Rays rolling on the road

There's a positive vibe in the Rays clubhouse now after sweeping the Orioles in Baltimore. Finally it seems like things are starting to come together -- timely hitting, quality relief pitching and good fielding. The Rays have scored Now they take that confidence into the Bronx against the Yankees.

The Rays enter the final day of August with a 7-7 record on the road, and a win tonight ould give the Rays their sixth month in club history that they had a winning record on the road. They've already won 23 road games this season, three more than all of last year.

The Rays have apparently already caught a break. Yankees rookie reliever Joba Chamberlain was suspeneded two games for throwing two pitches that sailed over Boston 1B Kevin Youkilis' head. MLB.com is reporting that Chamberlain will beging serving the suspension today, meaning the Rays might now see him until Sunday.

The full lineup:
Iwamura, 3B
Crawford, LF
Pena, 1B
Upton, CF
Young, RF
Harris, 2B
Norton, DH
Navarro,C
Wilson, SS

Brooms ready?

The Rays trailed after seven innings in both games this series, but enter tonight's third game with two wins and a chance for a sweep of the floundering Orioles. It's been more than two years since the last time the Rays swept an opponent on the road (Aug. 12-14, 2005 at Cleveland) and it's been nearly two years since Tampa Bay won three straigh road games (Sept. 25-28, 2005)

The full lineup:
Iwamura, 3B
Crawford, LF
Pena, 1B
Upton, CF
Young, RF
Harris, 2B
Gomes, DH
Wilson, SS
Paul, C

Burning bats in Baltimore

The Rays can win their first road series since early June tonight with a win over the Orioles here at Camden Yards, sending James Shields to the mound against Baltimore.

The Rays pounded the O's 15-8 here last night, highlighted by an 11-run eighth inning. Funny thing is that some Rays players didn't even know how many runs they put up in the inning, the most the Orioles have allowed in an inning since the Kennedy administration (May 11, 1962 against the Senators).

"We really put up that many?" Rays 1B Carlos Pena asked. "Oh my God."

The most interesting thing about the inning was that the Rays strung together nine hits -- all but one were singles -- and three walks. Seems like the the young Rays lineup -- which has relied on home runs heavily -- are finally grasping that the best rallies don't need the longball.

"When the students are ready, the teacher's going to be there," Rays manager Joe Maddon said.

There's not much different about tonight's lineup. Why would you change it up after last night's season-high 15 runs?

The full lineup:
Iwamura, 3B
Crawford, LF
Pena, 1B
Upton, CF
Young, RF
Harris, 2B
Gomes, DH
Wilson, SS
Navarro, C

Windy city scene ...

It's overcast in Chicago, which seems appropriate for the makeup of the May 26 game that was rained out. It's also a tad cooler than St. Pete, which will be refreshing.

There won't be any word today on the status of CF Rocco Baldelli, whose latest rehab was shut down last week due to soreness, with the Rays saying only he is undergoing a series of tests with their doctors in St. Petersburg.

The Rays are sticking with what works in the lineup, with a top six again of 3B Akinori Iwamura, LF Carl Crawford, 1B Carlos Pena, CF B.J. Upton, RF Delmon Young, 2B Brendan Harris. After that it's Greg Norton at DH, Josh Wilson at short and Josh Paul behind the plate - as he now always is when Edwin Jackson starts.

Crawford today will tie Aubrey Huff for playing the most games as a Devil Ray - 799.

An interesting item in the pre-game notes sure makes it seem that 3B Evan Longoria is definitely not going to get a September callup. He is included on the Rays list of seven players heading to the Arizona Fall League, and though not prohibitive, it would be usual for him to first play in the major leagues and report west later.

The seven soon-to-be Scottsdale Scorpions: pitchers Evan Meek, Nick DeBarr and Calvin Medlock. shortstop Reid Brignac, catcher John Jaso and infielders Chris Nowak and Longoria.

Final of four

The Rays close their series against the A's today at the Trop, marking the first of three games in three cities in three days. After today's game, the Rays head to Chicago to make up May 25's rained out game against the White Sox, then head to Baltimore for three after Monday's game.

But first the Rays traveling road show finishes up at the Trop. The Rays have scored 28 runs in this series, two short of their team record.

Today, Jonny Gomes will bat leadoff as 3B Akinori Iwamura receives a day off. Joel Guzman willl make his first start at 3B. They rest of the Tampa Bay lineup is status quo.

The full lineup:
Gomes, DH
Crawford, LF
Pena, 1B
Upton, CF
Young, RF
Harris, 2B
Wilson, SS
Guzman, 3B
Navarro, C
-----------
Sonnanstine, RHP

Left is right

Manager Joe Maddon is sticking with what worked, running out pretty much the same lineup on Saturday that produced so well Friday, with the three lefties at the top. It's season-ticker holder photo day, and there are about 250 or so on the field at the Trop

The lineup:

Iwamura, 3b
Crawford, lf
Pena, 1b
Upton, cf
Young, rf
Harris, 2b
Gomes, dh
Wilson, ss
Paul, c

Rocco to be re-evaluated

The big news out of today's pregame is that CF Rocco Baldelli has returned to St. Pete and will see team doctors on Monday for re-evaluation after missing his scheduled start at Class-A Vero Beach Thursday with general soreness.

