Rays beat Reds in exhibition opener

Andy Cannizaro successfully breaks up a double play as Adam Rosales, top, throws a wild ball past first during the 8th inning of the Rays opener against the Reds.  [James Borchuck, Times]

UPDATE (4:30 PM) The Rays hold on to win, 7-6.

UPDATE (4:12 PM) The Rays went back ahead 7-6 when Ben Zobrist reached on an infield single, went to second on a ground out and scored when Eric Hinske ripped a hard single off the second baseman.

UPDATE (4:04 PM) Rough homecoming for Houser - he gave up a two-run single to his first batter, Jolbert Cabrera, and the Reds tied the score at 6. But he got out of further trouble with a pickoff, a strikeout and a ground out. And the Rays didn't prove to be much a draw in Sarasota, with an announced crowd of only 2,768, less than the Reds drew on Thursday for the Twins (3,085).

(UPDATE 3:56 PM )  LHP prospect Jake McGee got into quite a mess in the eighth, walking three and giving up two singles (one that caromed off what looked to be his left leg) as the Reds pulled to within 6-4 in the eighth, and are still batting. Sarasota's James Houser just came to pitch for the Rays. McGee ended up facing five batters and they all reached.

(UPDATE 3:33 PM) The Rays extended the lead to 6-2. First Andy Cannizaro drew a bases loaded walk off Scott Sauerbeck, and they got two more when John Jaso grounded to second and the Reds botched a double play with an errant throw.

(UPDATE 3:20 PM) Still 3-2 Tampa Bay, Chad Orvella just worked the seventh for the Rays, getting out of trouble after Joel Guzman didn't make much of a bid for a hard smash that became a double.

(UPDATE 2:45 PM) Manager Joe Maddon said he wanted to see strikes from the pitchers competing for spots in the rotation, but Jason Hammel walked two in the fourth that led to a Reds run and cut the lead to 3-2.

(UPDATE 2:02 PM) Was the legend just born? Evan Longoria just tied the game for the Rays by smashing a Edinson Volquez pitch high off the left-centerfield fence, doubling in Jonny Gomes who was hit by a pitch. Shawn Riggans put the Rays up 2-1 with an RBI single to left, scoring Longoria. The Rays got a third run when a balk was called on Reds pitcher Justin Lehr. That's about it for the regulars, as John Rodriguez pinch-hit for Akinori Iwamura and the Rays made numerous changes.

(UPDATE 1:43 PM) Edwin Jackson worked two scoreless innings to start the game, striking out his last two hitters. The Rays had the bases loaded in the first, after pulling off a double-steal (which might be the first ever in the first inning of the first spring game), and didn't score.
The Reds did score in the third off Jason Hammel as Paul Janish doubled and came around on two fly balls.

(UPDATE 12:55 PM) CF B.J. Upton did not agree to terms by the team-imposed noon Friday deadline, so that means the Rays have renewed his contract, and likely for somewhere in the $405,000 to $415,000 range. The MLB deadline for renewals isn't until Sunday, so an announcement may not come until then.

(UPDATE 10:16 AM) RHP Scott Dohmann agreed to terms on a one-year deal Friday morning, leaving just CF B.J. Upton unsigned with a team-imposed deadline of noon today. If Upton doesn't agree he will be renewed at $10,000 less than the Rays offered, and as a player with less than three years service time (meaning he is pre-arbitration) there isn't anything he can do about it.

-------


The lineup posted for today's spring opener against the Reds in Sarasota could be a preview of what the Rays field in Baltimore on March 31, with a few exceptions, as Willy Aybar will be the DH on Friday (instead of Cliff Floyd) and Shawn Riggans the catcher (instead of Dioner Navarro). Otherwise, it has a reasonable look:
Akinori Iwamura, 2b
Carl Crawford, lf
Carlos Pena, 1b
B.J. Upton, cf
Willy Aybar, dh
Jonny Gomes, rf
Evan Longoria, 3b
Jason Bartlett, ss
Shawn Riggans, c

Edwin Jackson will be the starter today, followed by Jason Hammel, Andy Sonnantine, Grant Balfour, Chad Orvella and James Houser. The Reds did agree to allow the DH to be used.

Houser didn't have much to say about the remaining 25 games of his suspension for failing a performance-enhancing drug test in the minors being lifted as a result of being placed on the 40-man roster. "Obviously it's a good thing,'' he said. "I get to play baseball and that's important to me.''

Players quickly settled into the clubhouse at Progress Energy Park after equipment manager Chris Westmoreland orchestrated the move from the Naimoli complex.

Houser's suspension ends

LHP James Houser, the Sarasota product who'd been suspended 50 games last August at Double-A Montgomery for  "testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance,'' has been reinstated due to something of an apparent technicality in the rules.
Since the Rays added Houser to the 40-man roster during the off-season, he is no longer "subject to the minor-league rules and is no longer considered suspended,'' Rays spokesman Rick Vaughn said.
Houser was not on the 40-man roster and was pitching for the Biscuits at the time of the failed test, and had served half of his suspension. He also was not allowed to pitch in the Arizona Fall League.
But the Rays had him scheduled to pitch in Friday's spring training opener in Sarasota, and sent word Thursday night that he was now eligible. Vaughn said that if Houser is sent down to the minors after camp and kept on the 40-man roster, the suspension will still be void.

Shields takes Kazmir's place

Jonny Gomes, left, signs autographs for fans as he heads into the clubhouse after the Rays last workout at the Naimoli Complex in St. Petersburg.  [James Borchuck, Times]

RHP James Shields will move into injured LHP Scott Kazmir's slot for Saturday's home exhibition opener, and thus becomes on schedule to start the March 31 season opener assuming Kazmir isn't ready.
That's the biggest news thus far of what is a chilly morning and a short work day Thursday for the Rays as they wrap up the Naimoli complex portion of spring training, with the team moving its spring camp to Port Charlotte next year.

The plans for Friday's exhibition opener in Sarasota are being finalized, but based on the travel squad posted in the clubhouse they're bringing most of the big boys: 2B Akinori Iwamura, SS Jason Bartlett, 3B Evan Longoria, 1B Carlos Pena, LF Carl Crawford, CF B.J. Upton and RF Jonny Gomes.
Scheduled pitchers for the Rays include three of the top candidates for the two open spots in the roation: Edwin Jackson, Jason Hammel and Andy Sonnanstine, plus Grant Balfour, Chad Orvella and Sarasota product James Houser.

Manager Joe Maddon said the Reds had not agreed to adopt the DH rule - as some NL teams do, especially for early spring games - so that means the Rays pitchers will at least have to bring their bats, though with pinch-hitters may not have to use them. The Reds are starting Homer Bailey.
Also, top draft LHP David Price said he saw Dr. Koco Eaton on Wednesday and there are no concerns about the shoulder stiffness that kept him from pitching in Tuesday's intrasquad. Price said he will resume throwing soon.

Also scheduled to pitch for the Rays on Saturday after Shields are RHP Mitch Talbot, RHP Al Reyes, LHP Trever Miller and RHP Dan Wheeler.

RHP Jeff Niemann, one of the Rays' top prospects, will start Sunday in Bradenton, followed by RHP Jae Kuk Ryu, RHP Scott Munter, LHP Kirt Birkins and RHP Wade Davis. RHP Matt Garza will start Monday and Jackson again on Tuesday.

