RaysTweet Up

On May 8, 2013, I joined fellow Tampa Bay Rays fans at Tropicana Field to participate in “Tweet-Up at the Trop.” I joined Twitter in 2011 to follow the Rays and to promote my blogs.  Since I am in college, away from my family (also huge Rays fans) it was nice to talk with other  fans about the game online since my roommates aren’t really into sports. During one of the games, I saw an advertisement for “Tweet-Up at the Trop.” The event allowed fans to purchase a $25 ticket, which includes:

Tweet Up

  • In-game recognition 
  • Discounted seat in the Lower Level
  • Tweet-Up T-shirt with a custom Twitter user name
  • Trivia and Prizes (autographs, jerseys, etc)
  • Pre-Game Q&A session with Dave Wills (Rays Radio Announcer)
  • Early entry to see the Rays’ batting practice

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I entered through Gate 4 – the gate that only media and homeplate club members can go through. I picked up my shirt and was deeply impressed with it. I heard the last Twitter event had white shirts; the blue ones are much better.

Once I reached the section, Raymond was there to meet the fans and to take pictures with. At 5, in-game host Rusty Kath and radio announcer Dave Wills arrived to answer question. Wills discussed how he uses Twitter to up-to-date with other sports teams and how great it is to let fans become involved in the sport – the Rays use Twitter to let fans ask the broadcasters questions about the team.

Dave Wills answering questions

Dave Wills answering questions

 

After the question-answer session, I met up with some of my Twitter friends. Thanks to the shirts, I was able to recognize their Twitter names. Once the game began, all the special events took place in section 128 – The first pitch was thrown by the winner of a Twitter question. The Rays also had several trivia questions on Twitter throughout the night – one of the prizes was an autographed picture of Desmond Jennings and another prize was a Roberto Hernandez jersey.

The game ended up being perfect for a Twitter night, expect for the part when the Rays lose. But besides that, us Twitter users spent our time on our phones tweeting. In the beginning of the game, Sean Rodriquez was called out at home, even though replays show that Rodriquez slid across home plate. Coach Joe Maddon argued the call and was ejected after pointing out how there was evidence on the plate that Rodriquez slid across. The next event was when Blue Jays pitcher  J.A. Happ was hit in the eat with a ball. Images showed blood coming out of his ear. (Happ is now on the DL after being treated at Bayfront Hospital). Within minutes, Happ began trending on Twitter since all the fans were praying and thinking about him. After the bullpen gave up the lead (again) fans took to Twitter to vent.

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Happ being checked on by fellow teammates

 

Though the Rays lost, I had a great time at the game meeting other Twitter fans. The seats were great and it was great meeting Rusty and Dave in person – everyone there was friendly. My only recommendation would be having a player answer a few questions. I’m looking forward to next year’s event.

 

Miles for Moffitt

I am excited to announce that I will be running my first 5K Race this Saturday. On May 11, 2013, PNC Bank Miles for Moffitt will be taking place at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida. Miles for Moffitt consists of several races in which 100% of all donations and registration fees will benefit H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research. I personally volunteer with Moffitt cancer patients and have heard wonderful stories about Moffitt’s staff; I’m excited to help Moffitt with its goal of getting rid of cancer.

Besides the 5k, there is also a 5 mile, a 1 mile, and a run with the Tampa Bay Rays’ mascot Raymond (each child also receives a finisher medal). Raymond is not the only Ray participating in the race – Rays third baseman Evan Longoria created a team (Team Longo). And yes, being a huge Rays fan I had to join his team.

Longoria had this to say:

Moffitt Cancer Center supporters, 

As many of you know, I am a fan of the work Moffitt Cancer Center does in the Tampa Bay community and want to support it in many ways. 

I would be honored if you would join my Race Team and help me raise money for the life-saving research at Moffitt Cancer Center.

You can join my team and run in one of the races on race day, or support Moffitt as a Virtual Runner (and still get the t-shirt!). 

To sweeten the deal, I’ve committed to the following incentives for those who sign up to be on my Race Team: 
1) Each individual team member who raises $500 will be entered into a random drawing for baseball autographed by me
2) Each individual team member who raises $1,000 will be entered into a random drawing to watch the Rays batting practice and personally meet me prior to a mutually agreed upon Rays home game in the 2013 season 

Please join my team to help save lives!

