUNS IN BOTTOM OF NINTH; LOSE 15-14

NEW YORK -- And to think Roberto Hernandez was the best player on the Tampa Bay Devil Rays roster.

In what was to be a glorious start to both the managerial career of Alex Cross, and the franchise of Tampa, the Devil Rays managed to blow a 14-7 lead against the Yankees in the bottom of the ninth, all eight runs being given against closer Roberto Hernandez.

"You think you've got the win, then the Yankees turn up," a bitterly disappointed Cross remarked after the game.

I can barely begin to explain how New York managed to pull out a win. Throughout the game the 'average' hitters of the Devil Rays produced an onslaught of hits against them. Leadoff hitter Randy Winn, who was 4-of-5 with three runs, a double, and a triple, managed to see the ridiculousness of the situation a few hours after the storm had calmed.

"I hope there aren't too many more of those - I don't know if my ol' ticker can cope with it!"

The bottom of the ninth began with difficulties for roberto Hernandez - he walked the first two batters. Then, the calamity...

2-RBI single by O'Neill scores Brosius and Raines. 14-9 TB.

Williams and O'Neill score on Martinez single. 14-11 TB.

2-run HR by Knoblauch, scores Posada. 14-13 TB.

In what was clearly a mistake by Cross, who we must remember was in his first major league game too, He left Roberto Hernandez in for two more batters. Both of them reached base before he pulled the plug. With Tim Raines, who was held to no hits in the game at bat, Cross went to one of his younger, less talented relievers. Albie Lopez would be the one who would make the final bad pitch, but it is not he who will have to answer the press when tampa eventually return home.

It is closer Roberto Hernandez. It is manager Alex Cross.

Tampa Bay Stats:

Code:

R. Winn

Code:

 CF - 4-of-6, 3 runs, K
D. Martinez RF - 2-of-5, 3 runs, RBI
F. Mcgriff 1B - 3-of-5, 2 runs, HR, 5 RBI 
P. Sorrento DH - 2-of-4, 2 RBI, BB, 2 K
W. Boggs 3B - 1-of-5, run, RBI 
A. Ledesma SS - 1-of-4, 2 runs, RBI, walk
J. Walton LF - 2-of-5, run, HR, 3 RBI, K
J. Flaherty C - 1-of-5, RBI, K
M. Cairo 2B - 2-of-5, 2 runs
 
 
 
R. Arrojo - 6 IP, 9 hits, 7 runs (6 earned), 4 K, 9.00 ERA
R. White - 1 IP, 0 hits, 0 runs, K, 0.00 ERA
J. Mecir - 1 IP, 0 hits, 0 runs, BB, 0.00 ERA
R. Hernandez (0-1) - 0.2 IP, 4 hits, 8 runs (8 earned), 4 BB, 108.11 ERA
A. Lopez - 0 IP, 1 hit, 0.0 ERA

LVance · 10-29-2004, 12:18 AM

Nice idea. I'll read.

BTW, what ever happened to Terrell Wade?

UngratefulDead · 10-29-2004, 12:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LVance

BTW, what ever happened to Terrell Wade?

This whole team seems to be filled with "whatever happened to"s.

Alpha · 10-29-2004, 07:22 AM

Friday 2nd April.

After the debacle of yesterday's opening game for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, a much more relaxed performance saw them take this game by a score of 7-0 to level the series at one game a piece. Wilson Alvarez pitched 7.1 innings of shutout ball for Tampa, while David Cone was beaten by by the very hot Devil Rays offense, as he conceded five runs and allowed thirteen men on base in just 4.2 innings.

Fred McGriff drove in two more runs after the five he created yesterday's contest, while rookie Randy Winn scored three to take his season total to six. The Yankees combined for only eight hits, and struck out six times to Alvarez and reliever Estaban Yan, who pitched 1.2 innings to finish the game in Tampa's favour.

Saturday 3rd April.

Fred McGriff finished the three-game series with another excellent performance that started with a three-run homerun in the first inning as the Devil Rays took the series against the Yankees in an 11-6 victory. McGriff finished the game with 3-of-4 hits, 4 runs, 3 RBI, and the homerun, and finishes the series with a team-leading .571 average, with 10 RBIs.

