Tampa Bay Devil Rays - Owner Mode (MVP 2005)

[CharlieBrown]

Re: Tampa Bay Devil Rays - Owner Mode (MVP 2005)

Devil Rays Make a Trio of Transactions,
Extend Crawford's Contract,
New Stadium to Open Up

Thursday; April 7, 2004

Tampa Bay, FL

A game after their first win of the season, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays made a trio of transactions.



The big one was the signing of free agent first baseman, Fred McGriff. McGriff, a 19 year pro, was released during the Rays' 2004 season after playing in 27 games. He is short 7 homeruns of the 500 plateau.

Granted, he is in his forties, he still provides veteran leadership, helping the younger players in practice. With the signing, he sneaks his way into the lineup, starting ahead of first baseman, Travis Lee.

"I'm glad he's here," says Lee, "And I do night mine stepping aside to let him play. We can all learn a thing or two from him."

The second transaction was the demoting of Kevin Cash to the Devil Rays' AA farm team, the Orlando Rays. This was done to make room for Fred McGriff in the 25 man active roster.

The last transaction was the demoting of shortstop, Shane Halter to AA ball, and the calling up of catcher Tim Laker.

In other Tampa Bay news, the front office has decided to extend the contract of the speedy outfield, Carl Crawford. Crawford agreed to a 2 year extension through the 2007 season, making his contract a 3 year, 1 million dollar deal.

Also, EA Sports Stadium, the future home of the Devil Rays, will open on May 2, 2005. EA Sports is a new sponsor of Tampa Bay's baseball organization, hired in the early days of 2005. EA Sports Stadium will be the home of the second series between the Yankees and Devil Rays.

[CharlieBrown]

Re: Tampa Bay Devil Rays - Owner Mode (MVP 2005)

Devil Rays Make a Trio of Transactions,
Extend Crawford's Contract,
New Stadium to Open Up

Thursday; April 7, 2004

Tampa Bay, FL

A game after their first win of the season, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays made a trio of transactions.



The big one was the signing of free agent first baseman, Fred McGriff. McGriff, a 19 year pro, was released during the Rays' 2004 season after playing in 27 games. He is short 7 homeruns of the 500 plateau.

Granted, he is in his forties, he still provides veteran leadership, helping the younger players in practice. With the signing, he sneaks his way into the lineup, starting ahead of first baseman, Travis Lee.

"I'm glad he's here," says Lee, "And I do night mine stepping aside to let him play. We can all learn a thing or two from him."

The second transaction was the demoting of Kevin Cash to the Devil Rays' AA farm team, the Orlando Rays. This was done to make room for Fred McGriff in the 25 man active roster.

The last transaction was the demoting of shortstop, Shane Halter to AA ball, and the calling up of catcher Tim Laker.

In other Tampa Bay news, the front office has decided to extend the contract of the speedy outfield, Carl Crawford. Crawford agreed to a 2 year extension through the 2007 season, making his contract a 3 year, 1 million dollar deal.

Also, EA Sports Stadium, the future home of the Devil Rays, will open on May 2, 2005. EA Sports is a new sponsor of Tampa Bay's baseball organization, hired in the early days of 2005. EA Sports Stadium will be the home of the second series between the Yankees and Devil Rays.

[CharlieBrown]

Re: Tampa Bay Devil Rays - Owner Mode (MVP 2005)

Friday; April 8, 2005
Tropicana Field
Tampa Bay, FL
Game 1 of 3

Final	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	Extra Innings	R	H	E
Oakland Athletics	0	0	0	0	3	0	0	0	0	5	8	12	1
Tampa Bay Devil Rays	1	0	0	1	0	0	1	0	0	0	3	8	0

Batting		H/AB
SS	B. Crosby	3/5	HR(1), RBI, R, K
CF	M. Kotsay	2/5	2RBI, 2B, 3B
2B	M. Scutaro	1/4	RBI, 2B, R
C	J. Kendall	1/5	HR(1), RBI, R, 2K
LF	E. Byrnes	1/5	HR(2), 3RBI, R
Pitching		IP		ERA
	J. Blanton	7.0	7K, 3ER, 8 Hits	3.86
W (1-0)	C. Bradford	3.0	2K	0.00

