cooling off and heating up ....

The smothering temperatures eased a bit in Baltimore on Wednesday, but while it was more comfortable at Camden Yards the Rays weren't any less steamed at the disappointing way Tuesday's game ended, with Baltimore's Corey Patterson leaping high at the left-centerfield wall to rob Greg Norton of what would have been a game-tying two-run home run. Manager Joe Maddon joked Wednesday that he watched the replay once and didn't need to see it again.

As the Rays head into June, taking a season-long five-game losing streak into Wednesday's game, Maddon said he is confident that things are going to improve. The way he looks at it, the starting pitching has been better than expected, the bullpen has stabilized with the addition of Tyler Walker, the defense has improved and the offense can only get better with the expected return of both 2B Jorge Cantu and OF Rocco Baldelli within the next week to 10 days. Maddon also points to the number of close games the Rays have played, with 38 of their first 52 decided by three runs are fewer (Rays are 18-20). He figures that learning to win the close ones will help their overall growth too.

The decision to not change the name for next season, first reported in the Times on Sunday, was not really much of a surprise. Sure, Rays officials will have more time to work on the project, more time to gather opinions, try out options and make decisions on a new name, color scheme and logo, but they can also take advantage of better timing.
The Rays probably won't be much better in 2007, which will be marketed at the 10th anniversary season of the franchise. So why not wait until 2008, when they do expect to field a more successful team, and usher in the next decade of Rays baseball with a new name and new look? Any suggestions?

The name remains the same ...

The news in Sunday's Times is that Rays have all but officially dropped plans to change the team name, uniform and colors for next season. Official word is expected this week, but it will be merely a formality. While some eager for change may consider that disappointing, it actually could be a good thing. By 2008, the Rays expect to be a better team, which means a team that draws more fans and attracts more attention, so the name change could have a much bigger impact then. (And they could sell much more merchandise with the new logo on it, more replicas of the new uniforms, etc.) Plus it means the Rays will have more to time to get it right. They are going to put a lot of hours, effort, research and money into the process. Principal owner Stuart Sternberg made it very clear, standing on the Fenway Park field before Saturday's game, that he realizes the significance of this type of action, and that it is a once-in-a-franchise opportunity. No one ever quite understood how Vince Naimoli and Co. came to settle on Devil Rays intially. Sternberg said they are talking about dramatic and ""wholesale'' change, and that being said, he and his stable of bright and creative executives obviously want to make sure they make the right choice. More importantly, they want to be sure their selection is more warmly received than Devil Rays was. Tarpons? Tropics? Sting Rays? Barracudas? Let the guessing continue for another year.

The other weekend news is that the Rays are once again taking a cautious approach with an injury, placing Casey Fossum on the disabled list rather than risk further injury due to the nagging soreness in his groin. To take his place, the Rays have summoned James Shields from Triple-A, and he will make his debut on Tuesday in Baltimore. Shields is the third of the Rays young Durham starts to be called up this season. Jason Hammel didn't do too well in his two starts, and Edwin Jackson recovered from a rough beginning to have a decent outing in his one start. They chose Shields this time for the simple reason that he was throwing the best.

Aubrey Huff looks very much in need of a day or two off after getting ejected from Saturday's game for comments he made after arguing a call, then punching the bat rack in the dugout.

Rainy night ....

Heavy rain has been falling since late afternoon, which has pushed back the start of Friday night's game indefinitely. Red Sox officials say they expect the game to be played.

Manager Joe Maddon made a concession against Boston lefthander David Wells, dropping struggling Aubrey Huff down to sixth in the order and Travis Lee to eighth.

LHP Casey Fossum said his strained left groin felt much better on Friday and that he would test it in a bullpen session on Saturday. If all goes well, he said it is possible he could make his next start as scheduled on Tuesday.

2B Jorge Cantu's return from the disabled list appears likely to be pushed back until at least June 5 as the Rays want to send him on a week-long rehab assignment to Double-A Montgomery starting Monday. Their primary concern is making sure he is ready to compete at the big-league level having been out for more than a month.

