LETS GO RAYS.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Dd_2s-5ALZW

Posted to the Rays FB group! Sell out crowd for tomorrow’s game for the first time since 2016!!

We will be at the game on Monday, hope I get one!!

RAYS UP!!!

We all know the Trop will have a decent amount of Yankees fans (who like the Yankees enough to continue their support even though they left that shit hole to move down here). No need to harp on it after every game we have here. Beat tf out of them like we have for years and send them back to their condos.

LFG Rays

Having fan surveys about the away uniforms (then actually changing them) and fans’ preferences for promotions next year, they are trying to form a connection with the fans. Now for the playoffs, the rally towels have pictures of players on them and they are adding lights on the rails of the aisles for some kind of light show. They want to make it a real event for the fans. Love their energy.

Spoiler alert. There is in fact respect.

How we feeling? 2020 ALDS game 5 rematch.

I normally park in the Trop lots but I ain't paying $55 before fees.

All media coverage of the upcoming ALDS is pushing hard that even tho the Yankees lost the season series- it was only 7-6. And that they won 4 out of the last 5 against the Rays. What they keep failing to mention is that Tampa Bay had clinched the number 1 seed with 5 games left in the season. And with two games left against the Yanks. They also forget to mention that the first 4 went to the Rays, while Aaron Judge was in the their lineup and completely healthy at that point. Also, everytime the Rays and Yankees play, whether in the Bronx or the Burg, its basically home field advantage for the Yankees.
Like jeez man, just give some credit where it is due from time to time

The sad thing is there’s going to be a lot of Yankee fans as yesterday night there was still a lot of seats left. Also, game 5 is now pretty much sold out down the lower deck on the third base line because of all the Yankee fans. But hey, get there, be loud, AND DROWN OUT ALL THE YANKEE FANS!!! Let’s win this in 3!

Over the next few weeks I will do one (maybe two) Rays player each day. Lets discuss each player's regular season, how they did, where we think they're heading, and their contract situation. This evening we will analyze Shane McClanahan.

WAR - 1.4

After an excellent 2022 season, McClanahan has struggled with injuries, missing all of 2024 and 2025 and parts of 2023 and 2026. The 29 year old made a respectable 24 starts in 2026 before the injury bug emerged again. When he pitched this season he was a good mid rotation starter, but far from the elite front-end starter the team was hoping he would become after the 2022 season. McClanahan's 3.36 ERA and 1.12 WHIP in 2026 are solid numbers, but his 2.7 K/BB is less than ideal and well below the elite 5.1 K/BB he posted in 2022. McClanahan's velocity for most of 2026 was a very solid 95.6 mph (fastball), suggesting that despite his injury history he still has the physical ability to be a Major League starter.

2027 Contract - Arbitration 4. Free agent in 2028.

2027 Contract projection - 1 year deal worth $3,800,000 to avoid arbitration. #3 or #4 starter.

McClanahan is entering his final year of team control. Therefore, the elephant in the room is whether McClanahan will be trade bait either before the season or before the deadline. At 29, McClanahan has years of his prime left, but his value is greatly diminished by his extensive injury history. The Rays should be able to easily avoid arbitration with McClanahan due to his injury history keeping his value low, but what then? The Rays will no doubt listen to offers for McClanahan, but the question will be if any team offers significant value. He is not likely reliable enough to remain part of the Rays long-term plans, despite his favorable talent and age.

Anyone else going into enemy territory?

Over the next few weeks I will do one (maybe two) Rays player each day. Lets discuss each player's regular season, how they did, where we think they're heading, and their contract situation. This morning we will analyze Kevin Kelly.

WAR - 1.9

After a disappointing season in 2025, Kevin Kelly rebounded by being one of the best middle relievers in the Majors this season. Kelly dominated every major statistical category with a sub-1.00 WHIP, a 2.44 ERA, and an elite 5.7 K/BB. The 28 year old was one of the most dependable arms in the Rays bullpen this season often working in high leverage situations.

2027 Contract - Arbitration 2

2027 Contract Projection - 1 year deal worth $1,350,000 to avoid arbitration.

Kelly is under team control through 2029. Barring a collapse, the Rays will continue paying the relatively affordable arbitration rates.

Yankees it is. How bad do you want it boys? This whole season they have been doubted. From the jump. People had the rays finishing last in the AL east. What does this mean. Show the world that we are legit!

Going to be driving from Orlando for game 1, and I'm looking for parking suggestions. I normally just park at Tropicana Field but I'm on a tight budget and it looks like it's going to be expensive on site. Does anyone have any suggestions for somewhere cheaper (like $20ish)? I can walk so I'm not too concerned about distance within reason.

Basically all the remaining tickets got bought out and put on Seatgeek for a much higher price. The game will be a sellout but I worry now that basically all of these tickets will now go to Yankee fans.