http://mlb.mlb.com/news/index.jsp?c_id=tb&partnerId=rss_tb Tampa Bay Rays News http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080905&content_id=3423027&vkey=news_tb&fext=.jsp&c_id=tb&partnerId=rss_tb Fri, 05 Sep 2008 20:15:00 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080905&content_id=3423027&vkey=news_tb&fext=.jsp&c_id=tb&partnerId=rss_tb Maddon says he won't rush Longoria Although Evan Longoria said his fractured right wrist is feeling better, Rays manager Joe Maddon insists the team will not rush the third baseman back from the disabled list. David Singh http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article_perspectives.jsp?ymd=20080904&content_id=3421475&vkey=perspectives&fext=.jsp&partnerId=rss_tb Fri, 05 Sep 2008 10:00:00 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article_perspectives.jsp?ymd=20080904&content_id=3421475&vkey=perspectives&fext=.jsp&partnerId=rss_tb Rays don't exist without Naimoli Though often criticized while the struggling Rays were under his stewardship, Tampa Bay part owner Vince Naimoli was instrumental in bringing baseball to the region and helped lay the groundwork for its recent success. http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20080904&content_id=3419018&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=tb&partnerId=rss_tb Thu, 04 Sep 2008 23:44:00 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20080904&content_id=3419018&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=tb&partnerId=rss_tb Kazmir protects Rays' turf vs. Yanks Looking to avoid their first home sweep of the season, the Rays handed the ball to their ace on Thursday night. And Scott Kazmir delivered, holding the Yanks to one hit over six innings -- to buoy Tampa Bay to a 7-5 victory over New York. Bill Chastain http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080904&content_id=3419030&vkey=news_tb&fext=.jsp&c_id=tb&partnerId=rss_tb Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:25:00 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080904&content_id=3419030&vkey=news_tb&fext=.jsp&c_id=tb&partnerId=rss_tb Important trip beckons for Rays If they Rays are going to maintain their spot atop the American League East, they're going to have to do it among some hostile crowds. Following Friday's weekend series in Toronto, Tampa Bay will travel to Boston and New York, three cities in which they are a combined 6-12 this season. Brittany Ghiroli http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080904&content_id=3419165&vkey=news_tb&fext=.jsp&c_id=tb&partnerId=rss_tb Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:13:00 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080904&content_id=3419165&vkey=news_tb&fext=.jsp&c_id=tb&partnerId=rss_tb Upton won't let pain keep him out Prior to Thursday's finale against the Yankees, Rays manager Joe Maddon said he wasn't overly concerned with B.J. Upton's left shoulder, as long as the club monitors it properly. Brittany Ghiroli http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080904&content_id=3419174&vkey=news_tb&fext=.jsp&c_id=tb&partnerId=rss_tb Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:23:00 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080904&content_id=3419174&vkey=news_tb&fext=.jsp&c_id=tb&partnerId=rss_tb Longoria's return date up in the air Evan Longoria will accompany the Rays on their upcoming road trip to Toronto, Boston and New York, but his activation date from the disabled list continues to be a mystery. Bill Chastain http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20080903&content_id=3412736&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=tb&partnerId=rss_tb Thu, 04 Sep 2008 01:31:00 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20080903&content_id=3412736&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=tb&partnerId=rss_tb Rays' AL East lead shrinks after loss In a season built on stingy defense and solid starting pitching, neither went well for Tampa Bay on Wednesday night, as the Rays dropped their first series since the All-Star break with an 8-4 loss to the Yankees at Tropicana Field. Brittany Ghiroli http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080903&content_id=3412816&vkey=news_tb&fext=.jsp&c_id=tb&partnerId=rss_tb Thu, 04 Sep 2008 00:44:00 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080903&content_id=3412816&vkey=news_tb&fext=.jsp&c_id=tb&partnerId=rss_tb Instant replay used for first time History was made at Tropicana Field on Wednesday night when instant replay was used for the first time in Major League history. The play in question was a home run hit by Alex Rodriguez in the ninth inning of the Rays-Yankees contest. Bill Chastain http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080903&content_id=3412776&vkey=news_tb&fext=.jsp&c_id=tb&partnerId=rss_tb Thu, 04 Sep 2008 02:02:00 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080903&content_id=3412776&vkey=news_tb&fext=.jsp&c_id=tb&partnerId=rss_tb Rays opting to rest players pregame And as the Rays head into Thursday's finale vs. the Yanks -- the third of a 19-game stretch against opponents in contention -- they are doing everything possible to stay fresh. Brittany Ghiroli http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080904&content_id=3417261&vkey=news_tb&fext=.jsp&c_id=tb&partnerId=rss_tb Thu, 04 Sep 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080904&content_id=3417261&vkey=news_tb&fext=.jsp&c_id=tb&partnerId=rss_tb Replay goes off without a hitch Major League Baseball used instant replay for the first time on Wednesday, reviewing a home run hit by the Yankees' Alex Rodriguez at Tropicana Field. The original call of a home run was