RHP Seth McClung on Saturday makes his first start since Monday's incident in Toronto, which he was criticized for poor preparation when he was late for his pre-game warmup. McClung said he learned from the experience, and pitching coach Mike Butcher agreed.

All kinds of news ....

Carl Crawford's tremendous performance in Toronto on Wednesday turned out to have some historical significance. No other player in the last 50 years did what Crawford did - getting five hits, scoring five runs and stealing four bases in one game. The Rays are waiting for additional research to find out if any player ever matched Crawford's totals.

The International League came down hard on Durham manager/Tampa native John Tamargo, suspending him 10 games for repeatedly bumping an umpire the Bulls' May 21 game.

LHP Casey Fossum said his previously strained groin was sore the day after his start against the Blue Jays, which could lead the Rays to juggle their rotation after Monday's off-day in Baltimore. They could push Fossum back a day or two, or they could skip him entirely by keepign everyone else on schedule.

2B Jorge Cantu played in his first extended spring training game, going 0-for-4, as he completes his recovery from the broken left foot that has sidelined him since late April. The Rays are hoping Cantu rejoins the team around June 2. OF Rocco Baldelli, who is on a rehab assignment at Triple-A Durham, was scheduled to be off Thursday.

ESPN was showing Thursday's game to at least parts of the country, but the spotlight game is Friday night when Scott Kazmir takes the mound seeking his eighth win against Red Sox veteran David Wells, who has dominated the Rays.

Another Durham incident

Less than a month after the Delmon Young incident, in which the Rays' top prospect threw his bat at an umpire and was suspended 50 games, Durham manager John Tamargo was suspended for bumping an umpire. Tamargo was suspended indefinitely by the International League on Tuesday but a formal decision on his punishment is expected by Thursday afternoon. A manager normally would get 3-5 days in this situation, but Tamargo could get more because there were reports of multiple bumps. Durham officials are not happy with all the negative attention being cast on their franchise. Coach Richie Hebner is managing the team in Tamargo's absence.

Rocco Baldelli made in through the first two games of his minor-league rehab at Triple-A Durham with no apparent problems from the strained left hamstring that had sidelined him since late March. Baldelli was the DH on Tuesday night and then played rightfield in Wednesday's matinee. He told Rays officials he did not run 100 percent.

Doug Waechter goes into his start on Thursday at Boston equipped with a new weapon, a split-finger pitch he broke out against the Marlins on Saturday.

Manager Joe Maddon said he wasn't committed to using the dramatic shift - the ""34 defense'' - against Boston's David Ortiz this weekend at Fenway Park.

A lesson learned?

Seth McClung's failure to prepare properly for his start Monday was a major issue after the game as pitching coach Mike Butcher and manager Joe Maddon both, shall we say, pointed our the error of his ways, specificially that he was late getting on the field to start his warmups. McClung struggled in the first three innings, and it could be argued that his poor performance cost the team the game.

Tuesday, McClung was again a primary topic of discussion, but the point being made was that the Rays hope he learns from his mistake.

McClung made a point after the game of saying how winning for his team is his No. 1 priority, but the fact that other Rays were willing to talk about what he did wrong could be construed as a sign that they don't necessarily believe that is the case. The bottom line is that he now has to prove to his teammates and his coaches that he takes things seriously and learned his lesson.

Outfielder Rocco Baldelli was to start a 20-day rehab assignment at Triple-A Durham on Tuesday night and manager Joe Maddon said that - at least as of now - when Baldelli returns he will play rightfield. Baldelli has suggested the move from center to right as a way to reduce stress on his left hamstring, which has sidelined him since late March. With Baldelli in right, Maddon said he would lean toward using Damon Hollins and/or Joey Gathright in center, but he also acknowledged that moving Carl Crawford to center from left would also be an option.

Casey Fossum said the groin strain which forced him out of his last start on Friday appears to have healed and he doesn't expect any problems when he starts Wednesday against the Blue Jays.

And the winner is ...