Terrell Wade was the benefactor from this performance, and was helped out by some timely defensive plays from the men behind him. Despite conceding 12 hits in his 6.2 innings, only three runs came during his watch, before he could hand over duties to Rick Gorecki, who pitched the remainder of the game. Andy Pettite could hardly believe how such a lineup had been moulded in such a short space of time, and he was done for the day after just 3.2 innings, having given up nine runs.

Series Recap:

Game One: Devil Rays 14, Yankees 15

Game Two: Devil Rays 7, Yankees 0.

Game Three: Devil Rays 11, Yankees 6.

10-28-2004, 04:19 PM	#1
Alpha Minors (Rookie Ball) Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: England Posts: 30	The Last Expansion: Tampa Bay Devil Rays 1998 brought the last expansion of Major League Baseball. While across in the west, baseball fans in Arizona were gearing up to cheer on the new Diamondbacks, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays gave Floridians a second team after the Marlins. It is these Devil Rays who are to become the central figure in this dynasty report. To expect much of this franchise would be utterly wrong - they are the epitome of 'poor'. However, there is optimism in the eyes of rookie manager Alex Cross, a background player in baseball history ever since his dream of becoming a major leaguer was shattered through injury. Cross, 44, hasn't much of anything to work with, and all eyes should be towards the future. Today, though, Cross has a pitching staff without a genuine ace, and a lineup that is either past it, or has limited baseballing experience. This will be difficult. __________________ "The Germans are such a cruel and inhuman race, they have no word for fluffy." - Blackadder Goes Forth Last edited by Alpha; 10-28-2004 at 05:39 PM.

10-28-2004, 04:34 PM	#2
Alpha Minors (Rookie Ball) Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: England Posts: 30	Scouting Reports: Starting Rotation 1. Rolando Arrojo This 27 year old right-hander will be the Devil Rays' front-line starter, and will pitch on opening day against the New York Yankees. A power pitcher who will amass many strikeouts in his career. It will be difficult for Tampa Bay to keep hold of Arrojo for the future, as he could achieve great things elsewhere. Rating: 3/5 2. Wilson Alvarez A 28 year old, and one of three southpaws amongs the Tampa Bay starters. From Venezuala, Alvarez is very much dependant on his movement, as from time to time he loses his control of the strike zone. Has been known to give up the big homeruns. Has very good endurance, and can relieve a flaky bullpen of excessive duties.Has a four year contract, and could have proven himself to be integral to Tampa in that time frame. Rating: 3/5 3. Terrell Wade At 25 years of age, could have used an extra season in the minor leagues, but will be a middle-of-rotation starter. Has above-average stuff, and could contend for the team-leader on strikeouts, despite only having a 91mph fastball. Generally avoids walks, though a lot of balls are often hit into play against him. Could prove to be a difficult decision for the front office when his contract is due for expiration at the end of the season. Rating: 3/5 4. Tony Saunders Not yet ready for the big leagues, this 23 year old prospect has been thrown in out of his depth. His raw ability is average, and has perhaps the best combined movement and stuff in the rotation, but has almost no control, and lacks consistency. A groundball pitcher, and should be expected to give up very few long bombs. Has certainly overpriced himself - he is not worth the $3.1m the Devil Rays are paying him for 1998. Prospect rating: 2/5 5. Jason Johnson With a fifth starter like the 24 year old Johnson, Tampa Bay were seriously contemplating a four man rotation. He just does not have the stuff or control needed to pitch in the big leagues, and is better suited as a long reliever than a starting pitcher. Prospect rating: 1/5 __________________ "The Germans are such a cruel and inhuman race, they have no word for fluffy." - Blackadder Goes Forth