Kazmir diagnosis: left elbow strain

(UPDATE 1:03 P.M.) Scott Kazmir, predictably, has a more accelerated return in mind, saying he felt markedly better after one day of treatment and there is still a good chance he would be ready to start the March 31 opener.
"I wouldn't say definitely, but that's what we're shooting for,'' he said. "And if anything changes hopefully it wouldn't be too far from that day.''
Kazmir also interpreted the results as good news, saying: "It could have been a lot worse.''

--------------
LHP Scott Kazmir has inflammation and a left elbow strain, but will be sidelined "weeks not months,'' executive VP Andrew Friedman said Wednesday.
"Relatively speaking, it is good news,'' Friedman said.
Friedman said the Rays would not put a specific timetable on Kazmir's return, but they expect him "at most" to miss only a few regular-season starts. The Times reported Wednesday that Kazmir is unlikely to make his expected opening day start and expected to miss about two weeks.
"I expect it would be two weeks at least until he is throwing to a hitter,'' Friedman said.
Friedman said an MRI and examination by Dr. Koco Eaton showed that "the nerves, the tendons, the ligaments, everything's intact.''
The first step is to get inflammation out of the elbow, then Kazmir will start a throwing program. "We're trying not to set an artificial timeline because it's dependent on how Scotty feels,'' Friedman said. "And it's imperative that the communication's there on both sides to get him to a point where he can start that throwing program and get this behind us. We don't want this to pop up in April or May or June, and be sure that we get this behind us. So we're going to do anything and everything while we have this time in March to insure that it's behind us, and when he gets back out on the mound that this is behind us and we put him in a position to pitch 200-plus innings for us this year.''
Though Kazmir could start throwing soon, he will need to slowly build up his arm strength so any time off during spring training is likely to translate to a similar absence during the season.
Friedman wouldn't rule out Kazmir making his expected opening day start - "It's not clear,'' he said - but it seems unlikely given the cautious way the prized 24-year-old lefthander will be handled.
"The good thing is, again, we're not looking through April,'' Friedman said. "If it's a start or two, that could be the case, or it coudl be no missed starts. I don't know yet. ... It's so dependent on how quickly the inflammation goes out, and then how he feels, that there's no way to put an actual date on it.''
Kazmir walked off the mound Tuesday after feeling "a little discomfort" while warming up for an intrasquad game, a sensation he described like this: "It felt like it just jammed a little bit, kind of like a hyperextension."
Friedman said top draft pick LHP David Price, who was scratched from his intrasquad outing due to shoulder stiffness, felt "much better" but would not throw on Wednesday and was likely to see Dr. Eaton on Thursday.
Also INF Reid Brignac, the team's top shortstop prospect, will be sidelined four to seven days with a broken pinky toe on his right foot. He was hit by a Chris Mason pitch in Tuesday's intrasquad.

No Rocco in the outfield ...

(UPDATE, 1:05 p.m.)
Rocco Baldelli said as far as he knew he was scheduled to be the DH and not play the outfield in Wednesday's intrasquad so there was no change in plans. He batted twice, hitting into a double play and reaching on an error, and took it easy on the bases. He said all went well in his first game action since last May's season-ending hamstring injury: "Everything was fine - nice and smooth.''

-------------
Rocco Baldelli was scheduled to play in the outfield in today's intrasquad game, according to manager Joe Maddon, but instead will DH.
There's no official explanation yet, but it likely has something to do with the fields being wet and the weather being nasty. Baldelli, who missed most of last season due to hamstring problems, has already said he will take it easy this spring and not take any chances with his legs.
The clubhouse was closed to the media early Wednesday morning due to one of the standard series of spring training meetings, this one on the perils of driving while impaired.
An official update from executive VP Andrew Friedman is expected mid-morning on the condition of LHP Scott Kazmir; the Times reported in Wednesday's editions that an MRI showed no serious injury but that he is expected to be sidelined about two weeks.
Another highlight of the morning: RHP Jae Kuk Ryu walking around the clubhouse wearing his uniforn and the head of mascot Raymond.
As for who is scheduled to play in the 11 a.m. intrasquad game:
Foley's Feinsteins
Iwamura, 2b
Crawford, lf
Pena, 1b
Floyd, DH
Gomes, rf
Hinske, 3b
Navarro, c
Bartlett, ss
Weber, cf
Shields, rhp
Other pitchers: Gary Glover, Scott Munter, J.P. Howell, Jeff Niemann, Calvin Medlock.

Martinez's Mud Dogs
Ruggiano, cf
Zobrist, ss
Baldelli, dh
Rodriguez, lf
Guzman, rf
Longoria, 3b
Richard, 1b
Gimenez, c
Cannizaro, 2b
Garza, rhp
Other pitchers: Dohmann, Birkins, Ryu, Talbot, Davis
And new acquisition Willy Aybar, who'd been delayed by visa problems in the Dominican Republic, is scheduled for his first action as a replacement in rightfield, but he has to go through a series of medical tests and hadn't been seen in the clubhouse by the time the meeting started.

Kazmir headed for MRI on elbow

Ace LHP Scott Kazmir was headed for an MRI on his left elbow after feeling what "felt like a hyperextension" while warming up for Tuesday's intrasquad game but said he was confident it was not a serious injury.
Also, top draft pick David Price was scratched from his scheduled inning for precautionary reasons due to some stiffness in his left shoulder.
Kazmir looked somber and addmitted he was concerned.
"It was just a little scary because I never felt it before,'' Kazmir said. "But after I talked with (head athletic trainer Ron Porterfield) and everything and we did some of the strength tests I felt confident it would be all right. Just got to check it out just to make sure. ...
"I feel like I'll be all right. Just precautions. ... They said there's a couple minor things that could go on that are just really nothing.''
Though Kazmir, 24, spoke optimistically, he looked downcast and somber as he prepared to head out to see Dr. Koco Eaton. Kazmir said he "felt great" warming up in the bullpen but after what he thought was his third pitch warming up on the game mound felt "a little discomfort'' but definitely not a pop, which is typically an indication of a more severe problem. "It was just scary,'' he said. "I didn't want to test it, didn't want to just throw through it'' and "just wanted to stop it right there.''
He said he showed "great strength" on tests performed by Rays trainers and was encouraged that he didn't feel any further pain in the elbow, which was covered by a blue sleeve as he prepared to leave. He said he could flex the elbow in and out with no pain. "That's a good sign,'' he said. "It kinda feels like maybe I just tried to do a little too much to try to get warmed up.''
A few moments earlier outside the clubhouse, he described it like this: "It felt like it just jammed a little bit, kind of like a hyperextension. ... The thing is I don't feel anything now. If it was a torn ligament or something, you'd be hurting.''

- MARC TOPKIN

Kazmir misses start

It didn't take very long for the Rays first spring intrasquad game to deliver its first surprise.

Rays ace Scott Kazmir, scheduled to start for one of the teams, went to the mound but didn't stay long as something apparently didn't feel right and walked to the clubhouse instead, getting replaced by RHP Al Reyes.

There's still no word on the official reason, but Kazmir had warmed up in the bullpen as usual prior to the game and sat in the dugout for the first half inning. Kazmir apparently didn't feel right and walked to the clubhouse, as Reyes began to warm up.

We'll bring you more details on Kazmir as we get it.

The highlight of the game so far was RF Jonny Gomes' diving catch in the right-center gap, robbing Fernando Perez of a lead off double - or triple.

