Flushed Month. Flushed Season?
May 30th, 2016
Joe is deeply depressed. Last night’s once-every-102-years lost to the Yankees — it’s been that long since New York won a game with just one hit — locked up a losing month of May for the Rays.
They’re 11-14 with two games to play — in Kansas City.
The Rays are now comfortably moved into the AL East cellar, following an offseason of World Series predictions by fancy computers and a few analysts, too.
The starting pitching is erratic. The defense has been god awful at times (see Friday). Our hottest bat, Logan Morrison, has rocketed his average up to .228 with 11 RBIs. Joe didn’t expect too much crying after Kevin Kiermaier went down, but it’s been weep city after watching Mikie Mahtook look lost (1-for-16).
It’s easy to keep telling yourself the pitching is too talented to not come around and the Rays will be in the hunt, but that’s all starting to seem like pure fantasy. Matt Andriese can’t pitch every night. Joe can barely watch with both eyes when Chris Archer and Matt Moore are on the mound.
This season’s roller coast just feels different, like it’s going to go off the tracks and plunge 100 feet. Thankfully, it’s not there yet, and seven of the next 10 are against the garbage Twins and D-backs. That’s some quality hope right there.
May 30th, 2016 at 1:40 pm
If the Rays can carry Lomo and Miller for a month of ofers, they can stand to rehabilitate Mikey’s crushed ego after he got screwed out of a steady job this spring.
May 30th, 2016 at 5:38 pm
It just seems to me that Kevin Cash-less is over his head as Manager. Was he a bench coach like Joe was before being hired ? I’m starting to smell an issue with “Tarnished” Silverman & the rest of the front office; concerning this hiring and the players he traded for in the off season. A shortstop who can’t play shortstop. Designated hitters who can’t hit (Morrison .228, Cory Dickerson .203) and a catcher who can’t throw out runners, block pitches in the dirt or hit. The one success he did have was Steve Pearce who can play multiple positions and hit as well. So, Silverman is 1 for 5. 1 win and 4 losses, just like this latest homestand.
May 30th, 2016 at 11:10 pm
Agreed, Miguel.
Darth, don’t think Cash is over his head. Way too early to tell. We’re comparing the guy to one of the great managers in baseball, and eventually baseball history. It’s not really fair but it’s all we got.
May 30th, 2016 at 11:21 pm
Darth- Kevin was the Indians bullpen coach before the Rays hired him
May 31st, 2016 at 12:28 am
Duly noted Vic. I had issues with some of Joe’s moves as well, but at least the players would play hard for him. Hate to have a wasted season, especially if there is nothing to look forward to. I was excited at the end of last year due to our young players coming of age. Mahtook, Schaffer, Casali, and Blake Snell.
May 31st, 2016 at 2:15 pm
Can anyone explain why Desmond Jennings and Hark Conger are still on this team ? Anyone? Coach Cash-less better start looking over his shoulder as the Grim Reaper is starting to appear.