10-28-2004, 05:00 PM	#3
Alpha Minors (Rookie Ball) Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: England Posts: 30	Scouting Reports: Bullpen Jim Mecir Mecir will act as one of the main set-up men for closer Roberto Hernandez. Equally adept at deally with right or left-handed batters, Mecir can really on his fabulous movement to create strikeouts. Batsmen are kept continually off-balance by Mecir's pitch selection, and his value to the team is increased by his ability to remain calm in difficult positions, with opponents on base. Rating: 3/5 Rick White There are no left-handed pitchers in the bullpen, and ideally Cross would prefer that he could have a mixed set-up pairing. However, Rick White will provide an effective anchor along with Mecir. White's control of the strike zone is amongst the best in the business, and does a good job keeping his pitches down. Rating: 3/5 Albie Lopez This young reliever, with limited experience against major league hitters, has been described as a pitcher who can 'dominate or be dominated'. A strikeout pitcher with good stuff, and has a knack of getting batters on the wrong foot with his ability to change speeds. Rating: 2/5 Eddie Gaillard Is very reminiscant of Albie Lopez, and with just twenty innings of relief under his belt, is going to have to be gently eased into the troubles of a 162 game season. Rating: 2/5 Estaban Yan Has an excellent 94mph fastball, but his secondary pitches require a lot of work. Can generate a little movement on the ball, and his control is adequate for a 22 year old prospect who can only improve. Prospect rating: 2/5 Rick Gorecki A mop-up reliever who is not a big league pitcher. Is likely only in the active roster to fill the numbers, and may be replaced by a bench position player before long. Prospect rating: 1/5 Roberto Hernandez One of the best closers in the league, and is the best player on the Devil Rays' payroll. He could use better control, and he does have a little more trouble with left-handed hitters than a closer of his calibre should, but these are only superficial factors. He will blow hitters away, and should Tampa ever generate a one-run lead, Hernandez can be relied upon to not blow it. Tampa are lucky to have his services until 2001. Rating: 4.5/5 __________________ "The Germans are such a cruel and inhuman race, they have no word for fluffy." - Blackadder Goes Forth Last edited by Alpha; 10-28-2004 at 05:03 PM. Reason: Spelling Errors

10-28-2004, 07:08 PM	#4
Alpha Minors (Rookie Ball) Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: England Posts: 30	Scouting Reports: Starting Position Players C John Flaherty As a catcher, John Flaherty is average defensively, but the strength of his arm will make base-runners think twice before attempting to steal. He has the speed of a catcher, in other words, he is extremely slow. Expect Flaherty to be at the bottom of every lineup, there are pitchers in the NL who can produce better swings. At 30 years old, it is difficult to project Flaherty improving very much, and so this must be considered as an area for serious improvement for the future. Rating: 2/5 1B Fred McGriff Among active players, McGriff is tied for sixth when it comes to numbers of homeruns with 339. Certainly, he can expected to put up some excellent power numbers each year. His patience at the plate has become signifcantly better in recent years, also. However, that comes at a cost. Building himself purely as an offensive weapon has had a negative impact on his fielding of first base. With the game going at a lightning pace in that position, McGriff needs to remain alert at all times. No speed whatsoever, but has good running instincts, and can surprise with occasional stolen bases. Rating: 3/5 2B Miguel Cairo Not a big-time prospect, but has managed to work his way into the starting line-up mainly by default. Does not have much of a batting mentality, but that will come with time for this 22 year old. Defensively, Cairo has decent range and average arm strength, and while the flashy plays are not likely to come from second base, he will be a reliable member of the infield. Prospect rating: 2/5 3B Wade Boggs It is obvious that the best days of Wade Boggs are in the past. At 39 years old, it is possible that he may not see out both of the years on his contract for Tampa. As a third baseman, he can look as if he is fielding out of position, and his hitting is not close to his glory days with Boston. What Boggs does provide, however, is star power. Boggs will draw in large crowds to Tropicana Field, and he will give the younger players a role model and a leader, providing he does not have as his main aim achieving history. Rating: 2.5/5 SS Aaron Ledesma An average all-round shortstop. Hits for contact as opposed to power, but doesn't really ever do that consistently. Cannot rely on the patience of some of his cohorts, and often strikes out on poor pitches. Can be erratic defensively, and though he has an excellent arm, he can make bad reads and miss routine balls. In general, Ledesma seems to be a bit of an anomoly on this ballclub, and shortstop is a definite position for improvement. Rating: 2.5/5 LF Jerome Walton Walton provides an essence of the spectacular for Tampa Bay. One of the most gifted outfielders in the big leagues, Cross would wish that he could count on Walton offensively, also. Alas, he is lacking in this area, and while he may be able to poke a couple of longballs out of the park, it will be a rare sight. Still, with his diving catches and remarkable jumps on the ball in the outfield, he can only become more confident as an all-round player. Rating: 2/5 CF Randy Winn Winn has a very bright future ahead of him, and is one of the best prospects in the Devil Rays organisation. While his hitting skills are not yet properly advanced, he is already displaying average contact, and has learnt to become more patient at the plate. It is his defensive capabilities that earn him a regular spot in the lienup, however, marshalling the outfield, and the ability to play in all three positions makes him a highly useful utility outfielder. Prospect rating: 2.5/5 RF Dave Martinez Whilst lacking the abilities of his outfield team-mates with the glove, Martinez is certainly more proficient when at the plate. Martinez can be expected to hit for a good average, and not strike out as often as many other Tampa players. His running speed is above average, though his experience on the basepaths suggests that he is not a viable base stealing threat. Rating: 2/5 DH Paul Sorrento Along with Fred McGriff, the 32 year old Sorrento is one of the few Devil Rays with homerun-hitting capabilities, having hit 17 last season for Seattle. About as skilled as McGriff at first base, it was a toss-up as to which would take the role as designated hitter, roles which are likely to be switched regularly throughout the regular season. Sorrento is another highly paid player, raking in $3.7m until 2000. Rating: 2/5 __________________ "The Germans are such a cruel and inhuman race, they have no word for fluffy." - Blackadder Goes Forth Last edited by Alpha; 10-28-2004 at 07:30 PM.

