Dragnet Tampa: Sox at D Rays

Here’s a riddle for you: Which Sox player is happiest about heading to Tampa Bay for the team’s series against the D Rays? Here’s a hint, he’s on the mound tonight.

The Mad Professor of Knuckle is back in the Trop tonight.

That’s right, Tim Wakefield, he of senior staff status, has been almost unhittable at Tropicana Field. For years. Wake loves the Trop. So, tonight should provide interesting ammunition for the argument of experience vs. previously unseen youth. Here’s why, courtesy Baseball-Reference, of course.

It’s also worth noting how silent the clubhouse has been about the starting lineup. As of 5:10 no lineups had been announced, which you know has to miff Amalie Benjamin and Jeff Horrigan. Hard to tell whether that’s because the team is waiting on a training room decision or just still shuffling the deck as players file in. It’ll be interesting to see who’s batting where in the perpetual, Jimmy Williams-style batting order roulette tonight though.

NOTABLES

- Anyone else feel like Wily Mo Pena is getting even more run to drive up his trade value at the deadline? His name keeps getting mentioned in potential KC Royals pupu plater agreements.

- Sure, Manny Ramirez knocked the cover off the ball last night, but don’t forget Coco Crisp. Old Covelli got back on track a bit last night, and he’s getting closer and closer to .300, despite being pogo-sticked all over the lineup.

- If you’ve been wondering why the Sox are so interested in landing Ty Wigginton, take a look at the other dugout tonight. Then again, don’t plan on too much, because all accounts are that the Rays are - as always - asking for highway robbery in return. Here’s betting that’s not happening on Theo Epstein’s watch.

– Cameron Smith