2010 Tampa Bay Rays season
Encyclopedia
The Tampa Bay Rays' 2010 season was their 13th season of baseball
. They improved on their 84–78 record from 2009
by finishing the regular season 96–66, and qualifying for the postseason for the second time in history by winning their second AL East division championship in three years.
, who had been signed before the 2009 season to just a one-year contract, was re-signed to another one-year deal for $1.05 million on October 27, 2009.
Second baseman Akinori Iwamura
was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates
in exchange for relief pitcher Jesse Chavez
on November 3, 2009. Iwamura had a $4.85 million option for 2010, but with several other players in the organization who could fill the position, the Rays decided to part ways with Iwamura by trading him. Andrew Friedman
, the Rays' Vice President of Baseball Operations, stated that it was "tough to put into words" what "Aki" meant to the Rays, who had been with the team since the 2006 season
, and was the player who recorded the final out in the 2008 American League Championship Series
that sent the Rays to their first World Series
.
On November 9, 2009, the Rays chose to exercise the 2010 option of left fielder Carl Crawford
, worth $10 million, but declined the options of relief pitcher Brian Shouse
and catcher Gregg Zaun
that would have been worth $2 million each.
The Rays acquired catcher Kelly Shoppach
from the Cleveland Indians
on December 1, 2009 for a player to be named later. That player turned out to be minor-league pitcher Mitch Talbot.
Jesse Chavez
was dealt to the Atlanta Braves
for relief pitcher Rafael Soriano
on December 10, 2009.
The Rays had been in talks with the Chicago Cubs
to send Pat Burrell
to Chicago in exchange for Milton Bradley
. Both players would make the same amount of money in 2010, but while Burrell would be at the end of his contract following the conclusion of the season, Bradley was owed $13 million in 2011, a price the Rays were not willing to take on all of. Unable to make an agreement on how to split the cost, the Cubs eventually sent Bradley to the Seattle Mariners
on December 18, 2009.
First baseman Dan Johnson was signed to a $500,000 contract for one year on January 11. Johnson, who played the 2009 season in Japan's Central League
, was regarded as a hero for the Rays in the 2008 season
for a game-tying solo home run in the 9th inning of a game in early September against the Boston Red Sox
at Fenway Park
. The Rays, who needed a win that night to keep their division lead over Boston, went on to do just that.
Relief pitcher J.P. Howell
, starting pitcher Matt Garza
and shortstop Jason Bartlett all signed one-year contracts to avoid salary arbitration
. Only center fielder B.J. Upton went to salary arbitration, though he did state he was interested in a long-term deal with the Rays. Upton's arbitration case was held on February 12. He asked for $3.3 million, but the case was awarded to the Rays, meaning he would make $3 million instead.
On February 3, 2010, the Rays signed reliever Mike Ekstrom
, recently waived by the San Diego Padres
, to a minor-league contract and placed him on the 40-man roster. Catcher Alvin Colina
and reliever Heath Phillips
were also signed to minor-league contracts and invited to spring training
.
, the Rays let hitting coach Steve Henderson
go. Quality assurance coach Todd Greene
would not return either, as the position was eliminated. Derek Shelton
was hired as the team's new hitting coach on October 21. Shelton had been with the Cleveland Indians
in the previous five seasons.
On February 3, the Rays announced a naming deal with fertilizer manufacturer The Mosaic Company
for Charlotte County Stadium, their spring training facility, changing its name to Mosaic Field at Charlotte Sports Park. However after public opposition to this deal was made known, the plans were "deferred," and the stadium would continue to be known as Charlotte Sports Park
.
Rocco Baldelli
returned to the Rays on March 2 as a "special assistant" who would work with younger players. Baldelli stated that he hurt his shoulder in the previous season playing for the Boston Red Sox
that may require surgery, and though he felt uncomfortable going into Spring Training, he was "not ready to retire" and was hopeful to play again some day. Andrew Friedman
, the Rays' Vice President of Baseball Operations, said that the one-year deal was not done with the intention of bringing Baldelli back as a player in 2010, but also said that "anything's possible."
was signed to a minor-league contract on March 8. Blalock was first reported to be interested in signing with either the Rays or the Florida Marlins
just days before the deal was made.
Catcher Dioner Navarro
injured his left leg on March 20 during a game against the Minnesota Twins
, after Twins outfielder Jacque Jones
collided with him at the plate. Navarro was reported to be in serious pain and had to be carted off the field. Later that day it was announced that Navarro suffered a bruised nerve. The Rays said that the injury was not bad enough that it would cause Navarro to miss opening day.
The Rays finished Spring Training with a team record 20 wins, and had the highest win percentage of all teams in the league.
hit a home run that landed in the left field upper deck seating of Tropicana Field
. In doing so, Longoria became just the second player to hit a home run that landed in that upper deck section without hitting one of the stadium's catwalks, the first player being Vinny Castilla
on April 4, 2001. Longoria's home run was also estimated to have gone 473 feet, making it the third longest home run in the stadium's history, behind a 474 foot home run by Jonny Gomes
on July 9, 2005, and the aforementioned home run by Castilla, which traveled 478 feet.
The Rays began the season with a 10–3 record, their best start in franchise history. At one point in the first two weeks of the season, the Rays won seven consecutive games, all on the road. Included in this win streak was their first series sweep of more than two games against the Boston Red Sox
at Fenway Park
.
Catcher Kelly Shoppach
underwent right knee surgery on April 19 and was expected to be out for 4–6 weeks.
On April 23, Ben Zobrist
was given a 5-year contract extension, with team options in both of the final two years of the contract.
Catcher Dioner Nivarro was given a two-game suspension on April 27 because of an on-field incident with umpire Dan Bellino
that took place during a game on April 23. Navarro was ejected from that game by Bellino for arguing balls and strikes in the 6th inning, but before leaving the field, Navarro bumped chests with the umpire.
At the end of the month the Rays held the best record in the league at 17–6, and had a 1½ game lead in the division. The 17–6 record was the best in franchise history for the month of April, as well as the best April in league history since the New York Yankees
went 21–6 in the 2003 season.
of the Oakland Athletics
pitched the 19th perfect game
in major league history against the Rays on May 9, the second time in less than a year that the Rays had been on the losing end of perfection. The first occurred on July 23, 2009 when Mark Buehrle
of the Chicago White Sox
did not allow a single Rays batter to reach base, which was also the most recent perfect game pitched prior to Braden's. The Los Angeles Dodgers
had been the only other franchise to be the losing team of consecutive perfect games pitched in the majors. No team who had a perfect game pitched against them had a higher winning percentage than the Rays did, who entered the game with a league-best 22–8 record.
On May 15, Pat Burrell
was designated for assignment
after another struggling start to the season. He would later clear waivers and become a free agent. The Rays called up Hank Blalock
to replace him on the roster. Blalock's minor league contract included an out clause that his agent Scott Boras
stated he would activate within the next week, which would force the Rays to either promote him or let him become a free agent. However Andrew Friedman
, Executive Vice President of the Rays, said that this was not a factor in the decision to bring him up.
Having already missed the start of the season, relief pitcher J. P. Howell threw in a simulated game, but was forced to stop after only 12 pitches. After being examined by the Rays' head athletic trainer, manager Joe Maddon
talked to reporters saying that Howell had a "definite setback." On May 19 it was announced that Howell underwent surgery on his left shoulder, and would miss the entire 2010 season.
Shortstop Jason Bartlett suffered a "mild" right hamstring strain during a game on May 29 as he attempted to field a ground ball hit into center field. He was reported as day-to-day, expected to miss at least the next game. A few days later it was revealed that there was a chance he would be placed on the disabled list, and on June 3, that was the decision made.
The Rays went 17–12 in May, improving their league-best record to 34–18, and held a 2½ game division lead.
was brought up from his Triple-A rehab assignment on June 3.
In the 2010 MLB Draft
, the Rays used their first selection (17th overall) on Josh Sale, an outfielder out of Bishop Blanchet High School
, located in Seattle, Washington
. His signing was officially announced by the team on the morning of August 17.
Outfielder Gabe Kapler
was put on the disabled list on June 12 for a hip flexor strain. Justin Ruggiano
was called up to take the open spot on the roster. Ruggiano wouldn't stay long however, being sent back down when Jason Bartlett was activated from the disabled list on June 15.
On June 12, Carlos Peña
hit a home run for the sixth consecutive game. This broke the team record for homers in consecutive games, set by Jose Canseco
, who went deep in five straight games during the 1999 season
. Peña's streak was snapped the next day, going hitless in four at-bats. Peña had been struggling throughout the season offensively, and some called for him to be benched as recently as the week prior.
Dioner Navarro
was optioned to Triple-A Durham
on June 24. Left fielder Carl Crawford
was removed from that day's game with soreness in his shoulder and reported as day-to-day, so outfielder Matt Joyce
was called up to take the open spot on the roster.
On June 25, the Rays were once again unable to record a base hit in a game, this time in a 1–0 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks
. The pitcher who threw the no-hitter
was Edwin Jackson
, who spent four seasons with the Rays until being traded after the 2008 season. This was the third no-hitter pitched against the Rays in less than a year, however unlike the previous two, this was not a perfect game
, as 10 batters reached base by virtue of a walk, error, or hit by pitch. The Rays became the first team to be no-hit twice in the same season since the San Diego Padres
in .
