For openers ...

Update, 2:45 Okay, so it's still cold and still gray, but the rain has stopped and there will be baseball, so that does make it a great day. The Rays have been introduced and, in a bit of a twist, were lined up between third and second. The Orioles are coming out from centerfield on what has to be the world's longest orange carpet, with their arrival heralded by fireworks and their path lined by flag-waving kids.
By the way, there are rumors that the Orioles have still not sold out the opener, which is amazing given the history here.

Not too much in the way of news from manager Joe Maddon pre-game, basically that all players are healthy, though he may have to determine how available Cliff Floyd will be on almost a daily basis due to a sore knee. Maddon said he'll try to get all players a start sometime in the first week so they don't get stale coming out of spring training - keeping alive the enticing possibility of Elliot Johnson being introduced to the crowd at Yankee Stadium.

INF Ben Zobrist hasn't started hitting yet, the final stage of his recovery from a broken left thumb, which makes it unlikely he would join the team during the season-opening seven-game trip.

No word today  from the Rays on the 2009 contract options that have to be acted on by Tuesday, with Carl Crawford's expected to be picked up and Rocco Baldelli's expected to be declined.

------

It's cold, gray and wet here in Baltimore this morning, not exactly a beautiful day for baseball, but all indications from the morning forecasts are that the opener will be played.

Light rain has been falling much of the morning, and temperatures are still in the low 40s, but by the 3:05 first pitch it should at least be in the 50s (great!) and the rain is supposed to dwindle to a drizzle (how nice!).

The Rays didn't work out in St. Petersburg or Baltimore on Sunday, taking a late afternoon flight. They may not get to hit on the field today either based on the weather.

Photo: Brian Cassella | Times

Rays prospect out 3-to-4 weeks

OF Desmond Jennings, one of the Rays top prospects, is expected to be sidelined 3-to-4 weeks with a back injury, according to Mitch Lukevics, director of minor league operations.

Jennings, 21, the top prospect last season in the South Atlantic League, hit .315 with 75 runs and 45 steals for Single-A Columbus, but missed the final two weeks of the regular season and postseason with a knee injury.

Jennings, a former Alabama football signee, was a 10th-round selection by the Rays in 2006. He is rated the Rays sixth-best prospect by Baseball America.

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Kazmir's bullpen session better than expected

Ace LHP Scott Kazmir said he felt "really good" Sunday after throwing off the mound for the first time in more than two weeks.

Kazmir, who is rehabbing from a left elbow strain suffered Feb. 26, threw about 35 pitches (all fastballs), switching from the windup to the stretch at the Naimoli Complex. The lefthander reported no pain, with "everything feeling free and easy."

"Everything went perfectly," pitching coach Jim Hickey said. "Even better than I anticipated."

Hickey said Kazmir's command was "much better than I anticipated," with only three pitches just a little bit "off track."

The Rays recently outlined a plan where Kazmir will throw a couple bullpen sessions, at least one live batting practice and two-to-three extended spring starts before potentially making a major league start by the end of April. Hickey said things could get "accelerated," if Kazmir continues to progress quickly, but he wants to see another bullpen session or two before even thinking about that possibility.

For Kazmir, he was glad to get to throw off the mound for the first time since Mar. 13. Hickey said Kazmir will likely throw another bullpen session on Wednesday, mixing in some changeups, with another one later this week where they'll start putting in breaking balls.

"I've been playing catch forever," he said with a grin. "It was just good to get back on on the bump."

-- JOE SMITH
joesmith@sptimes.com

Hinske gets final spot; spring finale a loss

Update 4:07 Eric Hinske didn't just get a spot on the team, he'll be in the starting lineup on Monday in Baltimore. Manager Joe Maddon unveiled his lineup Saturday and it will look like this:
Akinori Iwamura, 2b
Carl Crawford, lf
Carlos Pena, 1b
B.J. Upton, cf
Cliff Floyd, dh
Willy Aybar, 3b
Eric Hinske, rf
Dioner Navarro, c
Jason Bartlett, ss
James Shields, rhp

Also, here are the Rays final planned moves to get down to the 25-man roster limit by the 3 p.m. Sunday deadline:

And here’s how they got there:

Designated for

assignment

RHP Grant Balfour

Optioned

INF Joel Guzman, to Triple-A Durham

RHP Juan Salas, to Class A Hudson Valley

Placed on 15-day

disabled list

LHP Kurt Birkins, left elbow neuritis

RHP Chad Orvella, right shoulder tendinitis

Reassigned to

minor-league camp

INF Andy Cannizaro

C Mike Difelice

RHP Scott Munter

INF Chris Richard

OF John Rodriguez

OF Jon Weber

Released

C Josh Paul

Selected from Durham

OF Eric Hinske

Update 3:59 Rays lose 8-4. If the A's lose their game this afternoon, the Rays, at 18-8-2, can clinch the best spring record in the majors.

Update 3:26 With a cast of thousands playing that even the press box crew is having trouble keeping up, the Rays trail 8-4 going to the ninth.

Update 2:56 The Rays, with a chance to clinch the best spring training record in the majors, took a lead into the sixth but Scott Munter gave up a three-run home run to ex-Ray Javier Valentin, and it's now 5-4 Reds.

2:22 The Rays pulled all their starters are three innings and are leading 3-0. Edwin Jackson worked through the fourth, and gave one run back so it's 3-1.

Update, 12:52 It's nearly game time, and it's very hot, in Sarasota. The Rays will play their regulars for a few innings, then turn things over to the reserves and minor-leaguers, with the idea of getting their 25 rostered players ready to go to Baltimore on Sunday. There is expected to be an official announcemet after the game regarding the roster:

Here is the Rays lineup, with DH Cliff Floyd and 3B Willy Aybar playing again in minor-league games:
Iwamura, 2b
Crawford, lf
Pena, 1b
Upton, cf
Hinske, 3b
Gomes, rf
Navarro, c
Bartlett, ss
Jackson, rhp




ROSTER MOVES
The Rays picked Eric Hinske over Joel Guzman for their final roster spot Saturday morning, unofficially setting their 25-man roster.
Hinske, who came to camp on a non-roster deal, made the team based on a strong spring, his experience and the versatility to play the four corner spots - first and third base, left and right field.
Guzman was optioned to Triple-A Durham.
The Rays also made it official that INF Elliot Johnson, C Shawn Riggans and RHP Scott Dohmann - who were all in battles for jobs - made the team.
The roster has to be filed by 3 p.m. Sunday. The Rays will get down to the 25-man limit by placing RHP Chad Orvella and LHP Kurt Birkins on the DL and optioning RHP Juan Salas - who is expected to report to camp next week after a six-week visa delay - to the minors.

Hinske in, Guzman out

Rays make final cut, keep Hinske option Guzman.

LAST SPRING TRAINING GAME AT AL LANG FIELD

Tampa Bay Ray outfields B.J. Upton, #2, and #32 Eric Hinske pause in the outfield at Al Lang Field/ Progress Energy Park, Friday, after a ball dropped between them vs. the Cincinnati Reds. The Rays have painted a home plate in right field with the year 2012 to signify where home plate would be if the new stadium is built. [Scott Keeler, Times]

B.J. Upton signs autographs before the last game at Al Lang Stadium Friday, March 28, 2008.  [James Borchuck, Times]

The Rays take to the field for the last time at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg Friday, March 28, 2008.  [James Borchuck, Times]

Haynes claimed on waivers; Balfour out, other moves

Update 5:17 It was an unusual way to handle it, but the Rays eventually announced after Friday's game that eight players who had been in camp on minor-league deals did not make the team:
INF Chris Richard
RHP Scott Munter
INF Andy Cannizaro
C Mike Difelice
OF John Rodriguez
OF Jon Weber
C Josh Paul
RHP Grant Balfour

What the Rays won't say until after Saturday's game is the specifics of each move, though based on interviews Richard, Weber, Cannizaro and Rodriguez are all going to Durham. Munter seems likely to join them. The buzz in the locker room was that Difelice was also going to Durham and that Paul may have been released. Balfour earlier said he had been designated for assignment.

The moves leave the Rays with 29 players: Two, relievers Chad Orvella and Kurt Birkins, are likely headed to the DL; and another is reliever Juan Salas, whom the Rays actually expect to report shortly to camp after a six-week visa delay in the Dominican Republic but is headed to the minors.

That leaves 26 players for the final 25 spots, and the appearance that the decision is between INF/OF Joel Guzman and INF / OF Eric Hinske. Also factoring in is the health of 3B Willy Aybar (which if he was limited or out could make Guzman more valuable since he can also play third) and OF/DH Cliff Floyd (which if he were out could make Hinske more valuable since he is a more accomplished hitter).

