Daily Mashup:Blalock signs, TV schedule posted, Rays hot start & more

After a couple days break, the Daily Mashup is back. Hey, I gotta rest too ya know! First of all, I appreciate all the new readers who have been checking out the site, and sounding off via our Twitter feed. Awesome responses, and I am trying my best to get back in touch with you all.

That said, on with the Tampa Bay Rays news…

Blalock FINALLY signs

So, it turns out the Tampa Bay Rays ‘interest‘ was legitimate this time. The Rays signed veteran infielder Hank Blalock.

Now, what exactly this means to the Rays is still up in the air. Many speculate Blalock was brought in to push Pat Burrell at the DH spot, while others have suggested it is as insurance for Willy Aybar, who has been injured since the start of spring training.

Either way, I could not be happier. This is a classic Andrew Friedman move–low risk, high potential pay out. While it is unknown whether or not Blalock will make the 25 man roster to start the season, Cork Gaines of RaysIndex has some good insight on the situation.

I feel the move was smart for the Rays. Blalock is only 29, and if he makes the squad, would be great insurance for Carlos Pena, who we all know may not be back next season. I feel much more comfortable with the future of first base being held down by Blalock than I do Aybar, who seems to be more valuable as a spark off the bench. Blalock could be a great 2 or 3 year guy until the Rays talent factory produces a strong first base prospect.

TV schedule posted

The Tampa Bay Rays have released their TV schedule for the 2010 season. Sure makes me wish I was still living in Florida. 155 of the teams games will be televised this year. Read the whole list here.

Hot Start could mean good things for the Tampa Bay Rays

The Rays are off to a potentially record setting start to the 2010 season. As of yesterday, the Tampa Bay Rays were 5-1 in Grapefruit League play. Last time the Rays were playing this well in Spring Training was the 2008 season–the year they went to the World Series.

The passion I have seen on the field this year is a good thing. Players who struggled last season–Dioner Navarro in particular–are on fire. Up and comers Sean Rodriguez and Desmond Jennings are on a tear, and I just read a Tweet that said Jeremy Hellickson was sparkling today, striking out 4 in a row.

Things are looking good. Let’s keep it up boys.

The Tampa Bay Rays Promos are top notch

Earlier this month, TampaBayRaysFan was one of the first blogs to publish the Ray promo list for the 2010 season.

Jason Collette of DockOfTheRays.com put together a piece indicating just how strong the promo’s are this year…check it out!

Can someone PLEASE send me one of those Carlos Pena tooth brush holders?

Some important announcements…

In keeping with Major League Baseball’s anti tobacco stance, TampaBayRaysFan.com has partnered with The Safe Cig, to provide a healthier alternative to cigarettes. The Safe Cig is a revolutionary new technology that provides smokers with an effective way to cut back on tobacco intake, and eventually away from the need for nicotine too. Help support The Safe Cig, by checking out their site!

The Safe Cig will be the official sponsor of TampaBayRaysFan for the 2010 season, and a portion of all sales of The Safe Cig that are generated by TampaBayRaysFan.com will be donated to a charity to be named later.

Also–be on the lookout this weekend, as we will introduce not one, not two, but THREE new writers to the TampaBayRaysFan family!