Once Gabe Kapler was able to be activated from the disabled list, the Rays needed to make a cut on June 29. Hank Blalock
was chosen to be designated for assignment. Manager Joe Maddon
praised Blalock for his work ethic, professionalism, and the impact he had in the clubhouse, but said there just weren't enough opportunities for him with the team.
In the month of June, the Rays went 11–14. Dropping to 45–32 overall at the end of the month, they entered July two games behind the division lead.
in the 2010 MLB All-Star Game
on July 13. Left fielder Carl Crawford
and third baseman Evan Longoria
were both named starters by way of fan vote, while pitcher David Price
was elected by the players. This was Crawford's fourth selection to the Midsummer Classic
, Longoria's third, and Price's first. All three became the first Rays to be starting players in the All-Star Game. Price was named the starting pitcher for the American League the day before the game. Jose Canseco
would have been the first in 1999
, but missed out due to an injury. Longoria had the opportunity in 2009
, but also had to withdraw due to an injury. Closer Rafael Soriano
was added to the roster on July 6, his first-ever selection, giving the Rays four all-stars. Soriano replaced New York Yankees
closer Mariano Rivera
after it was announced that Rivera would not play because of injuries. Soriano was picked by having the next-highest total of votes on the players' ballot.
At the All-Star Break, the Rays had a 54–34 record, were second in the AL East, and two games behind first. They led the AL wild card race by three games.
Rocco Baldelli
signed a minor-league contract with the Rays on July 19. There was speculation prior to the season that Baldelli would return to the Rays as a player when he returned to the organization as a "special assistant". His first game was on the same day of the signing, having been assigned to Class-A Charlotte
. He has been expected to spend several weeks in the minors before a possible call-up to the Rays.
On July 26, the Rays were the winning team in a no-hitter
for a change, as Matt Garza
threw the first no-hitter in team history in a 5–0 win over the Detroit Tigers
at Tropicana Field
in front of an announced crowd of 17,009. Throwing 120 pitches, Garza faced the minimum 27 batters, allowing only one to reach base on a walk in the second inning.
Posting a 19–7 record for the month of July, the Rays finished the month with an overall record of 64–39. Though they were two games behind for the division lead, they lead the wild card by 5½ games.
, one of the Rays' best pitching prospects, made his major league debut on August 2 against the Minnesota Twins
. He posted a 12–3 record and 2.45 ERA in Triple-A before being called up. To make room for him on the roster, Andy Sonnanstine
was placed on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to July 23. In his debut, Hellickson pitched seven innings, allowing two runs on three hits and retired the first ten batters he faced, ending up as the winning pitcher. His stay in the majors lasted only that night however, as expected when it was first reported that he would make his first career start. Following the game, he was optioned back down to Triple-A, in favor of position player Dan Johnson. In Triple-A, Johnson was hitting .303 with 30 home runs and 95 RBIs.
First baseman Carlos Peña
was placed on the disabled list on August 6, retroactive to August 1. On July 31, Peña was removed from a game with what was initially described as a foot injury and had not played since. The reason for his placement on the DL was reported as a partial tear of the plantar fascia
ligament on the bottom of his foot. Relief pitcher Dale Thayer
was recalled to fill the vacated roster spot.
David Price
won his 15th game of the season on August 9, surpassing the franchise record for wins in a single season. The previous record of 14 wins was shared by Rolando Arrojo
, James Shields, and Edwin Jackson
. Arrojo set the record in the club's inaugural season
, while Shields and Jackson tied the record in 2008
.
Starting pitchers Jeff Niemann
and Wade Davis
were both placed on the 15-day disabled list on August 9 for shoulder strains. The move allowed Jeremy Hellickson
to be added back to the roster, as well as relief pitcher Mike Ekstrom
.
Gabe Kapler
was put on the disabled list with an ankle sprain on August 16. His spot on the roster was taken by Carlos Peña, who was eligible to come off the DL that same day.
On August 27, the Rays signed outfielder Brad Hawpe
to a minor league contract and assigned him to Class-A Charlotte
. He was called up to the Rays on August 31, making him playoff eligible. To make room for him, pitcher Andy Sonnanstine
was sent down to Class-A Hudson Valley
, though he will not have to remain there long, as a player can be recalled before the mandatory 10 days if the team's season ends before then, and Hudson Valley's season ends September 4.
At the end of August, the Rays were 81–51, having gone 17–12 during the month. They trailed the New York Yankees
for the division lead by a single game, though the two teams had been tied for first place in each of the previous eight days. However the Rays were still in position to make the playoffs heading into the last full month of the regular season, leading the Boston Red Sox
in the wild card by seven games.
, Jeremy Hellickson
, Desmond Jennings
, and Dioner Navarro
were all called up as a result of roster expansions, with Dale Thayer
being sent down. Also, relief pitcher Grant Balfour
was activated from the disabled list that day.
Closer Rafael Soriano
recorded his 44th save on September 24, setting a new franchise record for saves in a single season. The previous record was held by Roberto Hernández, who saved 43 games in 1999
.
They Rays secured a playoff spot on September 28 after a 5–0 win at home against the Baltimore Orioles
.
On the final day of the regular season, the AL East was still up for grabs with both the Rays and New York Yankees
tied for first place. For the Rays to clinch the division, they needed either a win, or a loss by the Yankees. When all was said and done, both happened, as the Yankees lost to the Boston Red Sox
prior to the Rays defeating the Kansas City Royals
in extra innings. In September and October combined, the Rays split 30 games, going 15–15. They finished the regular season 96–66, winning the division by a single game, and finishing one win shy of their franchise record set in 2008
. The Rays also had home field advantage through the American League side of the postseason.
. The Rangers finished the regular season with a 90–72 record, and won the AL West division championship to clinch their first postseason berth since 1999
. In the regular season, the Rays were 4–2 against the Rangers.
The series opened at Tropicana Field
for Game 1, with the Rays sending out 19-game winner David Price
against Cliff Lee
of the Rangers. The Rays put pressure on Lee in the 1st inning by loading the bases, but they would not plate a run after a controversial strikeout by Carlos Peña
and another strikeout by Rocco Baldelli
to end the inning. In the 2nd inning, the Rangers jumped out to a 2–0 lead after RBIs from Jeff Francoeur
and Bengie Molina
. In the 3rd and 4th innings, Price would yield solo home runs to Nelson Cruz and Molina, respectively, which put Texas up 4–0. The Rangers added to their lead in the 5th when Vladimir Guerrero
doubled off the wall in center field, which scored Josh Hamilton from 2nd base to make it 5–0. The Rays got on the board in the 7th inning when Ben Zobrist
hit a solo home run to right-center. However it would be the Rays' only run of the game, as the Rangers went on to win 5–1.
In Game 2, it was James Shields who got the start against C. J. Wilson. With runners on the corners in the 3rd inning, Shields went to 1st base for a pickoff attempt, but the throw over was errant, allowing the runner to score from 3rd base. Ian Kinsler
launched a solo homer to left in the 4th, putting Texas up 2–0. In the 5th, Shields was removed from the game with two on and one out, being replaced by Chad Qualls
to face Michael Young. With a 2–2 count, Young checked his swing on a pitch that was called a ball. The Rays appealed to first base umpire Jerry Meals
, but Meals ruled that Young held up in time, drawing the ire of the Rays dugout. Replays showed that Young may not have checked in time, and had the ruling been made that he did not, it would have resulted in a strikeout. Instead, Young went deep to center on the very next pitch for a 3-run home run, putting the Rangers up 5–0. Rays manager Joe Maddon
went out to the mound to talk to his pitcher after the home run, but began arguing with home plate umpire Jim Wolf
about the check swing, which led to Wolf ejecting Maddon from the game. Texas added another run in the 6th inning, and held the Rays scoreless, winning 6–0 and taking a commanding 2–0 lead in the best-of-five series.
The series shifted to Texas at the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington for Game 3. It was a low-scoring affair for most of the game. Texas struck first when Mitch Moreland
scored on a groundout in the 3rd inning. The Rays stranded two baserunners in both the 4th and 5th innings, but tied the game in the 6th inning after an RBI double by B. J. Upton
. Ian Kinsler put the Rangers back ahead 2–1 with a solo shot to left field in the 7th. An RBI single by Carlos Peña in the 8th scored a run from 2nd base to even the score again, and after a walk, John Jaso
singled to center, bringing Peña home and giving the Rays a 3–2 lead. Carl Crawford
and Peña both had home runs in the 9th inning to give the Rays a more comfortable 6–2 lead. Despite giving up a solo homer to Nelson Cruz, Rays closer Rafael Soriano
was effective in the bottom of the 9th, and the Rays staved off elimination with a 6–3 victory.
Offensively, in Game 4 the Rays picked up right where they left off the previous day. Carlos Peña tripled to left-center field in the 2nd inning, and scored on an error by Rangers' second baseman Ian Kinsler, who misplayed a pop fly beyond the infield. Evan Longoria
, who was inactive for the last several games of the regular season, had a huge game, starting with a leadoff double in the 4th inning. The next batter was Peña, who hit a double of his own to the opposite field, bringing Longoria home and giving the Rays a 2–0 lead. Later in the inning, another double came off the bat of B. J. Upton, putting the Rays up 3–0. Rangers starter Tommy Hunter
did not come out to pitch the 5th inning. Derek Holland
was sent in for relief, but Tampa Bay added to their lead when Longoria blasted a 2-run homer to left, making it 5–0. Texas had the bases loaded in the bottom of the 5th, but Rays starter Wade Davis
got Vladimir Guererro to swing and miss for a strikeout to end the threat. The Rangers did score in the 6th inning, as Nelson Cruz led off with a home run, and Mitch Moreland hit an RBI double with two outs off of Rays reliever Grant Balfour
to make cut the Tampa Bay lead to three runs. It was the only scoring Texas would do in the game, as Rafael Soriano entered the game in the 9th inning and picked up the save. The Rays took the game 5–2 to force a decisive Game 5 back home at the Trop.In Game 5, however Cliff Lee was dominant. He outdueled David Price in a 5–2 victory to help the Rangers advance to their first ever American League Championship Series
, the first time since 2005 that they opened at Tropicana Field
.
Baseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...
. They improved on their 84–78 record from 2009
2009 Tampa Bay Rays season
The Tampa Bay Rays' 2009 season was their 12th season of baseball on the Gulf Coast of Florida. The team attempted to defend their American League Championship they won in the previous season. Although they missed the playoffs, they still finished with a winning record – only the second in...
by finishing the regular season 96–66, and qualifying for the postseason for the second time in history by winning their second AL East division championship in three years.
Offseason
Outfielder Gabe KaplerGabe Kapler
Gabriel "Gabe" Stefan Kapler is an American Major League Baseball outfielder.He has played portions of 13 seasons with the Detroit Tigers, Texas Rangers, Colorado Rockies, Boston Red Sox, Milwaukee Brewers, and the Tampa Bay Rays...
, who had been signed before the 2009 season to just a one-year contract, was re-signed to another one-year deal for $1.05 million on October 27, 2009.
Second baseman Akinori Iwamura
Akinori Iwamura
Akinori Iwamura is a Japanese Major League Baseball infielder, who is currently with the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles of the Japanese Pacific League...
was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
in exchange for relief pitcher Jesse Chavez
Jesse Chavez
Jesse David Chavez is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball. He bats and throws right-handed....
on November 3, 2009. Iwamura had a $4.85 million option for 2010, but with several other players in the organization who could fill the position, the Rays decided to part ways with Iwamura by trading him. Andrew Friedman
Andrew Friedman
Andrew Friedman is the Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations for the Tampa Bay Rays franchise in Major League Baseball. In that position, he acts as the team's General Manager.-Early life:...
, the Rays' Vice President of Baseball Operations, stated that it was "tough to put into words" what "Aki" meant to the Rays, who had been with the team since the 2006 season
2006 Tampa Bay Devil Rays season
The 2006 Tampa Bay Devil Rays season was their ninth since the franchise was created. This season, they finished last in the AL East division, and managed to finish the season with a league-worst record of 61-101...
, and was the player who recorded the final out in the 2008 American League Championship Series
2008 American League Championship Series
-Game 1:Friday, October 10, 2008 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, FloridaBoston won a pitcher's duel on a sac fly by Jed Lowrie in the fifth and an RBI double by Kevin Youkilis in the eighth. Starter Daisuke Matsuzaka was nearly unhittable in Game 1 of the 2008 ALCS. He held the Rays hitless...
that sent the Rays to their first World Series
World Series
The World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball, played between the American League and National League champions since 1903. The winner of the World Series championship is determined through a best-of-seven playoff and awarded the Commissioner's Trophy...
.
On November 9, 2009, the Rays chose to exercise the 2010 option of left fielder Carl Crawford
Carl Crawford
Carl Demonte Crawford is an American professional baseball outfielder who plays for the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball. He bats and throws left-handed...
, worth $10 million, but declined the options of relief pitcher Brian Shouse
Brian Shouse
Brian Douglas Shouse is a former left-handed Major League Baseball relief pitcher. Starting in 2001, Shouse pitched with a distinctive sidearm delivery, which replaced his earlier, more traditional, overhand delivery.-Career:...
and catcher Gregg Zaun
Gregg Zaun
Gregory Owen "Gregg" Zaun is a former Major League Baseball catcher. He is the nephew of former MLB catcher Rick Dempsey. Zaun was a high school teammate of Mark Loretta...
that would have been worth $2 million each.
The Rays acquired catcher Kelly Shoppach
Kelly Shoppach
Kelly Brian Shoppach is a Major League Baseball catcher for the Tampa Bay Rays. He is nicknamed Shop.Shoppach was traded to the Indians from the Boston Red Sox organization on January 28, 2006, as part of the same deal that saw outfielder Coco Crisp sent to Boston and highly regarded prospect Andy...
from the Cleveland Indians
Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
on December 1, 2009 for a player to be named later. That player turned out to be minor-league pitcher Mitch Talbot.
Jesse Chavez
Jesse Chavez
Jesse David Chavez is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball. He bats and throws right-handed....
was dealt to the Atlanta Braves
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
for relief pitcher Rafael Soriano
Rafael Soriano
Rafael Soriano is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the New York Yankees. He bats and throws right-handed...
on December 10, 2009.
The Rays had been in talks with the Chicago Cubs
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
to send Pat Burrell
Pat Burrell
Patrick Brian "Pat" Burrell , nicknamed "Pat the Bat," is a Major League Baseball outfielder who is currently a free agent. He stands tall and weighs . He bats and throws right-handed...
to Chicago in exchange for Milton Bradley
Milton Bradley
Milton Bradley , an American game pioneer, was credited by many with launching the board game industry in North America with Milton Bradley Company....
. Both players would make the same amount of money in 2010, but while Burrell would be at the end of his contract following the conclusion of the season, Bradley was owed $13 million in 2011, a price the Rays were not willing to take on all of. Unable to make an agreement on how to split the cost, the Cubs eventually sent Bradley to the Seattle Mariners
Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
on December 18, 2009.
First baseman Dan Johnson was signed to a $500,000 contract for one year on January 11. Johnson, who played the 2009 season in Japan's Central League
Central League
The or is one the two professional baseball leagues that constitute Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan. The winner of the league championship plays against the winner of the Pacific League in the annual Japan Series. It currently consists of six teams from around the country,The Central League...
, was regarded as a hero for the Rays in the 2008 season
2008 Tampa Bay Rays season
The Tampa Bay Rays' 2008 season, the 11th season in franchise history, marked the change of the team's name from the "Tampa Bay Devil Rays" to the "Tampa Bay Rays", as revealed on November 8, 2007. The change in name also came with a change in logo and uniforms, with new team colors of Columbia...
for a game-tying solo home run in the 9th inning of a game in early September against the Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
at Fenway Park
Fenway Park
Fenway Park is a baseball park near Kenmore Square in Boston, Massachusetts. Located at 4 Yawkey Way, it has served as the home ballpark of the Boston Red Sox baseball club since it opened in 1912, and is the oldest Major League Baseball stadium currently in use. It is one of two "classic"...
. The Rays, who needed a win that night to keep their division lead over Boston, went on to do just that.
Relief pitcher J.P. Howell
J.P. Howell
James Phillip Howell is a Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays. J.P. attended Saint Mary's School in Sacramento, California...
, starting pitcher Matt Garza
Matt Garza
Matthew Scott Garza is a United States professional baseball pitcher with the Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball.-Amateur career:He attended Washington Union High School and Fresno State.-Minnesota Twins:...
and shortstop Jason Bartlett all signed one-year contracts to avoid salary arbitration
Arbitration
Arbitration, a form of alternative dispute resolution , is a legal technique for the resolution of disputes outside the courts, where the parties to a dispute refer it to one or more persons , by whose decision they agree to be bound...
. Only center fielder B.J. Upton went to salary arbitration, though he did state he was interested in a long-term deal with the Rays. Upton's arbitration case was held on February 12. He asked for $3.3 million, but the case was awarded to the Rays, meaning he would make $3 million instead.
On February 3, 2010, the Rays signed reliever Mike Ekstrom
Mike Ekstrom
Michael Robert Ekstrom is an American Major League Baseball pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays. Drafted by the Padres in the 12th round of the 2004 Major League Baseball Draft, he made his MLB debut on September 10, , striking out Manny Ramirez and pitching two scoreless innings.-College:Ekstrom...
, recently waived by the San Diego Padres
San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times...
, to a minor-league contract and placed him on the 40-man roster. Catcher Alvin Colina
Alvin Colina
Alvin Enrique Colina is a Major League Baseball catcher currently with the independent Lancaster Barnstormers....
and reliever Heath Phillips
Heath Phillips
Heath Michael Phillips is a pitcher currently playing for the Long Island Ducks of the independent Atlantic League. He bats and throws left-handed.-Education:...
were also signed to minor-league contracts and invited to spring training
Spring training
In Major League Baseball, spring training is a series of practices and exhibition games preceding the start of the regular season. Spring training allows new players to try out for roster and position spots, and gives existing team players practice time prior to competitive play...
.
Organizational changes
One day after the end of the 2008 season2008 Tampa Bay Rays season
The Tampa Bay Rays' 2008 season, the 11th season in franchise history, marked the change of the team's name from the "Tampa Bay Devil Rays" to the "Tampa Bay Rays", as revealed on November 8, 2007. The change in name also came with a change in logo and uniforms, with new team colors of Columbia...