Update, 2:38 The Rays filled their outfield void by claiming Nathan Haynes off waivers from the Angels. To make room on the 40-man roster, they placed OF Rocco Baldelli on the 60-day disabled list.
Haynes, 28, made his big-league debut for the Angels last May after nearly a decade in the minors. Haynes hits lefthanded, and hit .267 with one RBI in 45 games of reserve duty last season (going 3-for-5 against the Rays). He is a career .281 minor-league hitter, steals a lot more bases (254) than hits home runs (34), and tends to get on-base a lot. Haynes hit .265 in 19 games this spring. He has tremendous speed and can play all three outfield spots.
Haynes was out of options, and it appears the Angels - having decided to keep Reggie Willits - were hoping to sneak Haynes through waivers.
Haynes' acquisition could mean trouble for Eric Hinske, who looked to have the fifth outfielder job. Or it could be an indication the Rays are concerned about the availability of Cliff Floyd, who has been slowed by some seemingly minor injury issues.
Haynes is a product of perseverance, having signed with an independent league team in 2006 after missing most of 2004 and 2005 with a tear in his left hip.Overall, he has had eight - yes, eight! - surgeries: three knee, three hernia, one for torn ligaments in his left thumb and another for the tear in his left hip.
Also, he is the nephew of the Pointer Sisters signing group, and the son of 1980 Olympic Trials triple-jumper John Haynes.
By being placed on the 60-day DL, Baldelli won't be eligible to play until June.

Update, 2:35 The injury issues apparently are concerning because now the Rays are saying they won't announce their final roster until after Saturday's spring finale.

The Rays appear to have decided on their final bullpen slot as Grant Balfour was told before Friday's game he will be designated for assignment, which seems to mean Scott Dohmann made the team.
Balfour said he hoped to be picked up on waivers by another team, but would be open to going to Triple-A Durham if he isn't claimed. (A player designated for assignment is taken off the 40-man roster and the team has to be traded, released or passed through waivers within.).

Balfour had the better spring of the two - with a 3.00 ERA in 10 games (allowing only four runs) even after a rough outing Thursday - but the Rays apparently felt more comfortable with Dohmann, who had an 8.74 spring ERA, allowing 16 hits and four walks in 11 1/3 innings, but pitched well for them in the second half last season.

"I thought I threw the ball pretty good but at the end of the day it makes no difference - I'm out of here,'' Balfour said. "That's the way it goes. ... They made a business decision and that's what they went with. ... They know who they want from the get-go, probably. I don't know what they wanted to do. I could have maybe given up no runs and still not made this team. I don't know. It's disappointing.''

The Rays were in the process of making other cuts before the game so team officials have not been available for comment. Manager Joe Maddon said earlier Friday that they hoped to make 95 percent or even 100 percent of their moves by the end of the day to get down to the 25-man limit in advance of the 3 p.m. Sunday deadline.

The sense during the week has been that the bench jobs will go to INFs Elliot Johnson and Joel Guzman, OF Eric Hinske and C Shawn Riggans.

The Rays, though, have some injury concerns with two potential starters - 3B Willy Aybar and DH Cliff Floyd - which could impact their final decisions.

Rays-Reds in Al Lang finale

Reds first baseman Scott Hatteberg, 21, got Andy Cannizaro out at first on a grounder for the last out at Al Lang Field.  [James Borchuck, Times]

Update 4:11 p.m Closer Troy Percival came in for his first ninth inning situation of the spring, and like his last outing, it wasn't exactly smooth sailing. Percival threw strikes, but the Reds got a few hits (and one run) off of him.

Reds 6, Rays 3 (FINAL)

Update 3:52 p.m The Reds pulled ahead on a suicide-squeeze bunt by Hairston, then got an insurance run in the eighth when Adam Dunn crushed an Al Reyes pitch, hitting it over the 400-foot marker in centerfield.

Reds 5, Rays 3

Update 3:11 p.m Garza's outing is over after five, likely due to a pitch count. With most of the Rays starters, the club has scaled back their last outing as they prepare for the regular season. Garza had an overall pretty good outing. He looked strong in certain parts, and though he let leadoff hitters get on board, he worked his way out of things well. The only runs he gave up were due to a two-out error in the outfield.

The right-hander had a strong spring, and will make his first regular season Rays start next Wednesday in Baltimore. We'll chat with him soon and bring you his thoughts on the outing.

RHP Dan Wheeler came in for the sixth, giving up two extra base hits (leading to a run) but settling down after that.

Reds 3, Rays 2

Update 2:53 p.m Crawford continues to have a great day, tacking on another double (this one to right-field).

But for the second time Friday, the Rays couldn't knock in a runner in scoring position with nobody out.

With one out, B.J. Upton nearly had an RBI single up the middle, but Rerds second baseman Brandon Phillips robbed him with a great play, diving to his right, scooping it up and throwing Upton out at first. Then after Pena was retired, Hinske lined out to right, stranding Crawford on third.

Maddon had said earlier this week that the one thing he feels the Rays haven't done well enough this spring is advancing a runner from third with less than two outs. Here's another example he can show.

Rays 2, Reds 2 (top sixth)

Update 2:35 p.m Garza's outing hasn't gone without a few jams. Pitching coach Jim Hickey made a visit to the mound in the fifth as the Reds put runners on first and second. Garza had let the leadoff man reach base in each of the first three innings.

But he usually grinded his way out of things. Until the 5th. With runners on first and second, Garza thought he was out of the inning when Hairston sent a fly ball to right-center. Sure-handed CF B.J. Upton and RF Eric Hinske both made a move on the ball, with Upton looking like he was going to take it.

Must have been a miscommunication, because Upton and Hinske watched the ball drop on the ground between them. Two runs scored.

Rays 2, Reds 2

Update 2:07 p.m The Rays missed out on what could have been a big inning in the third. After Crawford's RBI double, a Pena walk loaded the bases with nobody out.

But Upton, Hinske (pop out) and Gomes (fly out) were retired without any further damage.

Gomes came close. He nearly cleared the bases with a long fly ball to right-center, appearingly destined for the wall. But Hairston raced from his spot in centerfield, making a nice catch right before he slammed into the wall.

Rays 2, Reds 0

Update 1:57 p.m. Carl Crawford nearly racked up another triple. The speedy leftfielder hit a ball off the rightfield wall, and was rounding second when he stopped on a dime (cause Aki was still standing on third). The double scored a run, and now - after a Pena walk - that loads the bases for B.J. Upton with nobody out.

Rays 2, Reds 0

Update 1:37 p.m. RHP Matt Garza has done pretty well during the first two innings, with the only thing being he's allowed the leadoff batter each inning to reach base (hit, walk, hit). The hard-throwing righthander, slated the No. 2 starter with Kazmir out, said after his last start that he felt ready for the season, and it looks like it right now.

Rays 1, Reds 0

Update 1:21 p.m. 1B Carlos Pena came oh-so-close to his sixth homer of the spring. In the first inning, Pena hit a drive off Reds closer Francisco Cordero which bounced off the tip of the wall near the rightfield foul pole.

It turned into a really-long single, but Crawford (who had stole second) scored.

Rays 1, Reds 0

Update 1:10 p.m. INF Joel Guzman, still a potential starter at third for opening day (if Aybar isn't ready), got plenty of action in the first.

Hairston led off with a bunt down the third base line. Guzman charged, barehanded it but couldn't throw out the speedy centerfielder at first. Then, two batters later, Cabrera hit a grounder to Guzman, who handled it well.

Aybar participated in this morning's workout at the Trop, and looked pretty good; he didn't seem to favor the sore left hamstring at all. Manager Joe Maddon said today Aybar will get some more work at the minor league complex, and the team will get a better feel for him making the expected opening day start.

It's kind of an odd scene this morning - lots of media and staffs scurrying around in preparation for the festivities and ceremony of the final spring training game in St. Petersburg - but no Rays as the team is working out instead at Tropicana Field to get used to the turf and background and things like that.

No roster moves this morning, but there's a chance it could be a long day, as the Rays get down to, or close, to the 25-man limit in advance of the 3 p.m. Sunday deadline. Also, 3B Willy Aybar went to the Trop for the workout, but still no indication he's ready to play in a big-league exhibition as the Rays protect the option to backdate a move to the DL if necessary.

*One other bit of news, is that ace LHP Scott Kazmir said he may throw a bullpen Sunday, with Maddon saying the lefty felt really good. If he does throw, it'll be his first work from the mound in 17 days...

The lineup for today's game:
Iwamura, 2b
Crawford, lf
Pena, 1b
Upton, cf
Hinske, rf
Gomes, dh
Navarro, c
Guzman, 3b
Bartlett, ss

Rays unveil all-time Al Lang team

The Rays named 25 players - including 21 Hall of Famers - to their all-time Al Lang Field (and Waterfront Park) team today, picking from the Boston Braves (1922-37), New York Yankees (1925-42, 1946-50, 1952-61), St. Louis Cardinals (1938-42, 1946-97), New York Giants (1951), New York Mets (1962-87), Baltimore Orioles (1992-95) and Tampa Bay Rays (1998-2008).

