The Devil Wears Tampa Pt. 2?

So...The Jays are off to Tampa. Their record against the Rays this year is...3-3. Not surprising, considering the Rays are a team the Jays "should" beat, but usually end up being even with.

However, since almost getting swept in 4 games in NY, the Jays have gone 7-3. Their pitching has been stellar, their defense consistent, and finally, FINALLY the offense has shown some life. Sure, over the weekend in Chicago it seemed to go take a kip, getting up a little on Sunday afternoon. But it's nice to see what this lineup can do...and it gives me high hopes for next year when they have a full season to gel together.

It was also nice for Shaun Marcum to get a win after pitching a stellar game. How many incredibly pitched games by Shaun this year has he not gotten the credit for because the offense couldn't score a run while he was on the bump. Imagine what his record could be...

To celebrate Shaun's success a little more...in the AL, he's 14th with a 3.67 ERA, 6th with a .244 opponent avg., and 10th with a 1.11 WHIP. Go Shaun Go. I think his emergence as a quality starter is one of the brightest silver linings to all the injuries.

Speaking of starters...Chacin is down in Triple-A for more rehab. I guess Chacin really doesn't smell like victory after all...at least not right now. AJ is set to make his first rehab start. It's up in the air how many he'll make, but I would like to see him go at least 2. Three might be overkill, but the guy hasn't pitched in a month...2 seems like a nice round number, especially because he's making his first start in the Gulf Coast League.

I've decided to not read the comments Josh Towers made about his team after Friday night's game. Partially, 'cause I don't like hearing team members bash each other. And partially from what I've heard, there are times I agree. Still, take care of it internally. Don't air dirty laundry in public. Just sayin'...

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It's the Rays/Jays showdown pt.3 for the season. Dustin "Chops" McGowan looks to win 3 starts in a row for the first time in his career. Going up against Andy Sonnanstine (1-6), it might not be the hardest matchup Chops has faced. But don't think I'm counting out the Rays. Like I said before...sometimes the Devil really does wear Tampa.

Enjoy the game!
JaysGirl5