Truth & Rumors > MLB
Rays confident after collapse
The young, resilient Tampa Bay Rays are confident they have what it takes to close out Boston in the AL championship series. In fact, they find it humorous anyone would believe the team's psyche might have been irreparably damaged when the Red Sox kept their pennant hopes alive with the second-biggest comeback in postseason history. "They're defending champs, they've got the heart of a champion, and they came back and they beat us," in Game 5, Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon said Friday. "But that's where it's got to end." Thursday night's loss is the type of defeat that might destroy some teams. But the Rays have rebounded from difficult situations all season and believe they have the makeup to complete the job against Boston. Game 6 is Saturday night, with Tampa Bay's James Shields pitching against Boston's Josh Beckett. "I know where we've come from, where we are right now, and I have total faith that we're going to finish this thing off," Maddon said, reflecting on Boston's 8-7 win in Game 5.
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Ariel Meredith
Kayla Oberg

Comments (17) Add A Comment
Yes, Kazmir should have been pitchign until he gave up some runs. This babying pitchers with pitch count is stupid and totally wrong. He had a shuout. Let him pitch until he gives up at least two runs. What the **** ya got to lose at that point?
4192jc (Don't give…
Total Comments (10012)
I predict EVERYONE in the bullpen will pitch against Philly, if you know what I mean. Afternoon Joe, hope all is well.
Temples of Syrinx
Total Comments (4689)
Is it just me or does this guy look like Drew Carey?
Temples of Syrinx
Total Comments (4689)
It's just you.
Marilyn purrs
Total Comments (21869)
I think the issue with Kazmir was not just his pitch count, but the fact that he had been sitting on the bench for around a half hour in the top of the 7th. Pitchers with high pitch counts that are then forced to sit for long periods of time, or even just ones that have been sitting for a long time (even without a high pitch count - as is case with things like long rain delays early or before games) frequently either struggle upon coming back into the game or are simply not brought back in because of that increased risk of struggling upon returning.
SteelersSox
Falls Church, VA
Total Comments (336)
On a note more relevant to the topic of this article, I don't think you can just shake off what happened. I think it will affect them to some degree early in the game and late in the game, when it is still fresh in their minds in the former case and the pitchers who blew it are pitching out of the bullpen in the latter. I mean, did anyone see them getting off their plane in St. Pete the other night (they had a video of it on ESPN or some sports network)? They all looked like an anvil had been dropped on top of them. And now they expect us all to believe that they've simply "moved on?" Don't think so. If Boston scores a couple early runs tonight, both the Rays team and the crowd are gonna start thinking "oh no, here we go again."
SteelersSox
Falls Church, VA
Total Comments (336)
I think maddon was saying all of the right things to keep his team calm. They've got to remember that they have a 3-2 and they're at home for the next two games. They had the best record at home. Plus, the Sox have only beaten them at the Trop 3 times this year. They're also hammering the ball. Should see some more entertaining baseball tonight.
JB: turned his swag…
Fair Lawn, NJ
Total Comments (1731)
What else is Joe going to say? "Yah we're really F---ed now!"
And Sorry Joe, but losing a game in the mannaer in which they lost game 5, that DOES affect your psyche. How much is anybody's guess. But don't thimk that them Rays players arent thinking about the last two ALCS series the Red Sox have won....both come from behind. We are all going to see what this team is made of. My money says they will fold like oragami.
Luvdatdurdywatta
Total Comments (812)
Actually he looks like Spencer Tracey towards the end of his career. Dead ringer. Everyone born before 1965 will know what I mean.
Luvdatdurdywatta
Total Comments (812)
I agree with you 100% pitchers are the biggest babies in any professional team
The True Joker
Total Comments (11543)
Especially American League pitchers, sissies don't even bat!
Temples of Syrinx
Total Comments (4689)
This series has more ups and downs than the Dow Jones index. Sox in seven!
The J Dog
Total Comments (210)
"They're defending champs, they've got the heart of a champion, and they came back and they beat us," in Game 5, Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon said Friday. "But that's where it's got to end."
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not in Game 6 it didnt... HAHAHA
Go Red Sox !
KPKahder -.....
Total Comments (43334)
BINGO!!!
~Trixi~
Total Comments (10313)
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