In conjunction with ESPN.com’s season previews, my colleagues in The Sweet Spot Network have all posted X-Factors for their respective teams. Go check them out.
Here are the X-Factors for the teams we are going to see the most this summer:
New York: It Is About the Money Stupid
Boston: Firebrand of the American League
Baltimore: Weaver’s Tantrum
Lets start with congratulations to David Price. In fact, lets add congratulations to the Rays' ...
At long last, it is World Series time. There is plenty of winter ahead. Plenty of ...
Last night was one final knife. One more great pitching performance squandered. Lets not talk about. ...
...I'm still alive. I just am being cautious because: September 18, 2012: Loyalty vs. Honesy, Red Sox ...
I read on cbs.sportsline that the Rays are going with Farnsworth and Peralta as closers. Please downplay that report. We all want to see the Rays do well in the east, with all the big-money teams, but as a Royals fan I can tell you the closer situation is lunacy. Farnsy throws hard, but straight, and cannot handle leveraged situations. Peralta is an over-achiever, but if he had good stuff why has he bounced around so much? Good luck Rays. With that closer situation you will need it. Neyer can confirm this.
I think the plan is less “closer by committee” than it is “closers are overrated so lets not have one.” I think you’ll see Farnsworth, Peralta, Russell, Cruz, McGee, Howell, and anyone else not named Sonnanstine pitch in the 9th inning depending on the matchups.
I refuse to make a judgement on relief pitching anymore, I just put my faith in the Rays scouts and decision-makers. Last year was my last year to act like I knew what I was talking about when I said “WHO?! Soriano?! Benoit!?” Yup, crow tastes good on rotisserie.
The F.O. has earned our trust…until they haven’t, that is.