Their choices:
Catcher -  Yogi Berra, Gary Carter
First base - Stan Musial, Lou Gehrig
Second base - Rogers Hornsby, Red Schoendienst
Third base - Wade Boggs, Ken Boyer|
Shortstop - Ozzie Smith, Cal Ripken
Outfield - Joe DiMaggio, Willie Mays, Monte Irvin, Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, Lou Brock, Babe Ruth, Darryl Strawberry
Starting pitchers - Bob Gibson, Nolan Ryan, Tom Seaver, Whitey Ford, Steve Carlton
Relief pitchers - Dennis Eckersley, Lee Smith

Going to the game?

If you don't have tickets for Friday's final spring training game in St. Petersburg, you might be out of luck. Or you had better head down early to Progress Energy Park, home of Al Lang Field.
The Rays announced Thursday night the game was sold out except for scattered singles and limited berm seating. The stadium box office opens at 10. There will be TV (FSN) and radio (1250-AM) coverage and, of course, The Heater's live blog.

What can dome do for you?

ST. PETERSBURG -- While Carlos Pena and the boys are battling it out in Winter Haven this afternoon,  Michael Kalt (at left) and his team will be in City Hall, listening to the City Council talk over the potential options for redeveloping Tropicana Field.

Representatives from all three bidders -- Archstone-Madison, Hines and Williams Quarter -- are expected to be on hand. It's another "no formal action" day, meaning we're unlikely to have any major developments. But we should get a sense of what the City Council's thinking.

The big questions:

* Is there going to be any clarity from Achstone-Madison or Williams Quarter on what they're willing to pay to purchase the 86-acre site? (Only Hines gave an actual figure, $50-million, as part of their bid).

* And, is there enough money available for the Rays to possibly finance a new $450-million stadium, and keep their promise not to ask to raise new taxes or divert existing tax revenues?

The council worksession starts at 2 p.m. Check back then for updates.

UPDATE (2:20 p.m.) -- The work session opened with a brief presentation from city officials on each of the three proposals. Now, Archstone-Madison is taking their turn at the mic. Several members of St. Pete Preserve Our Wallets and Waterfront are here, as are a group off Rays executives including Michael Kalt. None of them are expected to speak today. Following the Archstone-Madison presentation, we're scheduled to hear from Hines and then Williams Quarter. City officials are predicting Williams Quarter may increase their development proposal when it gets its chance to speak.

UPDATE ( 2:35 p.m.) -- Archstone-Madison's presentation has come and gone and we still don't understand how much they're offering to purchase Tropicana Field. Archstone vice president Daryl South said there is not sufficient initial land value at the 86-acre Tropicana Field site to support a simple, up front cash payment. So instead, developers are proposing a public-private partnership where the city would received at least $1-million a year in rent, and possibly $2-million a year, as well as some share of the developer's profits for redeveloping the site. Hines, the developer the Rays have been working with, is on the clock.

UPDATE (2:37 p.m.) -- Hines exec. Michael Harrison: "You don't find these opportunities very often in the U.S. anymore."

UPDATE (2:50 p.m.) -- Williams Quarter executives aren't pulling any punches during their presentation. They say the demand for retail Hines and Archstone-Madison (Williams Quarter called them "out of town friends") are talking about, is not verifiable. What is, however, is the need for workforce housing, they say. The Williams Quarter proposes 4,000 for-rent units.

UPDATE (2:57 p.m.) -- Bidding war? Williams Quarter just dropped the biggest bombshell of the afternoon. They're willing to pay $61-million for the Trop. What say you Hines? Time for council questions.

Rays say goodbye, part I

Carl Crawford hits a two-run home run off Indians pitcher Cliff Lee in the third inning. [AP Photo]

Update 4:33 pm The Rays retook the lead 7-5, partly due to a Carlos Pena 2-run homer, but the Indians - in their final game at Chain of Lakes Park - tied it up with a ninth-inning rally.

But the Rays got them back in the top of the 10th, with veteran catcher Mike DiFelice hitting an RBI double to right-center. The next batter, John Rodriguez, drilled a single to rightfield for another RBI.

Rays 9, Indians 7 (FINAL)

Update 3:20 pm Balfour had his first rocky outing of the spring, leaving in the sixth after walking three straight batters (including one with the bases loaded). The past few outings, Balfour had looked as good as Maddon has ever seen him, throwing strikes and getting the ball down.

But, interestingly enough, it was Balfour's biggest competition for the bullpen spot (Scott Dohmann), who came in for him to end the threat. Dohmann got the final fly out to end the inning.

Indians 5, Rays 4 (top 7th)

Update 2:40 pm RHP Grant Balfour has come in to pitch the fifth. The hard-throwing Aussie is in the camp's closest position battle, competing with RHP Scott Dohmann for the final spot in the bullpen. Though Balfour has had the better spring, Maddon & Co. say the spring performance isn't the biggest part of their decision process.

Dohmann struggled at times last spring and turned into one of the Rays most consistent relievers last season.

Update 2:25 p.m The Rays four-run lead was short-lived. In the bottom of the fourth, the Indians loaded the bases on Sonnanstine, drawing a visit from pitching coach Jim Hickey to the mound.

The next batter, Andy Gonzalez, ripped a grand slam just inside the leftfield foul pole, tying the game at 4-4.

Rays 4, Indians 4

Update 2:18 p.m. The Rays continued to show their aggressive baserunning, forcing the issue - and manufacturing a run (and nearly two) in the fourth. B.J. Upton led off with a single. Then, on his attempted steal of second, the throw went into the outfield, allowing Upton to advance to third.

Navarro singled Upton in with a blooper over the drawn-in infield. Navarro stole second (no throw) and then advanced to third on a flyout by Guzman.

Then came arguably the play of the day so far. On a liner to shallow-left center, Indians CF Grady Sizemore showed why he's one of the best in the game, making a spectacular diving catch to rob the Rays of a run.

Rays 4, Indians 0

Update 1:54 p.m. Carl Crawford came through with two outs in the third, hitting a two-run homer to leftfield.

The Rays are up 3-0. Sonnanstine is cruising along, having given up just one hit in three innings

Update 1:19 p.m. Rays leadoff man Akinori Iwamura, who's having a solid spring at the plate, just hit a solo homer to leftfield to open Thursday's game.

It's his second leadoff homer of the spring, and gave the Rays a 1-0 lead.

RHP Andy Sonnanstine is starting today, and it began well as he struck out Grady Sizemore with a nasty breaking ball.

Rays 1, Indians 0

The Rays left early for Winter Haven for what will be the last game there, as the Indians are moving to Arizona next spring. And that's just a farewell warmup act for Friday, when the Rays and Reds play the last spring training game in St. Petersburg.
There are some issues on field, as the Rays try to finalize their 25-man roster in advance of the 3 p.m. Sunday deadline (the same time their busses leave Tropicana Field for the airport on the way to Baltimore).
And of some concern is the status of new starting 3B Willy Aybar.
Aybar has been sidelined since Saturday with a sore left hamstring, and the Rays - while being outwardly confident - are clearly considering contingencies. Aybar is scheduled to play in minor-league games today and likely again Friday rather than with the big-league team, and that makes sense for two reasons.
If all is going well, he can bat in every inning giving him a chance to make up for lost time. But if he continues to have problems with the leg, the Rays preserve the option of putting him on the 15-day disabled list backdated to March 21 (since he hasn't played in any major-league exhibitions since then), allowing him to be eligible to return April 5.
And who would be the starting third baseman on opening day? Well, based on today's lineup, how about spring sensation Elliot Johnson? Another option is Joel Guzman.
Also, Cliff Floyd will play in a minor-league game today as he tries to get extra at-bats.

The Rays are also continuing to seek another outfielder, and those trade talks should intensity in the next couple days.
The Mariners, Dodgers and Angels are among teams with extra outfielders and might be in the market for pitching help. The Rays - in the right situation - could deal one of their young starters, Edwin Jackson or Jason Hammel, who are out of options anyway and could be surplus when Scott Kazmir returns, and then bring back Jeff Niemann to start now.

Some pre-game updates from the session with Maddon

*Aybar is scheduled to get some work in a minor league game today, with head athletic trainer Ron Porterfield on hand. Aybar will lead off every other inning, but won't get any action in the field. Maddon said how Aybar does today could go a ways in whether he's still on track to start opening day, though Maddon re-iterated his belief Aybar will start on the hot corner.

Maddon also said "it's possible" Joel Guzman will get the start at third opening day (if Aybar isn't ready), though Elliot Johnson is starting at third today in Winter Haven..