10-28-2004, 07:27 PM	#5
Alpha Minors (Rookie Ball) Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: England Posts: 30	Scouting Report: Bench C Mike DiFelice Will be used as a defensive replacement when used, for he has a better throwing arm than John Flaherty. Struggles greatly against right-handed pitching, and with practice could develop into a useful hitter for contact, but currently does not have the batting skills to face major league pitching. Rating: 1/5 3B Bobby Smith Smith is on the cusp of making this side, but has Wade Boggs holding him down. Smith has already developed good power hitting, and is an excellent defensive third baseman, with the ability to also play at second or shortstop. He does suffer in clutch situations, however, a fact which is slowing his progression into an above-average prospect. Prospect rating: 1.5/5 SS Ken Stocker Providing the bench with pinch-run capabilities, Stocker seems to be a natural at running the bases. He can barely field his position, and the .208 average he achieved in 1997 accurately portrays his hitting abilities. Rating: 2/5 CF Quinton McCracken McCracken hits well for contact, but loses out on a starting position to Randy Winn as he has a very limited defense. His baserunning is superior to a lot of the team, and at 28, still has a chance to progress in the system. Rating: 2/5. __________________ "The Germans are such a cruel and inhuman race, they have no word for fluffy." - Blackadder Goes Forth

10-28-2004, 07:33 PM	#6
UngratefulDead Banned Join Date: May 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 3,415	Wow... uhh.. good luck. I like the idea though, see if you can bring Tampa Bay the trophies that Arizona managed to get so fast.

10-28-2004, 08:09 PM	#7
YankeeFanatic04 Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Brooklyn, New York Posts: 232	I'm liking it. Good Luck.

