Tampa Bay Rays 2011 thread (1 Viewer)

[greedygoat]

Can any Tampa guys recommend a nice hotel within 30 minutes of the Trop on the beach? I'm looking into taking a road trip to see a home game around the middle of June.

I'm a Clearwater guy...so not sure about St Pete Beach....but Clearwater Beach is a little more upscale...a little less nightlife...and still pretty close.If you like this option, I'd check Priceline for:

4 star / Clearwater Beach = the Sandpearl is not listed on PL...so the Hyatt Regency Aqualea is the only 4-star. I'd guess you can get a room for around $140/night at that time of the year...maybe even a little cheaper. Hotel is gorgeous...every room has a waterfront view, since its on a thin part of the beach with the gulf on two sides and the harbor on two sides...and every room has a balcony and kitchen. Definitely your nicest option.

3.5 star / Clearwater Beach = I'd bet you can get a room for $125 if you select these options. Likely either the Sheraton Sand Key or the Mariott Suites Sand Key...both on the water and nice enough. Both near Shephards and some night life also.

Thanks for the info Gump. I'll be bringing my wife and 2 kids (6 & 9) so Clearwater, (a little more upscale..a little less nightlife) sounds ideal.Can you recommend a particular section at the Trop to target or any to avoid? I'd like to spend around $50 per seat.

Not sure on the seating Goat. I will tell you if you go the above route to eat as many (reasonable) meals as possible at Frenchy's Rockaway and get the grouper....or if you want upscale to go to Alstott's place at Island Way Grill.

I'm heading over to Clearwater tomorrow. Can you give me an idea of how long should it take me to drive from the Hyatt to the Trop? Thanks again for your help Gump, I'm planning on at least one meal at Frenchy's Rockaway.

 

[Grahamburn]

So is Shields likely the only All Star?

Joyce nowhere on the map. Longo hasn't played enough. Zobrist down the list. Kotchmann...never mind.

David Price?So impressed with this team and organization. They just keep getting it done.

Lots of cheers from behind the Rays dugout for Carl, but I was curious why any fans booed the guy last night?. He did absolutely nothing wrong in leaving Tampa. The Rays didn't even offer him a deal. Classy move by CC to take out an ad in the paper thanking the city as well. I realize there will always be "haters" out there when a player leaves for a big contract. People just suck apparently. Ignorant.

Anyway, nice win, and good move setting up the rotation as well. Hellickson and Price give the Rays a great shot at taking the next two.

 

[Norseman]

Can any Tampa guys recommend a nice hotel within 30 minutes of the Trop on the beach? I'm looking into taking a road trip to see a home game around the middle of June.

I'm a Clearwater guy...so not sure about St Pete Beach....but Clearwater Beach is a little more upscale...a little less nightlife...and still pretty close.If you like this option, I'd check Priceline for:

4 star / Clearwater Beach = the Sandpearl is not listed on PL...so the Hyatt Regency Aqualea is the only 4-star. I'd guess you can get a room for around $140/night at that time of the year...maybe even a little cheaper. Hotel is gorgeous...every room has a waterfront view, since its on a thin part of the beach with the gulf on two sides and the harbor on two sides...and every room has a balcony and kitchen. Definitely your nicest option.

3.5 star / Clearwater Beach = I'd bet you can get a room for $125 if you select these options. Likely either the Sheraton Sand Key or the Mariott Suites Sand Key...both on the water and nice enough. Both near Shephards and some night life also.

Thanks for the info Gump. I'll be bringing my wife and 2 kids (6 & 9) so Clearwater, (a little more upscale..a little less nightlife) sounds ideal.Can you recommend a particular section at the Trop to target or any to avoid? I'd like to spend around $50 per seat.

Not sure on the seating Goat. I will tell you if you go the above route to eat as many (reasonable) meals as possible at Frenchy's Rockaway and get the grouper....or if you want upscale to go to Alstott's place at Island Way Grill.

I'm heading over to Clearwater tomorrow. Can you give me an idea of how long should it take me to drive from the Hyatt to the Trop? Thanks again for your help Gump, I'm planning on at least one meal at Frenchy's Rockaway.

Frenchy's Rockaway.

It's about 35-45 minutes to the Trop, depending on traffic.

 

[gump]

I'm heading over to Clearwater tomorrow. Can you give me an idea of how long should it take me to drive from the Hyatt to the Trop? Thanks again for your help Gump, I'm planning on at least one meal at Frenchy's Rockaway.

45 - 60 minutes from the beach to the Trop....depending on time of day. Weekday right? 7:05 game? Because you are going directly thru Pinellas County...it will be stop and go from 5-6:30. I'd probably drive straight down 19 instead of vearing over to I-275. You'll stay in a congested area, but will move.She crab soup at Frenchys is also good!

 

[greedygoat]

I'm heading over to Clearwater tomorrow. Can you give me an idea of how long should it take me to drive from the Hyatt to the Trop? Thanks again for your help Gump, I'm planning on at least one meal at Frenchy's Rockaway.