, the Rays let hitting coach Steve Henderson
Steve Henderson
Steven Curtis Henderson is a former Major League Baseball left fielder who is best remembered for being one of the players the New York Mets acquired in the infamous "Midnight Massacre."-Cincinnati Reds:...
go. Quality assurance coach Todd Greene
Todd Greene
Todd Anthony Greene is a former Major League Baseball catcher. In an 11 year career, he played for the Anaheim Angels , Toronto Blue Jays , New York Yankees , Texas Rangers , Colorado Rockies , and San Francisco Giants . He batted and threw right-handed. Greene allegedly received steroids from Dr...
would not return either, as the position was eliminated. Derek Shelton
Derek Shelton
Derek Lee Shelton is the hitting coach for the Tampa Bay Rays in major league baseball and a former professional baseball catcher.-Playing career:...
was hired as the team's new hitting coach on October 21. Shelton had been with the Cleveland Indians
Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
in the previous five seasons.
On February 3, the Rays announced a naming deal with fertilizer manufacturer The Mosaic Company
The Mosaic Company
The Mosaic Company is a Fortune 500 company based in Plymouth, Minnesota. Mosaic offers two key crop nutrients—phosphate and potash—plus specialty products K-Mag®, MicroEssentials® and Pegasus™...
for Charlotte County Stadium, their spring training facility, changing its name to Mosaic Field at Charlotte Sports Park. However after public opposition to this deal was made known, the plans were "deferred," and the stadium would continue to be known as Charlotte Sports Park
Charlotte Sports Park
Charlotte Sports Park is a baseball stadium in Port Charlotte, Florida...
.
Rocco Baldelli
Rocco Baldelli
Rocco Dan Baldelli is a former Major League Baseball outfielder and designated hitter. Because of his excellent size and speed, and in reference to his hometown, he was nicknamed, "The Woonsocket Rocket," early in his professional career...
returned to the Rays on March 2 as a "special assistant" who would work with younger players. Baldelli stated that he hurt his shoulder in the previous season playing for the Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
that may require surgery, and though he felt uncomfortable going into Spring Training, he was "not ready to retire" and was hopeful to play again some day. Andrew Friedman
Andrew Friedman
Andrew Friedman is the Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations for the Tampa Bay Rays franchise in Major League Baseball. In that position, he acts as the team's General Manager.-Early life:...
, the Rays' Vice President of Baseball Operations, said that the one-year deal was not done with the intention of bringing Baldelli back as a player in 2010, but also said that "anything's possible."
Spring Training
Infielder Hank BlalockHank Blalock
Hank Joe Blalock is a Major League Baseball third baseman who is currently a free agent.-High school:Blalock attended Rancho Bernardo High School in San Diego, California...
was signed to a minor-league contract on March 8. Blalock was first reported to be interested in signing with either the Rays or the Florida Marlins
Florida Marlins
The Miami Marlins are a professional baseball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. Established in 1993 as an expansion franchise called the Florida Marlins, the Marlins are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Marlins played their home games at...
just days before the deal was made.
Catcher Dioner Navarro
Dioner Navarro
Dioner Favian Navarro Vivas is a Venezuelan professional baseball catcher, who is a free agent.-New York Yankees:In 2000, Navarro was signed by the New York Yankees as an amateur free agent...
injured his left leg on March 20 during a game against the Minnesota Twins
Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The team is named after the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. They played in Metropolitan Stadium from 1961 to 1981 and the...
, after Twins outfielder Jacque Jones
Jacque Jones
Jacque Dewayne Jones is a Major League Baseball outfielder who currently is a free agent-Early life:...
collided with him at the plate. Navarro was reported to be in serious pain and had to be carted off the field. Later that day it was announced that Navarro suffered a bruised nerve. The Rays said that the injury was not bad enough that it would cause Navarro to miss opening day.
The Rays finished Spring Training with a team record 20 wins, and had the highest win percentage of all teams in the league.
April
On April 6, during the Rays' first game of the season, Evan LongoriaEvan Longoria
Evan Michael Longoria is a Major League Baseball third baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays. Formerly, Longoria was a star infielder for the Long Beach State University baseball team, the Cape Cod League MVP, and the Big West Co-Player of the Year.He made his major league debut for the Rays in , and...
hit a home run that landed in the left field upper deck seating of Tropicana Field
Tropicana Field
Tropicana Field is a domed stadium in St. Petersburg, Florida, which has been the home of Major League Baseball's Tampa Bay Rays since the team's inaugural season in 1998, when they were the Devil Rays. It has also served as the host stadium for the Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl, an NCAA-sanctioned college...
. In doing so, Longoria became just the second player to hit a home run that landed in that upper deck section without hitting one of the stadium's catwalks, the first player being Vinny Castilla
Vinny Castilla
Vinicio "Vinny" Castilla Soria is a former Major League Baseball third baseman who played his best years with the Colorado Rockies and Atlanta Braves...
on April 4, 2001. Longoria's home run was also estimated to have gone 473 feet, making it the third longest home run in the stadium's history, behind a 474 foot home run by Jonny Gomes
Jonny Gomes
Jonathan Johnson "Jonny" Gomes is an American professional baseball outfielder.-Early years:...
on July 9, 2005, and the aforementioned home run by Castilla, which traveled 478 feet.
The Rays began the season with a 10–3 record, their best start in franchise history. At one point in the first two weeks of the season, the Rays won seven consecutive games, all on the road. Included in this win streak was their first series sweep of more than two games against the Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
at Fenway Park
Fenway Park
Fenway Park is a baseball park near Kenmore Square in Boston, Massachusetts. Located at 4 Yawkey Way, it has served as the home ballpark of the Boston Red Sox baseball club since it opened in 1912, and is the oldest Major League Baseball stadium currently in use. It is one of two "classic"...
.
Catcher Kelly Shoppach
Kelly Shoppach
Kelly Brian Shoppach is a Major League Baseball catcher for the Tampa Bay Rays. He is nicknamed Shop.Shoppach was traded to the Indians from the Boston Red Sox organization on January 28, 2006, as part of the same deal that saw outfielder Coco Crisp sent to Boston and highly regarded prospect Andy...
underwent right knee surgery on April 19 and was expected to be out for 4–6 weeks.
On April 23, Ben Zobrist
Ben Zobrist
Benjamin Thomas "Ben" Zobrist is an American baseball player currently with Major League Baseball's Tampa Bay Rays. A switch-hitter who throws right-handed, he has exhibited a versatility to play most positions with the exception of pitcher and catcher. He has been the Rays' starting second...
was given a 5-year contract extension, with team options in both of the final two years of the contract.
Catcher Dioner Nivarro was given a two-game suspension on April 27 because of an on-field incident with umpire Dan Bellino
Dan Bellino
Daniel Anthony Bellino is an umpire in Major League Baseball. He wears number 93.Bellino has umpired games since the 2008 season, although he was not officially officially promoted to the full-time Major League staff until...
that took place during a game on April 23. Navarro was ejected from that game by Bellino for arguing balls and strikes in the 6th inning, but before leaving the field, Navarro bumped chests with the umpire.
At the end of the month the Rays held the best record in the league at 17–6, and had a 1½ game lead in the division. The 17–6 record was the best in franchise history for the month of April, as well as the best April in league history since the New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
went 21–6 in the 2003 season.
May
Dallas BradenDallas Braden
Dallas Lee Braden is a left-handed pitcher for the Oakland Athletics. He was drafted out of Texas Tech University in the twenty fourth round of the 2004 Major League Baseball Draft by the Athletics...
of the Oakland Athletics
Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
pitched the 19th perfect game
Perfect game
A perfect game is defined by Major League Baseball as a game in which a pitcher pitches a victory that lasts a minimum of nine innings and in which no opposing player reaches base. Thus, the pitcher cannot allow any hits, walks, hit batsmen, or any opposing player to reach base safely for any...
in major league history against the Rays on May 9, the second time in less than a year that the Rays had been on the losing end of perfection. The first occurred on July 23, 2009 when Mark Buehrle
Mark Buehrle
Mark Alan Buehrle is a Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. He has pitched his entire baseball career for the Chicago White Sox, starting the opening game every season from 2002 to 2006 and again from 2008 to 2011....
of the Chicago White Sox
Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
did not allow a single Rays batter to reach base, which was also the most recent perfect game pitched prior to Braden's. The Los Angeles Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
had been the only other franchise to be the losing team of consecutive perfect games pitched in the majors. No team who had a perfect game pitched against them had a higher winning percentage than the Rays did, who entered the game with a league-best 22–8 record.
On May 15, Pat Burrell
Pat Burrell
Patrick Brian "Pat" Burrell , nicknamed "Pat the Bat," is a Major League Baseball outfielder who is currently a free agent. He stands tall and weighs . He bats and throws right-handed...
was designated for assignment
Designated for assignment
Designated for assignment is a contractual term used in Major League Baseball. When a player is designated for assignment, he is immediately removed from the club's 40-man roster. This gives the club 10 days to decide what to do with the player while freeing up a roster spot for another...
after another struggling start to the season. He would later clear waivers and become a free agent. The Rays called up Hank Blalock
Hank Blalock
Hank Joe Blalock is a Major League Baseball third baseman who is currently a free agent.-High school:Blalock attended Rancho Bernardo High School in San Diego, California...
to replace him on the roster. Blalock's minor league contract included an out clause that his agent Scott Boras
Scott Boras
Scott Boras is an American sports agent, specializing in baseball. He is the founder, owner and president of the Boras Corporation, a sports agency based in Newport Beach, Calif. that represents roughly 175 professional baseball clients, including many of the game's highest-profile players...
stated he would activate within the next week, which would force the Rays to either promote him or let him become a free agent. However Andrew Friedman
Andrew Friedman
Andrew Friedman is the Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations for the Tampa Bay Rays franchise in Major League Baseball. In that position, he acts as the team's General Manager.-Early life:...