"He's shut down for now," Rays manager Joe Maddon said.

Joe Maddon said the soreness Baldelli, left, is experiencing -- he spent two games as starting DH and was 0-for-5 --isn't directly related to his hamstring, but has more to so with the adjustments Baldelli has made to his running style.

Still, it's definitely a setback, because Baldelli was scheduled to be in Durham making his way toward playing nine innings by next week. Instead he'll be at the doctor's.

As for the guys who are playing, Maddon has flipped B.J. Upton and Carlos Pena again (He did the same Wednesday), giving the Rays three left-handed hitters at the top of the order against left-hander Lenny DiNardo.

Also, we'll have to watch closely whether the tension between these teams escalates after last night's hit batters. ... and if hitting coach Steve Henderson's postgame meeting with the players ignites the bats.

The full lineup:
Iwamura, 3B
Crawford, LF
Pena, 1B
Upton, CF
Young, RF
Harris, 2B
Gomes, DH
Navarro, C
Wilson, SS

Baldelli setback?

CF Rocco Baldelli was supposed to play centerfield for Class A Vero Beach tonight in the third game of his rehab assignment, but was not in the starting lineup. The Rays said his legs are sore, though the problem is not related to his hamstrings, and they are just being cautious. Baldelli, out since mid-May with a left hamstring strain, has been working to build up strength in his legs and altered his running style and is hoping to rejoin the Rays on or shortly after Sept. 1.

Different atmosphere ...

More than the color of the opponents uniforms changes as the Trop is a much calmer place with the A's in town instead of the Red Sox. The number of Boston hangers-on is huge, the A's don't have quote the following, though Mike Piazza can be the center of attention.

Delmon Young is back and the middle of the Rays lineup is back to its usual configuration, though Jonny Gomes is getting a night off with Greg Norton as DH.

Most of the pre-game talk was about the impressive turnaround by RHP Edwin Jackson and the ongoing success of 1B Carlos Pena.

Oakland made a late lineup change, dropping SS Marco Scutaro for J.J. Furmaniak.

The Rays lineup:

Iwamura, 3b
Crawford, lf
Upton, cf
Pena, 1b
Young, rf
Harris, 2b
Norton, dh
Navarro, c
Wilson, ss
Hammel, p

Young off; Guzman in

As the Rays close out their series with the Red Sox tonight at the Trop, manager Joe Maddon has given RF Delmon Young a rare day off, allowing him to give newcomer Joel Guzman his first start as a Devil Ray.

Maddon's been talking about wanting to give Guzman a start soon, and tonight he will start at first base and Carlos Pena will serve as the DH. Maddon also flipped Pena and B.J. Upton, with Pena hitting third and Upton hitting cleanup. Josh Paul gets the start with Edwin Jackson on the mound, a pairing that's been successful recently.

Here's the full Rays lineup:
Iwamura, 3B
Crawford, LF
Pena, DH
Upton, CF
Harris, 2B
Gomes, 2B
Guzman, 1B
Paul, C
Wilson, SS

Curt answer?

Now pitching for the Devil Rays … Curt Schilling?

The Red Sox ace has had harsh words for the Devil Rays in the past, especially during a feisty exchange a few years ago with former manager Lou Piniella

But now Schilling, who may be looking for a new place to play as he is a free agent after the season, is making nice, beyond giving Scott Kazmir some advice when the Rays were in Boston in July.

Schilling just raved about the Rays on his blog (38pitches.com) and on his Tuesday morning radio show on Boston's WEEI, where he also talked about how much he loves the Tampa Bay area.

Then he went even further, saying he would be interested in playing for the Rays next season. "It's one of those situations you'd certainly look at," he said.

To hear more of what Schilling said, go to the weei.com Web site. (Scroll down the index to the right of the player and click on 0:08:12 to skip to his comments about the Rays.) To read more about it, check Wednesday's Times.

Ex-Rays report - they're back!

Monday turned out to be a big day for recently departed Devil Rays.

First, INF Jorge Cantu was called up by the Reds and singled in his first at-bat as a pinch-hitter in the eighth. Then late Monday, the Brewers announced they were calling up RHP Seth McClung, who will join their bullpen today.

McClung will land right in the middle of a fierce pennant race, as Brewers are tied for first with the Lou Piniella-led Cubs, and it will be interesting to see how he handles it. Big Red pitched extremely well at Triple-A Nashville since being traded for RHP Grant Balfour, going 2-0 with a 1.42 ERA in five outings (three starts). Most significantly, he allowed only five walks in 19 innings while striking out 25.

A new spring fling ...

As Rays officials gathered in Port Charlotte on Monday morning for groundbreaking ceremonies for the renovated spring training facility, principal owner Stuart Sternberg said what was obvious: "What you're looking at today will be completely different in a year and a half.''

The Rays have big plans for the facility that was used previously by the Texas Rangers, essentially a complete overhaul, and will move there for the 2009 preseason.

At the new location, the Rays will also be able to have their full major-league spring training at one site (rather than splitting it between the Naimoli Complex and Al Lang Stadium) and will also have their minor-leaguers on site, which manager Joe Maddon said will be a huge benefit in teaching and evaluating. In addition to the stadium field, there are 1 1/2 major-league practice field and four minor-league fields.

