I believe the late great Chris Thomas coined the term, "dead Tuesday" since it was typically the slowest sports day of the week. Today's Binge is no exception, so don't worry about filling up on bread.
The fallout continues from the dugout spat between dreamy-eyed Evan Longoria and vacant-eyed BJ Upton Sunday night. With the season threatening to spiral out of control before the damned All-Star break, it would appear that we are witnessing a metaphorical fork in the road for the 2010 Rays season. Longoria has broken the lethargic silence and emerged as the de facto leader, some would say, by finally showing some much-needed emotion on this team. It's about time somebody called Upton out for playing with his head up his ass. I'm tired of hearing about how good he is, how good he can be, or how the team can't win without him. Because that's exactly the attitude he seems to have on the field as of late. Bottom line is this: The Rays can't win with Upton in the lineup either, the way he's been playing, and it's good to see somebody cared enough to point that out.
Sure, the problems go far beyond just one player, but it's embarrassing that we have to address "lack of effort" as one of them. Sorry to dust off this old chestnut, but dammit it's necessary. Pete Rose absolutely obliterated catcher Ray Fosse at home plate to win a game 5-4, permanently rearranging Fosse's shoulder, and his legacy, in the process. It was the 1970 All-Star Game, for chrissakes. The lesson is this, kids: Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes it rains, but never, EVER take a play off. Not while the beer is eight bucks a pop, anyway.
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