45 - 60 minutes from the beach to the Trop....depending on time of day. Weekday right? 7:05 game? Because you are going directly thru Pinellas County...it will be stop and go from 5-6:30. I'd probably drive straight down 19 instead of vearing over to I-275. You'll stay in a congested area, but will move.She crab soup at Frenchys is also good!

Yes, tonight's game 7:10 start. I'll make sure to leave in plenty of time to check out the stadium. Thanks again for all the suggestions/recommendations. Go Rays!

 

[gump]

I'm heading over to Clearwater tomorrow. Can you give me an idea of how long should it take me to drive from the Hyatt to the Trop? Thanks again for your help Gump, I'm planning on at least one meal at Frenchy's Rockaway.

45 - 60 minutes from the beach to the Trop....depending on time of day. Weekday right? 7:05 game? Because you are going directly thru Pinellas County...it will be stop and go from 5-6:30. I'd probably drive straight down 19 instead of vearing over to I-275. You'll stay in a congested area, but will move.She crab soup at Frenchys is also good!

Yes, tonight's game 7:10 start. I'll make sure to leave in plenty of time to check out the stadium. Thanks again for all the suggestions/recommendations. Go Rays!

Get there an hour early and stop by Ferg's...just north of the dome. Great sports bar with inside and outside areas...should be slammed tonight. I usually see guys like McGriff and Andreychuck there...and the scenery (if you know what I mean) is great. ETA: You can park for the game, walk to Ferg's, and walk into the Dome from there...its close.

 

[Premier]

Team is on pace for 90 wins and it feels like they have no chance of catching the Sox or Yankees.

 

[scrumptrulescent]

D Jennings?

 

[Limp Ditka]

D Jennings?

I've heard everything from next week to the middle of next month.

 

[Captain Hook]

D Jennings?

I've heard everything from next week to the middle of next month.

See the comments in Notable Callups thread - middle of July or after the All Star break is what I just wrote if the issue is service time - they still have to find a place to play him

 

[gump]

Shieldsie about to take the bump....how many scoreless innings will he go?!

 

[shadyridr]

can we change the subtitle?

 

[Vrana]

Absolutely amazing what James Shields has done this year. 3rd CG in a row. 6th before the all-star break.

I doubt he will be, but he's definitely put himself in the conversation for starting pitcher in the all-star game.

 

[Premier]

can we change the subtitle?

James Shields is God?

 

[gump]

Big Game is back....imagine if Neimann regrouped.

 

[Norseman]

can we change the subtitle?

James Shields is God?

Fuld nose dived after you had him there, Joyce has cooled off. How about Red Sox and Yankees can't be caught?

 

[Raider Nation]

Bucs beating the Texans 14-10.

 

[gump]

Welcome back dirtbag!

 

[Osaurus]

HFS!! Never expected that kind of game.

 

[gump]

HFS!! Never expected that kind of game.

What do we do with Neimann now? That was brutal.

 

[Premier]

Alex Cobb being stuck in Durham for Niemann pretty much sucks.

 

[Osaurus]

HFS!! Never expected that kind of game.

What do we do with Neimann now? That was brutal.

When I turned on the game in the 2nd, I was thinking "well Niemann should just go into at least the 5th to try to right his issues", but his lack of velocity tells me he should make way for Cobb. He still isn't right. The rest of the defense didn't help the situation either. That throw by Shoppach to 2nd on the steal was turrible as always.Niemann should change his nickname to The Big Wrecksan. Oof!

 

[Sonny Lubick Blowup Doll]

My favorite fan, THE TAMPA HECKLER, is back baby!! Just switched over to hear him railing on Jonny Gomes. Love how he only picks one or two. Adam Kennedy was the best that one time... Ah, the guy is great.

 

[Raider Nation]

@ the pitch Votto just got rung up on. It was roughly 4' outside.

Angel Hernandez is teh suck.

 

[gump]

Is Longo actually going to make it to 100 rbi?

 

[Raider Nation]

Any idea why the Rays have yet to name a starter for Friday night? Just wondering.

 

[shadyridr]

Any idea why the Rays have yet to name a starter for Friday night? Just wondering.

Its David Price

 

[Norseman]

Jose Lobaton and Jake McGee called up. Jaso to the DL

edit to add link

My link

 

[Limp Ditka]

Damn! What got into Niemann tonight? Flat out dealing. Enough to make me pick him up with his next 2 outings v KC and Oak

 

[Premier]

I swear to god that every time the Rays are on national tv, there is a catwalk disaster.

 

[Premier]

Damn! What got into Niemann tonight? Flat out dealing. Enough to make me pick him up with his next 2 outings v KC and Oak

He's inconsistent. I'm hoping they can flip him for a somewhat decent bat and then call Alex Cobb up full time. I have to think Niemann would be a damn good #3 guy in the NL.

 

[Raider Nation]

FYI

The longest game to stay 0-0 was a 24-inning affair between the Mets and Astros on 15-April-1968. The Astros finally scored in the bottom of the 24th to win, 1-0.

 

[Raider Nation]

FYI

The longest game to stay 0-0 was a 24-inning affair between the Mets and Astros on 15-April-1968. The Astros finally scored in the bottom of the 24th to win, 1-0.

