Some thoughts on the Rays

A few thoughts about the Rays ...

1. They showed more life in Tuesday's 4-3 walk-off loss at Minnesota than in any of their other losses.

They came back from 2-0 and 3-2 deficits. James Shields didn't implode after hitting a batter with the bases-loaded to force in the go-ahead run.

2. They still can't hit with runners in scoring position.

3. The bench is killing them.

4. You can't count on a pinch-hit home run from Ben Zobrist every night.

Speaking of Zorilla, why isn't he playing more?

Yes, manager Joe Maddon likes to move him around, and right now Zobrist is the only valuable part on the bench. He's also the only right fielder generating any offense.

Why not play him there while the team digs itself out of this funk? Can't hurt. Might help.

5. It's OK to win back-to-back games.

6. Was injured catcher Shawn Riggans that much a part of Matt Garza's success on the mound last season? Can't be, because the oft-injured Riggans wasn't around for the ALCS, and that's when Garza enjoyed his most success.

7. You know things aren't going well when Jeff Niemann is the stopper on the staff. Not that there is anything wrong with Niemann. It's just that he's doing a better job than Garza and Andy Sonnanstine.