I don’t know what I’d infer from the above — that the Rays aren’t as loose as they’ve been for the entire series — but it tells me they are taking this game serious.
Is that their personality, being serious?
Hell, no.
This team has fun before and after games. As for the serious part, I’d say during the game they definitely are.
We have seen the last two nights what experience means. Or that it means a lot.
It doesn’t supercede talent, but if you have talent, it is usually the deciding factor.
The Rays need three things to happen if they are going to buck the trend and overcome their confidence issues:
1. They need Matt Garza to be very, very good. That means seven innings, six at the least, of 1 or 2 runs allowed. That is it.
2. They need to score early. They play their best when they’re ahead — who doesn’t? If they can get two runsl, not one, in the first two innings Games 5 and 6 may indeed slide away.
3. They must get Jon Lester out by the sixth inning. The Red Sox might be vulnerable in a 2-2 or 3-3 game after five or six innings if Lester has hit 115 pitches. Their bullpen is very tired. Hideki Okajima and Jonathan Papelbon probably have one effective innning them. Other than, don’t count on it. Justin Masterson pitched one inning yesterday, so he has at least two in him. And Manny Delcarmen is an option only if needed. He is not pitching his best.
So that’s it, the secret to the Rays success.
I believe the Sox are in the drivers seat here, especially with Lester, who I think will pitch seven near-perfect innings (one run and about five hits).
The one thing I will say is the Rays have answered every challenge, eventually this season. This is not only their biggest but their last.
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Tampa Bay Rays consultant Don Zimmer — yes, our guy Zim! — will be throwing out the ceremonial first pitch for tonight’s Game 7.
Zimmer was called by one of the Rays majority owner Stu Sternberg.
“This was not my idea,” Zimmer told a horde of media holding court around him in the Rays dugout. “I got a call from Stu at 2 (p.m.) today. He said, ‘Will you do me a favor? I know you’re going to say no … Will you throw out the first pitch?’ ”
Zimmer, of course, said he would do it.
“This organization has been great to me. Of course, I’ll throw out the pitch,” said Zimmer.
There is one problem. Over the last two years he’s had surgery to his labrum on his throwing arm.
“I don’t know if I can reach the plate,” said Zimmer. “I’m being serious.”
Zimmer last threw out the first pitch in Newark, N.J. for the Atlantic League All-Star game. He was also the honorary manager for Liberty Division team.
“I am friends with the owner of New Jersey team (the Newark Bears),” said Zimmer. “I remember being a little short. I think I’ll try to go a little high tonight.”
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The Rays are taking batting practice and manager Joe Maddon is making the rounds in the outfield, talking to each player, sort of like NFL coaches do before a game while players are stretching.
I have to admit I like this guy.