10-28-2004, 08:23 PM	#9
Alpha Minors (Rookie Ball) Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: England Posts: 30	DEVIL RAYS CONCEDE 8 RUNS IN BOTTOM OF NINTH; LOSE 15-14 NEW YORK -- And to think Roberto Hernandez was the best player on the Tampa Bay Devil Rays roster. In what was to be a glorious start to both the managerial career of Alex Cross, and the franchise of Tampa, the Devil Rays managed to blow a 14-7 lead against the Yankees in the bottom of the ninth, all eight runs being given against closer Roberto Hernandez. "You think you've got the win, then the Yankees turn up," a bitterly disappointed Cross remarked after the game. I can barely begin to explain how New York managed to pull out a win. Throughout the game the 'average' hitters of the Devil Rays produced an onslaught of hits against them. Leadoff hitter Randy Winn, who was 4-of-5 with three runs, a double, and a triple, managed to see the ridiculousness of the situation a few hours after the storm had calmed. "I hope there aren't too many more of those - I don't know if my ol' ticker can cope with it!" The bottom of the ninth began with difficulties for roberto Hernandez - he walked the first two batters. Then, the calamity... 2-RBI single by O'Neill scores Brosius and Raines. 14-9 TB. Williams and O'Neill score on Martinez single. 14-11 TB. 2-run HR by Knoblauch, scores Posada. 14-13 TB. In what was clearly a mistake by Cross, who we must remember was in his first major league game too, He left Roberto Hernandez in for two more batters. Both of them reached base before he pulled the plug. With Tim Raines, who was held to no hits in the game at bat, Cross went to one of his younger, less talented relievers. Albie Lopez would be the one who would make the final bad pitch, but it is not he who will have to answer the press when tampa eventually return home. It is closer Roberto Hernandez. It is manager Alex Cross. Tampa Bay Stats: Code: R. Winn Code: CF - 4-of-6, 3 runs, K D. Martinez RF - 2-of-5, 3 runs, RBI F. Mcgriff 1B - 3-of-5, 2 runs, HR, 5 RBI P. Sorrento DH - 2-of-4, 2 RBI, BB, 2 K W. Boggs 3B - 1-of-5, run, RBI A. Ledesma SS - 1-of-4, 2 runs, RBI, walk J. Walton LF - 2-of-5, run, HR, 3 RBI, K J. Flaherty C - 1-of-5, RBI, K M. Cairo 2B - 2-of-5, 2 runs R. Arrojo - 6 IP, 9 hits, 7 runs (6 earned), 4 K, 9.00 ERA R. White - 1 IP, 0 hits, 0 runs, K, 0.00 ERA J. Mecir - 1 IP, 0 hits, 0 runs, BB, 0.00 ERA R. Hernandez (0-1) - 0.2 IP, 4 hits, 8 runs (8 earned), 4 BB, 108.11 ERA A. Lopez - 0 IP, 1 hit, 0.0 ERA __________________ "The Germans are such a cruel and inhuman race, they have no word for fluffy." - Blackadder Goes Forth Last edited by Alpha; 10-28-2004 at 08:33 PM.

10-29-2004, 12:18 AM	#10
LVance Minors (Rookie Ball) Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Kentucky Posts: 48	Nice idea. I'll read. BTW, what ever happened to Terrell Wade? __________________ Larry Vance, Colorado Rockies [ATH] http://www.raisedbykubrick.com/

10-29-2004, 07:22 AM	#12
Alpha Minors (Rookie Ball) Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: England Posts: 30	Friday 2nd April. After the debacle of yesterday's opening game for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, a much more relaxed performance saw them take this game by a score of 7-0 to level the series at one game a piece. Wilson Alvarez pitched 7.1 innings of shutout ball for Tampa, while David Cone was beaten by by the very hot Devil Rays offense, as he conceded five runs and allowed thirteen men on base in just 4.2 innings. Fred McGriff drove in two more runs after the five he created yesterday's contest, while rookie Randy Winn scored three to take his season total to six. The Yankees combined for only eight hits, and struck out six times to Alvarez and reliever Estaban Yan, who pitched 1.2 innings to finish the game in Tampa's favour. Saturday 3rd April. Fred McGriff finished the three-game series with another excellent performance that started with a three-run homerun in the first inning as the Devil Rays took the series against the Yankees in an 11-6 victory. McGriff finished the game with 3-of-4 hits, 4 runs, 3 RBI, and the homerun, and finishes the series with a team-leading .571 average, with 10 RBIs. Terrell Wade was the benefactor from this performance, and was helped out by some timely defensive plays from the men behind him. Despite conceding 12 hits in his 6.2 innings, only three runs came during his watch, before he could hand over duties to Rick Gorecki, who pitched the remainder of the game. Andy Pettite could hardly believe how such a lineup had been moulded in such a short space of time, and he was done for the day after just 3.2 innings, having given up nine runs. Series Recap: Game One: Devil Rays 14, Yankees 15 Game Two: Devil Rays 7, Yankees 0. Game Three: Devil Rays 11, Yankees 6. __________________ "The Germans are such a cruel and inhuman race, they have no word for fluffy." - Blackadder Goes Forth Last edited by Alpha; 10-29-2004 at 07:23 AM.