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Sternberg: October dreaming

The optimism flowing through the Rays clubhouse has reached principal owner Stuart Sternberg, who admitted he has to temper some of it, but still said Tuesday during his first visit to camp he thought the team could be good enough to make the playoffs.
"I would think if everybody produces to the best of their abilities, we could be - could be - talking about October,'' Sternberg said. "If guys don't really get it done and get hurt or what not, we're not going to be so doing well.''
Sternberg declined to make a specific prediction or projection on the number of wins, but said he would continue to have a goal of 50 home wins. And, perhaps more realistically, he shared this vision:
"What I would love to have happen, you don't know October is going to look like, but you'd like to get well into the summer, into August and see that the guys are performing real well and that you're withing at least shouting distance and that you're making some noise, making some trouble. If we can stay out of a bad stretch like we did last year, we had a real rough spot in July, I think that's very possible.''

Other tidbits from a nearly half-hour chat with area reporters:
* He said there would be flexibility during the season to further raise the payroll that had already been increased more than 70 percent to around $42-million.
* That while there is a relationship between the number of games the team wins and the number of votes cast for the team's new stadium proposal, the team was not focusing on the connection. "I know it's there, but what I try to do and what I've instilled in the organization ... is to remove as many variables as I can from any equation. So I said to them immediately is take the stadium out of it,'' he said.
* Asked about potentially signing Barry Bonds, Sternberg cited team policy to not discuss individual players but certainly sounded as if he was open to it, saying "payroll wouldn't be an issue" and in discussing how the Rays have dealt with controversial players in the past, said: "When there's opportunity, nothing frightens me, and you deal with it as comes around.''

Guzman arrives: "I was dying to be over here."

INF Joel Guzman made his much-anticipated arrival at Rays camp on Tuesday, over a month later than he had expected due to visa issues in the Dominican Republic.

Guzman, along with INF Willy Aybar, are two of the club's options at third base if touted prospect Evan Longoria doesn't start the season in the big leagues. Guzman said he was frustrated as he continually waited for "the call."

He said every year, players are asked for "different things" when it comes to their visa application. Guzman applied for one around Jan. 20, with hopes of reporting early on Feb. 14, but finally arrived Monday at 11 p.m.

"I was dying to be over here," Guzman said Tuesday morning. "Just waiting and waiting, just for a call. Just waiting for something."

Guzman said he's been working on several different positions in the offseason - including winter ball. Manager Joe Maddon said Monday that Guzman could play anywhere from third base to first base - even the outfield, which he played in Class-AAA.

Guzman said Aybar could arrive as early as today, but is still unsure on RHP Juan Salas, who is also stuck in the Dominican Republic.

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Intrasquad lineups set

The Rays will hold their first intrasquad game today at 11 a.m. at the Naimoli Complex in St. Petersburg.

The game will last seven innings, with each pitcher throwing an inning. INF Joel Guzman reported this morning - stay tuned for updates on his arrival. Guzman said Willy Aybar could arrive today as well, with RHP Juan Salas' status still uncertain.

Here are the lineups:

The "Feinsteins"

2B Aki

SS Bartlett

CF Upton

RF Gomes

1B Hinske

LF Ruggiano

C Riggans

3B Zobrist

DH Cannizaro

P - Percival

The "Muddawgs"

CF - Perez

SS - Brignac

LF - Weber

RF - Rodriguez

1B - Richard

3B -Longoria

C - DiFelice

DH - Gimenez

2B - Johnson

P - Kazmir

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Ex-Ray Winn: Barry would need "Devil Ray Nation"

Former Rays All-Star Randy Winn has played the last few years with Barry Bonds in San Francisco and told the Chronicle that Bonds would be in for an experience if he were to come to Tampa Bay due to the amount of fans who don"t cheer for the home team: "I think he'd get booed a lot. It would be different if you had the backing of Devil Ray Nation." Other Giants had mixed opinion on the idea.

Crawford, Upton: Who wouldn't want Bonds?

If Rays officials do decide to pursue all-time home run leader Barry Bonds, two of their young star outfielders said they would welcome the move.
"C'mon,'' B.J. Upton said, "it's Barry.''
Two-time All-Star Carl Crawford said Bonds could be a good addition to the team's lineup, despite whatever issues, and attention, might follow him.
"If they are really serious about it, I'm pretty sure we can adjust to it,'' Crawford said before Monday's workout. "It's Barry Bonds - who wouldn't want to have him on their team?
"He still hit, what, 28 home runs last year? He's walking a lot, still been very productive. You can understand why we could be interested in him. I'm surprised to see him not signed yet.''
The Times reported Monday that Rays officials have had internal discussions about Bonds, as well as other remaining free agents, but have not decided whether to proceed. Bonds' agent, Jeff Borris, is in Tampa this week but wouldn't say if he planned to meet with the Rays.
Rays officials didn't have to much to say about the subject on Monday. Through spokesman Rick Vaughn, Rays executive VP Andrew Friedman said: "It's a non-story.''

ESPN's Buster Olney addressed the subject in his daily Insider blog, concluding "he does make a whole lot of sense for Tampa Bay,'' and offering this idea for what the Rays lineup could look like in mid-summer (implying that Evan Longoria will start the season in the minors):

1. 2B Akinori Iwamura
2. LF Carl Crawford
3. CF B.J. Upton
4. DH Barry Bonds
5. 1B Carlos Pena
6. RF Rocco Baldelli/Cliff Floyd
7. 3B Evan Longoria
8. C Dioner Navarro
9. SS Jason Bartlett

The Cardinals considered Bonds and decided not to proceed, according to manager Tony La Russa.

Also, the Twins have decided Delmon Young will play leftfield, and manager Ron Gardenhire praised him for his restraint in responding to Carl Crawford's comments last week.

Orvella gets the win

Manager Joe Maddon went creative at the end of Sunday's workout. With the team's annual charity golf event on Monday, he turned the usual session about the next day's fundamental into a closest to the pin golf competition.
And reliever Chad Orvella won, despite teammates jeering and cheering as each contestant swung, putting the ball 4 feet 11 inches from the flag, which was about 110 yards away.
"I hope this isn't the only time I get interviewed,'' he quipped afterward.
Otherwise it looked to be an uneventful day as the Rays took live batting practice and worked on other drills. James Shields did break one of Eric Hinske's bats, and Akinori Iwamura had one of his special blue-striped bats go down.

For starters, Edwin Jackson

Right hander Edwin Jackson pitches last week during spring training at the Namoli Complex in St. Petersburg.    [James Borchuck, Times]

RHP Edwin Jackson will start Friday's exhibition opener against the Reds in Sarasota, but manager Joe Maddon said that wasn't necessarily an indication he had a lead in the competition for one of the two open spots in the rotation.
"It's just his turn,'' Maddon said. "We had to pick somebody.''
In what doesn't seem coincidental, LHP Scott Kazmir will pitch the home spring opener on Saturday and be followed by James Shields, as they claim their expected places at the front of the Rays rotation. Kazmir would be on schedule to pitch the season opener March 31 in Baltimore, but Maddon said he wasn't ready to make any announcements yet, at least not until he talked to the pitchers.
The team will play 11 a.m. intrasquad games on Tuesday, with Troy Percival starting for one team and Kazmir for the other, and again on Wednesday, with Shields starting for one team and Matt Garza for the other.
The complete intrasquad pitching plans:

TUESDAY
Team 1
Percival
Reyes
Balfour
Jackson
Hammel
Mason
McGee

Team 2
Kazmir
Miller
Wheeler
Orvella
Sonnanstine
Houser
Price

WEDNESDAY
Team 1

Shields
Glover
Munter
Howell
Niemann
Medlock

Team 2
Garza
Dohmann
Birkins
Ryu
Talbot
Davis

Quiet Saturday

It's been a relatively quiet - compared to Friday certainly, when Carl Crawford was eager to make news - and somewhat gray Saturday at Rays camp, as the players went through a somewhat abbreviated workout so they could fulfill commitments at FanFest at Tropicana Field.
Top draft pick David Price had another session of live batting practice, and there were a few other noteworthy things, such as Crawford getting bit by a Trever Miller pitch and Jon Weber losing the grip on his bat, sending players ducking as it hit the batting cage.
FSN did release this year's cable TV schedule, with coverage planned for 75 regular season games, including 37 in HD. Dewayne Staats and Joe Magrane will return as announcers, and Todd Kalas will handle the pre-game show.
The over-the-air TV schedule was also released, with plans for 67 more games on Ch. 66, and making it, with two Rays-Marlins games on Sun Sports, a total of 144 that will be shown.
A Jacksonville affiliate was added to the Rays over-the-air network.

