Seems through 10 games, the Rays are living and dying by the big inning. Didnt watch the game, but man, those 3 runs in 1st were bad. No one on with two outs, yet get 3 runs.
Seems through 10 games, the Rays are living and dying by the big inning. Didnt watch the game, but man, those 3 runs in 1st were bad. No one on with two outs, yet get 3 runs.
A very key component to C Pena's success is the core lineup change Joe Maddon made in early August last season when he moved Pena to third in the order behind CCrawford and in front of BJ Upton.
Make no mistake. BJ is the most potent offensive weapon on the DRays. And with CC and/or Iwamura and/or Bartlett on base ahead of Pena, he's going to see plenty of fastballs.
I personally predicted before season that Pena would fall off to 30 HR or less and I'm feeling pretty sure now that was a foolish forecast.
Versus RHP, the Rays have a batting order that is as strong as any in MLB. And Pena is right in the middle of it all. He may or may not threaten 40+ HRs again, but I'm confident he'll mash 120+ RBI.
Versus RHP, the HEALTHY Rays have a batting order that is as strong as any in MLB. And Pena is right in the middle of it all. He may or may not threaten 40+ HRs again, but I'm confident he'll mash 120+ RBI.
Seems through 10 games, the Rays are living and dying by the big inning. Didnt watch the game, but man, those 3 runs in 1st were bad. No one on with two outs, yet get 3 runs.
Aki will come around. He had a lot of freakish nagging injuries last year.
I am worried about Crawford's impatience.
Look at this startling chart
<table class="pv_table" summary="Individual player stats table"><tbody><tr> <th class="Center">Year</th><th class="Center">P/PA</th></tr> <tr> <td class="Center">2004</td><td class="Center">3.5</td></tr> <tr> <td class="Center">2005</td><td class="Center">3.2</td></tr> <tr> <td class="Center">2006</td><td class="Center">3.5</td></tr> <tr> <td class="Center">2007</td><td class="Center">3.6</td></tr> <tr> <td class="Center">2008</td><td class="Center">3.1</td></tr></tbody></table>
A 15% drop in pitches seen per at bat is something to keep an eye on.