An eventual appearance by Wheeler will keep this record intact.

 

[Raider Nation]

What a friggin game.

 

[Premier]

Last night had to be the nail in the coffin in the 2011 season. They just don't have enough offense to keep up with Boston and NY over the season.

If only they had somebody like, oh, say...Desmond Jennings available to replace their sub-.300 OBP left fielder. Sigh.

 

[gump]

Is Longo actually going to make it to 100 rbi?

Nevermind.

 

[wilked]

http://media.katu.com/images/070912_crash_landing.jpg

 

[Premier]

http://media.katu.com/images/070912_crash_landing.jpg

Won the east 2 out of the last 3. Not going to happen every year. It's hard for me to be upset or really even care when they're not running their best talent out there every night. The fact that Jennings and Guyer are in Durham while Fuld continues to get regular PT is beyond ridiculous at this point. There's just no reason for it -- Super 2 passed a while ago.

 

[gump]

The season isn't over....if anyone can pull this team up by the bootstraps, its Maddon.

 

[scrumptrulescent]

Good grief, it is painful to watch the past 2 games on ESPN.

1-Idiot announcers are so pro Boston and NY it gets nauseating. They're either talking about how great the Yanks/Sox are, how bad the Rays are, or how awful the Trop is.

2-Can't pull out either game while on national TV.

3-Listening to the pro Yankee crowd last night made me wish I were there....with a bat....to beat them with.

I'm a Tiger Fan but I love the Rays. I love that they're the anti-NY/Boston. I love the fact that they've been pesky the last couple years and have given those east coast teams fits. I actually like going to the Trop when in town. No it isn't gorgeous, but I don't think it's as bad as they make it out to be.

Hope the Rays bounce back tonight.

 

[wilked]

Good grief, it is painful to watch the past 2 games on ESPN.

1-Idiot announcers are so pro Boston and NY it gets nauseating. They're either talking about how great the Yanks/Sox are, how bad the Rays are, or how awful the Trop is.

I'll grant you your other points, but this one is pretty indefensible...

 

[scrumptrulescent]

Good grief, it is painful to watch the past 2 games on ESPN.

1-Idiot announcers are so pro Boston and NY it gets nauseating. They're either talking about how great the Yanks/Sox are, how bad the Rays are, or how awful the Trop is.

I'll grant you your other points, but this one is pretty indefensible...

No one's claiming it's the Taj Mahal. But to keep harping on it wore on me. Sutcliffe is a tool and Boone is a complete moron.

 

[JaxBill]

Why would the Rays get rid of Shields at the deadline?

He's due for a raise to 7Mil next year, but isn't that still cheap for somebody putting up those number?

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/07/is-james-shields-available.html

 

[scrumptrulescent]

Why would the Rays get rid of Shields at the deadline?He's due for a raise to 7Mil next year, but isn't that still cheap for somebody putting up those number?http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/07/is-james-shields-available.html

It's prudent to listen, isn't it?

 

[Norseman]

Why would the Rays get rid of Shields at the deadline?

He's due for a raise to 7Mil next year, but isn't that still cheap for somebody putting up those number?

http://www.mlbtrader...-available.html

It's prudent to listen, isn't it?

Starting pitching is their greatest strength. Use that to bring in someone with a bat and bring up one of the arms from AAA...

 

[Premier]

Why would the Rays get rid of Shields at the deadline?He's due for a raise to 7Mil next year, but isn't that still cheap for somebody putting up those number?http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/07/is-james-shields-available.html

Shields has been amazing and his contract is even better. Rays are going to get quite the haul for him. Look, they clearly have no offense and are drowning in SP. Come 2012, they could roll Price/Shields/Hellickson/Niemann/Davis/Cobb/Matt Moore and Alex Torres out there. That's 8 guys for 5 slots...move somebody for offense, because no matter how good he pitching is, you still can't win if you are getting shutout.

 

[Brady Marino]

Buster Olney tweeted that the Cards' Colby Rasmus could be a target in a James Shields deal. I've also seen Rasmus linked with a swap for Upton, so who knows what's really going on.

 

[Premier]

Boy if they do decide to trade Shields, they are going to get a freaking haul.

That said, it is hard not to picture a 2012 rotation of Price, Shields, Hellickson and Matt Moore.

 

[gump]

Boy if they do decide to trade Shields, they are going to get a freaking haul. That said, it is hard not to picture a 2012 rotation of Price, Shields, Hellickson and Matt Moore.

So, because Shields is so affordable....do you think it may make a deal for someone like Davis more likely this year?

 

[Premier]

Boy if they do decide to trade Shields, they are going to get a freaking haul. That said, it is hard not to picture a 2012 rotation of Price, Shields, Hellickson and Matt Moore.

So, because Shields is so affordable....do you think it may make a deal for someone like Davis more likely this year?

I really don't know. Davis hasn't really established himself yet, but it's not like he's been bad. He'd probably bring back a top-100 bat, but nowhere near the haul that Shields will. Best bet is on Niemann being moved after the season, imo.