Among the highlights of improvements are a new 40,000 square-foot clubhouse and administrative office building and new clubhouses; berm areas along the left- and rightfield lines along with a Kids Zone; new seats, concession and merchandise areas; and an outfield boardwalk that will allow for 360-degree circulation around the ballpark.

The renovation is being designed by HOK Sport, which did Clearwater's Bright House Networks Field, and built by Hunt Construction, which worked on the Trop as well as Bright House, the St. Pete Times Forum, Raymond James Stadium and the new Bucs training facility.

Regular Rays but no Big Papi ...

The Rays will trot out their somewhat regular lineup tonight against Boston and knuckleballing nemesis Tim Wakefield, but the Sox unveiled something of a surprise, with David Ortiz getting the night off against Rays ace Scott Kazmir. Instead, they'll have Bobby Kielty hitting third and playing leftfield, with Manny Ramirez as the DH.

The Rays will probably be without closer Al Reyes tonight, since he threw two innings Sunday, but have Dan Wheeler to close if needed.

Not much else new for the Rays, as manager Joe Maddon and executive VP Andrew Friedman spent lots of time talking Monday in driving to and from Port Charlotte for groundbreaking ceremonies for the new spring facility. Among the topics were possible September callups (Maddon said there won't be more than five or six) and going to a six-man rotation (to provide extra rest for Kazmir and James Shields).

Also, former Ray Jorge Cantu got called up to the big leagues by the Reds.

The Rays lineup:
Iwamura, 3b
Crawford, lf
Upton, cf
Pena, 1B
Young, rf
Harris, 2b
Gomes, dh
Wilson, ss
Paul,c

Guzman in, Zobrist out

As expected, the Rays recalled INF Joel Guzman from Triple-A Durham to replace SS Ben Zobrist, who went on the 15-day disabled list with a right oblique strain that could keep him sidelined for the rest of the season.

Guzman, 22, has worked primarily at third and first base this season and last, but was originally a shortstop and would be used as the backup if and when now-fulltime starter Josh Wilson is out of the game. If the Rays need a fill-in at second base for Brendan Harris, Wilson is likely to slide over, though Maddon said he would consider bringing in B.J. Upton from centerfield to finish a game. Maddon said he also wanted to at least look at Guzman at second base as well.

Zobrist was predictably disappointed about the injury but hopes to return before the end of the season. He was scheduled for an MRI Sunday afternoon; the usual minimal healing time is two weeks and then he would need a few weeks to work back into form.

Also, CF Rocco Baldelli starts a rehab assignment on Monday night for Class A Vero Beach - he will be the DH and get two at-bats.
 

 

Zobrist likely headed to DL; Guzman headed to Rays?

Rays SS Ben Zobrist appears to be headed to the DL after he left Saturday's game in the middle of his first at bat with a right oblique strain.

Zobrist, left, grimaced when he swung at Jake Westbrook's first-pitch delivery. He tried to bunt Westbrooks second pitch, prompting manager Joe Maddon and head trainer Ron Porterfield out to home plate. He left with an 0-2 count and was replace by Josh Wilson.

“When I swung I knew there was something wrong,” Zobrist said. “I tried to move it a little bit when I was standing there next to the box and it didn’t look like I was going to be able to swing the bat hard.

"I’m not sure what it is," Zobrist said. "It feels like it’s right below my ribs but above my oblique, but it’s definitely in the core area so it’s going to be difficult to twist.”

The Rays, already short a position player because they are carrying 13 pitchers, will likely make a move today. The most likely option is to add Triple-A Durham 3B Joel Guzman to the roster. Guzman is hitting .242. His 16 homers are second most on the team and he is tied for the Bulls lead with 64 RBIs.

Comings and Going

We've had our share of news so far tonight before the Rays play the Indians here at The Trop.

As we type, actor Barry Williams (better known as Greg Brady from The Brady Bunch, left) is signing autographs in Centerfield Street. Music from the '70s is playing as the Indians finish batting practice (We at The Heater are impartial to The Bee Gees because we love Andy Gibb).

But inside the Rays clubhouse, Rays CF Rocco Baldelli stopped by. He will report to Class-A Vero Beach and start a rehab assignment there Monday. He will likely play there for the next four or five games, rotating between CF and DH, and then move up to Triple-A Durham.

On the Houser front, word is that the suspended Rays minor league pitcher will remain with Double-A Montgomery while starting his 50-game suspension. He will work out with the Biscuits for the rest of the season. The Sarasota High product will serve his suspension without pay.

Also, reliever Fernando Cabrera, who the Rays claimed on release waivers from the Indians, declined his waiver assignment. He now becomes a free agent, but the Rays haven't given up. They hope to sign him as he talks to the other 28 teams.

So to regroup: Greg Brady is here. Rocco was here and is leaving. Cabrera is not here yet, but still might come here. And Houser is staying in Montgomery.

Here's the Rays starting lineup:
Iwamura, 3B
Crawford, LF
Upton, CF
Pena, 1B
Young, RF
Harris, 2B
Gomes, DH
Navarro, C
Zobrist, SS

Pitching prospect Houser suspended

LHP James Houser, a Sarasota native who was the Rays' second-round pick in 2003, was suspended 50 games on Saturday for "testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance,'' according to MLB.

