Just when we thought we have heard the end of the news cycle of stories on why Joe Maddon is a genius, Rocco Baldelli delighted us with a walk off RBI to take another win from A.L. East’s Baltimore O’s.
This is the same Rocco who we did not know this spring if he would be taken away from the basepaths at such a young age with a rare disorder. When the Rays were lousy, Rocco and Carl Crawford were the first pieces of the puzzle that gave us hope. But a bunch of freak inuries, it almost seemed like Rocco had been taken out of the equation. Now, with Carl Crawford out of the picture for now, Rocco’s presence has been one of relief and evidence that this miricle season is really happening.
Also, part of the feel good stories have been the Rays trades, that seemed oh so minor at the time, with the L.A. Dodgers. One of which, was at the catcher position where Tampa acquired a sparingly used Dodger’s catcher in Dionarro Navarro. Navarro who as a young player struggled early on, but after a strong second half last season, is having an all-star season this year.
Another one of those deals was for Edwin Jackson, who was rushed to the majors by the Dodgers but has been given time in Tampa to develop even after the struggles.
Again and Again, the Rays front office comes up looking brilliant. Its amazing what one year can do.
Filed under: American League, MLB, Rays