Here is the Rays lineup for the Indians:
Iwamura, 2b
Crawford, lf
Pena, 1b
Upton, cf
Gomes, rf
Navarro, c
Guzman, dh
Johnson, 3b
Bartlett, ss

Indians
Sizemore, CF
Michaels, LF
Hafner, DH
Peralta, SS
Shoppach, C
Carroll, 2B
Marte, 3B
Gonzalez, 1B
Tyner, RF

Cliff Lee, P
Andy Sonnanstine is starting, and the two relievers battling for the last spot - Grant Balfour and Scott Dohmann - are both scheduled to work.

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Share your memories from Al Lang Field

Friday marks the end of an era at Al Lang Field, when the Tampa Bay Rays are scheduled to play their last spring training game, against the Cincinnati Reds.

The game signals the end of a more than 90-year history between the city of St. Petersburg and spring training, decades that spawned countless ballpark memories for residents and visitors.

Share your memories here and we'll highlight them on tampabay.com and possibly in the St. Petersburg Times on Saturday.

Check the Times on Friday for a series of ballpark memories by famous baseball players.

Mitchell Klein yells "Jeter" during a Yankees-Rays game with his grandfather Jerry Charnow at Al Lang Field on March 2: Dirk Shadd | Times

Rays-Twins from Fort Myers

Update, 3:25 Twins win 4-2, Rays manager Joe Maddon says that despite the three errors the Rays played well and Shields and Munter pitched well.

Update 2:43 Scott Munter isn't faring too well either, as the Twins have three more hits off him in the last two innings though it's still 4-1.

Update 2:22 Shields is done after four innings, having allowed four runs (two earned) on seven hits and two hit batters. Twins CF Carlos Gomez left the game with with cramping in his left hamstring. It's 4-1 Twins through five innings.

Update, 2:03 The Rays released plans to celebrate their final spring training game in St. Petersburg on Friday, including a free postgame barbecue for all fans, a pre-game Air Force flyover and presentation of their all-time Al Lang team. Hall of Famer Monte Irvin will sign autographs from 11-12:15, and two great nephews of Al Lang, John and Hugh Fagen, will be among the honored guests. A limited number of berm and grandstand seats remain available.

Update 1:54 Shields continues to have issues - he just hit his second batter, has allowed four hits and it's only top of the third. And CF Elliot Johnson just made two errors on the same play - mishandling a base hit, then throwing errantly past third to allow another run to score, so it's now 3-1.

Update 1:48 How's this for play of the day - Twins pitcher Livan Hernandez couldn't field Elliot Johnson's bunt, so he kicked it over to first where Justin Morneau made a glove save for the out.

Update 1:33 James Shields is lierally just getting his work in to prep for Monday's opening day start, and it hasn't gone well as he gave up three hits (and two runs, one on an error by 1B Chris Richard) in the first and a couple hard-hit balls in the second.

Update, 12:30 Manager Joe Maddon's pre-game media session yielded a few tidbits of news:

* Edwin Jackson will be the No. 4 starter, and pitch the April 4 series opener in New York, and Jason Hammel will be No. 5. Jackson has had the better spring, but Maddon said there was "no particular reason" for the decision.

* 3B Willy Aybar remains limited with a sore left hamstring but Maddon said he still thinks Aybar will be ready to go for Monday's opener in Baltimore. He said Aybar might be ready to play Thursday in Winter Haven when just about the full roster makes the trip.

* Team officials have a pretty good idea of what they want to do with their final roster - assuming there are no trades or waiver acquisitons - in all but one position, which sounds like the final bullpen spot that is being contested by Grant Balfour and Scott Dohmann. Though Maddon wouldn't say, it appears as things stand now that the bench jobs would be held by INFs Joel Guzman and Elliot Johnson, OF/INF Eric Hinske and C Shawn Riggans.

---

The Rays left early for Fort Myers for Wednesday's game with the Twins, and many of the regulars didn't go as the Rays continue to assess candidates for backup roles. Starters that are playing include are SS  Jason Bartlett, an ex-Twin; 2B Akinori Iwamura, and RF/DH Jonny Gomes.

One guy missing is 3B Willy Aybar, the expected starter for opening day. Aybar, who is nursing a sore left hamstring, isn't making the trip and won't play for the fourth straight day. Manager Joe Maddon had said Tuesday there was a chance Aybar could play today, but he was thinking about holding him out until Thursday against the Indians (and Aybar is on the travel squad to go to Winter Haven).

Elliot Johnson will get another look at centerfifeld, as he tries to make the team in the utility role. Eric Hinske - also competing for a bench job - will be in right.

RHP James Shields, the opening day starter, will get his last tuneup before Monday's opener. Also on the trip to pitch are Grant Balfour, J.P. Howell and Scott Munter.

RAYS
Iwamura 2b
Bartlett SS
Hinske RF
Gomes DH
Richard 1B
Guzman 3B
Weber LF
Riggans C
Johnson CF
Shields P

Twins
Gomez CF
Mauer C
Cuddyer RF
Morneau 1B
Young LF
Monroe DH
Lamb 3B
Harris 2B
Everett SS

Kazmir, Zobrist put on 15-day disabled list

As expected, the Rays placed ace LHP Scott Kazmir (left elbow strain) and INF Ben Zobrist (left thumb fracture)  on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday.

The DL stints will be retroactive to March 21st, and the two will come off the disabled list April 5th.

Kazmir has yet to throw off the mound since Mar. 13, when he was thought to be wrapping up the rehab of the strain suffered Feb. 26 before the Rays first intrasquad game. The Rays had initially targeted him to start that Sunday, March 16th against the Tigers, but backed off for precautionary reasons when they felt his arm strength wasn't where it should be.

Manager Joe Maddon said Tuesday that Kazmir could throw off the mound again sometime next week. Kazmir threw from 90 feet today and will work his way up to 120 feet by the end of the weekend.

Zobrist, who was being groomed to be the Rays super-utility man, fractured his left thumb March 9th. Though he got his cast off a week early, a doctor's appointment Monday showed the fracture hadn't fully recovered.

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Anderson added to (coaching) staff; Kazmir schedule set

LHP Brian Anderson said after his career-ending elbow injury this spring that he'd love to find a way to stay in the game.

But even he was surprised how quick (and what role) he'd soon find himself in.

Anderson, a charismatic, 35-year-old lefty, spent only one month with the Rays, but made enough of an impression that the club offered him a job as the assistant to pitching coach Jim Hickey. Anderson, who was "honored" by the offer, will do scouting and help monitor pitchers with Hickey, going to all the home games and staying back on road trips.

"It's not something I ever dreamed of," Anderson said. "I was honored."

In other news, Manager Joe Maddon said ace LHP Scott Kazmir (left elbow strain) has a throwing schedule set; he will progress playing catch from further distances the next few days, from 90-feet today to 120 feet. Maddon said Kazmir could throw from the mound sometime next week.

Maddon said it's a more conservative throwing plan than what Kazmir underwent earlier this spring, after he suffered the strain on Feb. 26 before the team's first intrasquad game. Kazmir threw a live batting practice on Mar 13, with the plan of making his first spring start that Sunday against Detroit, but plans were backed off as the Rays continued to be cautious with Kazmir.

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Rays-Jays at the K

Update 3:24 pm Troy Percival closes out the Rays 10-0 win with a smooth ninth, aided by a nice outfield assist by Jon Weber in center.

The Rays put together an all-around sharp pitching performance, with Hammel throwing the first four, and Miller, Wheeler, Glover, Reyes and Percival doing the rest. Jonny Gomes had a good day, with a solo homer, and Hinske and Johnson played well at third, and short, respectively.

Rays 10, Jays 0

Update 3:10 pm The Rays bullpen has held up well, with Trever Miller, Gary Glover and Dan Wheeler each threw a scoreless inning.

Each team is subbing out their regulars, as this one winds down.

Rays 10, Jays 0 (top eighth)

Update 2:31 pm The top of the fifth finally ends, with the Rays adding one more for a 10-run lead.

Meanwhile, Hammel has been replaced by LHP Trever Miller after four innings of scoreless ball. Hammel will throw some more in the bullpen and get stretched out. 

Rays 10, Jays 0

Update 2:20 pm The inning just getting worse for the Jays ace, Roy Hallday. A two-base error by Overbay (on a Floyd grounder through his legs) made four for this inning. It's like the Bad News Bears going on.

Hinske doubled in Floyd for another run. Then, Gomes hit a single to right-center (scoring Hinske),  before racing into second and advancing to third (on yet another error, this one a bad throw by Jays catcher Rod Barajas that went into centerfield).

For the record: 9 runs, 5 errors, 0 outs.

Halladay was taken out.

Rays 9, Jays 0

Update 2:13 pm The Rays are getting a rally going in the fifth. Jonny Gomes led off with a solo homer over the leftfield wall - the home run was his fourth, tied for the team lead with Pena.