Batting		H/AB
DH	F. McGriff	2/4	RBI, K
SS	J. Lugo	2/5	2B, R, 2K
LF	A. Huff	1/4	RBI, K
CF	C. Crawford	1/5	2B, SB(3), R
3B	A. Gonzalez	1/3	HR(1), RBI, R
Pitching		IP		ERA
	C. Fossum	5.0	4K, 3ER	5.40
L (0-1)	J. Sosa	2.0	K, 5ER, 3HR	22.50

Notes

• Fred McGriff started in his first game for the Devil Rays, playing at DH.

Current Record: 1-3
Current Streak: Loss 1
Next Up: Game 2 of 3: Oakland Athletics
Possible Matchup: H. Nomo (0-0)VS K. Saarloos (0-0)

[CharlieBrown]

Re: Tampa Bay Devil Rays - Owner Mode (MVP 2005)

Friday; April 8, 2005
Tropicana Field
Tampa Bay, FL
Game 1 of 3

Final	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	Extra Innings	R	H	E
Oakland Athletics	0	0	0	0	3	0	0	0	0	5	8	12	1
Tampa Bay Devil Rays	1	0	0	1	0	0	1	0	0	0	3	8	0

Batting		H/AB
SS	B. Crosby	3/5	HR(1), RBI, R, K
CF	M. Kotsay	2/5	2RBI, 2B, 3B
2B	M. Scutaro	1/4	RBI, 2B, R
C	J. Kendall	1/5	HR(1), RBI, R, 2K
LF	E. Byrnes	1/5	HR(2), 3RBI, R
Pitching		IP		ERA
	J. Blanton	7.0	7K, 3ER, 8 Hits	3.86
W (1-0)	C. Bradford	3.0	2K	0.00

Batting		H/AB
DH	F. McGriff	2/4	RBI, K
SS	J. Lugo	2/5	2B, R, 2K
LF	A. Huff	1/4	RBI, K
CF	C. Crawford	1/5	2B, SB(3), R
3B	A. Gonzalez	1/3	HR(1), RBI, R
Pitching		IP		ERA
	C. Fossum	5.0	4K, 3ER	5.40
L (0-1)	J. Sosa	2.0	K, 5ER, 3HR	22.50

Notes

• Fred McGriff started in his first game for the Devil Rays, playing at DH.

Current Record: 1-3
Current Streak: Loss 1
Next Up: Game 2 of 3: Oakland Athletics
Possible Matchup: H. Nomo (0-0)VS K. Saarloos (0-0)

[CharlieBrown]

Re: Tampa Bay Devil Rays - Owner Mode (MVP 2005)

Saturday; April 9, 2005
Tropicana Field
Tampa Bay, FL
Game 2 of 3

Final	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	Extra Innings	R	H	E
Oakland Athletics	1	0	0	0	3	0	0	0	0	---	1	6	1
Tampa Bay Devil Rays	0	0	0		0	0	1	1	-	---	2	8	0

Tampa Bay's LF, Aubrey Huff

Batting		H/AB
LF	E. Byrnes	2/4
CF	M. Kotsay	1/3	HR(2), RBI, R
C	J. Kendall	1/3	2B, K
RF	N. Swisher	1/3	K
3B	E. Chavez	0/4	2K
Pitching		IP		ERA
L (0-1)	K. Saarloos	8.0	6K, 2ER, 8 Hits	2.25

Batting		H/AB
LF	A. Huff	2/4	HR(1), RBI, 2B
CF	C. Crawford	2/4	3B, K, CS
RF	D. Bautista	1/3	RBI
DH	F. McGriff	1/3	2B
SS	J. Lugo	0/4	4K
Pitching		IP		ERA
	H. Nomo	6.0	4K, ER, HR	1.50
W (1-1)	T. Harper	2.1	K	5.68

Notes

• Pitcher, Danys Baez, registered his 2nd save of the season.

Game Quotes

• "Old man still has some gas in the tank." -Rays' DH, 41 year old F. McGriff
• "I blew it. It was my fault and I take full responsiblity for our loss." -A's pitcher, K. Saarloos.