, Executive Vice President of the Rays, said that this was not a factor in the decision to bring him up.
Having already missed the start of the season, relief pitcher J. P. Howell threw in a simulated game, but was forced to stop after only 12 pitches. After being examined by the Rays' head athletic trainer, manager Joe Maddon
Joe Maddon
Joseph John Maddon is the Major League Baseball manager for the Tampa Bay Rays.He previously served as interim manager of the Anaheim Angels in both 1996 and 1999. He was also a long-time bench coach for the team.-Early life and career:Maddon attended Lafayette College, where he played baseball...
talked to reporters saying that Howell had a "definite setback." On May 19 it was announced that Howell underwent surgery on his left shoulder, and would miss the entire 2010 season.
Shortstop Jason Bartlett suffered a "mild" right hamstring strain during a game on May 29 as he attempted to field a ground ball hit into center field. He was reported as day-to-day, expected to miss at least the next game. A few days later it was revealed that there was a chance he would be placed on the disabled list, and on June 3, that was the decision made.
The Rays went 17–12 in May, improving their league-best record to 34–18, and held a 2½ game division lead.
June
Catcher Kelly ShoppachKelly Shoppach
Kelly Brian Shoppach is a Major League Baseball catcher for the Tampa Bay Rays. He is nicknamed Shop.Shoppach was traded to the Indians from the Boston Red Sox organization on January 28, 2006, as part of the same deal that saw outfielder Coco Crisp sent to Boston and highly regarded prospect Andy...
was brought up from his Triple-A rehab assignment on June 3.
In the 2010 MLB Draft
2010 Major League Baseball Draft
The 2010 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft was held on June 7–9, 2010 at the MLB Network Studios in New York City.-First-round selections:The draft order was determined based on the 2009 MLB standings, with the worst team picking first.Key...
, the Rays used their first selection (17th overall) on Josh Sale, an outfielder out of Bishop Blanchet High School
Bishop Blanchet High School
Bishop Blanchet High School is a coed Catholic high school located just north of Green Lake in Seattle, Washington, United States. The school was founded in 1954 by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle, and named for the first bishop of the diocese, A.M.A. Blanchet...
, located in Seattle, Washington
Seattle, Washington
Seattle is the county seat of King County, Washington. With 608,660 residents as of the 2010 Census, Seattle is the largest city in the Northwestern United States. The Seattle metropolitan area of about 3.4 million inhabitants is the 15th largest metropolitan area in the country...
. His signing was officially announced by the team on the morning of August 17.
Gabe Kapler
Gabriel "Gabe" Stefan Kapler is an American Major League Baseball outfielder.He has played portions of 13 seasons with the Detroit Tigers, Texas Rangers, Colorado Rockies, Boston Red Sox, Milwaukee Brewers, and the Tampa Bay Rays...
was put on the disabled list on June 12 for a hip flexor strain. Justin Ruggiano
Justin Ruggiano
Justin Marshall Ruggiano is a Major League Baseball outfielder in the Tampa Bay Rays organization.-Baseball career:Ruggiano played college baseball at Texas A&M....
was called up to take the open spot on the roster. Ruggiano wouldn't stay long however, being sent back down when Jason Bartlett was activated from the disabled list on June 15.
On June 12, Carlos Peña
Carlos Peña
Carlos Felipe Peña is a Dominican professional baseball left-handed first baseman. He played previously with the Texas Rangers, Oakland Athletics, Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox, Tampa Bay Rays and Chicago Cubs.Although he was born in Santo Domingo and his family is from San Francisco de Macorís,...
hit a home run for the sixth consecutive game. This broke the team record for homers in consecutive games, set by Jose Canseco
José Canseco
José Canseco Capas, Jr. is a Cuban-American professional baseball manager, outfielder, and designated hitter for the Yuma Scorpions of the North American League and former Major League Baseball player. He is the identical twin brother of former major league player and current teammate Ozzie Canseco...
, who went deep in five straight games during the 1999 season
1999 Tampa Bay Devil Rays season
The 1999 Tampa Bay Devil Rays season was their second since the franchise was created. They finished last in the AL East division with a record of 69 wins and 93 losses...
. Peña's streak was snapped the next day, going hitless in four at-bats. Peña had been struggling throughout the season offensively, and some called for him to be benched as recently as the week prior.
Dioner Navarro
Dioner Navarro
Dioner Favian Navarro Vivas is a Venezuelan professional baseball catcher, who is a free agent.-New York Yankees:In 2000, Navarro was signed by the New York Yankees as an amateur free agent...
was optioned to Triple-A Durham
Durham Bulls
The Durham Bulls are a minor league baseball team that currently plays in the International League. The Bulls play their home games at Durham Bulls Athletic Park located in the downtown area of Durham, North Carolina. Durham Bulls Athletic Park is often called the "DBAP" or "D-Bap". The Bulls are...
on June 24. Left fielder Carl Crawford
Carl Crawford
Carl Demonte Crawford is an American professional baseball outfielder who plays for the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball. He bats and throws left-handed...
was removed from that day's game with soreness in his shoulder and reported as day-to-day, so outfielder Matt Joyce
Matt Joyce (baseball)
Matthew R. Joyce is a Major League Baseball outfielder for the Tampa Bay Rays.-Early life:Joyce began his career at North Brandon Little League in Brandon, Florida....
was called up to take the open spot on the roster.
On June 25, the Rays were once again unable to record a base hit in a game, this time in a 1–0 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks are a professional baseball team based in Phoenix. They play in the West Division of Major League Baseball's National League. From 1998 to the present, they have played in Chase Field...
. The pitcher who threw the no-hitter
No-hitter
A no-hitter is a baseball game in which one team has no hits. In Major League Baseball, the team must be without hits during the entire game, and the game must be at least nine innings. A pitcher who prevents the opposing team from achieving a hit is said to have "thrown a no-hitter"...
was Edwin Jackson
Edwin Jackson
Edwin Jackson is an American professional baseball pitcher.-Early life:Jackson's father, Edwin Jackson, Sr., a military cook, was stationed in Germany at the time of his birth. Jackson is one of 27 major league players who were born in Germany...
, who spent four seasons with the Rays until being traded after the 2008 season. This was the third no-hitter pitched against the Rays in less than a year, however unlike the previous two, this was not a perfect game
Perfect game
A perfect game is defined by Major League Baseball as a game in which a pitcher pitches a victory that lasts a minimum of nine innings and in which no opposing player reaches base. Thus, the pitcher cannot allow any hits, walks, hit batsmen, or any opposing player to reach base safely for any...
, as 10 batters reached base by virtue of a walk, error, or hit by pitch. The Rays became the first team to be no-hit twice in the same season since the San Diego Padres
San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times...
in .
Once Gabe Kapler was able to be activated from the disabled list, the Rays needed to make a cut on June 29. Hank Blalock
Hank Blalock
Hank Joe Blalock is a Major League Baseball third baseman who is currently a free agent.-High school:Blalock attended Rancho Bernardo High School in San Diego, California...
was chosen to be designated for assignment. Manager Joe Maddon
Joe Maddon
Joseph John Maddon is the Major League Baseball manager for the Tampa Bay Rays.He previously served as interim manager of the Anaheim Angels in both 1996 and 1999. He was also a long-time bench coach for the team.-Early life and career:Maddon attended Lafayette College, where he played baseball...
praised Blalock for his work ethic, professionalism, and the impact he had in the clubhouse, but said there just weren't enough opportunities for him with the team.
In the month of June, the Rays went 11–14. Dropping to 45–32 overall at the end of the month, they entered July two games behind the division lead.
July
On July 4, three Rays were selected to play for the American LeagueAmerican League
The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
in the 2010 MLB All-Star Game
2010 Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The 2010 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 81st midseason exhibition between the All-Stars of the American League and the National League , the two leagues comprising Major League Baseball...
on July 13. Left fielder Carl Crawford
Carl Crawford
Carl Demonte Crawford is an American professional baseball outfielder who plays for the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball. He bats and throws left-handed...
and third baseman Evan Longoria
Evan Longoria
Evan Michael Longoria is a Major League Baseball third baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays. Formerly, Longoria was a star infielder for the Long Beach State University baseball team, the Cape Cod League MVP, and the Big West Co-Player of the Year.He made his major league debut for the Rays in , and...
were both named starters by way of fan vote, while pitcher David Price
David Price (baseball)
David Taylor Price is an American Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays. Price was selected first overall in the 2007 Major League Baseball Draft by the Rays and made his major league debut in September 2008.Price pitched out of the bullpen during the Rays' run...
was elected by the players. This was Crawford's fourth selection to the Midsummer Classic
Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The Major League Baseball All-Star Game, also known as the "Midsummer Classic", is an annual baseball game between players from the National League and the American League, currently selected by a combination of fans, players, coaches, and managers...
, Longoria's third, and Price's first. All three became the first Rays to be starting players in the All-Star Game. Price was named the starting pitcher for the American League the day before the game. Jose Canseco
José Canseco
José Canseco Capas, Jr. is a Cuban-American professional baseball manager, outfielder, and designated hitter for the Yuma Scorpions of the North American League and former Major League Baseball player. He is the identical twin brother of former major league player and current teammate Ozzie Canseco...
would have been the first in 1999
1999 Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The 1999 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 70th playing of the midsummer classic between the all-stars of the American League and National League , the two leagues comprising Major League Baseball...