Crawford to Delmon: Shut up and play

UPDATE (2:16 p.m.):
The volleying between Carl Crawford and Delmon Young appears to be over, or at least on hold, as Young declined to respond much to Crawford's Friday morning comments.
Asked about Crawford's comments after Friday's workout in Minnesota, Young told reporters: "I don't need to say anything. I responded back to his first thing. .. I'm not worried about anything."
Young said there was no need for him to talk with Crawford: "Not at all. I'm down in Fort Myers playing with the Twins. I'm not part of the (Rays) organization anymore.''
As for making the trip to St. Petersburg on March 4 for the first of three Rays-Twins games of the spring: "I ain't going to worry about any of that stuff. Why should I be scared to go.''
Crawford after the Rays workout said he, too, was done with the exchange, and had no interest in clearing things up with  Young. "I don't want to talk to him at all.''

------

Carl Crawford has a message for former teammate Delmon Young: Shut up.

Irritated at Young's reaction to his comments about the Rays having a calmer clubhouse without Young and Elijah Dukes, Crawford spoke out early Friday morning.

"These are exactly the the kind of distractions we were talking about with the Rays, a young guy popping off at the mouth, talking too much,'' Crawford said. "He needs to just shut up and play baseball.''

Crawford said that if Young didn't fully understand his comments about the Rays benefiting from having fewer distractions, Crawford said he will be more than willing to explain it. After reading Young's comments in the Times early Friday morning, Crawford was animated in his response:

"Nobody even mentioned the word losing, losing games. We know we've been a losing franchise. He just wanted to say something back like he's always running his mouth. That's what he does. He runs his mouth all the time. Nobody was blaming him for anything. For him to come back at me was a personal attack. I feel that if there is anything that he is unsure about, tell him I would be more than happy to say it in his face, or any kind of other way, that would make him understand."

After reporting to camp Tuesday, Crawford said he looked forward to the calmer environment the Rays would have without Dukes and Young and said that if the two young outfielders hadn't been traded he thought they would have contined to cause problems. He also said they lacked maturity and didn't act the way rookies are supposed to act.

Young volleyed back Thursday when he reported to Twins camp in Fort Myers, saying he discounted the comments because he's seen other players say things like that then turn around and trash the Rays when they leave, invoking the name of former Rays catcher Toby Hall. Young also said he and Dukes shouldn't be blamed for the Rays' poor record since they were a losing franchise before the two arrived.

Crawford's return volley:

"Nobody ever said he was the reason why we lost games. We know that. We said it was a more at-ease enviroment, which is true. And second of all, I have no problem with coming directly to his face and telling him whatever it is he needs to know. Nobody's waiting till he leaves. Nobody cares about him leaving. For him to say we want to act like Toby Hall and leave, nobody's doing that. Trust me. Me personally? Tell him this is a direct statement from me; I will come say it directly to his face. If he wants to know, if he is not sure about anything, I'll say it directly to his face. I'd be more than happy to say it to his face. Make sure he gets that.''

Crawford also questioned why Young aligned himself with Dukes: "He always wants to feel like if he can say him and Dukes, he feels protected that Dukes has his back or something like that.''

Crawford also offered what sounded like a message to the Twins:

"Tell them, this is exactly the kind of thing Crawford and the Rays were talking about. It hasn't happened much (in Minnesota yet), but at some point it will and they will see what we were talking about over here.''

Rays stadium: Let the debate begin

Chief security officer Ron Whitaker, center, explains to people waiting to sign up for tonight's hearing the procedure for handling the expected overflow crowd. [Lara Cerri | Times]

ST. PETERSBURG - I'm here in City Hall, more than 3½ hours before the public hearing on the Tampa Bay Rays' stadium and redevelopment proposal begins at 6:30 p.m., and already people are lining up for their turn to speak.

It kind of has the atmosphere of a big-time college basketball game –- without the pep bands or cheerleaders. Proponents of the Rays' plan, mainly from the group Fans For Waterfront Stadium, are expected to be wearing white. Opponents, those associated with the group Preserve Our Wallets and Waterfront, will be dressed in red.

There's not a lot at stake tonight. Though perhaps 200 residents and business owners are expected to sound off on the Rays' proposal, the eight-member City Council will not make any decisions. Instead, they'll simply listen, and then (eventually) go home.

Here's a link to the story in today's newspaper advancing the meeting. Here's a good primer on the Rays' plan if you're new to all of this.

I'll check in later this afternoon with an update and then be blogging live starting at 6:30 p.m. I plan to answer some questions as well if you leave them in the comments field.

-- Aaron Sharockman, Times Staff Writer

Price "like Liriano"

Lefty David Price pitches during spring training at the Naimoli Complex in St. Petersburg.   Photo by James Borchuck, Times

Lefty David Price pitches during spring training at the Naimoli Complex in St. Petersburg.   Photo by James Borchuck, TimesNew Rays and former Twins SS Jason Bartlett said the first time he saw talented Minnesota lefthander Francisco Liriano throw, he thought he reminded him of ace Johan Santana.
And Thursday, when Bartlett saw Rays top draft pick David Price throw for the first time, he thought he reminded him of Liriano.
"From what I've seen he throws like Liriano up there. Obviously he doesn't have the changeup Liriano has just yet and the kid's young, but they've probably got Liriano in the future,'' Bartlett said. "The guy has to work hard and he'll be up there for a long time.''
Price, 22, threw 33 pitches in his first session against big-league hitters, and his first against any hitters in seven months since his last game for Vanderbilt. He looked good despite not having the sharpest command, and impressed just about everyone.
" I thought he was perfectly fine,'' pitching coach Jim Hickey said.

The Rookie a veteran

Jim Morris' brief pitching career with the Rays led to the popular Disney movie The Rookie.
Six years later, Morris is still a popular personality, traveling the world to make around 100 inspirational speeches a year.
Saturday, he'll return to Tropicana Field to sign autographs from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. as part of the team's annual FanFest.
"It's amazing,'' Morris said. "I've been extremely busy. They said as the movie got further away things would slow down but they've actually picked up.''
Morris remains grateful of the opportunity the Rays gave him, to go from a high school coach and teacher to a big-league pitcher at age 35.
"A lot of times it seems surreal,'' he said. "It's amazing to think I did that and the Rays are the ones who gave me the chance.''
The topic of Morris' speeches? "Second chances and not giving up,'' he said. "It couldn't get much easier than that.''

