Rays News 10/6

Sorry I havent updated the stuff lately my fellow sports fans, I have been swamped with work and just had no free time. But on the good side I have ton of information to give to you in this blog. Lets start off with our AL East Division Champion Tampa Bay Rays! Congrats to you guys! You played great baseball all year round.

Jason Bartlett will bat leadoff for Game 1 of the ALDS against the Rangers on Wednesday afternoon.

It's a minor surprise, as Bartlett hasn't batted leadoff since June 17. Carlos Pena will bat No. 5 while Kelly Shoppach starts behind the plate and bats eighth against the southpaw Cliff Lee. Oct. 6 - 10:21 am et

Desmond Jennings is on the Rays' roster for the ALDS.

Rays manager Joe Maddon could have carried Dioner Navarro as a third catcher, but he apparently likes the speed of the young outfielder. Jennings stole 37 bases with Triple-A Durham this season.

Rocco Baldelli has been awarded a spot on the Rays' roster for the ALDS.

Rays manager Joe Maddon ultimately opted for Baldelli as an extra right-handed bat over Willy Aybar. He'll be the DH in Game 1. The 29-year-old outfielder batted .208 with one home run and five RBI after joining the team in September.

Evan Longoria (quad) said Tuesday that he is feeling "probably 85, 90 percent."

"I think holding back that last series was the best thing for it," said Longoria. "In the last four days, it's probably progressed the most. I'm excited to be back." Longoria missed the final 10 games of the regular season with a strained left quad, but is good to go for the ALDS.

David Price will start Game 1 of the ALDS against the Rangers.

James Shields will follow in Game 2 and Matt Garza will take Game 3. If a Game 4 starter is necessary, Wade Davis will probably take the hill. Price posted a 19-6 record, 2.72 ERA and 1.19 WHIP this season.

This is all good news. David Price has been the best pitcher on the Rays all year with Matt Garza being very good as well. To start off with Price will definitely be the right thing with him posting a great record throughout the season. Evan Longoria also being close to 100% is crucial for the Rays batting rotation in order to dominate in the playoffs against the powerhouse Yankees if they meet in the ALCS. I am interested as well in the choice of Rocco Baldelli and Desmond Jennings over Dioner Navarro and Willy Aybar. Ultimately lets hope that it works out since both were on the World Series team two years ago.