Hey, just so you know ... this post is now about 13 years and 4 months old. Please keep that in mind as it very well may contain broken links and/or outdated information.Usually around this time of year my mind turns to baseball. Spring training is only three months away and I’ve already started planning for my third annual trip out to Arizona in March to see my Cleveland Indians (I’ve already got tickets to two games in-hand!).
But this past week I watched the Rays start to disintegrate before my eyes.
First, Carlos Pena signed with the Chicago Cubs.
Then Carl Crawford was acquired by, ugh, the Boston Red Sox.
And finally Jason Bartlett went back to the San Diego Padres.
OK, yes, that’s only three players (although we lost some pitchers as well) and the Rays still have players like Longoria, Upton, and Zobrist. But it’s still sad to see those other guys move on. Looks like both of my teams will be rebuilding next season (a mode the Indians have been stuck in for quite a while, unfortunately).
I was very sad to hear of the passing of Bob Feller yesterday. I’ll miss seeing him at spring training this year. The past 10 years I’ve been going to the Indians’ spring games he always seemed to be there, mingling with the fans and signing autographs.
Not only was he an Indians legend he was a class act. LeBron could have learned a few lessons from Bob. ’nuff said.
Looks like Matt Garza will be joining Carlos Pena in Chicago. 🙁
Another one bites the dust: Rafael Soriano is going to the Yankees. This really sucks!
Ok, I didn’t expect this! Manny will be Manny … in Tampa!? Manny Ramirez has been re-united with his old Boston Red Sox teammate Johnny Damon, joining the Rays’ roster for 2011. I’m conflicted about Manny. He’s one of those players that left Cleveland Indians fans with a sour taste in their mouths when he left for the Red Sox in 2000. Guess I’ll have to put the past behind me and welcome him to Tampa.
Well, Manny didn’t last long. Only 6 games into the season and he has announced his retirement rather than face a possible 100 game suspension for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs during spring training. Well, at least I can continue hating him now …
Welcome back, Carlos Pena!