, but missed out due to an injury. Longoria had the opportunity in 2009
2009 Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The 2009 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 80th midseason exhibition between the all-stars of the American League and the National League , the two leagues comprising Major League Baseball. The game was held on July 14, 2009, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri, the home of the...
, but also had to withdraw due to an injury. Closer Rafael Soriano
Rafael Soriano
Rafael Soriano is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the New York Yankees. He bats and throws right-handed...
was added to the roster on July 6, his first-ever selection, giving the Rays four all-stars. Soriano replaced New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
closer Mariano Rivera
Mariano Rivera
Mariano Rivera is a Panamanian right-handed baseball pitcher who has played 17 years in Major League Baseball for the New York Yankees. Nicknamed "Mo", Rivera has served as a relief pitcher for most of his career, and since 1997, he has been the Yankees' closer...
after it was announced that Rivera would not play because of injuries. Soriano was picked by having the next-highest total of votes on the players' ballot.
At the All-Star Break, the Rays had a 54–34 record, were second in the AL East, and two games behind first. They led the AL wild card race by three games.
Rocco Baldelli
Rocco Baldelli
Rocco Dan Baldelli is a former Major League Baseball outfielder and designated hitter. Because of his excellent size and speed, and in reference to his hometown, he was nicknamed, "The Woonsocket Rocket," early in his professional career...
signed a minor-league contract with the Rays on July 19. There was speculation prior to the season that Baldelli would return to the Rays as a player when he returned to the organization as a "special assistant". His first game was on the same day of the signing, having been assigned to Class-A Charlotte
Charlotte Stone Crabs
The Charlotte Stone Crabs are a minor league baseball team based in Port Charlotte, Florida. The team are currently members of the Florida State League and are the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays Major League Baseball team....
. He has been expected to spend several weeks in the minors before a possible call-up to the Rays.
On July 26, the Rays were the winning team in a no-hitter
No-hitter
A no-hitter is a baseball game in which one team has no hits. In Major League Baseball, the team must be without hits during the entire game, and the game must be at least nine innings. A pitcher who prevents the opposing team from achieving a hit is said to have "thrown a no-hitter"...
for a change, as Matt Garza
Matt Garza
Matthew Scott Garza is a United States professional baseball pitcher with the Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball.-Amateur career:He attended Washington Union High School and Fresno State.-Minnesota Twins:...
threw the first no-hitter in team history in a 5–0 win over the Detroit Tigers
Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...
at Tropicana Field
Tropicana Field
Tropicana Field is a domed stadium in St. Petersburg, Florida, which has been the home of Major League Baseball's Tampa Bay Rays since the team's inaugural season in 1998, when they were the Devil Rays. It has also served as the host stadium for the Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl, an NCAA-sanctioned college...
in front of an announced crowd of 17,009. Throwing 120 pitches, Garza faced the minimum 27 batters, allowing only one to reach base on a walk in the second inning.
Posting a 19–7 record for the month of July, the Rays finished the month with an overall record of 64–39. Though they were two games behind for the division lead, they lead the wild card by 5½ games.
August
Jeremy HellicksonJeremy Hellickson
Jeremy Robert Hellickson is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball. He was born in Des Moines, Iowa and attended Hoover High School...
, one of the Rays' best pitching prospects, made his major league debut on August 2 against the Minnesota Twins
Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The team is named after the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. They played in Metropolitan Stadium from 1961 to 1981 and the...
. He posted a 12–3 record and 2.45 ERA in Triple-A before being called up. To make room for him on the roster, Andy Sonnanstine
Andy Sonnanstine
Andrew Michael Sonnanstine is a relief pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays. Sonnanstine is a graduate of Wadsworth High School in Wadsworth, Ohio, and attended Kent State University...
was placed on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to July 23. In his debut, Hellickson pitched seven innings, allowing two runs on three hits and retired the first ten batters he faced, ending up as the winning pitcher. His stay in the majors lasted only that night however, as expected when it was first reported that he would make his first career start. Following the game, he was optioned back down to Triple-A, in favor of position player Dan Johnson. In Triple-A, Johnson was hitting .303 with 30 home runs and 95 RBIs.
First baseman Carlos Peña
Carlos Peña
Carlos Felipe Peña is a Dominican professional baseball left-handed first baseman. He played previously with the Texas Rangers, Oakland Athletics, Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox, Tampa Bay Rays and Chicago Cubs.Although he was born in Santo Domingo and his family is from San Francisco de Macorís,...
was placed on the disabled list on August 6, retroactive to August 1. On July 31, Peña was removed from a game with what was initially described as a foot injury and had not played since. The reason for his placement on the DL was reported as a partial tear of the plantar fascia
Plantar fascia
The plantar fascia is the thick connective tissue which supports the arch on the bottom of the foot. It runs from the tuberosity of the calcaneus forward to the heads of the metatarsal bones .The often painful condition plantar fasciitis is an inflammatory condition of the plantar...
ligament on the bottom of his foot. Relief pitcher Dale Thayer
Dale Thayer
Dale Scott Thayer is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent.-Draft:...
was recalled to fill the vacated roster spot.
David Price
David Price (baseball)
David Taylor Price is an American Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays. Price was selected first overall in the 2007 Major League Baseball Draft by the Rays and made his major league debut in September 2008.Price pitched out of the bullpen during the Rays' run...
won his 15th game of the season on August 9, surpassing the franchise record for wins in a single season. The previous record of 14 wins was shared by Rolando Arrojo
Rolando Arrojo
Luis Rolando Arrojo Avila was a Major League Baseball pitcher who pitched from to .Arrojo made his mark with the teams from Villa Clara in the Cuban National Series, where he still is the all-time leader in hit batsmen. He was the staff ace on the Villa Clara team that won 3 consecutive Cuban...
, James Shields, and Edwin Jackson
Edwin Jackson
Edwin Jackson is an American professional baseball pitcher.-Early life:Jackson's father, Edwin Jackson, Sr., a military cook, was stationed in Germany at the time of his birth. Jackson is one of 27 major league players who were born in Germany...
. Arrojo set the record in the club's inaugural season
1998 Tampa Bay Devil Rays season
The 1998 Tampa Bay Devil Rays season was their first season in franchise history. This season, they finished last in the AL East division and finished the season with a record of 63-99. Their manager was Larry Rothschild....
, while Shields and Jackson tied the record in 2008
2008 Tampa Bay Rays season
The Tampa Bay Rays' 2008 season, the 11th season in franchise history, marked the change of the team's name from the "Tampa Bay Devil Rays" to the "Tampa Bay Rays", as revealed on November 8, 2007. The change in name also came with a change in logo and uniforms, with new team colors of Columbia...
.
Starting pitchers Jeff Niemann
Jeff Niemann
Jeffrey Warren Niemann is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays.-College:...
and Wade Davis
Wade Davis (baseball)
Wade Davis is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays.-Professional career:Davis was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2004 amateur entry draft...
were both placed on the 15-day disabled list on August 9 for shoulder strains. The move allowed Jeremy Hellickson
Jeremy Hellickson
Jeremy Robert Hellickson is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball. He was born in Des Moines, Iowa and attended Hoover High School...
to be added back to the roster, as well as relief pitcher Mike Ekstrom
Mike Ekstrom
Michael Robert Ekstrom is an American Major League Baseball pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays. Drafted by the Padres in the 12th round of the 2004 Major League Baseball Draft, he made his MLB debut on September 10, , striking out Manny Ramirez and pitching two scoreless innings.-College:Ekstrom...
.
Gabe Kapler
Gabe Kapler
Gabriel "Gabe" Stefan Kapler is an American Major League Baseball outfielder.He has played portions of 13 seasons with the Detroit Tigers, Texas Rangers, Colorado Rockies, Boston Red Sox, Milwaukee Brewers, and the Tampa Bay Rays...
was put on the disabled list with an ankle sprain on August 16. His spot on the roster was taken by Carlos Peña, who was eligible to come off the DL that same day.
On August 27, the Rays signed outfielder Brad Hawpe
Brad Hawpe
Bradley Bonte Hawpe is an American professional baseball outfielder and first baseman.-High school and college:...
to a minor league contract and assigned him to Class-A Charlotte
Charlotte Stone Crabs
The Charlotte Stone Crabs are a minor league baseball team based in Port Charlotte, Florida. The team are currently members of the Florida State League and are the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays Major League Baseball team....
. He was called up to the Rays on August 31, making him playoff eligible. To make room for him, pitcher Andy Sonnanstine
Andy Sonnanstine
Andrew Michael Sonnanstine is a relief pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays. Sonnanstine is a graduate of Wadsworth High School in Wadsworth, Ohio, and attended Kent State University...
was sent down to Class-A Hudson Valley
Hudson Valley Renegades
The Hudson Valley Renegades are a minor league baseball team, affiliated with the Tampa Bay Rays. The team is a member of the New York - Penn League, a Class A Short Season league. The Renegades play at Dutchess Stadium in Fishkill, NY....
, though he will not have to remain there long, as a player can be recalled before the mandatory 10 days if the team's season ends before then, and Hudson Valley's season ends September 4.
At the end of August, the Rays were 81–51, having gone 17–12 during the month. They trailed the New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
for the division lead by a single game, though the two teams had been tied for first place in each of the previous eight days. However the Rays were still in position to make the playoffs heading into the last full month of the regular season, leading the Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
in the wild card by seven games.