Rays turning back the clock, and other promotions

The second day of full-squad workouts is the first day of live batting practice, which should make for some interesting action on the field. The team has been busyt off the field, too.
In advance of Saturday's launch of individual game ticket sales at the annual FanFest, the Rays released a promotional schedule Thursday that includes promotions for all Friday, Saturday and Sunday home games (42 of the 81 in all) as well as as what should be a colorful '80s night on June 21 against Houston, with the Astros wearing their rainbow-striped uniforms and the Rays donning uniforms of the St. Petersburg Pelicans of the short-lived senior league.
Among the more interesting promotions are another cowbell night on April 25 against Boston, a "disco wig" for '70s night against Baltimore on May 24, a Rays army hat for Heroes night July 5 against Kansas City, a Rays LED flashlight key chain on July 19 vs. Toronto, a B.J. Upton figurine as part of African-American Celebration night Aug. 2 vs. Detroit and a James Shields figurine on Aug. 30 vs. Baltimore.
The Rays will continue their all-inclusive themes, with a Tampa Bay night, wrestling night, international night, '70s night, country night, a Festival Latino, '80s night, a St. Petersburg night, a '90s night, and a sci-fi night.
There will be giveaways for kids at all Sunday games, including Akinori Iwamura wristbands (April 20), a Scott Kazmir strikeout swirler (April 27), a Carlos Pena Silver Slugger wiffle ball bat (May 11) and a Carl Crawford jersey T-shirt (June15).
The team will also offer $1 hot dogs on Friday nights, except for the April 25 game against Boston.

FanFest autograph schedule

The Rays released the following autograph schedule (subejct to change) for Saturday's FanFest at Tropicana Field, which runs from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., with free parking and admission.

Here is the schedule as of Wednesday night:

9-10 a.m. (season-ticket holders only): Gary Gaetti (Triple-A coach), Jeff Niemann, Wade Davis
11-noon: James Shields, Matt Garza, Gary Glover, Juan Salas, Mitch Talbott, Scott Dohmann, Jae-Kuk Ryu
Noon-1: Senior advisor Don Zimmer, Scott Kazmir, Troy Percival, David Price, Edwin Jackson, Jason Hammel, Andy Sonnanstine, Trever Miller, J.P. Howell, Grant Balfour, Al Reyes, Dan Wheeler
1-2: B.J. Upton, Akinori Iwamura, Rocco Baldelli, Ben Zobrist, Justin Ruggiano, Kurt Birkins, Andy Cannizaro, Reid Brignac, Scott Munter, Eric Hinske, Matt Spring, Chris Richard
2-3: Carlos Pena, Cliff Floyd, Evan Longoria, Jason Bartlett, Calvin Medlock, John Rodriguez, James Houser, Jon Weber, Chad Orvella, Brian Anderson, Fernando Perez, Eliot Johnson
3-4: Carl Crawford, Jonny Gomes, Joel Guzman, Dioner Navarro, Willy Aybar, Chris Mason, Hector Gimenez, Mike Difelice, John Jaso, Josh Paul, Shawn Riggans
4-5: Manager Joe Maddon, coaches Tom Foley, Bobby Ramos, George Hendrick, Tim Bogar, Dave Martinez, Jim Hickey, Steve Henderson

Also:

10-2: Jim Morris, former Ray and subect of the movie The Rookie.
10-11: Former major leaguers Billy DeMars, Milt May, Jim Morrison, Tom Niedenfuer, Dennis Rasmussen, Tom Tresh
1-2: Former major leaguers Carl Boles, Rich Folkers, Dick Lines, Dennis Menke, Mark Whiten
2-3: Former major leaguers Bill Denehy, Ken Frailing, John O'Donoghue, Gary Peters
3-4: Former major leaguers Casey Cox, Darold Knowles, Jeff Torborg

Dukes welcomes "fresh start" with Nats

Former Rays outfielder Elijah Dukes, speaking publicly for the first time since the club traded their touted turned troubled prospect to the Nationals in December, stayed on message in saying he welcomed a "fresh start" with his new club.

Dukes said he was part disappointed, part excited when he found out with he was getting dealt, but said the Rays "gave me my chances" to succeed, offering him enough support - "It was a shame it didn't work out.

"I never want to leave a job with a negative behind," Dukes said. "You always want to leave on a good note, and I didn't get that chance....and to show them what they drafted, that they drafted someone who can produce and do things the right way."

Dukes had been the subject of controversy, and headlines, since last summer when news broke over a series of the Tampa native’s personal and off-field issues. A Times story May 23rd included allegations from his estranged wife that he had threatened her life, as well as the lives of the couple’s children. There were also several claims of paternity levied against Dukes, including one from a foster child who was 17 and living in his grandmother's house; and a threat against a reporter.

"I was a real hard headed guy," Dukes said. "It was at times hard for me to listen. I needed to be able to admit that I do things wrong and it's ok to do things wrong, but to make good after that."

Dukes said he came to that conclusion this past offseason, when he spent a lot of time trying to "find myself." He was pleased with the support from the Nats organization, guidance and support from Dmitri Young and a club employee, James Williams, who accompanies Dukes every day and is someone the 23-year-old outfielder calls a "father figure." 

Nats GM Jim Bowden said the club hasn't imposed a "no tolerance policy" akin to the one given to Dmitri Young last year, but that the Nats have a plan in place for Dukes - on and off the field - and he is, so far, passing the test. "He's done everything we've asked him to do," Bowden said. "We have absolutely no complaints."

When asked whether this is his last chance in baseball, Dukes paused.

“I always leave that up to God,” he said, “but as far as getting it together and knowing that I have to get it together? Yes, I know I have to get it together now. But I never count myself out.”

Dukes showed up at the Nationals facility around 2:30 p.m. after most of the other Nats had left, toting his 3-year old son, Elijah Jr, who was sporting a red Nationals hat. After a brief tour of the clubhouse, he met with more than a dozen media members and covered many issues in an introspective, 20-minute chat.

Dukes didn't address any part of his legal problems or situations, only saying, "Don't believe everything you hear."

"I have tests in my life every day, trying to raise my son and stuff like that," Dukes said. "I had my issues, but I overcame them without being on the front page or behind bars or something. So, obviously I kind of dealt with my things the right way."

Dukes, a former Hillsborough High star, said it probably wasn't a good combination to be playing in his hometown, where some issues were exacerbated - and put on the front page.

"I think being young and being at home is just not a good thing for someone who probably isn't mature enough to handle those type of situations. Leaving the ballpark and going home everybody loves you. But you gotta know how to deal and cope when those type of issues that go along with it - being at home and playing baseball."

Dukes agreed with Rays All Star outfielder Carl Crawford, who told the Times on Tuesday that he didn't think the "maturing part would have happened here," for Dukes and Delmon Young. Crawford said that Dukes and Young had "too much free range to do whatever they wanted to do."

"You're gonna need that veteran guy there sometimes to be able to stick it to you hard," Dukes said. " And we didn't really have that many older guys that been through too much to experience things with. (But) not all people need that type of thing, so its not expected.”   

Before Dukes left, he offered one more - if not his last - promise, "From now on, everyone will get a chance to see the real Elijah Dukes."

-- JOE SMITH

 

AP Photo

joesmith@sptimes.com

Opening day ...