Current Record: 2-3
Current Streak: Win 1
Next Up: Game 3 of 3: Oakland Athletics
Possible Matchup: S. Kazmir (0-1, 9.53 ERA)VS B. Zito (0-1, 9.00 ERA)

[CharlieBrown]

Re: Tampa Bay Devil Rays - Owner Mode (MVP 2005)

Saturday; April 9, 2005
Tropicana Field
Tampa Bay, FL
Game 2 of 3

Final	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	Extra Innings	R	H	E
Oakland Athletics	1	0	0	0	3	0	0	0	0	---	1	6	1
Tampa Bay Devil Rays	0	0	0		0	0	1	1	-	---	2	8	0

Tampa Bay's LF, Aubrey Huff

Batting		H/AB
LF	E. Byrnes	2/4
CF	M. Kotsay	1/3	HR(2), RBI, R
C	J. Kendall	1/3	2B, K
RF	N. Swisher	1/3	K
3B	E. Chavez	0/4	2K
Pitching		IP		ERA
L (0-1)	K. Saarloos	8.0	6K, 2ER, 8 Hits	2.25

Batting		H/AB
LF	A. Huff	2/4	HR(1), RBI, 2B
CF	C. Crawford	2/4	3B, K, CS
RF	D. Bautista	1/3	RBI
DH	F. McGriff	1/3	2B
SS	J. Lugo	0/4	4K
Pitching		IP		ERA
	H. Nomo	6.0	4K, ER, HR	1.50
W (1-1)	T. Harper	2.1	K	5.68

Notes

• Pitcher, Danys Baez, registered his 2nd save of the season.

Game Quotes

• "Old man still has some gas in the tank." -Rays' DH, 41 year old F. McGriff
• "I blew it. It was my fault and I take full responsiblity for our loss." -A's pitcher, K. Saarloos.

Current Record: 2-3
Current Streak: Win 1
Next Up: Game 3 of 3: Oakland Athletics
Possible Matchup: S. Kazmir (0-1, 9.53 ERA)VS B. Zito (0-1, 9.00 ERA)

[BearcatsFan]

Re: Tampa Bay Devil Rays - Owner Mode (MVP 2005)

Nice job so far, at least someone is giving the crime dog a chance to get to 500.

[BearcatsFan]

Re: Tampa Bay Devil Rays - Owner Mode (MVP 2005)

Nice job so far, at least someone is giving the crime dog a chance to get to 500.

[CharlieBrown]

Re: Tampa Bay Devil Rays - Owner Mode (MVP 2005)

Sunday; April 10, 2005
Tropicana Field
Tampa Bay, FL
Game 3 of 3

Final	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	Extra Innings	R	H	E
Oakland Athletics	0	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	---	3	8	0
Tampa Bay Devil Rays	4	0	0	0	1	2	0	0	-	---	7	16	1

EA Sport's Player of the Game:
Tampa Bay's SS, Julio Lugo
Stat Line: 4/5, 2RBI, 2-2B, R

Game 3				Season
Batting		H/AB		AVG
1B	S. Hatteberg	2/3	HR(1), 2RBI, R	.238
LF	E. Byrnes	2/4	3B, R, K	.400
CF	M. Kotsay	1/3	BB, K	.318
RF	N. Swisher	1/3	2B, R	.261
3B	E. Chavez	0/4	K	.125
Pitching		IP		ERA
L (0-2)	B. Zito	5.1	3K, 7ER, 14 Hits	10.45
	R. Rincon	2.2	2 Hits	1.50

Game 3				Season
Batting		H/AB		AVG
SS	J. Lugo	4/5	2RBI, 2-2B, R	.385
LF	R. Baldelli	3/5	RBI, 2-2B, R	.417
C	T. Hall	2/4	RBI, 2B	.353
2B	R. Alomar	1/2	HR(2), 2RBI, R	.304
CF	C. Crawford	2/5	2-3B, R	.286
Pitching		IP		ERA
W (1-1)	S. Kazmir	7.0	3K, 0ER, HR	4.25
	L. Carter	2.0	2K	0.00

Notes

• Tampa Bay's 3rd baseman, Alex Gonzalez, took the day off.