Devil Rays fans and opponents aren't the only ones taking notice of how well Scott Kazmir has done. Monday, Kazmir was named AL Player of the Week for his winning performances against the White Sox and Marlins. Kazmir is the ninth Devil Ray to win an AL Player of the Week award, the first since Aubrey Huff last July. Kazmir was 2-0 with a 0.60 ERA for the week and struck out 19, most of any AL pitcher.

Lefthander Casey Fossum got through his Monday afternoon bullpen session with no problems from the groin strain that forced him out of Friday's game and he expects to make his next start as scheduled on Wednesday.

The Rays are certainly thankful that the Rogers Centre has a roof because temperatures in Toronto on Monday were supposed to be in the 40s much of the day.

Carl Crawford and Aubrey Huff were back in the lineup Monday after resting Sunday against Marlins lefthander Dontrelle Willis.

North of the border ...

The Rays arrived in Toronto Sunday night feeling pretty good about themselves. Scott Kazmir's strong outing gave them a series sweep of the Marlins and a season-high four-game winning streak. Plus, they have to be encouraged that Aubrey Huff's miserable slow start is finally behind him, based on his successful nights at the plate on Friday and Saturday. And reliever Chad Orvella, who has struggled much of the season, appeared to find a groove with a strong two-inning outing on Friday.

The next big issue is the health of starter Casey Fossum. The rotation has been pitching well, and Fossum hopes that the slight groin strain that forced him out of Friday's game doesn't cause him to miss Wednesday's start. If he can't go, the Rays nay have to again look to the minor leagues, with either Edwin Jackson or Jason Hammel a possibility.

The Rays are on a good roll at a good time as they are starting a long road trip to Toronto, Boston and Baltimore.

The day after (again) ....

Not that he has a lot of other choices anyway, but manager Joe Maddon said he will continue to use Ruddy Lugo as his primary eighth-inning setup man despite consecutive poor outings. Maddon likes the way Lugo approaches the task and - the last two games aside - how he has done it. He also likes how Lugo doesn't let a bad outing deter him or dent his confidence, which are esstential charecteristics for a late-inning reliever. But that has to be balanced by Lugo's last two outings in which he has allowed eight of his last 10 batters to reach base.

Maddon tweaked the lineup a bit for Thursday's game against White Sox righthander Javier Vazquez, starting Russ Branyan in rightfield and sliding Damon Hollins to center in place of Joey Gathright, who made mistakes at the plate and in centerfield on Wednesday. Plus, Gathright is hitting .204.

The Rays start interleague play on Friday with a weekend series against the Marlins, having gone 3-15 against NL teams last year and 15-3 the year before. While interleague play is a big deal in places like Chicago and New York, it won't create much, if any, buzz at Tropicana Field.

OF Rocco Baldelli, out since late March with a strained left hamstring, played in another extended spring training game on Thursday with no problems. If all stays well, he will leave on Monday for a two- or three-week rehab assignment with Triple-A Durham.

Did it work ....

The Devil Rays felt much better about themselves offensively after scoring a season-high 10 runs and getting 12 hits on Tuesday against the White Sox. But manager Joe Maddon said you can't say for sure that they are out of their weeks-long offensive slump until you see how they do over the next couple days. Hitting can be about confidence, however, and the Rays seemed to be feeling better about themselves.

The converse may be true about the bullpen though, as the Rays nearly had a meltdown of classic proportions. A 10-1 eighth-inning lead should pretty much mean the game is over, with the relievers coming in, throwing strikes and letting the batters get themselves out. But the four Rays who struggled through the 55-pitch eighth inning couldn't really do much right until closer Tyler Walker - whom Maddon didn't want to use in the eighth inning - came on to quiet down the Sox.

The bullpen may be a little bare for Wednesday's game, though Shawn Camp is fresh and could be among the first choices. The Rays could also use Doug Waechter, who is on temporary loan until returning to the rotation for a Saturday start.

Most of the pre-game buzz Wednesday had to do with Scott Kazmir's strong pitching performance on Tuesday, and with the presence of Bucs wide receiver Joey Galloway, who took batting practice with the Rays.

