Rays sign Ramirez

Veteran slugger Manny Ramirez has finally found a new home, and it looks like he will be going up against an old friend on a regular basis.

The Tampa Bay Rays have signed Ramirez to a one-year contract worth just $2 million, which seems crazy cheap for a player of his caliber.

That said, Ramirez has  been a clubhouse problem the past few years, had trouble avoiding significant injuries, and has seen his power production slip.

Ramirez is likely to be the team’s designated hitter, and they are hopeful he can make up for some of the power production lost when Carlos Pena and Carl Crawford signed elsewhere.

Interestingly enough, Ramirez will have an old friend with him from his days with the Boston Red Sox, with Johnny Damon also signing a deal with the Rays.

Saturday, January 22, 2011 at 8:58 am by steve

Tags: Rays news, Rays schedule, Rays tickets

Rays trade Garza to Cubs

The Tampa Bay Rays have traded pitcher Matt Garza to the Chicago Cubs for five minor league players.

Garza said he was caught off guard by all of the rumors about a trade floating around, but that he just let it take care of itself.

The right-hander can’t be displeased about heading over the National League, where his numbers are sure to get significantly better.

He also might be going to the better team after watching the Rays lose Carl Crawford and Carlos Pena in the offseason. ( Read More…)

Thursday, January 13, 2011 at 8:22 pm by steve

Tags: Rays news, Rays schedule, Rays tickets

Rays win A.L. East

Thanks to a loss by the New York Yankees, the Tampa Bay Rays have clinched the American League East division title.

By winning the division title, the Rays will open up the playoffs by squaring off against the Texas Rangers.

The Rays have the advantage when it comes to starting pitching and the bullpen, but Texas is the better hitting club.

With that said, the Rangers are not nearly the same team if Josh Hamilton can’t overcome his rib injury. ( Read More…)

Monday, October 4, 2010 at 6:10 pm by steve

Tags: Rays news, Rays schedule, Rays tickets

Garza tossed no-hitter

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Matt Garza tossed the first no-hitter in his career against the Detroit Tigers.

It was the first no-hitter in franchise history despite the fact the Rays had been no-hit four times before.

Garza said it was time that someone on the team threw a no-hitter to give everyone some confidence.

He faced the minimum 27 batters, allowing just one walk and striking out six. ( Read More…)

Wednesday, July 28, 2010 at 2:30 pm by steve

Tags: Rays news, Rays schedule, Rays tickets

Rays unlikely to make major deal

With the trade deadline rapidly approaching, it looks as though the Tampa Bay Rays are content with their current roster.

Despite the temptation to go make a big splash, the Rays will likely watch the deadline come and go without making a trade.

There has been some talk that the Rays should take a gamble and go for it all by acquiring Prince Fielder.

However, Fielder’s current price tag along with his impending free agency after the 2011 season make him a no-go for Tampa. ( Read More…)

Thursday, July 22, 2010 at 4:26 pm by steve

Tags: Rays news, Rays schedule, Rays tickets

Tampa Bay Rays midseason review

The Tampa Bay Rays missed the playoffs last year, but the team is back to the baseball they were playing in 2008.

In fact, they might even be playing better than back then as the team is clicking on nearly all cylinders.

The Rays have marched their way into first place with a substantial cushion between them and the rest of the division. ( Read More…)

Tuesday, July 6, 2010 at 7:03 pm by steve

Tags: Rays news, Rays schedule, Rays tickets