Game Quotes

• "He's great offensivley and defensively. He is a huge part of this organization." -Tampa Bay's manager, Lou Pinella on their SS, Julio Lugo

Series Recap	Oakland	Devil Rays	Winning Pitcher
Game 1 (10 Innings)	8	3	C. Bradford
Game 2	1	2	T. Harper
Game 3	3	7	S. Kazmir

American League East	Record
New York Yankees	4-2
Baltimore Orioles	4-2
Tampa Bay Devil Rays	3-3
Boston Red Sox	3-3
Toronto Blue Jays	3-3

Current Record: 3-3
Current Streak: Win 3
Next Up:Game 1 of 3: Baltimore Orioles (4-2)
Possible Matchup: M. Hendrickson (0-0, 0.00 ERA)VS S. Ponson (0-0, 3.18 ERA)

[CharlieBrown]

Re: Tampa Bay Devil Rays - Owner Mode (MVP 2005)

Sunday; April 10, 2005
Tropicana Field
Tampa Bay, FL
Game 3 of 3

Final	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	Extra Innings	R	H	E
Oakland Athletics	0	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	---	3	8	0
Tampa Bay Devil Rays	4	0	0	0	1	2	0	0	-	---	7	16	1

EA Sport's Player of the Game:
Tampa Bay's SS, Julio Lugo
Stat Line: 4/5, 2RBI, 2-2B, R

Game 3				Season
Batting		H/AB		AVG
1B	S. Hatteberg	2/3	HR(1), 2RBI, R	.238
LF	E. Byrnes	2/4	3B, R, K	.400
CF	M. Kotsay	1/3	BB, K	.318
RF	N. Swisher	1/3	2B, R	.261
3B	E. Chavez	0/4	K	.125
Pitching		IP		ERA
L (0-2)	B. Zito	5.1	3K, 7ER, 14 Hits	10.45
	R. Rincon	2.2	2 Hits	1.50

Game 3				Season
Batting		H/AB		AVG
SS	J. Lugo	4/5	2RBI, 2-2B, R	.385
LF	R. Baldelli	3/5	RBI, 2-2B, R	.417
C	T. Hall	2/4	RBI, 2B	.353
2B	R. Alomar	1/2	HR(2), 2RBI, R	.304
CF	C. Crawford	2/5	2-3B, R	.286
Pitching		IP		ERA
W (1-1)	S. Kazmir	7.0	3K, 0ER, HR	4.25
	L. Carter	2.0	2K	0.00

Notes

• Tampa Bay's 3rd baseman, Alex Gonzalez, took the day off.

Game Quotes

• "He's great offensivley and defensively. He is a huge part of this organization." -Tampa Bay's manager, Lou Pinella on their SS, Julio Lugo

Series Recap	Oakland	Devil Rays	Winning Pitcher
Game 1 (10 Innings)	8	3	C. Bradford
Game 2	1	2	T. Harper
Game 3	3	7	S. Kazmir

American League East	Record
New York Yankees	4-2
Baltimore Orioles	4-2
Tampa Bay Devil Rays	3-3
Boston Red Sox	3-3
Toronto Blue Jays	3-3

Current Record: 3-3
Current Streak: Win 3
Next Up:Game 1 of 3: Baltimore Orioles (4-2)
Possible Matchup: M. Hendrickson (0-0, 0.00 ERA)VS S. Ponson (0-0, 3.18 ERA)

[CharlieBrown]

Re: Tampa Bay Devil Rays - Owner Mode (MVP 2005)

Minors Get a Chance to Prove Themselves

Monday; April 11, 2004

Tampa Bay, FL

In a stunning move, the Devil Ray's management have called up 3 minor league players from their AAA farm team, the Durham Bulls. Second baseman, Jorge Cantu; outfielder, Joey Gathright; and pitcher, Rob Bell were all called up to play in the majors.

In addition to call-ups, there are also send downs to fulfill the 25 man requirement. Pitcher, Trever Miller; pitcher, Danys Baez; and outfielder, Brian Buchanan were sent down to play AAA ball.

