Bouncing back ...

Principal owner Stuart Sternberg took the train down from New York and arrived shortly after 6, saying he was pleased with how the team has been playing and feels they have the pieces - once all players return from injury - to win "a bunch of ballgames.''

No major news from manager Joe Maddon, who said he has been pleased with the first month of the season and that he expects the defense to remain solid and the offense to get better but is curious to see if the Rays can keep pitching as well as they have been.

Andy Sonnanstine starts tonight aware that he has been mentioned as one of the leading candidates to be dropped from the rotation when Scott Kazmir returns Sunday, but Maddon said he doesn't expect the subject to be an issue in Sonnanstine's performance.

As for the lineup:

Iwamura, 2b
Crawford, lf
Upton, cf
Pena, 1b
Longoria, 3b
Hinske, dh
Navarro, c
Gross, rf
Bartlett, ss
Sonnanstine, p

Kaz back, Reyes not yet

LHP Scott Kazmir rejoined the Rays on Tuesday and is now officially set to make his first start of the season on Sunday in Boston. Kazmir said he felt fine after his rehab start on Monday for Durham, had no issues at all with his left elbow and was "fully 100 percent" ready to go.

RHP Al Reyes made his second rehab appearance on Monday for Class A Vero, getting up to 88 mph with his fastball, and was expected to rejoin the Rays on Thursday, but the Rays now say he will make at least one more rehab appearance, and that will be Thursday in extended spring training.
Depending on how that goes, it could buy the Rays a little more time in making what looks to be a tough call in making room for Kazmir on the pitching staff.
Reliever Kurt Birkins, who was called up to replace Reyes, is expected to be sent to Triple-A Durham, but if Reyes isn't quite ready they could send Birkins down when they activate Kazmir, then make another move - which seems likely to involve either sending down Andy Sonnanstine or moving him to the bullpen, or sending down Matt Garza -  when Reyes is activated.

Also, Cliff Floyd is expected to start DHing in extended spring games on Thursday and INF Ben Zobrist has been able to play some despite still having pins in his fractured left thumb.

Otherwise, the Rays are getting ready to take on the Orioles in an unlikely battle of the AL East leaders.  The Rays lineup looks like this:
Iwamura, 2b
Crawford, lf
Upton, cf
Pena, 1b
Longoria, 3b
Gomes, dh
Navarro, c
Hinske, rf
Bartlett, ss
Hammel, p

Price throws BP, ready for extended spring start

Top pick LHP David Price (left elbow) said he felt good after another live batting practice session Tuesday, mixing in his entire repertoire in a 40-pitch stint to hitters at the minor league facility in St. Petersburg.

Price practiced going up-and-down, taking a few minute break in the dugout between his two 20-pitch sessions, simulating a live game. Though Price said he's still a little "scared" to throw at 100-percent strength, the pitches he's thrown, "aren't causing any pain, so that's a good sign."

Price said he's planning to pitch Friday in an extended spring game, the first of three-to-four outings there before his first start at Class-A Vero Beach. The 22-year-old had performed well in spring, including his dazzling debut against the Yankees in Tampa, but was sidelined in late March when he suffered a muscle strain in his left elbow.

Price's last start was June 1, 2007, when he pitched for Vanderbilt in the NCAA Tournament.

"It's been a long time," Price said. "I'm ready to get back out there."

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

[James Borchuck, Times archives]

Shields honored as AL's best

Update, 10:05 p.m. LHP Scott Kazmir worked into the sixth inning in his rehab start for Triple-A Durham on Monday, throwing 81 pitches as he allowed three hits (including a solo homer) and walked one. Kazmir, completing his recovery from a left elbow strain, is expected to join the Rays in Baltimore on Tuesday and assuming all is well start preparing for his first start of the season, likely on Sunday in Boston.
RHP Al Reyes also had a successful outing for Class A Vero, striking out the three batters he faced. If all is well with Reyes, who had been out with a shoulder impingement, he will be activated on Thursday.
 