Jonny Gomes is back in rightfield for Wednesday's game, a sign that his once-sore right shoulder is feeling better. By using Gomes in right, Maddon is able to get switch-hitter Greg Norton into the lineup as the DH while keeping slick-fielding Travis Lee at first base.

Rocco Baldelli, out since late March with a strained left hamstring, played in an extended spring training game at the minor-league complex, and he played rightfield, which could be a sign of things to come when he does return. Of more immediate concern are plans to send him to Triple-A Durham early next week for a two- to three-week rehab assignment.

Extra work

About a dozen players were on the field at 3 p.m. for a voluntary extra batting session, which manager Joe Maddon said was a sign of how much the players care. The team has been immersed in a lengthy offensive slump, but Maddon has refrained from doing too much about it except stressing patience and confidence that they will return to form.

There are a number of hitters struggling, though the performance - or lack of performance - by Aubrey Huff has been most glaring. Huff went into play Tuesday with a .132 average overall and just 3-for-31 since coming off the disabled list on May 5. 1B Travis Lee is hitting .204 and Joey Gathright .192.

Maddon announced that he will miss the Friday and Saturday games against the Marlins so he can attend girlfriend Jaye Sousoures' graduation from law school in California.

The world champion White Sox were in town for their only visit of the season, but their presence didn't create much buzz around the Trop. Manager Ozzie Guillen - who played briefly for the Rays in 2000 - was entertaining as always, and was complimentary about the way the Rays are doing things now.

What to do about a slump ....

There are usually two ways to deal with the type of lengthy offensive slump the Rays find themselves in, and at the unfortunate time of having the pitching-rich White Sox coming to town.

Some managers will literally try almost anything to shake a team out of it, from scrambling the order of the regular hitters in the lineup to actually pulling it out of a hat. (Or, when they are really desperate, asking writers what they would do!) They also will tinker with the batting practice routine, changing the makeup of the hitting groups, the order of the drills, bringing in different pitchers. Some will add extra sessions, some will scrap BP entirely.

Rays manager Joe Maddon, however, is taking an old-school approach. He believes in maintaining consistency, and order, and doesn't want to change things just for the sake of change. Right or wrong, he is steadfast in his belief that the Rays are going to snap out of it, and there is some validity to what he says because all the Rays can't be as bad as they are for much longer. And it's hard to believe that missing Jorge Cantu - as good as he is - could make that much difference. Patience is one of his virtues, thought it surely is being tested.

Which is better approach? That's hard to say, and open for debate. Any thoughts out there?

If the Rays are going to self-improve, Monday's off-day could help. Teams don't have too many days during the season when they are at home without a game and haven't either flown in late the night before or had to fly out that night. In fact, for the Rays, Monday is one of three such off-days, and the other two are not until September.

Mother's Day musings ....

Rays slugger Jonny Gomes hit the B-ring catwalk (second highest) on Friday night at Tropicana Field and was out when John McDonald caught the ball - 11.5 seconds after it left his bat. Saturday, Gomes hit the C-ring catwalk (second lowest) and got a home run even though Vernon Wells caught it. So naturally Gomes was asked if he could hit all four. The D-ring (the lowest) would take a monster shot since it hangs above, and in some places a bit beyond, the leftfield wall, though Gomes is certainly capable. The real challeneg, he said, could be the A-ring (the highest) because it can't be hit with a normal game swing. Gomes said he has done it when fooling around in batting practice, but that he doubts he could hit a ball that high and straight up off live pitching. If he does complete the grand slam and hit all four, the Rays should do something to mark it. Or maybe they could just give him a piece of the ring?

Manager Joe Maddon remains steadfast in his belief that the Rays will come out of a batting slump that has dropped their overall average to a major-league worst .232, including .200 over their last 23 games. Maddon said he doesn't believe in changing the batting practice routine or shaking up the lineup, but prefers to remain consistent - and confident - that things will improve.

Ty Wiggington, immersed in a 4-for-23 slump, returned to the lineup Sunday at second base. A half-dozen Rays are swinging pink bats as part of an MLB-wide effort to raise awareness of and funding for the fight against breast cancer.