September/October
On the first of September, Rocco BaldelliRocco Baldelli
Rocco Dan Baldelli is a former Major League Baseball outfielder and designated hitter. Because of his excellent size and speed, and in reference to his hometown, he was nicknamed, "The Woonsocket Rocket," early in his professional career...
, Jeremy Hellickson
Jeremy Hellickson
Jeremy Robert Hellickson is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball. He was born in Des Moines, Iowa and attended Hoover High School...
, Desmond Jennings
Desmond Jennings
Desmond Delane Jennings is an outfielder for the Tampa Bay Rays.-Baseball career:Jennings was taken by the Cleveland Indians in the 18th round of the 2005 amateur draft out of high school but did not sign...
, and Dioner Navarro
Dioner Navarro
Dioner Favian Navarro Vivas is a Venezuelan professional baseball catcher, who is a free agent.-New York Yankees:In 2000, Navarro was signed by the New York Yankees as an amateur free agent...
were all called up as a result of roster expansions, with Dale Thayer
Dale Thayer
Dale Scott Thayer is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent.-Draft:...
being sent down. Also, relief pitcher Grant Balfour
Grant Balfour
Grant Robert Balfour is a relief pitcher who plays for the Oakland Athletics. He has previously played for the Tampa Bay Rays, Minnesota Twins and Milwaukee Brewers.-Early life:...
was activated from the disabled list that day.
Closer Rafael Soriano
Rafael Soriano
Rafael Soriano is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the New York Yankees. He bats and throws right-handed...
recorded his 44th save on September 24, setting a new franchise record for saves in a single season. The previous record was held by Roberto Hernández, who saved 43 games in 1999
1999 Tampa Bay Devil Rays season
The 1999 Tampa Bay Devil Rays season was their second since the franchise was created. They finished last in the AL East division with a record of 69 wins and 93 losses...
.
They Rays secured a playoff spot on September 28 after a 5–0 win at home against the Baltimore Orioles
Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
.
On the final day of the regular season, the AL East was still up for grabs with both the Rays and New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
tied for first place. For the Rays to clinch the division, they needed either a win, or a loss by the Yankees. When all was said and done, both happened, as the Yankees lost to the Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
prior to the Rays defeating the Kansas City Royals
Kansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium...
in extra innings. In September and October combined, the Rays split 30 games, going 15–15. They finished the regular season 96–66, winning the division by a single game, and finishing one win shy of their franchise record set in 2008
2008 Tampa Bay Rays season
The Tampa Bay Rays' 2008 season, the 11th season in franchise history, marked the change of the team's name from the "Tampa Bay Devil Rays" to the "Tampa Bay Rays", as revealed on November 8, 2007. The change in name also came with a change in logo and uniforms, with new team colors of Columbia...
. The Rays also had home field advantage through the American League side of the postseason.
American League Division Series: vs. Texas Rangers
In the ALDS, the Rays face the Texas RangersTexas Rangers (baseball)
The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...
. The Rangers finished the regular season with a 90–72 record, and won the AL West division championship to clinch their first postseason berth since 1999
1999 Texas Rangers season
The Texas Rangers 1999 season involved the Rangers finishing 1st in the American League west with a record of 95 wins and 67 losses. The 95-67 mark would be the best in franchise history until 2011....
. In the regular season, the Rays were 4–2 against the Rangers.
The series opened at Tropicana Field
Tropicana Field
Tropicana Field is a domed stadium in St. Petersburg, Florida, which has been the home of Major League Baseball's Tampa Bay Rays since the team's inaugural season in 1998, when they were the Devil Rays. It has also served as the host stadium for the Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl, an NCAA-sanctioned college...
for Game 1, with the Rays sending out 19-game winner David Price
David Price (baseball)
David Taylor Price is an American Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays. Price was selected first overall in the 2007 Major League Baseball Draft by the Rays and made his major league debut in September 2008.Price pitched out of the bullpen during the Rays' run...
against Cliff Lee
Cliff Lee
Clifton Phifer "Cliff" Lee is a Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies. Lee has also played for the Cleveland Indians, the Seattle Mariners, and the Texas Rangers....
of the Rangers. The Rays put pressure on Lee in the 1st inning by loading the bases, but they would not plate a run after a controversial strikeout by Carlos Peña
Carlos Peña
Carlos Felipe Peña is a Dominican professional baseball left-handed first baseman. He played previously with the Texas Rangers, Oakland Athletics, Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox, Tampa Bay Rays and Chicago Cubs.Although he was born in Santo Domingo and his family is from San Francisco de Macorís,...
and another strikeout by Rocco Baldelli
Rocco Baldelli
Rocco Dan Baldelli is a former Major League Baseball outfielder and designated hitter. Because of his excellent size and speed, and in reference to his hometown, he was nicknamed, "The Woonsocket Rocket," early in his professional career...
to end the inning. In the 2nd inning, the Rangers jumped out to a 2–0 lead after RBIs from Jeff Francoeur
Jeff Francoeur
Jeffrey Braden Francoeur , nicknamed "Frenchy", is a Major League Baseball right fielder who now plays for the Kansas City Royals. Francoeur is known for a strong throwing arm.-Minor league career:...
and Bengie Molina
Bengie Molina
Benjamin José "Bengie" Molina , nicknamed "Big Money", is a former Major League Baseball catcher.He is the older brother of major league catchers José Molina and Yadier Molina....
. In the 3rd and 4th innings, Price would yield solo home runs to Nelson Cruz and Molina, respectively, which put Texas up 4–0. The Rangers added to their lead in the 5th when Vladimir Guerrero
Vladimir Guerrero
Vladimir Alvino Guerrero is a free agent Major League Baseball right fielder and designated hitter.In , he was voted the American League MVP...
doubled off the wall in center field, which scored Josh Hamilton from 2nd base to make it 5–0. The Rays got on the board in the 7th inning when Ben Zobrist
Ben Zobrist
Benjamin Thomas "Ben" Zobrist is an American baseball player currently with Major League Baseball's Tampa Bay Rays. A switch-hitter who throws right-handed, he has exhibited a versatility to play most positions with the exception of pitcher and catcher. He has been the Rays' starting second...
hit a solo home run to right-center. However it would be the Rays' only run of the game, as the Rangers went on to win 5–1.
In Game 2, it was James Shields who got the start against C. J. Wilson. With runners on the corners in the 3rd inning, Shields went to 1st base for a pickoff attempt, but the throw over was errant, allowing the runner to score from 3rd base. Ian Kinsler
Ian Kinsler
Ian Michael Kinsler is a Major League Baseball All-Star second baseman for the Texas Rangers.Despite having been drafted in only the 17th round out of college, Kinsler has risen to become a two-time All Star, and a member of the Sporting News 2009 list of the 50 greatest current players in baseball...
launched a solo homer to left in the 4th, putting Texas up 2–0. In the 5th, Shields was removed from the game with two on and one out, being replaced by Chad Qualls
Chad Qualls
Chadford Michael Qualls is a relief pitcher.-Astros:Qualls was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2000 Major League Baseball Draft by the Houston Astros. He began his career as a starting pitcher with the Michigan Battle Cats in...
to face Michael Young. With a 2–2 count, Young checked his swing on a pitch that was called a ball. The Rays appealed to first base umpire Jerry Meals
Jerry Meals
Gerald William "Jerry" Meals is a Major League Baseball umpire.Meals was part of the National League umpire crew from 1992 to 1999, and has worked throughout both major leagues since 2000. He worked in the 2008 NLCS between Philadelphia and Los Angeles and at the 2002 MLB All-Star Game in Milwaukee...
, but Meals ruled that Young held up in time, drawing the ire of the Rays dugout. Replays showed that Young may not have checked in time, and had the ruling been made that he did not, it would have resulted in a strikeout. Instead, Young went deep to center on the very next pitch for a 3-run home run, putting the Rangers up 5–0. Rays manager Joe Maddon
Joe Maddon
Joseph John Maddon is the Major League Baseball manager for the Tampa Bay Rays.He previously served as interim manager of the Anaheim Angels in both 1996 and 1999. He was also a long-time bench coach for the team.-Early life and career:Maddon attended Lafayette College, where he played baseball...
went out to the mound to talk to his pitcher after the home run, but began arguing with home plate umpire Jim Wolf
Jim Wolf
James Michael Wolf is a Major League Baseball umpire. He joined the major league staff in 1999 after working in the Arizona Rookie League, the South Atlantic League, the California League, the Texas League and the Pacific Coast League. He wears uniform number 28...
about the check swing, which led to Wolf ejecting Maddon from the game. Texas added another run in the 6th inning, and held the Rays scoreless, winning 6–0 and taking a commanding 2–0 lead in the best-of-five series.
The series shifted to Texas at the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington for Game 3. It was a low-scoring affair for most of the game. Texas struck first when Mitch Moreland
Mitch Moreland
Mitchell Austin Moreland is a professional baseball first baseman and right fielder who plays for the Texas Rangers....
scored on a groundout in the 3rd inning. The Rays stranded two baserunners in both the 4th and 5th innings, but tied the game in the 6th inning after an RBI double by B. J. Upton
B. J. Upton
Melvin Emmanuel "B. J." Upton is a Major League Baseball center fielder for the Tampa Bay Rays. Upton is a graduate of Greenbrier Christian Academy....