Houser was 5-4 with a 3.65 ERA in 20 starts and is considered among the Rays' second-tier of young pitching prospects. He was 12-4, 4.41 last season at advanced Class A Visalia and was named Class A SW Michigan's pitcher of the year in 2005 when going 8-8, 3.76.

Houser, 22, was mysteriously scratched from his Friday night start for Double-A Montgomery, raising speculation something was amiss. Houser was involved in a long closed-door meeting after Wednesday's game with Biscuits manager Billy Gardner Jr., pitching coach Neil Allen and field coordinator Jim Hoff.

Houser is at least the fifth player in the Rays organization to be suspended for drug policy violations, following reliever Juan Salas, who served a 50-game suspension earlier this season for similarly testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs during spring training.

Previously, outfielder Alex Sanchez was suspended 10 games on the eve of the 2005 season, and minor-league pitcher Matt Rico was was suspended 100 games last year under the minor-league program. Also, OF Josh Hamilton was suspended for the 2004-05 season for failing multiple drug tests and later admitted cocaine use, though he has resurrected his career this season with the Cincinnati Reds.

Price to report to Columbus

Rays No. 1 draft pick David Price will report to the Rays' low-level Class-A affiliate in Columbus, Ga. next week.

Price, who signed a six-year, $8.5 guaranteed major league contract that could make him $11.25 million, will not likely pitch for the Catfish this season, but he will throw bullpen sessions and get accustomed to professional baseball there. The Rays originally said they were going to assign Price to short-season Class-A Hudson Valley.

Price met with Rays personnel to discuss how he would spend his next two months Friday after throwing a pregame bullpen session. The Rays decided to send Price to Columbus because the Catfish's season ends Sept. 3, four days earlier than Hudson Valley. Price is registered to take 12 credits this fall at Vanderbilt -- he is 36 credits short of his sociology degree -- this fall and classes start there Aug. 29. So that will allow Price to miss less classtime and spend more time in instructional league, which runs from Sept. 17 to Oct. 12.

Houser scratch a mystery

Rays pitching prospect James Houser was mysteriously scratched from his start Friday with Double-A Montgomery, and the Rays have said they plan to make an announcement on Houser’s status tomorrow.

The left-handed Houser (left), the Rays' second-round pick in 2003 out of Sarasota High, is 5-4 with a 3.65 ERA in 20 starts with the Biscuits.

Houser, 22, declined comment to the Montgomery Advertiser before Friday’s game. Montgomery manager Billy Gardner also declined comment, saying that any information on Houser would first come from the Devil Rays.

Which Edwin will we see?

Edwin Jackson heads to the mound tonight aiming to build off his complete-game four-hit shutout in his last outing.

Talking to Rays pitching coach Jim Hickey, tonight will be a growth opportunity for Jackson. He had a liberal strike zone in Texas, so seeing how Jackson reacts if he gets pinched will be interesting.

Here's the full Rays lineup:
Iwamura, 3B
Crawford, LF
Upton, CF
Pena, 1B
Young, RF
Harris, 2B
Norton, DH
Zobrist, SS
Paul, C

Reader poll

Rays' first-round picks
Which player will have the best major league career?
Delmon Young
B.J. Upton
Rocco Baldelli
Wade Townsend
Jeff Niemann
David Price
Evan Longoria

Price cashing in

The Rays signed No. 1 overall pick David Price to a six-year, $8.5 million deal Wednesday, but Price could make up to $11.25 million, depending on how much time he spends in the majors. Here's how it breaks down.

Signing bonus: $5.6 million
2007:  Minors $500,000, Majors $500,000
2008:  Minors $100,000, Majors $650,000
2009:  Minors $150,000, Majors $750,000
2010:  Minors $200,000, Majors $1,000,000
2011:  Minors $650,000, Majors $1,250,000
2012:  Minors $1,300,000, Majors $1,500,000

Price signing announcement

This from the Associated Press:

BOSTON — Top pick David Price and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays agreed to an $11.25 million, six-year contract Wednesday, hours before the midnight deadline for teams to lock up their draft selections.

Price, a hard-throwing lefty out of Vanderbilt, gets a $5.6 million signing bonus and is guaranteed $8.5 million as part of the deal.

Click here to read more.

Price signed

The Rays waited until nearly about six hours before tonight's midnight deadline to sign No. 1 overall pick David Price, but it appears that Tampa Bay can add Price, the All-America lefthander from Vanderbilt, to their stable of talented young pitchers.

The latest word from the Rays is that an announcement on Price will come tonight, a sign that the Rays have likely completed a deal with their first-round pick.

The buzz is that Price had signed a six-year, $8.5-million major league contract which could escalate to $11.25 million with incentives. Believed to be included is a $5.6-million signing bonus, which would be the second largest in draft history.

Stay tuned for details.

Price Check

UPDATE 5:28 p.m.: The latest word from the Rays is that an announcement on David Price will come within the hour, a sign that the Rays have likely completed a deal with the No. 1 overall pick. Stay tuned for details.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As crunch time nears, we're still awaiting news on the Rays' dealings with No. 1 overall pick David Price. It appears negotiations could push up against the midnight deadline, but the Rays remained confident they would sign the Vanderbilt All-America lefthander. 

