Tampa Bay Rays news and notes

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, February 26, 2011

Radio silence of the day

David Price figured he'd catch a lot of grief after taunting former Vanderbilt teammate and roommate (and current Pirate) Pedro Alvarez for weeks that he'd hit him in Saturday's opener then failing to even throw the ball over the plate, issuing a four-pitch walk. "I'm not going to answer the phone or respond to any texts from him," Price said.

Rays at Pirates

When/where: 1:05 today; McKechnie Field, 1611 9th St. W, Bradenton

Radio: 620-AM

Tickets: $10-20, available by calling (877) 293-2827, via pirates.com and at the stadium.

Rays information: Toll-free 1-888-326-7297 (FAN-RAYS)

Pitchers: Rays — James Shields, Brian Baker, Jonah Bayliss, Chris Bootcheck, Richard De Los Santos, Brandon Gomes, Alex Torres; Pirates — Kevin Correia, Brian Burres, Joel Hanrahan, Joe Beimel, Jose Veras, Tony Watson, Chris Leroux

Heads- up

Most of the big-name players, besides starter James "Big Game" Shields, aren't on the trip; those who are include RF Matt Joyce, CF Desmond Jennings, C Kelly Shoppach and 1B Casey Kotchman.

Who is this Ray?

He was drafted by the Rays out of high school but opted for college ball instead. He shared an apartment there with two future MLB All-Stars. He is an avid golfer, with a 10 handicap.

On deck

Monday: Pirates, 1:05. Rays — RHP Jeff Niemann; Pirates — RHP Bryan Morris

Tuesday: at Orioles (Sarasota), 1:05. Rays — TBA; Orioles — TBA

Wednesday: at Blue Jays (Dunedin), 1:05. Rays — TBA; Blue Jays — TBA

Upcoming schedule

March

3: Yankees

4: at Twins

5: Twins

6: at Phillies (ss)

7: at Pirates

8: Jays

9: Jays; and vs. Netherlands at Al Lang

10: Red Sox

11: Pirates

12: at Phillies (ss)

13: at Jays

14: Off

15: Marlins

16: at Marlins

17: at Yankees, 7:05

18: Red Sox (ss), 7:05

19: at Twins

20: Orioles

21: Yankees, 7:05

22: at Red Sox, 7:05

23: Phillies

24: at Astros

25: Pirates

26: Orioles

27: at Pirates

28: at Yankees, 7:05

29: at Red Sox

30: vs. Jays at Tropicana Field, 4:10

Who is this Ray answer: LHP Cesar Ramos

Marc Topkin, Times staff writer

Quotes of the day

"He's kind of Mr. February/March."

Manager Joe Maddon on Sean Rodriguez, who homered Saturday after hitting .460 with six homers last spring

"He should be in the spring training Hall of Fame."

RHP James Shields, on the same

Tribute of the day

Rays players and coaches wore St. Petersburg police caps for the game in honor of the three slain officers, and also observed a moment of silence. Stadium flags were at half-mast. "It's a small token from our perspective," manager Joe Maddon said. "Our tip of the cap to the entire force."

Playing around

CF B.J. Upton was the big winner at Friday's charity golf tournament, leading his knickers-clad team to victory and claiming the long-drive competition with a blast of 375 yards. "Now," Upton said, "if I could just hit a baseball that far."

Source: http://www.tampabay.com/sports/baseball/rays/tampa-bay-rays-news-and-notes/1154212

Alexander McCall Smith Opera Financial sector Allen Stanford Russell Brand Madeleine McCann