Then after a defensive miscue by the Jays, the Rays loaded the bases when an Elliot Johnson sacrifice bunt toward the pitcher wasn't handled well (the throw went to third, but the Rays beat the throw).

Then, with the bases loaded and nobody out, Crawford, 2b John Tolisano bobbled a grounder, then threw it into the Jays dugout for two errors on the play. Two runs scored, making it 3-0.

Just after that, Pena and Upton added back-to-back doubles, which made it 6-0 Rays. There are still no outs.

Rays 6, Jays 0

Update 2:05 pm Hammel finished the fourth, allowing Frank Thomas to reach second on a double to the right-centerfield wall. But with two outs, Hinske made a nice play at third, making a quick jump in the air to snag a liner by Rod Barajas.

Rays 0, Jays 0

Update 1:39 pm RHP Jason Hammel, named to the rotation Saturday, has thrown two pretty good innings so far (scoreless, two hits). Maddon said pre-game that Hammel will likely throw just three today to give the relievers some work. Percival, Miller and Co. are here to throw.

Rays 0, Jays 0

Update 1:17 pm The Rays interesting left side of the infield - Elliot Johnson (SS) and Eric Hinske (3B) got tested right off the bat.

The Jays first hitter, Shannon Stewart, ripped a single in the hole between short and third. Neither Hinske or Johnson moved very far (they didn't really have a chance). Then, Overbay hit a grounder to Cannizaro at second, which turned into a 4-6-3 double play (finished off by Johnson).

It'll be something to watch how Hinske and Johnson play today defensively. Though you never really put too much stock in one spring training game, if Johnson is indeed getting a serious look at the utility man role, he's gonna have to show he can play shortstop (which he said he's confident he can do).

The Rays are going through their pre-game work in St. Petersburg before their short trip to Dunedin for this afternoon's game with Toronto.

There's two interesting things to watch with today's lineup:

Elliot Johnson gets a start at shortstop as the Rays try to decide if he can handle the position on an emergency basis should something happen to starter Jason Bartlett during the first 5-10 days of the season when utility man Ben Zobrist is sidelined. Johnson is a second baseman, and has gotten some work at third and in centerfield, but shortstop is most important because the Rays don't really have anyone else to put there. If Johnson doesn't leave them thinking he can handle it, they may have to think harder about non-roster inviteed Andy Cannizaro, But first they have to be sure Cannizaro's sore back, which kept him sidelined for close to two weeks (and an extended period of time last year when he was in the Yankees organization), is fully healed; then if it is worth taking someone off the 40-man roster to make room for him when he might only be with the big-league team for those 5-10 days. Cannizaro, on the other hand, can handle shortstop with no problem.

Eric Hinske gets a start at third base. The Rays didn't seem to like what they saw of Hinske at third early in camp, but his strong offensive play and their need for a corner outfielder has made him a much more viable candidate for a roster spot, and if he can also provide backup at first and third, his chances of sticking around are even greater. With another impressive week, he might even play himself into the role that seems set for Joel Guzman - backing up first and third and in the corner outfield spots, pinch-hitting and occasionally DHing. If the Rays keep Hinske - who also would have to be added to the 40-man roster - over Jon Weber or John Rodriguez, they would have to find another way to provide a backup in centerfield, which is where Johnson and Jonny Gomes would come into play, as both have gotten time recently in center.

As for the full lineup:
Johnson, ss
Crawford, lf
Pena, 1b
Upton, cf
Floyd, dh
Hinske, 3b
Gomes, rf
Navarro, c
Cannizaro, 2b
Jason Hammel starts, with a full complement of relievers on the card: Trever Miller, Troy Percival, Al Reyes, Gary Glover and Dan Wheeler.

Price to be out six weeks

LHP David Price, the Rays top draft pick, won't make his pro debut for about six more weeks after sustaining what the team said was a muscle strain in his left elbow. The injury, which occurred during a minor-league game Thursday is not considered serious, but the Rays project it will take that long for Price to work his way into shape to pitch in regular-season games.
"The good news is that obviously it's nothing significant,'' executive VP Andrew Friedman said. "We had that sense pretty soon after it happened but it's always good to get confirmation. Hearing the report the biggest delay is just going to be in terms of building him back up not necessarily getting him healthy.''
Price, who hasn't been in a regular-season game since June 1 for Vanderbilt, was to pitch for advanced Class A Vero Beach; now he is likely to remain in St. Petersburg for extended spring training workouts into at least mid-May.

Longoria sent down

Rays 3B prospect Evan Longoria was reassigned to minor-league camp after Monday's game.

The decision has been one of the most anticipated of the spring, as the Rays weighed Longoria's long-term future against his present-day performance.

Longoria said he wasn't disappointed but "a little bit let down'' and the Rays didn't tell him when he might be back.

"It's a tough thing to swallow; just go back down and keep doing what I'm doing," he said. "They didn't give me any timetable; it's really up to me."

Infielder Reid Brignac also was reassigned to minor-league camp.
 
Longoria, 22, made a strong case for himself, with a .262 average through Monday's game with 3 homers, 10 RBIs and 10 walks. But the Rays said from the start the decision will be based on more than just his performance in the games, citing intangibles and subjective topics. Plus, they've pointed out that he has had only 104 at-bats above the Double-A level.
And though the Rays say they are treating Longoria's situation independently of others, there have been comparisons made to how well Milwaukee's Ryan Braun did after starting last season in the minors while Kansas City's Alex Gordon struggled while starting the season in the majors.

Plus there are implications on Longoria's eligibility for free agency and arbitration - if he stays in the minors for even a few weeks, his eligibility for free agency would be delayed a year, until after the 2014 season; if he stays in the minors for several months, he likely would not attain early elibility for arbitration, known as Super Two status, which could save the Rays millions, or even tens of millions, over the next several years.

"It was a tough decision; it's something that was a collaborative process and we spent a lot of time thinking about it,'' Rays executive VP Andrew Friedman said. "It wasn't a unanimous decision. It's one of those things I think with the way he played this year and the way he carried himself his timetable has been expedited even in our minds.''

Friedman said the Rays felt they were doing what was best for Longoria and his long-term development and that they tend to "err" on being cautious in these type of decisions. He also said the financial ramifications were "virtually irrelevant" because he expected the Rays would do a long-term deal with Longoria.

(Times photo - James Borchuck. Click to enlarge.)

Zobrist headed to DL; Orvella and Birkins too

INF Ben Zobrist appears headed to the disabled list - and thus Elliot Johnson to the opening day roster - after Monday's exam showed that Zobrist's fractured left thumb had not improved enough for him to resume playing.
"It's not fully healed yet,'' Zobrist said. "It's just a waiting game from here on out.''
There's been nothing official yet from the Rays, but Zobrist hasn't been able to swing a bat since the injury on March 9, and is going to need at least several days of at-bats to get ready, which means he'll likely have to make a minor-league rehab appearance. His next checkup isn't until next Monday - and it isn't in Baltimore.
"This type of thing, it just takes a while,'' Zobrist said. "And you don't want to rush it because if you do, there is a chance of displacing it, and then you have to get a pin put in it and everything else.''
With Zobrist out, it appears to clear a space for Johnson, whose strong play (.463 average, .511 on-base percentage, 1.145 OPS) has been one of the stories of the spring for the Rays.
Johnson, who hit .207 at Durham last season, would fill Zobrist's role as the "super utilityman,'' playing wherever needed in the infield and outfield.
Earlier manager Joe Maddon said it was "more than likely" that relievers Chad Orvella (right shoulder) and Kurt Birkins (left elbow) would also open the season on the DL. Neither figured to make the squad.
And that's in addition to LHP Scott Kazmir and OF Rocco Baldelli, who are also both expected to be placed on the DL. Teams can backdate a 15-day DL move to March 21 and players can be active by April 5.

Rays and Pirates, again

Update 3:25 pm Dohmann gave up a bloop single to leftfield, which scored two runs and brought the Pirates within single digits.

WIth Balfour having pitched as good as Maddon has ever seen him during the past two outings, the pressure is on.

Rays 13, Pirates 4

Update 3:14 pm RHP Scott Dohmann, in one of camp's most competitive position battles, starts the eighth inning.

Dohmann is battling with RHP Grant Balfour for the final reliever spot, and has been neck-and-neck with the crafty Australian all spring. But Dohmann is struggling so far today, loading the bases (including a hit batter) with two outs.

Update 3:01 pm The Rays have blown it open now with a seventh-inning rally. They loaded the bases, then got what turned into a two-run fielder's choice. On a ground ball to third, Floyd was thrown out at home, but his slide threw the Pirates catcher off on his throw, which went into rightfield.

Shortstop prospect Reid Brignac then delivered a two-run homer over the rightfield wall - after the game-winning double yesterday - to give the Rays an 11-run lead.