If the Rays can't ink Price he'd likely return to Vandy for his senior season, and the Rays would receive a compensation pick -- No. 2 overall -- in next year's draft.

In Price-related news, his coach at Vandy, Tim Corbin, turned down an offer to coach at Oregon and will stay as the Commodores' head coach. Not to sound like a conspiracy theorist (we don't believe in conspiracies at The Heater and Corbin, left, has said there's a better chance of The Beatles getting back together than Price returning) but it's definitely interesting timing considering today's signing deadline.

Regardless, today is likely the day when Price rakes in some serious coin. He could command a deal in the neighborhood of $8 to $10 million.

End of the road

The Rays will try to end this 10-game road trip with a win in today's afternoon game against the Red Sox -- still searching for their first win at Fenway in six games here.

Delmon Young will get a day off from playing RF and DH and Ben Zobrist is at SS, but the Rays lineup looks mostly the same.

The full lineup:
Iwamura, 3B
Crawford, LF
Upton, CF
Pena, 1B
Young, RF
Harris, 2B
Gomes, DH
Navarro, C
Zobrist, SS

Burning the Beantown midnight oil

We at Heater Headquarters aim to bring you the best coverage, and after a game like tonight's we had a few thought's we'd like to throw out there for blogging consumption.

Sure, Al Reyes is going to catch most of the slack for tonight's 2-1 loss to the BoSox, despite the fact that is was his first save opportunity in 47 games. But one of the major themes to this game -- and this series -- is the continued ineptitude of the Devil Rays bats. They've score just one run through the first two games of this series. They've managed just two runs in their past 30 innings and five in their last 39, so they're not necessarily raking.

Rays manager Joe Maddon said the ball hasn't been carrying well recently -- either here or in Texas, both known as hitter-friendly parks. And he has a point, because a couple of balls the Rays hit early -- Carlos Pena's fly ball to right in the first comes to mind -- were jacked, but died in the outfield.

In the postgame, Maddon chose to emphasize Kazmir's performance, which was great, and how the way he and James Shields have pitched the first two games here shows hope for the future. Despite their youth, they came into Fenway and both shut down the division-leading Sox.

There were some rumbles in the Rays clubhouse about why Maddon took Kazmir out after six innings when he was cruising. Kazmir's pitch count was highh early on, but he was definitely still in a groove. He had thrown 95 pitches and Maddon said he didn't want to send him out for another inning and risk getting to 110-115 pitches.

Meanwhile, occasionally the Red Sox fans, still worried about the Yankees chasing them, were caught looking at the out-of-town scoreboard on the Green Monster. When the panels changed to show the Orioles leading the Yankees 12-0 (A guy named Aubrey Huff was the hero for Baltimore), the crowd erupted into its loudest until Lowell's home run.

And just one more random thought. The Heater got a glance of the Rocco Baldelli figurine the team's giving away Saturday. It looks pretty sweet -- and authentic -- down to Rocco's gray glove and the 10 seasons patch on the right sleeve, but the way the figurine has to attach to the base, Rocco seems a little ... dare we say ... fragile.

That's all for now. The Heater is going to ice its arm, shutting down for the night and get ready for today's day game.

Searching for a Fenway win

The Rays will look to LHP Scott Kazmir to give them their first win at Fenway this season in their sixth game here. Kazmir is 4-1 with a 1.16 ERA since the break, the best ERA in the AL and the second-lowest among major-league starters (Arizona's Brandon Webb owns a 1.01 ERA). Tonight's lineup looks much of the same, with Josh Wilson at SS and Josh Paul catching Kazmir.

The day after Boston knuckleballer Tim Wakefield threw eight shutout innings against the Rays and yielded just two hits, the talk was still on Wakefield. Rays manager Joe Maddon pointed out that Wakefield threw an amazing 25 of 27 first-pitch strikes. Rays batters, knowing Wakefield's tendencies better than most, tried to be patient and wait for the one inning when he might get wild. "Usually, he might mix in like four or five wild pitches in there," Rays DH Jonny Gomes said. "I don't know if there's a way to pinpoint a knuckleball, but he did it."

Tonight's full lineup:
Iwamura, 3B
Crawford, LF
Upton, CF
Pena, 1B
Young, RF
Harris, 2B
Gomes, DH
Wilson, SS
Paul, C

C.C. breaks up Wakefield's no-hit bid

Rays LF Carl Crawford led off the seventh by taking an 0-1 pitch through the hole between first and second and into right field, giving the Rays their first base hit off Boston knuckleballer Tim Wakefield.

Ironically, Wakefield threw eight no-hit innings against the Rays on June, 19, 2001 at Tropicana Field. Boston's Derek Lowe was the only pitcher to throw a no-no against the Rays, April 27, 2002. Also, Boston's Pedro Martinez threw eight no-hit innings against the Rays on August 29, 2000.

Wakefield: no hits through six

Yes the Rays got into town late and we might be witnessing a biproduct of it. Boston RHP Tim Wakefield has allowed no hits through five innings. The knuckleballer has allowed just two baserunners in that span, a walk to Akinori Iwamura in the fourth and a walk to Dioner Navarro in the sixth (Navarro was later thrown out trying to steal second).