Danys Baez, the Devil Ray's closer, will be replaced by Jesus Calome at the closing pitcher position.

[CharlieBrown]

Re: Tampa Bay Devil Rays - Owner Mode (MVP 2005)

Minors Get a Chance to Prove Themselves

Monday; April 11, 2004

Tampa Bay, FL

In a stunning move, the Devil Ray's management have called up 3 minor league players from their AAA farm team, the Durham Bulls. Second baseman, Jorge Cantu; outfielder, Joey Gathright; and pitcher, Rob Bell were all called up to play in the majors.

In addition to call-ups, there are also send downs to fulfill the 25 man requirement. Pitcher, Trever Miller; pitcher, Danys Baez; and outfielder, Brian Buchanan were sent down to play AAA ball.

Danys Baez, the Devil Ray's closer, will be replaced by Jesus Calome at the closing pitcher position.

[CharlieBrown]

Re: Tampa Bay Devil Rays - Owner Mode (MVP 2005)

Tuesday; April 12, 2005
Tropicana Field
Tampa Bay, FL
Game 1 of 3

Final	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	Extra Innings	R	H	E
Baltimore Orioles	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	---	1	9	0
Tampa Bay Devil Rays	0	0	0	0	2	0	0	0	-	---	2	11	0

EA Sport's Player of the Game:
Tampa Bay's SP, Mark Hendrickson
Stat Line: 8.0IP, 5K, ER

Game 1 Batting		H/AB		Season AVG
RF	S. Sosa	2/4	2B	.167
C	J. Lopez	2/4	K	.385
LF	D. Newhan	1/4	RBI, 3B	.400
SS	M. Tejada	1/4	2B	.310
DH	R. Palmeiro	0/4	2K	.308
Game 1 Pitching		IP		Season ERA
L (0-1)	S. Ponson	8.0	4K, 2ER, 11 Hits	2.69

Game 1				Season
Batting		H/AB		AVG
SS	J. Lugo	3/4	3B	.433
CF	C. Crawford	2/4	K, CS	.312
UTIL	J. Cantu	1/2	RBI, 2B	.500
3B	A. Gonzalez	1/2	2B	.222
RF	D. Bautista	1/3	2B	.154
Game 1
Pitching		IP		ERA
W (1-0)	M. Hendrickson	8.0	5K, ER	0.55
S (1)	J. Colome	1.0	K, BB	5.40

Notes

• 2nd baseman, Jose Cantu, and outfielder, Joey Gathright, played in their first game, but did not start. Each went 1 for 2 at the plate.

Game Quotes

• "We're doing good. Winning three in a row feels great." -Devil Ray's pitcher, Mark Hendrickson

Series Recap	Orioles	Devil Rays	Winning Pitcher
Game 1	1	2	M. Hendrickson
Game 2
Game 3

American League East	Record
New York Yankees	5-2
Baltimore Orioles	4-3
Tampa Bay Devil Rays	4-3
Toronto Blue Jays	4-4
Boston Red Sox	3-4

Current Record: 4-3
Current Streak: Won 3
Next Up:Game 2 of 3: Baltimore Orioles (4-3)
Possible Matchup: D. Brazelton (1-0, 0.00 ERA)VS D. Cabrera (0-0, 1.17 ERA)

[CharlieBrown]

Re: Tampa Bay Devil Rays - Owner Mode (MVP 2005)

Tuesday; April 12, 2005
Tropicana Field
Tampa Bay, FL
Game 1 of 3

Final	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	Extra Innings	R	H	E
Baltimore Orioles	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	---	1	9	0
Tampa Bay Devil Rays	0	0	0	0	2	0	0	0	-	---	2	11	0

EA Sport's Player of the Game:
Tampa Bay's SP, Mark Hendrickson
Stat Line: 8.0IP, 5K, ER

Game 1 Batting		H/AB		Season AVG
RF	S. Sosa	2/4	2B	.167
C	J. Lopez	2/4	K	.385
LF	D. Newhan	1/4	RBI, 3B	.400
SS	M. Tejada	1/4	2B	.310
DH	R. Palmeiro	0/4	2K	.308
Game 1 Pitching		IP		Season ERA
L (0-1)	S. Ponson	8.0	4K, 2ER, 11 Hits	2.69