Saturday in the park ....

The Rays appear to be settling on a late-inning bullpen combination that is a most unlikely pairing. Though manager Joe Maddon has stopped short of making it official, it seems obvious that Tyler Walker is now the Rays closer and rookie Ruddy Lugo is the top choice as the eighth-inning setup man. Considering Lugo made the team out of spring training despite never pitching above Double-A and that Walker was essentially let go by the Giants, it's a pretty good example of how the Rays are trying to patch things together.

Maddon gave infielder Ty Wigginston Saturday night off in hopes of shaking him from a 4-for-23 slump that has dropped his average to .250 despite an impressive nine homers and 30 RBIs.

As expected, Doug Waechter will be used in the bullpen most of the coming week then return to the rotation to start May 20 against the Marlins.

Also, Maddon said the Rays trainers are confident they can improve reliever Dan Miceli's ""fragmented'' shoulder without surgery.

With Mother's Day coming on Sunday, be sure to check out the Times for a look at Joe Maddon's mom, Beanie, and his hometown of Hazleton, Pa.

Familiar surroundings ...

The Rays were happy to be back home for a nine-game homestand that started Friday, with manager Joe Maddon hopeful it gives them a chance to settle in and get past an offensive slump that has seen them hit .201 over a 21-game stretch. That made them last in the majors with a .234 average going into play Friday and leading the AL with 249 strikeouts. Maddon insists the Rays will break out of the slump and said he is not considering any shakeups.

The rotation seems headed for a slight adjustment as the Rays try to take advanatge of two offdays in a five-day stretch and keep ace Scott Kazmir on as close to a regular schedule as they can. Doug Waechter seems most likely to be skipped.

OF Rocco Baldelli played in an extended spring training game on Friday as he continues trying to rehab a left hamstring strain that has sidelined him since the last week of spring training.

OF Carl Crawford seemed to enjoy the figurine of him diving full out for a catch that will be handed out to the first 15,000 fans on Saturday.

For hitting ump, Young out for 50 games

Devil Rays top prospect Delmon Young today was suspended 50 games by the International League for throwing his bat at an umpire after being called out on strikes.

Young, 20, was suspended indefinitely the day after the April 26 incident and already has missed 11 games. With the additional sanction, he will be eligible to return June 19.

The Devil Rays have said they will support the International League's decision. Team officials also have discussed the possibility of having Young perform community service and attend counseling for anger issues.

Young's actions, captured on video that has been disseminated nationwide, have made him a hot topic among commentators.

Playing for Triple-A Durham in a game at Pawtucket, R.I., Young was called out on strikes by home plate umpire Ron Cacciatore, a replacement for the striking minor-league umpires.

Young lingered in the batter's box for about 12 seconds, making several comments to the umpire. Cacciatore ejected him from the game. Young then is seen walking toward the dugout and out of the video. Seconds later, the bat enters the frame, flying end-over-end toward the umpire and striking him in the torso.

Young's behavior has been an issue before; he was suspended three games in 2005 for bumping an umpire after being called out on strikes.

Last season, when he played with Double-A Montgomery, Young also reportedly flung his bat "high in the air'' and "about two-thirds the way'' toward Birmingham pitcher Dwayne Pollack after being hit by a pitch.

Young, Baseball America's minor-league player of the year in 2005, also has sported a clubhouse attitude noted by veterans such as Carl Crawford and publicly criticized the organization after he was not promoted to the major-league team last season.

After the latest incident, Young issued a statement through agent Arn Tellem, saying he regretted his actions.

"In the heat of the competition my emotions got the better of me,'' Young said. "My behavior was completely unacceptable. I want everyone to know that I recognize that it is never right to throw a bat, and I certainly never intended for the bat to make contact with the umpire. Nevertheless, I owe an apology to my team, the fans and most importantly to the umpire, for the incident. I am sorry.''

In spring training, Carl Crawford said he talked to Young about his attitude.