Rays 13, Pirates 2

Update 2:40 pm Speaking of speed, Crawford just showed his wheels in the sixth. Crawford ripped a liner down the rightfield line, and turned it into a triple, scoring two runs to put the Rays up 8-2

Rays 8, Pirates 2

Update 2:37 pm The Rays extend their lead in the sixth thanks to some "small ball."

After Hinske reached base again, and Riggans got to first thanks to a botched popup, Bartlett laid down a perfect bunt toward the first base line.

It was so good, there was no play at first.

Rays 6, Pirates 2

Update 2:17 pm Carlos Pena just hit a homer that, for the most part, many in the stadium thought was a long fly ball. It just carried, and carried with the wind and went out around the scoreboard for a three-run blast.

The homer, Pena's second in as many days, scored Crawford and Aki and gave the Rays a 5-2 lead.

Rays 5, Pirates 2

Update 1:59 pm Jackson settled down after the first inning, and has now given up five hits over three innings of work.

Though he's had baserunners in each inning, he's been able to make pitches when he's needed to.

Rays 2, Pirates 2 (after four)

Update 1:32 pm Eric Hinske, a front-runner as in-house candidate for the extra outfielder/RF spot, is continuing his strong spring at the plate. The latest was a solo homer in the second, which sailed over the left-center wall.

Rays 2, Pirates 2

Update 1:22 pm The Rays got a run back in their half of the first. Aki led off with an infield single, then moved over to second when Crawford had a putout. Upton singled him in for another RBI, with Floyd grounding out to end the inning.

Pirates 2, Rays 1

Update 1:07 pm RHP Edwin Jackson got hit hard to start the first inning. Morgan led off with a sharp single, then Wilson tripled to the rightfield corner to score him. Wilson scored on a groundout by Bay.

Pirates 2, Rays 0

The Rays and Pirates will try again today under better weather conditions in the next to last spring training game at Progress Energy Park.

Not much news from manager Joe Maddon's pre-game media session except that RHP Chad Orvella and LHP Kurt Birkins both appear headed to the disabled list to start the season. Orvella has shoulder issues; Birkins irritation in his elbow.

What Maddon didn't know yet was how INF Ben Zobrist's checkup on his fractured left thumb went - which could determine if he or Elliot Johnson makes the opening day roster - and the specifics of a schedule being established for LHP Scott Kazmir.

No roster moves are expected before the game, but that doesn't mean there won't be news later.
"This whole week we'll start paring it down little by little and by the end of the week we'll be set,'' Maddon said. "You're going to see a little bit of an attrition over the course of the next couple days, people just going back to the minor-league complex. We're talking daily, we're talking constantly, i even met with (exec VP) Andrew (Friedman) last night, we're just always trying to figure this thing out. It's a steady conversation - there's little meetings interspersed within all that stuff - for right now it's basically a conversation and we'll start doing things very shortly.''

Maddon said there are "a lot of discussions" about bringing in another player from the outside, but "it's always about what everybody else wants too. If the asking price is too high then we'll just have to figure it out from what we have within and if it's a nice match then we'll do it.''

As for the lineups:

Rays
Iwamura, 2b
Crawford, lf
Pena, 1b
Upton, cf
Floyd, dh
Hinske, rf
Longoria, 3b
Navarro, c
Bartlett, ss
Edwin Jackson starts for the Rays but what could be more interesting is the ongoing battle between Grant Balfour and Scott Dohmann for the last bullpen spot.

Pirates
Morgan, cf
Wilson, ss
Bay, lf
LaRoche, DH
Doumit, c
Nady, rf
Bautista, 3b
Mientkiewicz, 1b
Rivas, 2b
Matt Morris is starting.

s

x

Rays, Reds and Easter

Update 4:28 pm The Rays take the lead back in the ninth, thanks to back-to-back doubles by C Shawn RIggans and SS Reid Brignac.

Rays 10, Reds 9

Update 4:12 pm Don't call it a comeback. The Rays got something going in the top of the eighth, with Gomes hitting his third homer of the spring to cut the lead to one. Then Elliot Johnson came through with an RBI double, scoring Bannon, who raced from first and made a nice slide under the tag at home plate.

With the lead run on third base and two outs, Evan Longoria struck out swinging to end the threat.

Rays 9, Reds 9

Update 3:58 pm The Rays six-run lead is no more.

Troy Percival just gave up a three-run homer to Valentin, with put the Reds up 9-7. The Reds, with many of their subs in, put up an impressive, seven-run rally against Percival, one of the game's top closers.

Percival had come into the game with a pretty short - and strong - spring, having 1-2-3 innings in three of his first four outings. But this time, he was a little off, and some of the Reds batters made him pay.

Reds 9, Rays 7

Update 3:47 pm Closer Troy Percival entered the game in the seventh. The veteran righthander had 1-2-3 innings in three of his first four appearances this spring.

But this outing isn't going as well. After giving up a walk, he gave up a two-run homer to Andy Phillips. Then a bloop single to right-center. Two stolen bases. Cabrera hit an RBI double to the left corner, and scored moments later on an RBI single.

Don't look now, it's 7-6. Pitching coach Jim Hickey just had a short conference at the mound with Percival, having his first struggles of the spring.

With two outs, Percival then issued a walk. There are runners on first and second with two outs.

Rays 7, Reds 6

Update 3:22 pm Garza is pulled in the sixth after another strong performance. Though he had a few more walks (and hit batters) than he wanted, he worked his way out of bases loaded jams in the fourth and fifth innings.

Garza finished giving up two run on five hits. He was replaced by RHP Scott Munter. Both teams are subbing out some of their stars, with Elliot Johnson now in center for Upton, Brignac is at short for Bartlett, and Andy Cannizaro, who has battled a sore back the past week or so, is now in at second base.

Rays 6, Reds 2

Update 2:58 pm Garza loaded the bases in the fifth as well (after a second hit by pitch). That put Ken Griffey up with two outs.

But the Rays defense came up big again, with 1b Carlos Pena snagging a sharp low liner to his left to end the threat.

Rays 6, Reds 1

Update 2:36 pm After loading the bases with nobody out, Garza got Adam Dunn to hit into a double play. The grounder put the Reds on the scoreboard, but put Garza in great position to get out of what could have been a big inning.

Rays 6, Reds 1

Update 2:31 pm After getting out of a slight jam in the third (first and second with one out), Garza is gonna have to battle again in the fourth. The Reds have put runners on first and second with nobody out (thanks to a hit by pitch). Phillips, Dunn and Encarnacion are up next.

Update 2:00 pm The Rays added another run in the second, picking up another couple walks before SS Jason Bartlett hit a sacrifice fly (scoring Upton, who had reached on a fielder's choice).

Rays 6, Reds 0

Update 1:39 pm. RHP Matt Garza was smooth sailing in the first inning, getting the Reds out 1-2-3.

Update 1:20 pm Cueto's first inning is turning into some big trouble. Having already walked three, he gave up a two-run double to INF Joel Guzman.

That made it 5-0 Rays. When Cueto fell behind 2-0 to Rays RHP Matt Garza, you could hear a heckler from behind the plate:

"Come on Johnny, it's the pitcher."

It didn't help. Garza walked on four pitches.

Rays 5, Reds 0

Update 1:15 The Rays got off to a big start off Reds prospect RHP Johnny Cueto. Aki doubled to left-center, and after Crawford walked, Carlos Pena ripped a three-run homer over the wall in left-center.

That's two opposite field hits for the Rays, something that Maddon has harped on doing all spring.

CF B.J. Upton, in the lineup for the first time since suffering a left triceps bruise last Thursday, grounded out in his first at-bat.

Rays 3, Reds 0

The Rays are going through their pre-game work at Progress Energy Park in St. Petersburg before leaving for Sarasota and though the skies are clearing, the field is too wet so they will hit in the batting cages. Most of the regulars are making the trip to play the Reds, with Cliff Floyd the only position player not going. It doesn't appear there will be any cuts this morning, which should make Monday a busy day. B.J. Upton is back in the lineup for the first time since being hit by a pitch on Thursday, and the Rays continue to explore their options with Joel Guzman starting at third and Eric Hinske in right.

While Troy Percival and Al Reyes are scheduled to work in relief, Dan Wheeler, Gary Glover and Trever Miller are throwing in a 10 a.m. game at the Rays minor-league complex in St. Petersburg.

The Rays lineup:
Iwamura, 2b
Crawford, lf
Pena, 1b
Upton, cf
Hinske, rf
Navarro, c
Bartlett, ss
Guzman, 3b
Garza, p

Rays set rotation

Manager Joe Maddon unveiled the rotation to start the season, and the biggest surprise is that Andy Sonnanstine will be the No. 3 starter behind James Shields and Matt Garza. Jason Hammel and Edwin Jackson will fill out the Nos. 4 and 5 spots in an order to be determined later.
RHP Jeff Niemann was optioned to Triple-A Durham and LHP J.P. Howell appears headed to the long relief spot in the bullpen.