For more information of Miles for Moffitt, click here.

If you would like to donate to my team or leave a positive word of encouragement, click here.

Shields, Royals Embarrass Rays

Today the Tampa Bay Rays faced former Ray pitcher James Shield. As every fan knows, Shields has been part of the Rays organization for 12 years and leads many of the pitching records for the team. He (along with pitcher Wade Davis and infielder Elliot Johnson) was traded during the off-season for several prospects, including power-hitter Wil Myers. Before today’s game, several Rays’ players, coaches, and reporters spent time catching up with Shields.

 

Rays Lineup

 

  • Desmond Jennings CF
  • Matt Joyce LF
  • Ben Zobrist RF
  • Evan Longoria 3B
  • James Loney 1B
  • Yunel Escobar SS
  • Luke Scott DH
  • Jose Molina C
  • Ryan Roberts 2B
  • Alex Cobb P

Royals Lineup

 

  •  Alex Gordon LF
  • Alcides Escobar SS
  • Billy Butler DH
  •  Eric Hosmer 1B
  • Lorenzo Cain CF
  • Mike Moustakas 3B
  • Jeff Francoeur RF
  • Salvaador Perez C
  • Elliot Johnson 2B
  • James Shields P

Game Recap:

James Shields

James Shields (Photo credit: Keith Allison)

Due to Cobb and Shields both being amazing pitchers, the game was expected to be a low-scoring game. To the surprise of many, the Rays quickly took the lead in the 1st inning. Lead-off hitter Desmond Jennings singled and then Matt Joyce hit a 2-run homerun, making it 2-0. Ben Zobrist flied out, Evan Longoria walked, and James Loney doubled to make it two-on, one-out, but Yunel Escobar and Luke Scott both struck out to end the inning. In the bottom of the 1st, Alex Cobb allowed only one hit to Billy Butler.
The Royals had a small threat in the bottom of the 2nd when there were two men on with two outs, but Cobb was able to get Elliot Johnson to fly out to left field. The Royals almost scored a run in the 5th inning when Johnson singled with two outs. Johnson stole 2nd then moved to 3rd on a wild pitch by Cobb. Luckily, Cobb struck out Alex Gordon.

 

In the 6th, Cobb was able to get Alcides Escobar and Billy Butler to ground out, but he allowed Eric Hosmer to double, Lorenzo Cain to single, and Mike Moustakas to homer, making it 3-2 in favor of the Royals. The Royals weren’t done – Jeff Francoeur doubled and Salvador Perez singled, making it 4-2. After allowing six straight hits with 2 outs, Cobb was replaced by Jamey Wright who was able to get Gordon to ground out. The Royals continued to score runs in the 7th inning while the Rays (pitching, defense, offense) all fell apart. With Brandon Gomes pitching in the 7th, Alcides Escobar singled and stole a base. Gomes struck out Butler and intentionally walked Eric Hosmer and then the Rays’ defense fell apart. Lorenzo Cain singled to center field – though three players were capable of catching the ball, none of them did. When Jeff Francoeur was batting, Cain stole 2nd base and Hosmer scored by a throwing error by catcher Jose Molina. Jeff Francoeur triples, making it 7-2.

 

In the top of the 8th, James Shields is replaced by Kelvin Herrera. Matt Joyce is the only player to make it to 1st – the Rays’ poor offense once again makes its appearance. When the Royals were batting, Cesar Ramos became the new pitcher and walked Elliot Johnson. Johnson ends up scoring a run  after a single and two sac-flies. In the 9th, Loney leads off with a single and makes to third when Escobar singles and gets thrown out at second. With Loney on third with one out, Scott flies out to center and Molina strikes out – Rays lose 8-2. What was supposed to be an exciting pitching match between Alex Cobb and James Shields ended up being an embarrassing Rays’ loss.

 

Random Facts

 

  • Alex Cobb entered the game with 10 wins since August 1, 2012 – tied for the most in MLB in that span.
  • With Matt Joye’s home run today, that is a team-record tying 15 straight games with a homer for the Rays (record was set in 2009).
  • Since Matt Joyce’s hit lead-off on Friday, he’s homered three times in four games, and has six RBI over that stretch
  • James Shields’ wife and parents came to the game today – they must be in a good mood.
  •  With Luke Scott being called up, Shelley Duncan was sent down to the minors.
  • 9 out of 14 games the Rays have lost after having the lead.