"I just want him to stay level-headed a little bit,'' Crawford said. "You know what I'm saying, around (the media) and around the clubhouse, too, with guys that have been around, kind of have respect for the players that have been here. We understand he grew up in the clubhouse (as the younger brother of veteran major-leaguer Dmitri), but we just hope he stays on that level to where other guys don't think he's getting ahead of himself.''
-- Marc Topkin

LEE SITS

For the second straight game, first baseman Travis Lee was not in the starting lineup, a little unusual for the stellar defensive player. But Lee admitted he was benched because of a prolonged slump in which he is 9-for-62 in his past 21 games. He also is 0-for-21 on the season with runners in scoring position. Greg Norton, who has two home runs in 19 at-bats since being called up from Triple-A Durham has been the replacement. Manager Joe Maddon was gracious when asked about Lee, saying not to focus only on his offensive numbers but how many times Lee has saved the team defensively. "The bat,'' Maddon said, "will come back.''

Going from Oakland's McAfee Coliseum to Seattle's Safeco Field is like going from a VW bus to a Rolls Royce. Too bad it's so chilly here. Game time temperature was 54 degrees, and it wasn't getting any warmer as the game went on.

IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN JOE'S WORLD

Is it possible the Rays bullpen is really starting to get its act together? Manager Joe Maddon seems to think so, and the last two days, at least, seem to back him up. Relievers have pitched 5 2/3 innings the past two games against the A's without giving up an earned run. Now, before anyone thinks all the problems are cured (though if Tyler Walker works out as a closer, man, that will help), Tampa Bay's bullpen has allowed runs (earned and unearned) in nine of their past 10 games entering Sunday and lost four. Only the Twins' pen, at .310, has allowed a higher opponent average than the Rays' .300. Still, Maddon is bullish. "I just thought progessively we would get better,'' he said before Sunday's game. "I think the skill level is there. We have to gain more experience and some of these guys are. They've been cutting their teeth on some pretty good hitters. I just think before long it's going to be a strong point of this team.'' For whatever it's worth, both Aubrey Huff (knee) and Julio Lugo (intercostal muscle) reported no ill effects on their respective injuries after playing consecutive days.

A REAL CLOSER ... MAYBE

It might finally be time. Manager Joe Maddon said he would love to give the job to hard-throwing, right-hander Tyler Walker. As you know, the Rays have been using a closer-by-committee program with Dan Miceli, Shawn Camp, Chad Orvella, and even Jesus Colome, before he was released, filling the bill. But with Miceli on the disabled list with right shoulder soreness, the time might be right for Walker. Maddon likes Walker's 95-mph fastball, and Walker had 23 saves last season for the Giants. But Maddon said he also likes Walker's temperament; that Walker lets bad outings role off his back and can come back fresh the next day. Having a closer also should help the bullpen gain some consistency because the pitchers will better know their roles. The pen has taken some deserved harsh criticism this season but the past few days has shown signs of settling down. Is that just a blip? We'll see but the ever-positive Maddon said he believes it might be the first sign that things could be starting to round into shape. We'll see.

Say what you will about starter Seth McClung, and a lot has been said about his inconsistency, but Big Red had his second straight solid outing Saturday against the A's. The best part is he is keeping things simple, not only on the mound but with reporters. After striking out just three in 6 1/3 innings against Oakland, McClung said he is pitching to contact because he knows his fielders will do the job behind him. Smart. Now all he has to do is start winning.

RAYS 3, A's 1

Scott Kazmir won his second consecutive start and Jonny Gomes, Toby Hall and Ty Wigginton drove in runs as the Devil Rays snapped a four-game losing streak with a 3-1 victory over the Athletics at McAfee Coliseum. Tampa Bay also stopped an 11-game losing streak in Oakland that dated to July of 2003. Kazmir (4-2) pitched 5 2/3 innings and allowed one run on nine hits with four strikeouts. He was helped by gritty relief work from Travis Harper, Shawn Camp and Tyler Walker who got his second save. The victory was even more satusfying considering the Rays' cross-country commute which began after Thursday's loss to the Yankees at the Trop and did not end until 5 a.m. Pacific time in San Francisco. "That's the first time I ever yawned during the national anthem,'' Hall said. "For us to come in here and go right at them, it's huge.''