Right handed pitcher Scott Dohmann, 27, hugs infielder Carlos Pena, right, during spring training at the Naimoli Complex in St. Petersburg Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2008.   Photo by James Borchuck, Times

The Rays opened their first full-squad workout Wednesday with a practice-field meeting that lasted more than a half hour and ended with a roaring laugh - following the first of what is expected to be a regular "joke of the day.''
1B Carlos Pena and OF Jonny Gomes were in uniform and on the field, leaving missing just the three players delayed by visa problems in the Dominican Republic: INFs Willy Aybar and Joel Guzman and RHP Juan Salas.
The players went through a series of drills, with Akinori Iwamura looking rather comfortable, and at times sharp, in his first official workout at second base. No fear, he had his contingent of Japanese media back.
Manager Joe Maddon planned to stress accountability and trust in his opening address.
A number of team front office officials were on hand for the opening, including special advisor Fred McGriff, but not principal owner Stuart Sternberg.

Cal Ripken a Ray?

It's been expected that the Rays would seek to move their Class A Florida State League team from Vero Beach to their new spring training facility in Port Charlotte as soon as next season.

But it would come with an interesting twist: Under a deal in the works, the team would be purchased by a group led by Hall of Famer Cal Ripken, with the Rays as a minority partner.

The sale and move have to be approved by major- and minor-league baseball and the Florida State League, but all are expected to be on board.

Ripken Baseball owns several other teams, including the Abeerden IronBirds and Augusta GreenJackets, and also operates instructional camps that feature the Hall of Famer.

The story was first reported by WZVN TV station.

Nats welcome Dukes

The Nationals are preparing for Wednesday's arrival of OF Elijah Dukes, with this detail from the Washington Post:. With this update that Dukes will speak at 3 p.m. today.

Outfielder Elijah Dukes, whose acquisition in December created a stir owing to Dukes's troubled past, is expected to report to camp on time Wednesday and meet with reporters on Thursday. Dukes, 23, has not spoken publicly since the Nationals acquired him from Tampa Bay.

"The kid is eager to start a new career in a new place with new teammates," said Acta, who saw Dukes work out three weeks ago in Orlando. "But there's a ways to go in spring training, and I really, really hope things work out for us because he's very talented."

Team President Stan Kasten is planning to fly in from Washington for Dukes's arrival -- another indication of how much effort and how many resources the team is putting into the project. . . .

With the roof closed

The Tampa Bay Rays released a new image of their proposed $450-million waterfront ballpark with the roof closed. Critics of the proposal had been pushing a picture (at left) with a yellow roof. The Rays response is a translucent white.

-- Aaron Sharockman, Times Staff Writer

CC: No more drama

Carl Crawford was here before 8 Tuesday morning, reporting early on day the before full squad workouts. He looked to be in spectacular shape, said he's changed his diet and intensified his workouts.|
And, most telling, he thought the Rays have changed for the better this season - on and off the field.
"I'm really excited this year,'' Crawford said. "I just feel like it's going to be a little more peaceful this year, more at ease. I think it will be more at ease. Not so much crazy stuff. You just get the feeling it's about everybody wanting to come out and play good baseball this year. I'm done, you know I'm not really a drama person, so I'm kinda glad stuff just seems a little smoother right now.''
Crawford said he was "surprised" the Rays traded Delmon Young to Minnesota (for Jason Bartlett and Matt Garza) but that the deal should work for both teams. The Rays also traded Elijah Dukes, whose off-field troubles were a major distraction.
Crawford added a gym to his house in Arizona, made his workouts more intensive and concentrated on making his legs stronger, which should combat the fatiguing effects of the turf at Tropicana Field. He said the change in diet - including cutting out his favorite, Taco Bell - has given him more energy.
Crawford is confident the Rays will be better this season but wasn't quite as overly optimistic as some of this teammates, saying they were "a long way from October" and should focus first on a .500 season.
"This is probably the best team they've ever put together and we all know that and I think we want to go out and show people,'' he said.
OF Jon Weber and INF Elliot Johnson also reported, leaving only Carlos Pena, Jonny Gomes, Willy Aybar and Juan Guzman to arrive, along with RHP Juan Salas, who has been delayed in the Dominican Republic by visa problems.

Navarro won't be distracted

C Dioner Navarro reported to camp early Monday morning and said his latest family crisis - his mother remains hospitalized in Venezuela after a brain aneurysm - won't be a distraction.
"She's stable, she's fine, all we have to do is wait,'' said Navarro, who returned to Tampa from Venezuela around midnight Sunday. "With all due respect I don't really want to talk about it. I just want to concentrate; I'm here with the team and looking forward to the season.''

OF/INF Eric Hinske also reported, and said he was looking forward to show he could still play third base, which would make him more valuable, and a more viable candidate, for a reserve job, especially if top 3B prospect Evan Longoria is not on the opening day roster.

And Troy Percival continued to show his clubhouse leadership, and sense of humor, sporting a customized jersey. After kidding the pitchers over a Sunday Times article comparing Rays starters Scott Kazmir, James Shields and Matt Garza to some of baseball's best young rotations, Percival wore a jersey that looked like this:
KAZMIR
SHIELDS
GARZA
-----------
GLAVINE
AVERY
SMOLTZ

"I might wear it all spring,'' Percival said.

(Pictured: Troy Percival, left, and Trever Miller. Times photo - James Borchuck. Click to enlarge.)

Aki in the house

Akinori Iwamura reported to camp on Sunday saying he welcomed the shift from third base to second and confident he was up to the challenge, invoking the name of former Rays teammate Ty Wigginton.

"I'm proud of my play at third base but at same time if the team needs me to be at second for team reasons I more than welcome it,'' he said through new interpreter Bori Uchibori.
"It's a challenge to me anyway. I know I can do it. Wiggy can do it so I can do it.''

He also said he was "not satisfied" with his offense, expecting to increase his average from .285 into the .300 range and add to his first-year totals of 7 homers and 34 RBIs.

Floyd checks in

Veteran Cliff Floyd reported to camp early Saturday and said as much as the team was looking for him to provide veteran leadership, he was looking forward to success on the field. "I hope everyone is looking forward to winning,'' Floyd said.
Manager Joe Maddon has talked about a "rightfield triangle" of Floyd, Rocco Baldelli and Jonny Gomes, but Floyd said he expected to spend the bulk of his time at DH. He also said he feels better physically, with no limitations, than he has in years.

Kazmir: Playoffs possible

The optimism was rampant as the Rays opened spring training on Friday.
Besides the new name, the new uniforms, the new players and the new attitudes, there are also new - and significantly loftier - goals, such as making the playoffs.
"What's possible? Play in October, that's possible,'' ace Scott Kazmir said. "That is possible. That's what I got out of Joe (Maddon) talking to us, and talking to all of my teammates, it's not something that's impossible. We have what it takes to win here.''
That might be a stretch for a team that finished a major-league worst 66-96 last season, but the optimism was widespread throughout the clubhouse.
"I think we made unbelievable improvement, dramatic improvement,'' said Kazmir, who spoke critically at the end of last season of the team's efforts to improve. "We addressed every issue that came up in the offseason.''

Rays open camp

James Shields, right, pitches from the practice mound. [Times photo | Dirk Shadd]

UPDATE (2:55)
In a word, manager Joe Maddon said he was "pleased" with the first day of camp. There were no players restricted by injury, no unpleasant surprises and nothing that went wrong.