Around the League:

 

  • On Monday, the New York Yankees lost to the Houston Astros for the first time since 2003. Former Ray Carlos Pena had 1 RBI and 1 Run in that game for the Astros.
  • Kevin Youkilis is back on the DL for his sore back.
  • Another slow start for the Los Angeles Angels may mean coach Michael Scioscia may be out of a job.

David Price still hasn’t heard from MLB

After the “he-said, he-said” incident between Tampa Bay Rays pitcher David Price and homeplate umpire Tom Hallion, Price and several other Rays are waiting to hear if they will be fined by Major League Baseball. In 2012, MLB created a new law that forbids baseball players and coaches from criticizing umpires to the media – not surprising considering how much MLB protects the umpires. While players can be fined and suspended for one incident, it takes three incidents for an umpire to be suspended and even if he is punished, MLB will keep it a secret. Hallion was suspended in 1999 for bumping a player and a coach; he has a history of being an instigator.

Price also believes the ESPN video clip of him leaving the field distorts what happens – which is true. When I was watching ESPN, the clip made it seem that Price was talking to the umpire when he headed back to the dugout and that the umpire ejected him, but in reality, Price was just talking to himself (which he is known to do) and Jeremy Hellickson was actually ejected. Hellickson seemed to be the scapegoat since all the Rays were upset at Hallion because several players heard Hallion use the F-word to Price. Several sports analysts seemed to believe Price started the argument, when it was Hallion.

Price believes that none of the Rays players should be fined and that he was unaware of MLB’s social media that prohibits players from posting content “that questions the impartially of or otherwise denigrates a Major League umpire.” Besides Price, Jeremy Hellickson, Matt Moore, and Sean Rodriquez make comments on their Twitter accounts that criticized Hallion. Even if the four players are fined, MLB may choose to not punished Hallion at all. 

Sources:

Marc Topkin Price hasn’t heard from MLB yet, still upset at ump’s language  Tampa Bay Times

Related articles

David Price receives Bullet Rogan “Pitcher of the Year” Award

Before the Tampa Bay Rays played the Kansas City Royals, David Price was at the Negro League Baseball Museum in Kansas City to receive his Bullet Rogan “Pitcher of the Year” Award. Charles Wilber “Bullet” Rogan was an American pitcher for the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro baseball leagues from 1920-1938. He was considered one of the best (if not the best) pitcher in the Negro League. When Rogan wasn’t pitching, he was playing the outfield and hitting home runs. After receiving the award, Price toured the museum with first base coach George Hendrick, pitching coach Jim Hickey, and hitting coach Derek Shelton.

Jason Collins’ Announcement brings out the Worst in some People

When NBA basketball player Jason Collins announced he was gay on the cover of the new Sports Illustrated magazine, my first thought was “good for him.” Today, history was made – Collins became the first openly gay active player in the four major professional sports in the United States. Though majority of people supported him and his decision, some people decided it was their time to voice their opinions on homosexuality.

While Collins is the first openly gay athlete, Miami Dolphins Wide Receiver Mike Wallace became the first athlete to post something stupid about homosexuals in reply to Collins’ coming out. On his Twitter, Wallace wrote “All these beautiful women in the world and guys wanna mess with other guys SMH (Shakes my head)…” Though the post isn’t homophobic, the post is just plain stupid. If Wallace was never taught in genetics about how homosexuals are born gay, he should have just googled his questions or read a book. Instead, he made an ignorant comment that offended homosexuals. Seriously, what person would choose to love another person of the same sex, knowing that he will be teased, discriminated against, and possibly injured for his choice?


Another person that chose to speak against homosexuals today wasESPN’s Chris Broussard, a sports analyst on Outside the Lines. During the one-hour episode about Collins coming out as a gay man, Broussard decided to quote from the bible about how homosexuality is a sin – “If you’re openly living that type of lifestyle, the Bible says you know them by their fruits, it says that you that’s a sin.. If you’re openly living in unrepentant sin, whatever it may be, I believe that’s walking in open rebellion to God and Jesus Christ.” Broussard was talking about how being gay, having premarital sex, and adultery are all sins. Even though Broussard believes that being gay is a sin, he should not voice his religious beliefs onto viewers on a sports show. As an analyst, he should realized that anything said on television cannot be taken back and could result in being told “you’re fired.”