upheld after the review. Barry M. Bloom http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080903&content_id=3412834&vkey=news_tb&fext=.jsp&c_id=tb&partnerId=rss_tb Wed, 03 Sep 2008 18:38:00 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080903&content_id=3412834&vkey=news_tb&fext=.jsp&c_id=tb&partnerId=rss_tb Upton's catch has Rays chirping B.J. Upton's highlight catch, which took place in the second inning of Tuesday night's game, remained a topic of conversation prior to Wednesday's game. Bill Chastain http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20080902&content_id=3408745&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=tb&partnerId=rss_tb Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:15:00 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20080902&content_id=3408745&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=tb&partnerId=rss_tb Rays lose ground as Garza falters Missed opportunities sent the Rays to a 7-2 loss to the Yankees on Tuesday, snapping a five-game win streak and handing the club its first loss to open a month since April. Bill Chastain http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080902&content_id=3406860&vkey=news_tb&fext=.jsp&c_id=tb&partnerId=rss_tb Tue, 02 Sep 2008 19:15:00 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080902&content_id=3406860&vkey=news_tb&fext=.jsp&c_id=tb&partnerId=rss_tb Percival returns as Rays' closer The Rays received a bullpen boost prior to Tuesday night's contest against the Yankees when Troy Percival was activated from the 15-day disabled list, thereby completing his third stint on the DL this season. Bill Chastain http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080903&content_id=3410330&vkey=news_tb&fext=.jsp&c_id=tb&partnerId=rss_tb Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:30:00 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080903&content_id=3410330&vkey=news_tb&fext=.jsp&c_id=tb&partnerId=rss_tb Bartlett picking up for sidelined Rays A key piece of the Rays' offense in the absence of Carl Crawford and Evan Longoria, Jason Bartlett closed August with a .389 average, the best August mark in Rays history and the second-best monthly average in the franchise history. Bartlett hopes to help the Rays even their three-game series with the Yankees on Wednesday night. Brittany Ghiroli http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080902&content_id=3406942&vkey=news_tb&fext=.jsp&c_id=tb&partnerId=rss_tb Tue, 02 Sep 2008 20:30:00 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080902&content_id=3406942&vkey=news_tb&fext=.jsp&c_id=tb&partnerId=rss_tb Two callups give Rays' bench depth Two new jerseys hung in the Rays' clubhouse prior to Tuesday night's game against the Yankees, as the first wave of callups -- catcher John Jaso and outfielder Fernando Perez -- arrived earlier in the afternoon and were given warm welcomes by their first-place teammates. Brittany Ghiroli http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080902&content_id=3407809&vkey=news_tb&fext=.jsp&c_id=tb&partnerId=rss_tb Tue, 02 Sep 2008 21:00:00 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080902&content_id=3407809&vkey=news_tb&fext=.jsp&c_id=tb&partnerId=rss_tb Pena garners Clemente nomination While Rays manager Joe Maddon often praises Carlos Pena's high level of play, the first baseman exhibits the same gusto in helping his community and is a dedicated supporter and active participant in the Rays Baseball Foundation and Big Brothers Big Sisters charities. For his efforts, Pena is a nominee for this year's Roberto Clemente Award, presented by Chevrolet. Brittany Ghiroli http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080901&content_id=3401396&vkey=news_tb&fext=.jsp&c_id=tb&partnerId=rss_tb Tue, 02 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080901&content_id=3401396&vkey=news_tb&fext=.jsp&c_id=tb&partnerId=rss_tb September will challenge Rays One month to go in the 2008 baseball season, and once September plays its cards, the Rays will know if they will venture into their first postseason. Bill Chastain http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080901&content_id=3400950&vkey=news_tb&fext=.jsp&c_id=tb&partnerId=rss_tb Mon, 01 Sep 2008 13:00:00 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080901&content_id=3400950&vkey=news_tb&fext=.jsp&c_id=tb&partnerId=rss_tb Rotation could be biggest asset Forget divisional foe Boston breathing down the Rays neck, or the playoff jockeying of teams like the White Sox or Twins. The stiffest competition for Tampa Bay this season has been on the hill, and it's been donning Rays blue. Brittany Ghiroli http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080901&content_id=3401249&vkey=news_tb&fext=.jsp&c_id=tb&partnerId=rss_tb Mon, 01 Sep 2008 14:30:00 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080901&content_id=3401249&vkey=news_tb&fext=.jsp&c_id=tb&partnerId=rss_tb Mailbag: How's Baldelli feeling? Is there anything that can be done medically to help Rocco Baldelli with the fatigue caused by his mitochondral disorder? Beat reporter Bill Chastain answers this query and other fan questions in this week's mailbag. Bill Chastain http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080831&content_id=3396127&vkey=news_tb&fext=.jsp&c_id=tb&partnerId=rss_tb Sun, 31 Aug 2008 23:42:00 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080831&content_id=3396127&vkey=news_tb&fext=.jsp&c_id=tb&partnerId=rss_tb Rays make first round of callups In a scenario to create maximum roster flexibility, the Rays recalled outfielder Fernando Perez from Triple-A Durham on Sunday night to make him eligible for postseason play. Brittany Ghiroli