The Rays did announce that nine players had agreed to terms on one-year deals, including RHP Matt Garza, RHP Edwin Jackson and C Dioner Navarro. The others are RHP Mitch Talbot, RHP Calvin Medlock, OF Fernando Perez, OF Justin Ruggiano and LHP Kurt Birkins. They are all players with 0-3 years of service time, which means they make at or near the major-league minimum of $390,000 and the Rays have the option of setting their salary if they don't agree to a deal.


UPDATE (11:06 AM)
Catcher Dioner Navarro was not at Friday's workout, having had to return home to Venezuela for what the team said was "a family emergency," which involved the health of his mother. The Rays don't know yet when Navarro will return, but his absence should not affect his job status as the starting catcher.
Navarro, 24, has had to deal with a number of family issues during his brief career, including complicated medical matters with his wife and son.

------
The sun shone brightly on the Rays Friday morning as they opened their 11th spring training with considerable optimism and high expectations.
Of the 35 pitchers and catchers expected to be on the field, the only one missing appeared to be reliever Juan Salas, who was delayed by the typical visa problems in the Dominican Republic.
Manager Joe Maddon was the first out the door of the clubhouse at 9:55 a.m., ahead of all the players, noting "Nobody's out here." Moments later he was joined by the group with reliever Chad Orvella leading the players out the door and J.P. Howell the first to hit on the grass.
Among position players on hand as well were B.J. Upton and Evan Longoria.

Disney return official

The Rays finalized plans to play their April 22-24 series with Toronto at the Disney complex, and said tickets will go on sale Saturday through all outlets on Saturday, including raysbaseball.com and ticketmaster.
There is also a special Internet pre-sale on Friday through raysbaseball.com. All fans attending the Disney games will get a voucher for another weekend game at Tropicana Field.

The Rays also announced the creation of an advisory board to guide the Rays Baseball Foundation, the team's charitable arm.
Those named were:
Lyle Blanden, CEO and chairman J.O. DeLotto and Sons, Inc.
Dick Crippen, Rays senior advisor
Dick Dobkin, consultant and retired managing partner Ernst & Young Tampa Bay
Jim MacDougald, Westshore Ventures, Inc.
Bob Dutkowsky, CEO Tech Data
Fred McGriff, Rays senior adviser
David Feaster, area president Whitney Bank
Winthrop Newton, president St. Petersburg association of firefighters
Lilly Gonzalez, VP and GM Univision Tampa Bay
Richard Reeves, VP advertising and marketing St. Petersburg Times
Cynthia Lake, executive director Children's Dream Fund
Frank Sanchez, partner CMPartners
Clarence Scott, city services administrator St. Petersburg
Stephanie Wheeler
Steve Colafrancesco, VP marketing and new business development Bright House Networks

The foundation also established three grant programs, continuing the field renovation program, adding a community fund grant program for non-profit organizations (on average of $5,000) and an all-star program of $50,000-$100,000.

Longoria: Bring it on

The Rays said Tuesday they'd give top prospect Evan Longoria the chance to show in spring training if he's ready to be the opening day third baseman. And Longoria said Wednesday he welcomes the challenge.
"I'm feeling pretty good coming into the spring so I was just hoping that they would let me play and ... let them make the decision after the spring,'' Longoria said after working out with more than 30 other early reportees to the Naimoli complex.
"That's basically what I came into spring hoping would happen,'' Longoria said. "If they would have made the decision early, obviously if I was in the big leagues that would be good, but I feel like now it just puts a little more added pressure on me, which I like. It's going to make me work harder.''
Longoria, 22, is confident he can make the jump to the majors despite only 1 1/2 years in the minor leagues. The Rays expect him to be in the big leagues sometime this season, but may decide to give him a few more months seasoning. If so, Willy Aybar or Joel Guzman would be the likely starter.
"I couldn't come in thinking I wasn't going to get the job,'' Longoria said. "All I can do is stay positive, have a good spring and put the pressure on them to make a decision.''

Also:
- Rays officials will hold their official pre-spring media conference on Thursday.
- Reliever Juan Salas is the only pitcher or catcher not expected to report in time for Friday's first workout, delayed due to visa problems.
- Ex-Ray Greg Norton got a job, signing a minor-league deal with the Mariners.

C.C.: "I can't wait to get to spring training."

Rays LF Carl Crawford has kept a low profile during the off-season but told ESPN.com's Amy K. Nelson he can't wait to get to spring training and likes the direction the team is headed, especially the deal to get RHP Matt Garza and SS Jason Bartlett from Minnesota for Delmon Young.
"That move, for Garza, spoke volumes," Crawford said. "For the first time I felt like this organization was serious about winning. That's the reason why I think everybody is excited because everybody sees that."
Crawford also details how he has changed his diet and intensified his workouts, having built a private gym in his Arizona home.

Longoria will take his swings

3B prospect Evan Longoria will get the chance to show in spring training whether he is ready for the major leagues as the Rays have dropped the idea of making one of the spring's biggest decisions before the start of camp.
Manager Joe Maddon said Tuesday the Rays will base their decision on how Longoria plays during the spring, how he handles himself and other factors, and likely won't render a verdict until mid-March at the earliest.
"We're just going to have him come into camp and we're just going to watch it as it progresses and we'll make our decision,'' Maddon said. "We're not going to just pre-set it before camp.''
The evaluation of Longoria will be made independent of other players, Maddon said, and based on what it best for the talented 22-year-old who is considered a future star.
"For me, personally, it's the entire thing. There's no one area. He could come in and hit .500 and that might not make him make the team,'' Maddon said. "It's just going to be how we're seeing it progress, how we feel the whole thing is coming together, a lot of different things. ...
"I've got to see it on the field. I've not really been on the field with this guy. I love him. I've seen him in the fall league and I've had conversations, we've gone out to dinner. He's a major-leaguer, there's no question. When is the right time to make that happen, that's what we've got to figure out.''
Longoria told the Times recently that he hoped for the chance to prove he was ready and would have been disappointed if the Rays had made a decision ahead of time. They had been considering doing so because they prefer not to make evaluations in the spring, when the level of competition is inconsistent, and to reduce the pressure and scrutiny.
Maddon addressed the fans attending Tuesday's kickoff luncheon sponsored by the St. Petersburg-area and Clearwater chambers.
He also:
     -Reiterated that the competition for the two open spots in the rotation will include Jason Hammel, J.P. Howell, Edwin Jackson, Jeff Niemann and Andy Sonnanstine.
     -Said players will report to camp, which opens Friday, in good shape injury-wise, with no - thus far - unexpected health concerns.
    -Considers five of the seven bullpen spots taken by Troy Percival, Al Reyes, Dan Wheeler, Trever Miller and Gary Glover.
     -Doesn't expect any further additions to a spring roster that now stands at 56.
   

Luncheon moved

Tuesday's Rays luncheon has been shifted from Progress Energy Park to Tropicana Field due to potential rain.

"The new Delmon"

Outfielder Delmon Young says things will be different in Minnesota, or at least he's saying different things since the Rays traded him to Minnesota.
In this fine piece by Joe Christensen of the Star-Tribune, Delmon, as well as his family and friends, talk about how much he has grown up and put his past issues behind him.
"This is the happiest I've been, probably since high school," Delmon said. "It's like I've got a fresh start."

Who's on your team of St. Pete's finest?

To salute the history of spring training in St. Petersburg, from 1914-2008, we selected an all-time team of players who trained here. The idea was to pick the most accomplished players at each position, giving weight to how long they trained here, and being representative of each era.