Coming from a very open-minded Christian family, I have trouble with people who either think being gay is a choice or a sin. When I was in elementary school, I was making fun of a boy at school during dinner – he was chubby, had a weird face, and walked with a limp (I later learned that he had down syndrome). My parents glared at me in disappointment and then explained to me how he was born like that. Besides my parents, I was taught by both science and religion to be open-minded about homosexuals. Genetics class taught me that homosexuals do not have a choice, they are born gay. My church taught me about Jesus and how he preached “love thy neighbor” and that the church was open to everyone. Though some people follow every line from the Bible, many forget that it was written thousands of years. If we followed every rule in the Bible, we would not be watching football on Sunday.

Mike Wallace and Chris Broussard are examples of people that either don’t understand homosexuality or believe that it is a sin. Though I personally believe they are wrong to follow outdated beliefs, each is entitled to their own opinion; but they are wrong to voice their negative opinions publicly and not expect a public backlash. Within minutes of posting his status, Wallace apologized and took down his status while the Miami Dolphins made an official statement about how Wallace made a mistake and the Dolphins are an open-minded organization. Broussard has yet to apologize or to be punished for his statement, but ESPN is known for firing reporters for making controversial remarks. People like Wallace and Broussard are the reason why being an open gay athlete is still a big deal. Hopefully, Collins is just the first of many more people to “come out” so that being gay will no longer be a news story or a controversial topic.

Umpire tells David Price “to throw the ball over the F-in Plate”

The game was tied 3-3 in the 7th inning when Tampa Bay Rays pitcher David Price stepped onto the mound. The Cy Young Winner has yet to win a game this year and he was determined to pitch a scoreless inning. After allowing a single to Conor  Gillaspie, Tyler Flowers hit into a double play. After David Price threw a “strike 3″ pitch to Dewayne Wise, he and Rays fans were surprised to see the ball was called a “ball” instead. Throughout the game, homeplate umpire Tom Hallion had a strict strike zone – the pitch had to be perfect for it to be called a strike. Though Price was able to get Wise to ground out to him and end the inning, he was not happy.

After the commercial break ended, Rays announcer Todd Kalas announced that Rays pitcher Jeremy was ejected from the game. According to Price and several other players, after the inning was over Price was upset at the umpire, but did not say anything. The umpire, seeing Price was mad at him, told him to “throw the ball over the f-in plate.” This caused the Rays players, especially the pitchers, to get upset so Hallion pointed to Hellickson and ejected him. As fans know, Hellickson is the stereotypical country boy; he’s quiet, polite, and well-behaved so for him to get ejected is really surprising.

After the game, it wasn’t the win that the Rays were talking about first, it was the ejection of Hellickson. Coach Joe Maddon was surprised that of all the players, it was Hellickson that was ejected. When Hellickson was interviewed, he looked as though he couldn’t even harm a fly, much less cuss at an umpire. Hellickson has never been ejected, but less been in any kind of trouble. Price took to Twitter to defend him and Hellickson’s actions – asking his followers “Someone give me the definition of a coward please.”

Meanwhile, Hallion told a reporter, “I’ll come right out bluntly and say he’s a liar… I’m denying what he said I said, pretty strongly…I said ‘Just throw the ball.” That’s all I said to him.” Hallion also claims he ejected Hellickson because “He was told to know if off, him and Moore were at the dugout rail and I told them to knock it off, and he thought it was okay for him to have his final comment, at which time he was ejected.”

Once David Price heard the umpire called him a liar…

Price is not the only Rays player on Twitter upset. Fellow pitchers Matt Moore and Jeremy Hellickson, plus infielder Sean Rodriquez expressed their disgust at the umpire.

This episode shows that umpires need to be held accountable for their actions. Instead of claiming Price is a liar even though other players and fans at the game heard the “F” word, the umpire should of acknowledge his mistake, apologized to Price, and accepted his punishment. Instead, he called Price a liar and took his anger out on Hellickson. Umpires are supposed to be anonymous, not the antagonist of the show.