Game 1				Season
Batting		H/AB		AVG
SS	J. Lugo	3/4	3B	.433
CF	C. Crawford	2/4	K, CS	.312
UTIL	J. Cantu	1/2	RBI, 2B	.500
3B	A. Gonzalez	1/2	2B	.222
RF	D. Bautista	1/3	2B	.154
Game 1
Pitching		IP		ERA
W (1-0)	M. Hendrickson	8.0	5K, ER	0.55
S (1)	J. Colome	1.0	K, BB	5.40

Notes

• 2nd baseman, Jose Cantu, and outfielder, Joey Gathright, played in their first game, but did not start. Each went 1 for 2 at the plate.

Game Quotes

• "We're doing good. Winning three in a row feels great." -Devil Ray's pitcher, Mark Hendrickson

Series Recap	Orioles	Devil Rays	Winning Pitcher
Game 1	1	2	M. Hendrickson
Game 2
Game 3

American League East	Record
New York Yankees	5-2
Baltimore Orioles	4-3
Tampa Bay Devil Rays	4-3
Toronto Blue Jays	4-4
Boston Red Sox	3-4

Current Record: 4-3
Current Streak: Won 3
Next Up:Game 2 of 3: Baltimore Orioles (4-3)
Possible Matchup: D. Brazelton (1-0, 0.00 ERA)VS D. Cabrera (0-0, 1.17 ERA)

[CharlieBrown]

Re: Tampa Bay Devil Rays - Owner Mode (MVP 2005)

Wednesday; April 13, 2005
Tropicana Field
Tampa Bay, FL
Game 2 of 3

Final	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	Extra Innings	R	H	E
Baltimore Orioles	0	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	2	---	4	10	1
Tampa Bay Devil Rays	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	---	2	4	0

EA Sport's Player of the Game:
Baltimore's 2nd Baseman, Brian Roberts
Stat Line: 4/4, 3RBI, GW HR

Game 2 Batting		H/AB		Season AVG
2B	B. Roberts	4/4	GW HR(1), 3RBI	.290
LF	D. Newhan	1/3	RBI, 2B, 2K	.393
UTIL	J. Gibbons	1/1	2B, R	.409
SS	M. Tejada	0/4	2k	.273
C	J. Lopez	0/4	2K, BB	.333
Game 2 Pitching		IP		Season ERA
W (1-0)	D. Cabrera	8.0	8K, ER	1.15
S (3)	B. Ryan	1.0	0 Hits	0.00

Game 2				Season
Batting		H/AB		AVG
1B	T. Lee	1/3	RBI, 2K	.105
SS	J. Lugo	1/4	RBI, R	..412
CF	C. Crawford	1/4	R, 3K	.306
3B	A. Gonzalez	0/3	K	.190
LF	A. Huff	0/4		.276
Game 2
Pitching		IP		ERA
	D. Brazelton	6.0	4K, 2ER, 2BB	1.29
L (0-1)	R. Bell	3.0	6K, 2ER, HR	6.00

Notes

• Devil Ray's pitcher, Rob Bell played in his first game and was charged with a loss.

Game Quotes

• "We just weren't hitting anything. And you can't win when you don't hit." -Devil Ray's outfielder, Aubrey Huff
• "Cabrera was on fire and we didn't have an answer for him. Add in the fact that although Rob (Bell) is a great player, he hadn't played in a major league game yet." Devil Ray's manager, Lou Pinella

Series Recap	Orioles	Devil Rays	Winning Pitcher
Game 1	1	2	M. Hendrickson
Game 2	4	2	D. Cabrera
Game 3

American League East	Record
New York Yankees	6-2
Baltimore Orioles	5-3
Tampa Bay Devil Rays	4-4
Toronto Blue Jays	4-5
Boston Red Sox	3-5

Current Record: 4-4
Current Streak: Loss 1
Next Up:Game 3 of 3: Baltimore Orioles (5-3)
Possible Matchup: C. Fossum (0-0, 5.40 ERA)VS O. Daal (1-0, 1.17 ERA)