Rays-Pirates, by the bay

Update: Play was not resumed and the game canceled.

Under the Rays' policy for canceled games, fans may exchange tickets from Tuesday's game for a ticket of equal value to one of the two remaining spring home games (Monday or Friday), or the value can be applied to a ticket for a regular-season game at Tropicana Field. Tickets can be exchanged at the Tropicana Field box office, or at the Progress Energy Field box office (open only on exhibition game days) and by mail to:
Tampa Bay Rays
Attn: Ticket Operations
One Tropicana Drive
St. Petersburg, FL 33705

Update, 1:45 The game is delayed by rain with the Pirates leading 2-0 after two innings.

Update 1:18 RHP Jeff Niemann was optioned to Triple-A Durham, making it even more clear the final spot is between Sonnanstine and Howell.
Niemann was understandably disappointed, but took solace in knowing he made a good impression with a solid spring, going 2-0 with a 1.50 ERA, with the idea that he could be back soon.
  "I think I've thrown the ball pretty well and hopefully I made a strong enough case and strong enough statement when I was out there that I'm definitely in their heads,'' Niemann said.

Update, 1:00 The Rays are going to announce their starting rotation sometime this afternoon, which reallys means it comes down to whether Andy Sonnanstine gets the fifth spot, as expected, or they give it to J.P. Howell, who is starting today. The battle for the last bullpen spot, between Grant Balfour and Scott Dohmann, could go into next week.
Manager Joe Maddon said the LHP Scott Kazmir continues to feel better, but still hasn't gotten back on the mound and there has been no date set for a return.

----

It's a slow-starting Saturday for the Rays coming off Friday's night game in Tampa, with just a light pre-game workout planned.

Neither CF B.J. Upton nor 3B Akinori Iwamura talked their way into the lineup, getting an extra day to rest their injuries. C Shawn Riggans is behind the plate, and Andy Cannizaro is back on the field at second base. The Rays appear to be looking at a few of the guys who could be under review as finals cuts are made.

The Rays lineup:
Johnson, cf
Brignac, ss
Guzman, 1b
Gomes, rf
Rodriguez, lf
Aybar, 3b
Difelice, DH
Riggans, c
Cannizaro, 2b
J.P. Howell, who seems more likely headed for a bullpen role, is starting.

For the Pirates
Morgan, cf
Jack Wilson, ss
Bay, DH
LaRoche, 1b
Nady, rf
Bautista, 3b
Paulino, c
Thompson, lf
Rivas, 2b
Duke, p

Rays-Yanks: Upton, Aki likely back Sunday

Update: 10:01 pm  The Rays, down 2-0 heading into the bottom of the ninth, nearly capped off a wild comeback.

Evan Longoria, in a marathon at-bat (10-plus pitches) ripped an RBI double to right-center to bring the Rays within 2-1. Then, Eric Hinske belted a drive that Maddon thought was gonna be a homer to center, but the wind caught it a bit and Yankees CF Gardner made the catch of the day to rob Hinske of at least extra bases (and a game-tying hit).

The Yankees win 2-1

Maddon raved about Sonnanstine, saying he made a very good case for himself joining the rotation with a "very, very impressive" performance (five scoreless innings, giving up just three hits to a tough group of Yankee regulars).

Update: 9:21 pm The score is still tied 0-0 in the eighth, with the Rays and Yanks continuing to sub out their regulars.

Update: 8:55 pm Sonnanstine finished a pretty strong outing, throwing five scoreless innings, giving up just three hits and two walks (with 2 Ks). He's put his best foot forward as Maddon said he could finalize the rotation by Saturday or Sunday.

RHP Grant Balfour, competing for the long bullpen spot with Scott Dohmann (among others), is now pitching.

Rays 0, Yankees 0

Update: 8:34 pm The Rays got a chance to face one of the game's best relievers in RHP Mariano Rivera, who pitched a scoreless fifth. Sonnanstine is still in for the Rays (Maddon said he planned to get him 50-75 pitches). And the game is still scoreless.

Update: 8:18 pm RHP Andy Sonnanstine is doing well in his start, getting through the first three innings unscathed. The game is tied 0-0, with Sonnanstine taking on the Yanks in the bottom of the fourth.

Update: 7:22 pm The Rays put runners in scoring position in the first, with Johnson singling and Crawford reaching on catcher's interference. But after Pena grounded into a double play - nearly beating the throw - Floyd struck out to end the threat.

Update: 7:00 pm In Maddon's pre-game chat, he said RHP James Shields did very well in his start today at the minor league complex. Starting for Durham against Scranton, Shields threw seven innings, giving up just one hit, one unearned run on two walks and seven Ks. 

CF B.J. Upton and 2B Akinori Iwamura, who each left Thursday's game early with injuries, said Friday afternoon they're doing better and could return to the lineup as early as Saturday against the Pirates.

But manager Joe Maddon said pre-game that he'll just hold them out an extra day until Sunday.

Upton, who was hit just above his left elbow with a pitch in the first inning, suffered a left triceps contusion, but said everything is fine. He said his hands were initially numb, since the ball struck around the ulnar nerve, but he figured out quickly that it wasn't a big deal.

Iwamura said his back felt a little stiff, but if today's game against the Yankees "was regular season, I'd (play)."

In other news updates, ace LHP Scott Kazmir said there's nothing new with his rehab from his left elbow strain. Though he planned to work inside today, including throwing into a sock and going for a run, he won't have a throwing session (other than playing catch). That makes it nine days since the last time he threw from the mound. Maddon said there's been some progress made, but there's still no timetable set.

With that, here's the lineup for tonight's game against the Yankees at Legends Field. Most of the Yankee regulars are here, including ARod, Jeter and Damon.

One thing to look at is tonight's starter, RHP Andy Sonnanstine, who is one of five candidates for three open rotation spots.

Rays

Johnson 2b

Crawford LF

Pena 1b

Floyd DH

Longoria 3b

Hinske RF

Bartlett SS

Weber CF

Paul C

YANKEES

Damon LF

Jeter SS

Abreu RF

Rodriguez 3B

Giambi 1b

Ensberg DH

Cano 2b

Moeller C

Cabrera 8

Rasner P

Lofton wants "real" money

You have to wonder if OF Kenny Lofton really wanted to play for the Rays. Or for anybody.
According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, the Rays offered a major-league contract for more than $1-million and the soon-to-be 41-year-old deemed it not good enough - and somewhat insulting - even though he doesn't have any better options at this time, having already turned down a minor-league deal from the Reds.
"From what I've done in the past, it should warrant me getting a real offer, a real understanding about what I've done on the field," Lofton told Rosenthal. "I feel like I went out last year and did what I was supposed to do to show people that even though I'm at a certain age, I can still get the job done. Do people respect what I do on the field? It seems like maybe not."
Lofton signed a one-year $6-million deal last season with Texas and was traded to Cleveland.

Upton, Aki injuries not considered serious

Rays centerfielder B.J. Upton left Thursday's game in the Indians in the first inning with a left tricep contusion suffered when he was hit by a pitch from Paul Byrd.

Upton underwent x-rays this afternoon and they were negative, with manager Joe Maddon saying he doesn't think the injury is "anything serious." The same goes with 2b Akinori Iwamura, who left the game in the third after feeling some back stiffness; Maddon said Aki noticed it during pre-game, but didn't make the coaching staff aware until after the game started.

Upton appeared to get hit in the left elbow, but he favored his left hand, grimacing in pain as he slowly walked to first base, with assistant trainer Paul Harker attending to him.

After a few moments on first base, Upton relented and walked off the field, and into the clubhouse, getting replaced by pinch runner Hector Gimenez. Said Maddon; "He'll be fine."

The injury comes at time when the Rays are already hit hard on the training table, with OF Rocco Baldelli and backup outfielder Ben Zobrist (broken left thumb) also unavailable. Ace LHP Scott Kazmir hasn't thrown in a week as he's taking his rehab from a left elbow strain cautiously.

With some of the outfielders out - and LF Carl Crawford and Cliff Floyd not making the trip - RF Jonny Gomes got some playing time in centerfield.

Upton was scheduled to play centerfield Thursday but was moved to designated hitter after manager Joe Maddon saw how heavy rain had made shallow centerfield "spongy." The grounds crew worked for hours in pre-game to squeegee and dry the surface with leaf blowers, to no avail. The Indians also scratched Grady Sizemore, possibly for a similar reason. 

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Rays and Indians, and other topics

Update 4:33 p.m The game is over, with the Rays and Indians settling for a 4-4 tie.

Manager Joe Maddon said after the game he doesn't feel B.J. Upton's left tricep injury is anything serious, but the centerfielder will still see a doctor tonight and follow up. Maddon said Iwamura, who left the game with back stiffness, will likely play Friday against the Yankees.