Rays starter James Shields appears to have gotten into his own groove after allowing a run in the first. Entering the sixth, five of his past nine outs have come via strikeout, including back-to-back strikeouts of David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez to strand Julio Lugo at second in the third.

Check back with The Heater for updates.

Rain rain go away

An afternoon thunderstorm just went over Fenway Park, forcing the grounds crew to roll out the tarp, but the forecast is calling for no more rain today and a cool 76-degree temperature by gametime -- a far cry from the heat The Heater endured in Texas over the weekend.

A little side story. Seems like the Red Sox four-game lead over the Yankees in the AL East is making the locals nervous, especially after the way Boston lost Sunday in Baltimore -- with newcomer Eric Gagne allowing a game-tying homer in the eighth and former Red Sox 1B Kevin Millar hitting a three-run homer to win it in the 10th. The Sox bullpen has been Boston's strength and the Red Sox nation is definitely looking in the rear-view. It's the talk of the town on local radio here. The locals are definitely scared. And when my cabbie last night asked a Mass Pike toll taker posted at the entrance to the Ted Williams Tunnel about the Red Sox, he simply looked into his register and said "I don't even wanna talk about it."

Sox starter Tim Wakefield might be just what the Red Sox Nation ordered. He's 17-2 against the Rays and has the most wins against Tampa Bay against any starter.

UPDATE:

Here is tonight's Rays lineup:
Iwamura, 3B
Crawford, LF
Upton, CF
Pena, 1B
Young, RF
Harris, 2B
Gomes, DH
Wilson, SS
Navarro, C

Price check ...

Team president Matt Silverman said talks remain ongoing with top draft pick LHP David Price and the Rays remain optimistic of making a deal before Wednesday's midnight deadline.

"They’re engaged in conversations and the tone is productive and both sides are working toward finding a middle ground that works,'' Silverman said before Sunday night's games. "And both sides are committed to trying to find a solution here. We do remain optimistic.''

If the Rays don't sign Price by midnight Wednesday they lose his rights (he'd likely go back to Vanderbilt) and would get an extra pick - at the No. 2 spot - in next year's draft. So if they finish with the worst record, they would have the first and second picks in 2008.

Now leading off ... Gomes

With 3B Akinori Iwamura getting a day off, manager Joe Maddon got creative in finding a leadoff hitter and chose Jonny Gomes.
Gomes is obviously not a prototypical leadoff hitter, but has some speed and is willing to take a walk, reflected by his .328 on-base percentage (and .388 against lefthanders), better than other candidates Ben Zobrist (.185) and Josh Wilson (.301) as Maddon preferred not to move B.J. Upton or Brendan Harris from their normal spots.
Also, Carl Crawford is getting a scheduled turn at DH (with Gomes in left) and Carlos Pena is back at first base.
And, if you were wondering, it is still hot here.

The full lineup:
Gomes, lf
Crawford, dh
Upton, cf
Pena, 1b
Young, rf
Harris, 2b
Wilson, 3b
Navarro, c
Zobrist, ss
Hammel, p

No Pena

1B Carlos Pena, in his first extended slump, is out of the Rays lineup against lefty John Rheinecker. Greg Norton is playing first. Pena is just 2-for-20 (with 9 Ks) in the first five games of the road trip, and hitting only .183 (12-for-82) since July 19, with 26 strikeouts in 22 games.

Josh Paul is catching, as he has become Edwin Jackson's personal catcher.

Also, there are 75 kids and parents from Houston here to see Carl Crawford, who sponsors their youth baseball teams.

The lineup:
Iwamura, 3B
Crawford, lf
Upton, DH
Young, cf
Harris, 2b
Gomes, rf
Wilson, ss
Norton, 1b
Paul, c

More Texas toast ...

Apparently we're still having technical difficulties at Heater Headquarters, so here's a brief update of what was supposed to be posted the last two days:

It's hot here in Texas.
Very hot.
So hot that you can be from Florida and not feel bad complaining about it.
So hot that one of the electronic signs near the stadium said 105 today.

Anyway, the Rangers are inducting Rusty Greer into their Hall of Fame tonight, which got us thinking about a Rays Hall of Fame. Well, for a minute or two anyway. If the criteria for this kind of thing is the contributions the player made while with the Rays, it's going to be awhile for the first induction.

One of the interesting topics of conversation with manager Joe Maddon on Friday was that when Rocco Baldelli returns - they're hoping - in early September, B.J. Upton will still be the primary centerfielder. Baldelli will play some in centerfied, he will DH some and he will be off some. It's also possible he could play some in left- and/or rightfield as Carl Crawford and Delmon Young get a day off.

And for all those who think this is the answer - Maddon said it was "not out of the question" that Baldelli could play some at first base, but there had been no discussion internally.

Otherwise, Edwin Jackson takes the mound tonight, Upton is expected to the be the DH, with Young in center and Jonny Gomes in right.

And, by the way, it's hot.

Texas toast

It's hot as expected in Arlington, and the Rays are staying inside and skipping batting practice due to a pre-game event on the field.
Also as expected, Delmon Young will DH tonight with Jonny Gomes in rightfield.
The lineup:
Iwamura, 3b
Crawford, lf
Upton, cf
Pena, 1b
Young, DH
Harris, 2b
Gomes, rf
Navarro, c
Zobrist, ss

Wet morning ...