. Ian Kinsler put the Rangers back ahead 2–1 with a solo shot to left field in the 7th. An RBI single by Carlos Peña in the 8th scored a run from 2nd base to even the score again, and after a walk, John Jaso
John Jaso
John Edward Jaso is an American professional baseball catcher for the Seattle Mariners of Major League Baseball.-Baseball career:...
singled to center, bringing Peña home and giving the Rays a 3–2 lead. Carl Crawford
Carl Crawford
Carl Demonte Crawford is an American professional baseball outfielder who plays for the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball. He bats and throws left-handed...
and Peña both had home runs in the 9th inning to give the Rays a more comfortable 6–2 lead. Despite giving up a solo homer to Nelson Cruz, Rays closer Rafael Soriano
Rafael Soriano
Rafael Soriano is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the New York Yankees. He bats and throws right-handed...
was effective in the bottom of the 9th, and the Rays staved off elimination with a 6–3 victory.
Offensively, in Game 4 the Rays picked up right where they left off the previous day. Carlos Peña tripled to left-center field in the 2nd inning, and scored on an error by Rangers' second baseman Ian Kinsler, who misplayed a pop fly beyond the infield. Evan Longoria
Evan Longoria
Evan Michael Longoria is a Major League Baseball third baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays. Formerly, Longoria was a star infielder for the Long Beach State University baseball team, the Cape Cod League MVP, and the Big West Co-Player of the Year.He made his major league debut for the Rays in , and...
, who was inactive for the last several games of the regular season, had a huge game, starting with a leadoff double in the 4th inning. The next batter was Peña, who hit a double of his own to the opposite field, bringing Longoria home and giving the Rays a 2–0 lead. Later in the inning, another double came off the bat of B. J. Upton, putting the Rays up 3–0. Rangers starter Tommy Hunter
Tommy Hunter (baseball)
Raymond Thomas "Tommy" Hunter is a Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles....
did not come out to pitch the 5th inning. Derek Holland
Derek Holland (baseball)
Derek Lane Holland is a Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher for the Texas Rangers. He is noted for his kid-like appearance....
was sent in for relief, but Tampa Bay added to their lead when Longoria blasted a 2-run homer to left, making it 5–0. Texas had the bases loaded in the bottom of the 5th, but Rays starter Wade Davis
Wade Davis (baseball)
Wade Davis is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays.-Professional career:Davis was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2004 amateur entry draft...
got Vladimir Guererro to swing and miss for a strikeout to end the threat. The Rangers did score in the 6th inning, as Nelson Cruz led off with a home run, and Mitch Moreland hit an RBI double with two outs off of Rays reliever Grant Balfour
Grant Balfour
Grant Robert Balfour is a relief pitcher who plays for the Oakland Athletics. He has previously played for the Tampa Bay Rays, Minnesota Twins and Milwaukee Brewers.-Early life:...
to make cut the Tampa Bay lead to three runs. It was the only scoring Texas would do in the game, as Rafael Soriano entered the game in the 9th inning and picked up the save. The Rays took the game 5–2 to force a decisive Game 5 back home at the Trop.In Game 5, however Cliff Lee was dominant. He outdueled David Price in a 5–2 victory to help the Rangers advance to their first ever American League Championship Series
Game log
The Rays opened the 2010 season at home against the Baltimore OriolesBaltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
, the first time since 2005 that they opened at Tropicana Field
Tropicana Field
Tropicana Field is a domed stadium in St. Petersburg, Florida, which has been the home of Major League Baseball's Tampa Bay Rays since the team's inaugural season in 1998, when they were the Devil Rays. It has also served as the host stadium for the Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl, an NCAA-sanctioned college...
.
| Legend | |
|---|---|
| Rays win | |
| Rays loss | |
| Postponement | |
| Bold | Rays team member |
Regular season
| 2010 Game Log | |
|---|---|
Postseason
| 2010 Postseason Game Log | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 51,746 | 1–2 | |||||||
| 4 | October 10 | @ Rangers | 5–2 | Davis Wade Davis (baseball) Wade Davis is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays.-Professional career:Davis was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2004 amateur entry draft... (1–0) |
Hunter Tommy Hunter (baseball) Raymond Thomas "Tommy" Hunter is a Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles.... (0–1) |
Soriano Rafael Soriano Rafael Soriano is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the New York Yankees. He bats and throws right-handed... (1) |
49,218 |
2–2 |
| 5 | October 12 | Rangers | 1–5 | Lee Cliff Lee Clifton Phifer "Cliff" Lee is a Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies. Lee has also played for the Cleveland Indians, the Seattle Mariners, and the Texas Rangers.... (2–0) |
Price David Price (baseball) David Taylor Price is an American Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays. Price was selected first overall in the 2007 Major League Baseball Draft by the Rays and made his major league debut in September 2008.Price pitched out of the bullpen during the Rays' run... (0–2) |
Tropicana Field | 2–3 | |
Batting
Note: G = Games played; AB = At Bats; R = Runs scored; H = Hits; 2B = Doubles; 3B = Triples; HR = Home Runs; RBI = Runs Batted In; AVG = Batting average; SB = Stolen Bases| Player | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | AVG | SB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 270 | 22 | 62 | 13 | 0 | 6 | 43 | .230 | 0 | |
| 10 | 24 | 3 | 23 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | .208 | 1 | |
| 135 | 468 | 71 | 119 | 27 | 3 | 4 | 47 | .254 | 11 | |
| 26 | 63 | 8 | 16 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 7 | .254 | 1 | |
| 113 | 301 | 39 | 77 | 13 | 1 | 8 | 45 | .256 | 3 | |
| 24 | 84 | 9 | 17 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 13 | .202 | 0 | |
| 154 | 600 | 110 | 184 | 30 | 13 | 19 | 90 | .307 | 47 | |
| 15 | 39 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 7 | .179 | 0 | |
| 109 | 339 | 57 | 89 | 18 | 3 | 5 | 44 | .263 | 4 | |
| 17 | 21 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | .190 | 5 | |
| 40 | 111 | 15 | 22 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 23 | .198 | 1 | |
| 77 | 216 | 30 | 52 | 15 | 3 | 10 | 40 | .241 | 2 | |
| 59 | 124 | 19 | 16 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 14 | .210 | 1 | |
| 151 | 574 | 96 | 169 | 46 | 5 | 22 | 104 | .294 | 15 | |
| 48 | 124 | 11 | 24 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 7 | .194 | 0 | |
| 144 | 484 | 64 | 95 | 18 | 0 | 28 | 84 | .196 | 5 | |
| 118 | 343 | 53 | 86 | 19 | 2 | 9 | 40 | .251 | 13 | |
| 63 | 158 | 17 | 31 | 18 | 0 | 5 | 17 | .196 | 0 | |
| 154 | 536 | 89 | 127 | 38 | 4 | 18 | 62 | .237 | 42 | |
| 151 | 541 | 77 | 129 | 28 | 2 | 10 | 75 | .238 | 24 |
Source: ESPN.com
Pitching
Note: W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; G = Games pitched; GS = Games started; SV = Saves; IP = Innings pitched; H = Hits allowed; R = Runs allowed; ER = Earned runs allowed; BB = Walks allowed; K = Strikeouts| Player | W | L | ERA | G | GS | SV | IP | H | R | ER | BB | K |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | 2.28 | 57 | 0 | 0 | 55.1 | 43 | 16 | 14 | 17 | 56 | |
| 1 | 2 | 1.34 | 63 | 0 | 1 | 60.1 | 30 | 10 | 9 | 11 | 75 | |
| 4 | 3 | 4.23 | 85 | 0 | 0 | 44.2 | 41 | 23 | 21 | 17 | 40 | |
| 4 | 3 | 3.92 | 60 | 0 | 0 | 62.0 | 68 | 28 | 27 | 34 | 30 | |
| 12 | 10 | 4.07 | 29 | 29 | 0 | 168.0 | 165 | 77 | 76 | 62 | 133 | |
| 0 | 1 | 3.31 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 16.1 | 12 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 10 | |
| 15 | 10 | 3.91 | 33 | 32 | 1 | 204.2 | 193 | 94 | 89 | 63 | 150 | |
| 4 | 0 | 3.47 | 10 | 4 | 0 | 36.1 | 32 | 14 | 14 | 8 | 33 | |
| 0 | 0 | 1.80 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 5.0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 6 | |
| 12 | 8 | 4.39 | 30 | 29 | 0 | 174.1 | 159 | 86 | 85 | 61 | 131 | |
| 19 | 6 | 2.72 | 32 | 31 | 0 | 208.2 | 170 | 71 | 63 | 79 | 188 | |
| 2 | 0 | 5.57 | 27 | 0 | 0 | 21.0 | 24 | 15 | 13 | 6 | 15 | |
| 13 | 15 | 5.18 | 34 | 33 | 0 | 203.1 | 246 | 128 | 117 | 51 | 157 | |
| 3 | 1 | 4.44 | 41 | 4 | 1 | 81.0 | 83 | 40 | 40 | 27 | 50 | |
| 3 | 2 | 1.73 | 64 | 0 | 45 | 62.1 | 36 | 14 | 12 | 14 | 57 | |
| 0 | 0 | 27.00 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2.0 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 2 | |
| 2 | 4 | 3.35 | 64 | 0 | 3 | 38.1 | 36 | 20 | 18 | 16 | 46 |
Source: ESPN.com
Roster
| 2010 Tampa Bay Rays | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roster | |||||||||
| Pitchers | Catchers Infielders |
Outfielders Other batters |
Manager Coaches (third base) (first base) (pitching) (bench) (bullpen) (hitting) (coach) |
||||||