Game of the Week: June 15: TB @ CHW

[Commissioner Erick]

Tampa Bay Rays (38-28) @ Chicago White Sox (29-37)


TB: Brent Honeywell (4-1, 2.82)
CHW: Jeremy Myers (1-0, 1.29)


Rays 5 Key Stats


55: Heliot Ramos’s RBI total. Ramos is third in the AL in RBIs and in WAR, hitting .323 with 15 home runs and 14 steals.

6.8: Ryan Lillard’s WAR total in 662 games with the White Sox. Lillard will be facing his old team for the first time today.

13.3: Brent Honeywell’s strikeout rate, fifth lowest in the AL. Honeywell hasn’t allowed many homers or walks though, so he has a 2.82 ERA, which would be the lowest of his career.

0: The number of lefties in Tampa’s bullpen, which could be a problem against Andrew Benintendi and Rafael Devers.

38-28: Tampa Bay’s record. Despite the stalwart Orioles and Blue Jays and surging Red Sox, Tampa Bay is the team that leads the AL East.


White Sox 5 Key Stats


1.29: Jeremy Myers’ ERA in two starts. He’s given the White Sox a huge boost since being called into the rotation.

-8.2: The combined zone ratings of stating Second Baseman Edmundo Sosa and starting Shortstop Tim Anderson. Chicago’s up-the-middle defense has been rough with those two starting.

3: The number of Chicago regulars hitting above .256 with at least four home runs expected to be in the lineup today. Rafael Devers and Andrew Benintendi continue to be stars, and Ronald Acuna has been a huge third bat, but Chicago’s supporting cast has been woefully deficient.

2: Jimmie Sherfy’s save total this year. Sherfy led the league in saves last year, but was replaced as closer by David Robertson. Sherfy has a good 3.20 ERA and a strong 1.11 WHIP, but has allowed six home runs in 25.1 innings.

6.97: Carlos Rodon’s ERA total. Rodon’s been a huge bust this year and has been pulled from the rotation. Rodon was somehow given a 6-year $97 million contract extension last summer after tearing his elbow that looks to be entirely comprised of dead money.


Questions for the GMs:


For Ryan Morneau, you grabbed Chris Featherly in the first round of the recent draft. What do you like about him?

Travis Driskill is said to be a pitching coach focused on finesse pitchers. How do you think he’s worked with your staff this year?

You don’t have any lefties in your pen. What will the strategy be for getting Benintendi and Devers late in games?

For Steve Strzepek, despite a rough season, your clubhouse is in good harmony. Do you emphasize having a good clubhouse?

How will your lineup look with Micah Watson headed to the IL?

What do you think of your first round draft pick from this draft, Joe Knight?


TRIVIA: Which non-American player has the most home runs in PBA history?

[mrlucky12]

you grabbed Chris Featherly in the first round of the recent draft. What do you like about him?

I like his potential and he has the likes of a number 1 starting pitcher in my organization.

Travis Driskill is said to be a pitching coach focused on finesse pitchers. How do you think he’s worked with your staff this year?

I really have admired his work atthic this season he has done over and beyond what we expected from his season.

You don’t have any lefties in your pen. What will the strategy be for getting Benintendi and Devers late in games?

It'll be hoping and praying that my bullpen can hold their own against them and try and get a Lefty for the next time we face them.

[Commissioner Erick]

Rays 5 - White Sox 1


WP: B. Honeywell (5-1)
LP: J. Myers (1-1)
SV: J. Hale (9)


Tampa Bay Rays starter Brent Honeywell was in a rhythm all game. He led his team to a win over the Chicago White Sox, 5-1. The winning pitcher was Honeywell, now 5-1. He tossed 6.1 innings of 4-hit ball, while walking 1 and fanning 5. With the victory, the Rays upped their record to 39-28.

Tampa Bay relied on the hitting of Lewin Diaz to pick up the win. The first baseman clubbed a 2-run home run in the top of the fifth inning to put the Rays on top, 3-1. For the game, Diaz had 1 home run and 1 single in 3 at-bats.

"Our guys are never satisfied," said Tampa Bay manager Ryan Morneau.


Questions for the GMs:


For Ryan Morneau, Josh Bell had two hits and an RBI. How has he looked to you since you acquired him?

James Hale collected his ninth save in 10 appearances. What led you to believe he'd be a successful closer?

Your club had 10 hits and walked nine times, but only came up with five runs. What do you need to do to get more of those baserunners home?

For Steve Strzepek, Andrew Benintendi had the day off and your offense sputtered. Can you afford to rest him going forward?

The loss drops your record to 29-38. If you can't turn things around, will any of your superstars be on the block?

Riley Adams went 0-3 and is now batting .184. Do you trust him as your primary Catcher?


TRIVIA: Who has the most walks in a single season for the Rays?