Related articles

Price loses Pitching Duel to Phil Hughes

The first game of the series involved the Tampa Bay Rays scoring four runs in the 1st inning. Today, the Rays struggled against the Phil Hughes to score runs, resulting in a loss.

Tampa Bay Rays Lineup

  • Desmond Jennings CF
  • Ryan Roberts 2B
  • Ben Zobrist RF
  • Evan Longoria 3B
  • Matt Joyce LF
  • Yunel Escobar SS
  • James Loney 1B
  • Jose Molina C
  • Kelley Johnson DH
  • David Price P

New York Yankees Lineup

  • Brett Gardner CF
  • Eduardo Nunez SS
  • Robinson Cano 2B
  • Vernon Wells LF
  • Ben Francisco DH
  • Lyle Overbay 1B
  • Chris Stewart C
  • Ichiro Suzuki RF
  • Jayson Nix 3B
  • Phil Hughes

Game Recap

In the first inning, David Price struck out Brett Gardner before allowing Eduardo Nunez to single. While Robinson Cano was batting, Nunenz stole second base but is stranded there after Price strikes out Cano and gets Vernon Wells to fly out to left field. At the bottom of the 1st, Desmond Jennings walks, Ryan Roberts doubles, and then Ben Zobrist hits a sacrifice fly, allowing Jennings to score. Pitcher Phil Hughes is able to get Evan Longoria and Matt Joyce to strike out, ending the inning.

In the 4th, Nunez strikes out but is able to make it to first base due to the wild pitch. Both Robinson Cano Vernon and Wells single, allowing Nunez to score. Price is able to recover and get Ben Francisco to fly out and Lyle Overbay to hit into a double-play, ending the Yankees’ threat.

Rays took the lead in the 7th after Matt Joyce leads off with a walk and scores after a single by James Loney and Jose Molina. James Loney is called out at 3rd and Kelly Johnson strikes out, making it 2-1. Rays wouldn’t lead long because Ichiro Suzuki singles and scores when Brett Gardner grounds out. In the 9th, Price gives up a single to Cano and a call to the bullpen is made. Fernando Rodney strikes out Vernon Wells, but Cano steals second base. Rodney intentionally walks Travis Hafner and then walks Lyle Overbay, even though it looked like strike 3…. Chris Stewart pops out but Ichiro hits a single, scoring 2 runs. Evan Longoria hits a homerun in the bottom of the 9th, but it is not enough and the Yankees win 4-3.

Summary:

Pretty much a pitching match between David Price and Phil Hughes. Price looked really good, so hopefully he gets his first win on his next start.

Around the League:

  • Oakland was beating Boston 13-0 when the game went into rain delay in the 7th inning. 
Related articles

Moore takes on Sabathia

After a rough 2-7 road trip, the Tampa Bay Rays returned home to sweep the Oakland Athletics’s and continued their winning streak against the New York Yankees.

Rays Lineup

  • Desmond Jennings CF
  • Ryan Roberts 2B
  • Ben Zobrist RF
  • Evan Longoria 3B
  • Sean Rodriquez 1B
  • Yunel Escobar
  • Shelley Duncan DH
  • Jose Lobaton C
  • Sam Fuld LF
  • Matt Moore P

Yankees Lineup

  • Brett Gardener  CF
  • Ben Francisco DH
  • Robinson Cano 2B
  • Vernon Wells LF
  • Francisco Cervelli C
  • Brennan Boesch RF
  • Eduardo Nunez SS
  • Lyle Overbay 1B
  • Kevin Youkilis* Jayson Nix 3B
  • CC Sabathia P

*While Alex Rodriquez is recovering from steroid allegations and surgery, Kevin Youkilis is the new third baseman; but he was scratched from today’s game due to back pain. Youkilis had missed Sunday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays for the same reason.

Recap

Matt Moore

Matt Moore (Photo credit: Keith Allison)

While Rays and Yankees fans are used to seeing David Price and CC Sabathia match-ups, the match-up between Matt Moore and Sabathia was just as entertaining. Moore walked lead-off hitter Brett Gardner in the 1st inning, but quickly got the next three batters out. When the Rays were at-bat, Ryan Roberts (the one with all the tattoos) hit a homerun to left field. With two outs, Evan Longoria singled and then scored when Sean Rodriquez hit a triple. Yunel Escobar then hit a homerun, making it 4-0 at the end of the 1st inning.