UPDATE
The rain has stopped in Detroit, the skies are clearing, the tarp has been removed and the grounds crew is preparing the field. Nothing official yet, but it looks like first pitch will be around 1:30 or 2.

It's already rained heavily once this morning at Comerica Park, and based on the radar it's going to be wet for a while.
How long the teams wait to see if it clears up will be interesting because it's a hectic day in downtown Detroit, with the Lions playing their preseason opener tonight against the Bengals across the street at Ford Field.
If the Rays and Tigers were to get rained out, the only remaining common off day is Sept. 20 - which would be at the end of an already-long Boston-Seattle-Anaheim trip for the Rays.

Hazardous materials ...

There is a problem with a mercury spill at Comerica Park, but tonight's game between the Rays and Tigers is expected to be played as scheduled according to the Detroit News.

Here is what the News is reporting on its web site:

DETROIT -- A Detroit Fire Department hazardous materials team was at Comerica Park about 11:45 a.m. today continuing the investigation and clean up of a small amount of mercury that spilled at the stadium Tuesday night.

The team was at the stadium through the night after it was discovered that the mercury leaked from the cuff of a device used to test blood pressure, Detroit fire officials said.

Investigators take the release of mercury serious because the substance is toxic. But today's 7:05 p.m. game against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays is expected to be held without problems, fire officials said.

Barry Bonds opinions: a sampler

Home run 756 was inevitable, so our colleagues nationwide had plenty of time to fix their opinions about Barry Bonds. Here is a little bit of what they wrote, with links to their complete stories.

Phil Taylor, Sports Illustrated

In the endless discussion of all things Bonds -- his personality, his moral code, his legal affairs, his hat size -- the one inarguable fact about the man seems to have become an afterthought: Bonds is an incredible hitter, an absolute virtuoso in the batter's box. If there is to be an asterisk next to his name in the record books, perhaps it should be for that.

* He was a hell of a ballplayer, steroids or not.

Read more.

John Donovan, Sports Illustrated

At best, Bonds has made a lot of stupid, arrogant choices, associated himself with exactly the wrong type of people, played stupid when it served him best -- c'mon, Barry, flaxseed oil? -- and shown no regret for any of his actions. At best, as comedian Chris Rock told Bob Costas recently, Bonds has pulled a fast one.

At worst, Bonds has blatantly worked around and above the game's current drug policy and ignored the spirit and intent of baseball's rules against performance-enhancing drugs when they weren't enforceable. At worst, he took the drugs even though he knew he shouldn't, tried to hide that fact and cheated his way to this record.

Read more.

Scott Ostler, San Francisco Chronicle

Bonds' legacy is still up in the air. The free world will forever be divided along the love-Barry/hate-Barry line. To many, Bonds' achievement is like a bad movie, "Honey, I Shrunk the Home Run Record."

But to Bonds' fans, including seemingly every last person in the packed house at the Giants' ballpark Tuesday night, the new record is the real deal.

Read more.

Jeff Schultz, Atlanta Journal-Constitution

How many superstars, in any sport, could break such a hallowed mark and not receive even one major endorsement during the chase? The pursuit should’ve been worth millions, not scorn. A soft drink commercial, a snack food, a car.

Read more.

Stephen A. Smith, Philadelphia Inquirer

The commissioner of Major League Baseball may indeed be a good man, but who cares right now? Today, (Bud) Selig, who was not there last night when Bonds broke the record, looks like a weak man devoid of any leadership ability, too caught up in protecting his personal interest and using the interest of the game as his personal shield.

Read more.

Mike Downey, Chicago Tribune

The man is a 14-time All-Star, a seven-time National League MVP and an eight-time Gold Glove winner in the field. Whichever asterisks need be placed behind his numbers and name, this is a highly decorated athlete who many a time has been granted the considerable respect of both the public and his peers.

Read more.

Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times

For Hank Aaron, that's 755 home runs, and one save. Bless him. Baseball did not deserve his grace. On this night, Aaron saved the game he loved. Never has an athlete served as a better role model than Aaron did Tuesday, 32 years into retirement. He acted selflessly, with dignity and nobility, demonstrating to the commissioner and to all the world one can put aside personal feelings for the greater good.

It might not rub off on Bud Selig, but it rubbed off on Barry Bonds.

Read more.

Jerry Brewer, Seattle Times

The problem with disregarding Bonds is that he rarely inspires dispassion. During his pursuit of Hank Aaron's record, which ended Tuesday night, I kept getting the same question.

What do you think about Bonds?

Here's my answer.

Nothing.

Read more.

Fossum shipped out ...

Struggling LHP Casey Fossum was outrighted after the game to Triple-A Durham and has been replaced by LHP Jon Switzer. Fossum, who began the season in the rotation and was then moved to the bullpen, had a 5-8 record and 7.70 ERA in 40 games coming off shoulder surgery.
Switzer is 0-0, 0.82 in 23 games at Durham, holding hitters to a .226 average. Switzer pitched in three games for the Rays earlier this season, allowing five runs over 1 2/3 innings.

Raymond a winner?

The folks at the Home Run Derby website are running a fan vote contest to determine the best mascot (current and retired) using an NCAA-style bracket. In a first-round matchup in the (yes, we are really typing this) Furrie Division, the Rays’ Raymond is up against the White Sox’s Southpaw. Fans can vote until midnight Friday at http://homerderby.com/archives/1003.

