I've never understood this concept.
"Let's bring our little rascal!" she laughed.
I gave her kids then she wants a dog.
"Get ready, because we're going," she demanded.
WOOF.
It just so happens the Threshers were playing the High A team for the Rays so this immediately drew my attention and stirred the ambition up to go. We gathered up the dog, left the kids at my parents house and made sure we had enough water for the dog. We arrived at Spectrum Field to a sea of canines and what struck me curiously were the amount of single women with dogs. If I were a single man, I think I'd go out and buy me a dog and haunt every dog park within a five mile radius of my crib but Strawberry was my girl.
There were a couple of players I had been watching (more or less). The only player from the Threshers I even remotely heard of was Mickey Moniak and that's because we saw him back in Spring when The Rays took on the Phillies. I was really hoping Jesus Sanchez would be in the starting lineup but nowhere to be found. Perhaps homeboy had the day off. First round pick/2-way player phenom Brendan McKaye had found himself on the DL so I'd peep some other players I've heard of and am now seeing what's up with them. 2014 Draftee Blake Bivens got the ball for the Stone Crabs and got hit around quite a bit. Homeboy went 4.2 IP, gave up 8 H, 3 ER and struck out 3. Labored hard through those innings. Sorry bubba. Take a seat.
Lucius Fox is an interesting piece that I've been watching since my homie from Atlanta mentioned in the Matt Moore trade that this dude we got is really good (along with Matt Duffy). Lucius is an interesting case. He jumped out at me during the 2017 Future's Game in Miami. He went 1-4 Sunday and had some really quality ABs then would have an atrocious AB where he swung at every pitch down in the zone. Kinda reminded me of what Joey Wendle gets stuck swinging at. No matter, Fox has some quick hands and could see him potentially manning 2B as opposed to 3B or SS. The problem with him at SS is his size but this could also change as he fills out. I like the idea of him being developed more in AA. It will be interesting to see how his year plays out. If his plate discipline matures (as it will) he will be a very exciting player.
Another dude who stood out to me was Jermaine Palacios (he came over from the Jake Odorizzi trade). A brotha won't even lie when saying, I knew nothing about this cat until peeping him today. I was really impressed. He's batting .229/.272/.331. Okay, it doesn't necessarily jump out at you with amazement but I liked what he did patrolling 3B. Made some really tough plays on funky bounces and hard hit balls. He makes hard contact when putting the ball into play, he just hits it right to the OFers. Despite this though, his last ten games, his bat has been scorching. Do you smell a promotion?
Tristan Gray is another interesting player I saw on the IF (came over from Dickerson trade). He was manning 2B and seems to fit that role extremely well. He has the build of a 2B and is a nice slap hitter. He went 0-4 but saw the potential of a really effective bat.
Rene Pinto was catching. I won't even front, I had never heard of this dude until today. Homeboy really knew how to call a game and had his pitchers really following his lead despite the pitchers throwing some meatballs. Schryver and side armer Charpie came in and gave up more runs. Despite this, Pinto knew how to manage his field and yes, MY GOD YES, homeboy can actually hit! Peep his line: .260/.282/.375. Not bad at all! A quality defensive catcher who can hit? Sounds like Wilson Ramos has a brother! Dude is from Venezuela after all.
I felt good about the future of things from the high A level for The Rays and our dog seemed to enjoy the ballpark and free food the volunteers were giving out. There were a lot of fine ass women running around and confused looking men. There's something to be said about Cracker Jacks at a baseball game. Is this culture?
"Are you having fun baby?" Strawberry asked.
"All for you darling..."
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