In the 3rd inning, Roberts once again hit a homerun to left field (seriously, who does this against Sabathia?) The Yankees scored at the top of the 4th when Robinson Cano hit a homerun, but they never scored another run in the game. The Yankees had a threat in the 6th when Moore walked Gardner and Cano reached first base due to an error by Escobar – Gardener moved up to third base on this same error. Moore was able to get the next two batters out to end the threat. The rest of the game quickly went by – total game time was only 2:29.

Summary

Matt Moore became the first Rays pitcher in history to win his first four starts: he pitched 8 innings, struck out 9, and pitched a total of 117 pitches.

The attendance was 15,331 – meaning that the New York Yankees fans aren’t coming to the Rays games anymore. Gone are the days when Rays vs. Yankees brought 80% Yankees fans and 20% Rays fans. Is it because  the Rays have won 12 of its last 14 home games against the Yankees dating back to July 2011?

Also, Robinson Cano is being investigated for steroid use. A Biogenesis client roster lists the spokeswoman for Robinson Cano’s foundation, plus the fact that he’s friends with A-Roid and Melky Cabrera.  Hmm…he did hit a homerun today. But seriously, stop taking steroids and doing illegal drugs.

Around the League

  • Cy Younger Winner R.A. Dickey having back/neck problems, but will pitch against the Baltimore Orioles.
  • Felix Hernandez got win 100 today – pitched 6 scoreless innings against the Houston Astros.
  • Albert Pujols will be the Los Angeles Angels’ DH for a while due to foot pain.

I’m just Tired of Violence

I had just witnessed the Boston Red Sox beat the Tampa Bay Rays and decided to cool off by taking a shower. When I finished my shower, my phone was ringing; my dad asked “What’s going on in Boston? I heard there were explosions at the Boston Marathon?” As someone trying to get in shape, I was furious that some idiots attempted to hurt runners who had just ran 26 miles. As someone who loves history, I was upset that some idiots tried to ruin a celebration of Massachusetts’ involvement in the Revolutionary War. As a human, I am sad that someone decided to injure and kill innocent people.

I don’t know what’s going on, no one does. There were two explosions around 3 P.M. at the Boston Marathon finish line. Some thought it was a possible chemical leak, but now reports are saying that police have uncovered several other bombs. The police found one bomb under bleachers and purposely set it off when no one was around. John F. Kennedy Library might have a bomb. Three people are reported dead, dozens more injured. At 4:08: the official report is 2 dead, 22 injured in blasts. No terrorist group has come forward yet, so it might just be some loner who did this. Someone who is upset at the world. Someone who hates America. Someone who hates everything…

I’m tired of seeing terrorist attacks. When I was in 7th grade, I saw people fall to their deaths from the World Trade Center. I remember the planes flying into the towers, the Pentagon, and into the field – but seeing a bodies falling to their deaths is an image I’ll never get out of my head. Then the reports of attacks overseas involving America’s allies in Europe made me thankful for the Atlanta Ocean separating America from the Middle East and Africa – terrorists would have to board a plane to get here and security at the airport is very, very strict. But Boston shows that sometimes there is nothing we can do to prevent attacks – there is always going to be an upset person trying to bring everyone down to his level.

America has been gun-crazy since the Sandy Hook elementary shooting – one side gather their guns while the other side tries to take the guns. And you know what? Both sides are WRONG. I said months ago  that guns aren’t the problem nor are the bombs, it’s the people. The politicians have been spending all their time dealing with guns that they forgot about People – People Kill People. It’s the People who are uneducated that are more likely to be violent, yet the education budgets are always being cut. It’s the People who suffer from mental illness that are more likely to be involved in a mass attack, yet health care doesn’t cover the costs of all the help they need. It’s the People upset that America is involved in international conflicts, yet war continues to wage on (and for what?). Instead of wasting time fighting over guns, abortion, and other controversial laws that don’t do much good for society, how about America comes together to make sure that something like this won’t happen again, to make sure more children don’t grow up to be disgruntled adults pissed at society.

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