The Rays Need To Reach Deep

As most Rays fans, my head began to get a little too big. I began to believe that defeating the Red Sox in the American League Championship Series was all that was needed to solidify a spot in halls of Cooperstown as World Series Champions. But, like all Rays fans, especially the ones who attended the Spring Training game against the Phillies like myself, expected nothing but domination against the Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies have proven to be a solid force standing in their way—and they would like nothing more than to win the World Series in Citizens Bank Park in front of a packed house. I hope to shed some light on some keys points that the Rays must reverse in order to bring the series back to Tampa.

                First, the pitching. Scott Kazmir has been unproductive throughout the post season. He will need to improve his game in order for The Rays to win game 5. It has been a consistent trend of Kazmir to begin the game with good off speed pitches to offset his mid-nineties fastball that effectively get outs for his team. It is in the middle of the game, and some times earlier the fifth and six innings, where the Philly line-up seems to figure out his tendencies and drive in runs. Also, in game 1 Kazmir did a good job of keeping the Phillies runners honest.  The Phillies in the regular season had the best success rate in stealing in the league. With the Phillies consistently getting on base, this puts further pressure on Kazmir. In Kazmir’s last outing, 4 times in six innings the lead off man got on base. Kazmir will need not only to produce outs, but needs do so in the beginning of the inning, keeping the momentum somewhat balanced. Also, in Kazmir’s last outing he pitched around 104 pitches in six innings—this fatigues his arm and makes his pitches less effective.

                Second, the hitting. The front four haven’t been hitting, straightly put. What gave The Rays a final push against the Red Sox were runs scored, and quick. The Rays’ bats need to come alive early in order to keep along with fast racing Phillies offense. Peña and Longoria have been nonexistent. Upton needs to regain his fire. The Rays need to not sulk when scored upon but come back stronger and score runs of their own. The Phillies pitchers have been pitching against their strengths, and they need to realize this. Longoria is strong when thrown high, but has been swinging for balls in the dirt. Peña generally hits well low, and has been swinging for balls high and out of the strike zone. They need to be patient and not swing at everything throw to them they will go home without the prospect of a game 6.

                When the playoffs began most members of the team got haircuts. They chose the Mohawk. This not only shows that they are young—the entire bullpen is under the age of 26—they also come together as a team. They seem blinded by the bright lights of the BIG SHOW, and can’t be deer when the Phillies are hunting for the big prize. The Rays need most of all to keep their head—everyone who has played or loved a sport has heard someone else say the game is ninety percent mental. They need to regain that need to win. They cannot be complacent in being quieted when they still have the chance to speak with their play. On Sunday I passed by Tropicana Field on my drive down 275 South to Miami and on behalf of all Rays fans I yelled, and will yell tonight, Go Rays, we need a game six.