Here are the teams: 1914 St. Louis Browns, 1915-18 Philadelphia Phillies, 1922-37 Boston Braves, 1925-61 New York Yankees, 1938-97 St. Louis Cardinals, 1951 New York Giants, 1962-87 New York Mets, 1992-95 Baltimore Orioles, 1998-2008 Tampa Bay Rays.

And here's what we came up with:
Outfielders - Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle and Stan Musial
DH - Babe Ruth
Catcher - Yogi Berra
1B - Lou Gehrig
2B - Red Schoendienst
SS - Ozzie Smith
3B - Wade Boggs
Starting pitchers - Grover Cleveland Alexander, Steve Carlton, Whitey Ford, Bob Gibson, Tom Seaver
Reliever - Bruce Sutter
Manager - Casey Stengel

But enough about us.
We want to know what you think.
So go to the comments area below and give us your team of St. Pete's finest.

With Spring, Rays set for spring

The Rays set their spring training roster on Friday by inviting catcher Matt Spring to camp.
Spring, 23, last season between Class A Columbus and Double-A Montgomery hitting .204, but is being invited more to help with the catching chores more than anything.
With Spring, the Rays have 56 players on their roster, their fewest ever to open camp in their 11 seasons.

Also, the next Hot Stove Radio Show will broadcast Monday night (7 p.m., 620-WDAE) from the Sandpearl Resort on Clearwater Beach (500 Mandalay Ave) with RHP James Shields on location (and signing autographs) and principal owner Stuart Sternberg on the phone.
Andy Freed and Dave Wills will host.

Rays add 'power' pitcher

The Rays have already decided who will be on the mound for the first pitch of the April 8 home opener, and it's the stocky righthander from Purdue - recently retired Bucs running back Mike Alstott.

Alstott, a Rays season-ticket holder, will get the ceremonial honors, then would seem likely to be followed by No. 3 starter Matt Garza.

"Mike's accomplishments transcend the excellence he has displayed on the football field,'' Rays president Matt Silverman said in a statement. "He is a great role model and his charitable contributions have made Tampa Bay a better place to live. The Rays are proud to honor Mike for his career, his character and his ongoing contributions to the Tampa Bay community.''

Alstott joins a list of celebrity tossers that includes Gov. Charlie Crist (2007), U.S. Army Gen, Tommy Franks (2002), Wade Boggs (2000) and Hall of Famers Ted Williams, Stan Musial, Monte Irvin and Al Lopez (1998).

Rays add INF/OF Hinske

The Rays signed INF/OF Eric Hinske to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training.
Hinkse, 30, spent last season in a reserve role with Boston (hitting .204 with 6 HRs and 21 RBIs) after playing the five previous seasons with the Blue Jays. Hinske, the 2002 AL Rookie of the Year, has a career .255 average with 85 home runs and 339 RBIs in 770 big-league games.
Hinske would provide the Rays with an additional lefthanded hitting option, and provide depth in case of injury, at first base, the corner outfield and DH spots, and could be another alternative at third base if prospect Evan Longoria is not deemed ready for the opening day roster.
Hinske will make $800,000 if he is in the majors.

Charges against Aybar dropped

Domestic violence charges against Rays infielder Willy Aybar were dropped when his wife withdrew the complaint in the Dominican Republic, ESPNdeportes.com reported Wednesday.
Aybar, 24, faced the possibility of three months in jail for hitting his wife but told the Spanish language arm of ESPN that he apologized for his actions (which he termed "a big mistake"), sought forgiveness and promised to improve behavior which he admitted was not "the most appropriate sometimes.''
The report also said that Aybar and his wife, Yessenia, 23, who have been married for seven years and have three children, have reconciled.
The Rays said they expect Aybar, acquired last month from Atlanta, to join the team in spring training, which opens next week. Spokesman Rick Vaughn issued this statement:
"While details of this situation remain unclear, we are pleased that it has been resolved. We are encouraged that Willy has expressed remorse and accepted responsibility for his actions. The Rays are committed to providing a support system for him and his family when they arrive in St. Petersburg for spring training."
Aybar came to the Rays with a troubled past, having spent three months last season in a substance abuse rehab clinic.
"I know that if I focus I can become a great baseball player,'' Aybar said, "but also I want to be a good father, husband and citizen.''

Rays add lefty Trever Miller

UPDATE (5 P.M.)
The Rays announced that Miller passed his physical and the deal was official. He takes the last open spot on the 40-man roster, and increases the spring camp roster to 54. His signing could push the Rays' opening day payroll to around $42-million.
-------

The Rays are set to sign lefthanded reliever Trever Miller to a one-year contract with an option for 2009.
Miller, 34, spent 2004-05 with the Rays, going 3-3 with one save in 121 appearances, then the last two seasons with the Astros.
Under terms of the deal, which will become official once Miller passes a physical, he will make $1.6-million this season, and the Rays will have a $2-million option for next year, or a $400,000 buyout.
Miller, who has made his year-round home in Land O'Lakes, was thrilled with the opportunity.
"It's been a blessing to be able to play big-league baseball at home,'' Miller said. "I didn't think it would happen again. Andrew (Friedman) gave us a call at the end of the season and we met with him, the process took longer than we wanted it to, they had to sign a few other guys so we had to wait for that to transpire, and we were rewarded for our patience.''
Miller compiled a 4.86 ERA in 78 appearances last season for the Astros, holding lefthanded hitters to a .209 average.
Miller is often used for brief, sometimes one batter, appearances, In nine major-league seasons, Miller has pitched in 451 games (379 innings) with a 12-14 record and eight saves.
He said he is excellent shape and hopes for the opportunity for more work.
"I'm not one-dimensional, and I have never have been, but you get labeled when you do something well,'' Miller said. "I'd like to be used in that role and more. I think I can get righthanders out too. Hopefully they'll give me an opportunity and I'll run with it.''

Aybar out on bond, charges may be dropped

New Rays infielder Willy Aybar was released from a Dominican Republic jail on bond and the domestic violence charges against him are being reconsidered, prosecutor Rigoberto Santana told the Times this morning.

At a hearing Tuesday, Aybar's wife said she had "no desire" to see her husband remain in jail, given that the pair has three daughters and that he is a professional baseball player with international commitments, said Santana, quoting from the court decision.

Willy Aybar told the court that his wife was in the process of reconsidering pressing charges against him, Santana said in Spanish. If she drops the charges, prosecutors could still go forward with the case but it will be difficult, said Paulino Zapata, another prosecutor based in San Cristobal.

Santana said that the case has not been closed, however, and likely requires another hearing, though a date has not yet been set. As a result, it's not clear yet when Aybar would be allowed to come to Florida to join the Rays for the start of spring training. Generally, someone out on bond would need special permission to leave the country, said Zapata.

Aybar had been held since last Thursday and a prosecutor told espndeportes.com he could remain behind bars for at least three months, which would have forced him to miss at least part of the season.

Aybar was released on a bond of 300,000 pesos, which converts to about $8,876 in U.S. dollars.

The Rays have yet to comment on the situation. Aybar was acquired last month from Atlanta with the idea that he could be the starting third baseman until prospect Evan Longoria is deemed ready, then fill a "super utility" role.

Aybar, 24, came to the Rays with a troubled past that included going AWOL from the Braves last season and spending three months in rehab for substance-abuse problems, which his agent initially told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution was "drinking and drugs." Between the off-field troubles and a right hand injury which eventually required surgery, Aybar missed all of last season. He had been playing for Licey in the Dominican Republic, but was dropped from the roster for the Caribbean Series.

- Saundra Amrhein and Marc Topkin