Update 4:04 p.m We're into extra innings now, as Barfield hit a game-tying sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth.

Rays 4, Indians 4

Update 3:24 p.m RHP Jeff Niemann pitched a scoreless seventh, stranding a runner on third when Ellliot Johnson and Reid Brignac turned a nice inning-ending double play.

In the top of the eighth, Gomes just missed a homer by seemingly a few feet. Gomes, who moved into centerfield for the late innings, ripped a pitch just wide of the leftfield foul pole. Judging by his reaction after touching first, he thought it was fair.

Rays 4, Indians 3

Update 3:17 p.m Sorry for the delay (Internet issues). The Rays got back on top in their half of the sixth, thanks to an RBI double by Joel Guzman and an RBI groundout by Bartlett.

Evan Longoria pinch hit in the seventh, but with a runner on third, he grounded out to end the inning.

Rays 4, Indians 3

Update 2:43 p.m The Indians have pulled ahead, scoring a run off reliever Scott Munter in the fifth off an RBI single by Peralta.

Indians 3, Rays 2

Update 235 p.m RHP Jason Hammel gets pulled with one out in the fifth. Overall, a pretty solid outing, with Hammel giving up two runs on four hits. The big hit, however, was a two-run homer by Martinez in the second.

RHP Scott Munter enters in relief, inheriting a runner on first base.

We'll check in with Hammel later to get his thoughts.

Rays 2, Indians 2

Update 2:17 p.m An update here on Upton. According to the Rays, Upton suffered a left tricep contusion when he was hit by a first-inning pitch. Upton has already left the stadium, and plans to get examined further by a doctor later tonight.

Also, 2B Akinori Iwamura left the game for precautionary reasons due to back stiffness. Iwamura left theh game after his second at-bat, a strikeout in the third.

Update 2:06 p.m OF Jon Weber, who's competing for the fifth outfielder spot, just came through with a solo homer in the top of the fourth.

Weber was originally not in the lineup, but inserted after B J Upton was switched to DH (due to the spongy spot in centerfield).

Rays 2, Indians 2

Update 1:48 p.m Dioner Navarro sure liked hitting in the No. 2 slot. Navarro belted a solo homer in the top of the third to bring the Rays within 2-1.

Navarro, hitting in place of Carl Crawford (who had the day off), also had a double in the first inning.

Indians 2, Rays 1

Update 1:34 p.m The Indians strike first, thanks to a two-run homer by Andy Gonzalez in the bottom of the second.

Gonzalez ripped a 2-1 pitch by RHP Jason Hammel over the rightfield fence, scoring Kelly Shoppach (who had walked).

Hammel is coming off a strong outing against the Braves, but Maddon said he's still looking for more consistency in him. "He has the stuff," Maddon said. Hammel is competing for one of the final two rotation spots (three, depending on Kazmir's availability).

Two of the other candidates, RHP Andy Sonnanstine and LHP J.P. Howell, will start the next two games. With Maddon saying the club could settle on its rotation by the end of the weekend, this could be interesting.

Indians 2, Rays 0

Update 1:04 p.m The Rays got a little bit of a scare in the top of the first. B.J. Upton, moved from CF to DH due to a huge puddle in center, got hit by a pitch from Paul Byrd. Upton appeared to get hit in the left elbow, but favored his left hand, grimacing in pain as he slowly made his way to first. Upton was walked to first by assistant trainer Paul Harker.

Upton is now being taken out of the game and being replaced at first.

We'll keep you posted.

Update 1:00 p.m. The Indians grounds crew has tried for hours to remove the water from a soggy, spongy patch in centerfield, to no avail. Manager Joe Maddon wanted CF B.J. Upton to play shallow, not in shallow water.

So here is the day's first lineup change. Upton will move to DH and Jon Weber will take his spot in centerfield and bat seventh (in place of Hector Gimenez). The Indians also scratched Grady Sizemore, erring on the side of caution.

There were five guys out in centerfield with leafblowers and squeegees of some sort, but did little damage to the puddle. Upton had a funny reaction when first catching a glimpse of the spongy turf, shaking his head and adding a few choice words. 

Some other news and notes:

*INF Ben Zobrist (broken left thumb) will get re-evaulated by doctors on Sunday, Maddon said, with the club being cautious with his activities, not wanting him to fracture the finger further.

*Backup C Shawn Riggans made the trip today and will likely catch in the bullpen. Maddon said he could be used Friday against the Yankees as fill-in duty, but would like to get him into a game on Saturday against the Pirates.

*INF Willy Aybar will make the trip Friday to Legends Field and could play, Maddon said. Aybar, the likely starter at third if Evan Longoria is sent down, has been nursing a sore left hamstring.

*RHP James Shields, the Rays opening day starter, will pitch Friday at the minor league complex, with C Dioner Navarro behind the plate.

The Rays are headed east for their game with the Indians, and word is the weather in Winter Haven will be fine. The Rays are taking a mixed crew, with Carl Crawford and Cliff Floyd among the regulars not going.

More interesting is the travel roster for the Friday night game against the Yankees in Tampa. Pretty much all the Rays are going, including OF Jonny Gomes, who certainly garnered his share of attention from Yankees fans for charging in from rightfield after Shelley Duncan's hard slide in the March 12 brawl game.

As for Scott Kazmir, he's been in the trainers' room and on the field this morning at Progress Energy Park, but hasn't done any throwing yet. And it turns out he won't throw today, meaning it will now be more than a week since he was last on the mound.

INF Ben Zobrist, recovering well from his fractured left thumb, is however, and for a few tosses was wearing his glove on his right hand, catching the ball, then taking the glove off to throw it back.

On the outfield search, ESPN's Buster Olney writes on his blog this morning that having been unsuccessful in their bid to sign free-agent OF Kenny Lofton the Rays "are also taking a look at Coco Crisp'' whom the Red Sox have been looking to trade. Olney goes on to write: "Tampa Bay is loaded with a wide range of pitching prospects, so it would seem that Boston could find a fit if it wanted to make a deal.''
Crisp's contract, however, is another matter - he is to make $4.75-million this year, $5.75-million next year and has a 2010 option of $8-million, with a $500,000 buyout, meaning the Rays would be on the hook for $11-million, which kinda seems like a lot for a platoon player.

Here is the Rays lineup for Thursday's game:

Iwamura, 2b
Navarro, c
Pena, 1b
Upton, cf
Hinske, lf
Gomes, rf
Gimenez, dh
Guzman, 3b
Bartlett, ss

Of Lofton and Longoria

According to Jayson Stark of ESPN, "the Rays are believed to have made an offer to free agent Kenny Lofton in the last 48 hours, but apparently got shot down.'' Stark mentions the non-roster options of Eric Hinske and Jon Weber and also suggests - as we reported Sunday - "that they could make run at someone like Cleveland's David Dellucci.''

Interesting scene in the Rays clubhouse well after Wednesday's game, when top prospect Evan Longoria unexpectedly returned after 20 minutes after he left.
Longoria sat impatiently at a table, and gave off all kinds of body language that he didn't want to be there.
Had he been called back because the Rays had decided to send him to the minors? Executive VP Andrew Friedman and manager Joe Maddon were meeting at the time in Maddon's office, so the theory had some legs.
But only until teammate Reid Brignac emerged from the trainers' room.
Longoria's car had died, and he and Brignac live in the same St. Pete apartment complex, so Longoria was simply waiting - for what must have seemed like an hour - for a ride. And he'll be on the bus Thursday to Winter Haven.

For openers, Shields

James Shields was officially named the opening day starter after Wednesday's game.
Manager Joe Maddon made the announcement and said the Rays still don't know how long ace Scott Kazmir will be out.
Shields acknowledged the unfortunate circumstances of Kazmir being hurt, but said: "It's one of the biggest honors a starter could have.."

Rays-Phils, again

Evan Longoria, right, is congratulated by Joe Maddon, left, in the three run sixth inning. [James Borchuck, Times]

Update 4:57 Rays win 3-1, matching their spring record with 14 wins.

Update 3:00 Another single by Jason Bartlett off reliever JC Romero made it 3-1, and they go now to the 7th. Troy Percival worked another 1-2-3 inning.

Update 2:53 Talk about r-e-s-p-e-c-t, 3B prospect Evan Longoria was just intentionally walked by Jamie Moyer to load the bases and bring Mike Difelice to the plate. Difelice made them pay with a single to center, though Eric Hinske was thrown out at the plate. Rays lead 2-1.

Update 2:49 Rays just tied it in the sixth when B.J. Upton led off with a double and Cliff Floyd followed with a single.

Update 2:34 Jackson is struggling a bit in the sixth, allowing two on with two out. With a single, a walk and a hit batter, th ebases are now loaded, and manager Joe Maddon just brought in Al Reyes.

Update 2:24 Phils lead 1-0 going to the sixth, and Jackson came out to start ano