THEY'RE BACK

How much will the Rays really get out of Aubrey Huff and Julio Lugo? Manager Joe Maddon said he knows he will get something. Whether it is tonight, tomorrow or the third day remains to be seen. That's a good attitude to have and practical considering neither player has done anything on a major league level in a while. Huff has been out since April 12 with a sprained knee and Lugo hasn't played since the opener against the Orioles because of a strained intercostal muscle. Those are the muscles that fill in the gaps between your ribs. Think of when you eat ribs. The meat is the intercostal muscle. That is why such an injury takes so long to heal. The muscles are always in motion. Lugo said he will not hold back. "If it happens, it happens,'' he said of a new injury. "But I'm not going to hold back.''

It might be hard to believe, but McAfee Coliseum in Oakland might be a worse venue to watch baseball than Tropicana Field. The stands seem miles away from the stands. It was cold Friday night (Somewhere in the 50s with a breeze). In short, you had to be committed to your team to come out and watch on a night like this. EVen Maddon good naturedly complained the wooden dugout benches no longer had any padding. So the next time you want to complain about the sterile atmosphere in the Trop, remember it is a heck of a lot better than bundling up on a cold, windy night.

Jonny Gomes is getting bigger and bigger. The designated hitter who entered Friday tied for the AL lead with 11 home runs, is being shadowed by a Sports Illustrated reporter for an upcoming story.

Greg Norton grew up in Oakland and said former A's pitcher Dave Stewart sponsored his Babe Ruth team.

How about this for ridiculous scheduling. Not only do the Rays have to play tonight but then a day game Saturday. That after not getting into the Bay Area until after 4 a.m. Friday morning after Thursday night's game with the Yankees in St. Pete. "It's just something they threw at us,'' Maddon said of the schedule. "You do it and don't cry about it.''

Help coming ....

The Rays are poised to activate SS Julio Lugo and 3B Aubrey Huff after Thursday's game. Lugo played in extended spring training in St. Petersburg again on Thursday and did fine. Huff was playing for Class A Visalia in California on Thursday afternoon and if all went well there both will be reinstated. The Rays have not said what moves they will make to clear space on the roster, but a good guess would be that they keep Tomas Perez as a utility infielder over Nick Green and that they keep Greg Norton as an extra bat over Russell Branyan since Norton, a switch-hitter, is more versatile.

The travel to Oakland is brutal; the Rays will leave after Thursday's game, taking off 11:30 or midnight, and probably won't get to their San Francisco hotel until around 2:30 or 3 California time, which will be 5:30 or 6 a.m. on their body clocks.

Manager Joe Maddon stacked his lineup with righthanders against Yankees ace Randy Johnson, using Nick Green at second and Greg Norton at first, with Sean Burroughs and Travis Lee getting the night off. He might have been able to get Josh Paul into the lineup too by using Toby Hall as a DH, but with Jonny Gomes unable to play the outfield due to a sore shoulder the options were limited.

And still no word on Delmon Young's suspension....

New York state of mind (again)

Lots of buzz at Tropicana Field on Wednesday with the arrival of the Yankees, and their fans who made the trek from Tampa. The Rays always have almost a sense of amusement at how hectic the field gets when the Yankees come out for batting practice. Of course, the fact that there are hundreds of fans screaming for the Yankees and only a handful for the Rays is worth noting too.

The Rays continue to get healthier, with SS Julio Lugo saying he could be ready as soon as Thursday, though it seems that Friday in Oakland remains the more likely scenario.

Manager Joe Maddon said he spent quite a bit of time during his morning bike ride Wednesday thinking about lineup possibilities with Lugo and 3B Aubrey Huff, who is also expected to return on Friday.

For Wednesday, the Rays are sticking with what has become their almost ""regular'' lineup, with Joey Gathright in center, Carl Crawford in left, Jonny Gomes at DH, Ty Wigginton at second, Toby Hall catching, Travis Lee at first, Damon Hollins in right, Sean Burroughs at third and Tomas Perez at short.