Jake on the rise

LHP Jake McGee, one of the top members of the Rays stable of young pitching prospects, was promoted Tuesday from Class A Vero to Double-A Montgomery. McGee joins RHP Wade Davis, who made the leap a month or so ago. McGee will start Thursday for the Biscuits.

Honors for Crawford

All-Star LF Carl Crawford celebrated his 26th birthday on Sunday, and he got another present on Monday, the fancy watch that goes with being named American League co-player of the week.

"It's cool," Crawford said. "It's always good to get recognized."

Crawford hit .591 in the six games from July 30-Sunday, with three homers, 6 RBIs and 8 runs, and split the honors with Yankees 2B Robinson Cano. Crawford also was honored in May 2006, making him the first Ray to win two awards. B.J. Upton was named co-player of the week July 16-22.

As for the lineup, Josh Paul makes a third straight start behind the plate, and Greg Norton gets a chance to DH. The lineup: Iwamura, 3b Crawford, lf Upton, cf Pena, 1b Young,rf Harris, 2b Norton, dh Zobrist, ss Paul, c

What was the Rays' best move?

Trading deadline
What was most significant?
Picking up Calvin Medlock, Brian Shackelford from the Reds
Holding onto closer Al Reyes
Acquiring Grant Balfour from the Brewers
Trading for Dan Wheeler from the Astros

Sunday catchup ...

Though RHP Andy Sonnanstine had a rough day, getting knocked around and knocked out in the fourth inning, the Rays got some good news in that RHP Jason Hammel felt fine the day after testing his previously tight right shoulder and will make his next start as scheduled on Tuesday in Detroit.

Otherwise, the most interesting development of the day was that manager Joe Maddon plans to give veteran Josh Paul three consecutive starts behind the plate - Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Maddon said he liked the matchups with Paul involved, but also said Dioner Navarro is playing better. Hmmm.

.

Hammel okay

RHP Jason Hammel said his previously tight right shoulder felt great during a bullpen session on Saturday and he feels good enough to make his next start as scheduled on Tuesday in Detroit. Rays manager Joe Maddon was also optimistic, but said the Rays will wait until Sunday to see how Hammel feels to make sure.

Saturday in the park ...

Technical difficulties Friday here at The Heater, but we're hopefully back on line.

Jason Hammel is throwing a bullpen session this afternoon that will determine if he makes his next start on Tuesday.

Manager Joe Maddon has three switchitters on his bench tonight with this lineup:
Iwamura, 3b
Crawford, lf
Upton, cf
Pena, 1b
Young, rf
Harris, 2b
Gomes, dh
Wilson, ss
Paul, c

Lined up

The Rays have what seems to be their new regular lineup:
Iwamura, 3b
Crawford, lf
Upton, cf
Pena, 1b
Young, rf
Harris, 2b
Gomes, dh
Navarro, c
Zobrist, ss
Shields, p

Also manager Joe Maddon said things look good for RHP Jason Hammel to make his next start Tuesday, though Hammel will test his shoulder in a bullpen session on Saturday.

Niemann to miss two starts

The Rays received some good news on Triple-A Durham RHP Jeff Niemann, that “reports were good” on his sore right shoulder and “everything was sound structurally.”

As a precaution, however, Niemann – who left his last start after just five pitches – will miss his next two starts. He will remain on a throwing program and won’t go onto the disabled list. His next start is scheduled for Aug. 15.

Niemann, the Rays’ No. 1 draft pick in 2004, was enjoying his first injury-free season and was 11-5 with a 3.90 ERA. His 108 strikeouts in 115 1/3 innings are second in International League.

Hammel departs with shoulder tightness

Rays starter Jason Hammel left today's game after throwing three pitches in the fourth inning with what the team called tightness in his right shoulder. The Rays said it is "not believed to be serious."

After working a 2-1 count to Troy Glaus to open the fourth, Rays manager Joe Maddon and head trainer Ron Porterfield ran to the mound. Reliever Juan Salas made a few warm-up throws in the bullpen as it appeared that Hammel attempted to talk Maddon out of taking him out of the game, but Maddon pulled him and Salas entered.

Afternoon affair

The Rays play the Jays in a rare 3:10 start today. The Rays lineup looks very familiar to the one we're growing used to seeing, with the exception Josh Wilson getting the start as SS in the position-by-committee.

Here's the full lineup:
Iwamura, 3B
Crawford, LF
Upton, CF
Pena, 1B
Young, RF
Harris, SS
Gomes, DH
Navarro, C
Wilson, SS

Longoria is Durham-bound

Evan Longoria, the Rays first-round pick last year, is one step closer to the majors.

Longoria, who has dominated Double-A pitching playing in Montgomery this season, was promoted to Triple-A Durham tonight following Montgomery's game at Birmingham. He sat out the game.

Longoria, 21, was hitting .307 and led the Southern League with 76 RBIs and 78 runs. He hit a game-winning grand slam in the 10th inning Monday night, his 21st homer of the season, which tied him for the league lead.

Longoria was also second in the Southern League with 117 hits, third in slugging percentage (.528), fifth in on-base percentage (.403) and seventh in batting average.