The problem for Kazmir was that his pitch-count went up quickly as he racked up 9 Ks and 4 walks in 5 innings. Beckett, meanwhile, got stronger and the Rays’ offense had no answer as the game grew older. There’s a reason Josh Beckett is a Cy Young-award front-runner. He’s just that good.

On the other hand, the Rays’ offense completed the disappearing act by racking up a grand total of 4 hits – none of them after the 3rd – while finding a way to strike out 13 times. Sure, the Sox total of 17 strikeouts was even more abysmal, but they found a way to score 8 runs.

Then, just to ensure that this game truly was a microcosm for the entire season, the bullpen was rocked over the final 2 innings, putting this one out of reach.

Ray of Light – Scott Kazmir: He was great, despite the lack of innings tonight.

Drowner – Jeff Ridgway: He’s faced 4 batters this year, and he’s allowed 4 batters to reach base. Gotta love those infinite ERAs.

I’m a huge fan of the green that we’ve got now. I love the home whites, too. Blue is so overused.

Don’t get me wrong, I love things that are blue – blue jeans, blueberries, Blue Oyster Cult – but I don’t see what this new scheme accomplishes. All it does is make us look very plain and very much like very other team. Oh well.

Just a reminder that if you like my writing, you can still find it at www.futurerays.com. We’re got a solid little team at Rays of Light, and it would be great if you would join our community, too!

I’ve heard some people say there were disappointed that I joined with a different website, but I think its the best to make sure that I can give you the most well-rounded Rays coverage around.

Shoot me an email and tell me what you think – and I’ll see you at the Trop!

Crack. The bat. Slap. The glove. Roar. The crowd.

It’s spring again. Thoughts of melting snow, longer days, and the
fast-approaching summer inspire many. For the digital generation, more
comfortable at a drive-thru than a picnic, many of these thoughts are
lost. For a baseball fan, the feelings never die. The first pitch. The
first out. The first hot dog. The first game.

As cliché as it is, everyone is a contender come April 1. In 28 cities,
30 teams all have 30 different hopes and 30 different inspirations. In
Kansas City, the fans hope that Gil Meche can help turn the Royals from
doormat to spoiler. In New York, two sets of fans dream of a subway
series. In Anaheim, Atlanta, Chicago, and Boston, fans have their
collective fingers crossed for October baseball.

In Baltimore, they wonder where the franchise lost its way. In
Cleveland, they still remember the one that got away. In Miami, they
wonder how long their star player will be in town. In Arlington, a new
manager brings new hopes. In Toronto, an upstart team with an upstart
GM tries to complete its climb up baseball’s Mount Everest. In
Washington, they wonder how important Alfonso Soriano really was.

In Pittsburgh, they hope that thoughts don’t turn to football in May.
In San Diego, they wonder if pitching really does win championships. In
Arizona, they pray that a 43-year-old arm can carry an entire franchise
on it. In Houston, life after the hometown boy rode off into the sunset
begins. In Philadelphia, Upton and Rollins draw comparisons of
legendary proportions.

In St. Louis, its no longer "why not us?" but "why not us again?" In
Detroit, fans hope that 2006 wasn’t a fluke. In San Francisco, fans
wonder how long the circus will stay in town. In Colorado, they just
want to be noticed and be relevant. In Oakland, Beane-ball is in
session again, hoping to sneak into another postseason.

In Milwaukee, there is a promise of reclaiming the potential that
escaped them just a year ago. In Seattle, a young team with a young fan
base searches for an identity. In Cincinnati, pitching is finally king.
In Los Angeles, they wonder if they really can outrun the competition.
In Minneapolis, the little engine that could wants to recapture the
magic that Kirby Puckett took with him.

And in Tampa Bay… an upstart young team with now-veteran owners are
trying to compete. Not just with the beasts of the AL East, but with a
fan base that is indifferent. With a fan base that doesn’t care about
you unless you are winning. With a fan base that doesn’t know who they
are. On April 1st, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays will be in first place. It
may be the only time this year that the team can boast that, but
there’s always that hope that keeps the real fans coming to the park,
watching the games, and reminding us why baseball will always be
America’s pastime.

Opening Day is almost here. Play ball.

Jayson Stark, and re-reported by MLB Trade Rumors, threw out this interesting possibility during the week:

Despite talk of the Marlins and Devil Rays reviving their long-rumored deal involving Rocco Baldelli, Florida actually appears to be more focused on the younger (and cheaper) B.J. Upton and Elijah Dukes as center field possibilities.

Ha! The joke’s on Florida if they think that B.J. can be anything but a sign post in the field. In all seriousness, looking at the Marlins’ roster, there seems to be very little of value that would be given up in a trade like this. Of course, the Rays’ goal would be pitching, and I understand there’s a logjam in the Rays platoon-outfield-Durham-carry my bags rookie! club, but I hate the thought of giving up good talent in return for something mediocre, even if it addresses a team need. Hopefully A-Fried and company see it this way, too.

Anyways… the title says it all. Schilling is HUGE.

And then Maddon was asked about talented youngster Delmon Young.

Maddon smiled.

"I think he will tell you that he’s going to boggle your mind," Maddon
said. "And I’m good with that. … This guy is out to make a mark on
this game. God bless him. I’m with him. He’s different. … He wants to
be a complete player."

What the heck does that mean? I’m not even sure there was a coherent thought there. My mind is boggled, all right. Well done, Joe.

1. Alex Gordon, 3B, KC
2. Phillip Hughes, RHP, NYY
3. Delmon Young, OF, TB
4. Homer Bailey, RHP, CIN
5. Brandon Wood, SS, ANA

    10. Evan Longoria, 3B, TB
    11. Reid Brignac, SS, TB
    25. Jeff Niemann, RHP, TB
    45. Jacob McGee, LHP, TB
    77. Wade Davis, RHP, TB
    100. Elijah Dukes, OF, TB

Not too shabby at all.