Well, that sort of stinks doesn't it?

While it was nice to see Garza come back and throw a very solid game after a rough 1st inning, what in the world happened to our bullpen? That was not the Dan Wheeler we knew from last year. It was funny actually, I was all set to record the bottom of the ninth because our son Cade had to go to bed. I just knew they could come back and get a couple of runs in the bottom of the ninth to tie or win the game. But then, alas, Wheeler gave up a few hits and runs. I still hit record for the bottom of the 9th, just because our son was so mad he couldn't stay up and watch the ending. Then, 3 straight strike outs, Upton, Crawford and Longoria, Sheesh.

Maybe we were lulled into a false sense of security after last year that the relievers would always hold the opponents and as soon as we hit the bottom of the 9th, this team would deliver some magic?

I am still very happy with the team, except for one area... strikeouts at the plate. There is only one team in the bigs with more strikeouts than the Rays total of 72. That's the Indians with 79. Also, the Rays are tied with the Nationals at 72. Granted, the Rays have the 4th highest batting average in the majors after 8 games, but they are averaging 9 K's / game, a little too high in my book.

I fully expect Sonnanstine to pitch a gem this afternoon and for the Rays to take 2 of 3 from the evil empire.

Until next time,
- Steve