On Thursday, the Rays get another chance to beat up on Randy Johnson, who is winless against them in his last six starts.


The Yankees are still without Gary Sheffield, whose sore wrist is improving. Sheffield said there is a chance he could play Thursday.

New York state of mind (again) ...

Lots of buzz at Tropicana Field on Wednesday with the arrival of the Yankees, and their fans who made the trek from Tampa. The Rays always have almost a sense of amusement at how hectic the field gets when the Yankees come out for batting practice. Of course, the fact that there are hundreds of fans screaming for the Yankees and only a handful for the Rays is worth noting too.

The Rays continue to get healthier, with SS Julio Lugo saying he could be ready as soon as Thursday, though it seems that Friday in Oakland remains the more likely scenario.

Manager Joe Maddon said he spent quite a bit of time during his morning bike ride Wednesday thinking about lineup possibilities with Lugo and 3B Aubrey Huff, who is also expected to return on Friday.

For Wednesday, the Rays are sticking with what has become their almost ""regular'' lineup, with Joey Gathright in center, Carl Crawford in left, Jonny Gomes at DH, Ty Wigginton at second, Toby Hall catching, Travis Lee at first, Damon Hollins in right, Sean Burroughs at third and Tomas Perez at short.

On Thursday, the Rays get another chance to beat up on Randy Johnson, who is winless against them in his last six starts.

The Yankees are still without Gary Sheffield, whose sore wrist is improving. Sheffield said there is a chance he could play Thursday.

Good news (finally)

Barring any unexpected setbacks - and the way this season is going that's not out of the question - the Rays are poised to get back two key starters during their upcoming roadtrip. 3B Aubrey Huff, out since April 11 with a left knee sprain, is scheduled to play two games for Class A Visalia then rejoin the Rays in Oakland on Friday. SS Julio Lugo, out since the third inning of the April 3 opener with an abdominal strain, will play in extended spring training games the rest of this week and is supposed to lead off every inning, then rejoin the team either in Oakland or Seattle.

Rocco Baldelli's progress is not as easy to define and the Rays are not sure when he will be back. Baldelli, out since late spring training with a left hamstring strain, has worked out some at first base, though manager Joe Maddon said the best scenario is for Baldelli to return to centerfield. 2B Jorge Cantu, out with a fractured left foot, is probably at least two weeks away from returning.

Maddon said he welcomes their return not only because they are frontline players, but because it will allow him to use a more regular lineup.

Sean Burroughs has earned more playing time at third with his solid defense, and is in the lineup again Tuesday. C Toby Hall also returns to the lineup.

Another small crowd is expected, but the Trop will be considerably more lively on Wednesday and Thursday when the Yankees make the first of three visits.

The Rays had more off-field trouble, with Class A minor-league pitcher Matt Rico suspended 100 games for a drug violation. No word, yet, on the official suspension for Delmon Young.

Crowded house ....

The Rays reported that attendance is up 60 percent through the first 10 games of the season - with a total of 197,165 compared to 118,261 at the same point last season. Some of that can be attributed to the excitement over the change in ownership and the more fan-friendly attitude, though some also has to be due to having the Red Sox in for what turned out to be a big weekend and a couple of promotions during the first homestand. Last season's first 10 home games were against the Blue Jays, A's, Orioles and Rangers. Small crowds are likely for the Rangers, but it will interesting to see how the Yankee-lovers turn out on Wednesday and Thursday, and if those bridges from Tampa are not nearly as much of a hassle as they are other days.

SS Julio Lugo and 3B Aubrey Huff took the next steps toward rejoining the Rays this weekend by playing in extended spring training games on Monday. Both hope to be in the Rays lineup in Oakland this weekend.

Manager Joe Maddon continues to insist that the bullpen will improve as the season goes on. ""Even though it's a little crazy right now, if we could work through this and stay solvent, as the season is in progress, I think they should be better in a month or two,'' Maddon said.

No word yet on the length of Delmon Young's suspension.