Join the Rayvolution

You know you want to. We all have it in us: the desperate, yearning instinct to root for the underdog.

But are the Tampa Bay Rays really the underdog anymore? Sure, they've gone from worst to first in wins, errors, and respect. Then again, they haven't disappointed us all season long.

You'll Poke Your Eye Out Carlos Peña!

Carlos Peña was nixed from Friday's lineup card by a concerned Joe Maddon just before the game due to a scratched cornea. The Tampa Bay Rays were fine without the slugging first baseman -- who is still experiencing slightly blurred vision in his left eye -- pulling out a 6-2 victory over the Chicago White Sox behind Akinori Iwamura and future Rookie of the Year Evan Longoria.

My niece scratched my eyeball once right before I was supposed to leave for a G Love and the Special Sauce show. I ended up not going because it hurt really bad and was watering like crazy. When I asked my girl how the show was the next day, she was reluctant to tell me she totally made out with the drummer.

Carlos Peña, I hope Willy Aybar doesn't make out with your drummer and kill your dreams. Get well soon.
[AP] | [Outs Per Swing] | [The Fanhouse]

Willy Aybar Update

For those of you concerned or intrigued by the Willy Aybar situation, it turns out he has a rather serious substance abuse problem.

The backup third baseman's agent, Luis Valdez, told the Atlanta Journal Constitution that Aybar is in Boston with his brother trying to deal with "drinking and drugs" before backpedaling minutes later, saying that he wasn't sure if the troubled young man was involved with anything other than alcohol.

As of right now, Aybar is on the disabled list with a sprained right hand, which he is supposed to be rehabbing with the club. He instead has been a no-show and in turn was suspended indefinitely.

Willy Aybar Still MIA

Atlanta Braves backup third baseman Willy Aybar has been suspended indefinitely for failure to report.

The 24-year-old switch-hitter was initially grounded for three days by the club for not showing up at Turner Field for treatment on his sore right hand over the weekend. After contacting Aybar via telephone earlier in the week, the Braves expected him to be at Wednesday night's game against the Chicago Cubs.

When he pulled another no-show, Braves GM John Schuerholz was not happy. He extended the suspension, saying that he expects each of his players to attend every game.