Rays starter James Shields got two wins, and Monday he got something to go with them - American League Player of the Week honors.
Shields was 2-0 with  1.13 ERA in beating Toronto and Boston, as the Rays won six straight and moved into a tie for first atop the AL East. He allowed two runs in seven innings against the Jays on Tuesday, then threw a two-hit complete shutout against the Red Sox on Sunday.
Shields was chosen over former Rays prospect Josh Hamilton, who hit .429 with 10 RBIs for Texas in the week ending Sunday, as well as Texas teammate Michael Young (.462, 5 extra-base hits), Detroit's Magglio Ordonez (.400, 3 HRs, 10 RBIs), Yankees pitcher Chien-Ming Wang (2-0, 2.08 ERA) and Cleveland's Cliff Lee (1-0, 0.00).
Shields will receive a Swiss Tourneau watch for the award.

[Brian Cassella, Times]

Report: Clemens had 10-year affair

Roger Clemens had a decade-long affair with country star Mindy McCready, the New York Daily News reports.

The romance began when McCready was a 15-year-old aspiring singer performing in a karaoke bar and Clemens was a 28-year-old Red Sox ace and married father of two, several sources told the Daily News.

The report could affect Clemens' claims of an unsullied character at the heart of a defamation suit Clemens filed Jan. 6 against his former personal trainer Brian McNamee.

Read the full story here.

[AP Photos]

Anybody bring a broom?

12:44 p.m. - Lots of somewhat surly looking red-clad fans at the Trop as the Rays try to sweep the defending world champion Red Sox in a three-game set. That'll be no easy task against ace Josh Beckett. David Ortiz missing a second consecutive game with a sore knee will soften a tough Boston lineup somewhat, though.

Utility infielder Andy Cannizaro, recalled from AAA Durham to replace Elliot Johnson, has yet to arrive. His flight was delayed. Apparently that happens to everyone these days.

The lineups:

Boston

Jacoby Ellsbury - LF

Dustin Pedroia - 2B

J.D. Drew - RF

Manny Ramirez - DH

Kevin Youkilis - 1B

Coco Crisp - CF

Jason Varitek - C

Jed Lowrie - 3B

Julio Lugo - SS

Tampa Bay

Akinori Iwamura - 2B

Carl Crawford - LF

B.J. Upton - CF

Carlos Pena - 1B

Evan Longoria - 3B

Eric Hinske - DH

Dioner Navarro - C

Gabe Gross - RF

Jason Bartlett - SS

Rays-Red Sox, the sequel

Update, 6:40 The Rays announced that Saturday's game was officially a sellout, their second of the season.

----
After Friday's thrilling game, the Rays and Red Sox are back at the Trop for the second game of the series, the game is quickly approaching a sellout.
The biggest pre-game news is that David Ortiz, who was 0-for-6 on Friday, was scratched from the lineup due to a sore right knee, which he banged while sliding headfirst into first on Friday. Also, 1B Sean Casey was placed on the DL with back problems and OF Brandon Moss was called up.
The Rays were feeling pretty good on Saturday, with RHP Matt Garza saying he felt good after his return from the DL on Friday, and that he got himself untracked after a rough first two innings by cutting loose and not worrying about his arm.
RHP Al Reyes, who is scheduled to come off the DL on Thursday, is scheduled to throw an inning in a rehab game tonight for Class A Vero.
As for the lineup:
Iwamura, 2b
Crawford, lf
Upton, cf
Pena, 1b
Longoria, 3b
Hinske, dh
Gross, rf
Riggans, c
Bartlett, ss
Jackson, rhp

Red Sox
Ellsbury, rf
Pedroia, 2b
Drew, dh
Ramirez, lf
Youkilis, 1b
Crisp, cf
Varitek, c
Lowrie, 3b
Lugo, ss
Buchholz, p

Price update; Johnson in Durham

Update 5:22 p.m.

*DH Cliff Floyd was all smiles Friday, sounding optimistic on his recovery from knee surgery two weeks ago. The 35-year-old said he feels really good, and hopes to rejoin the team after the next road trip (May 9th).

Maddon said that timetable is "possible," but Floyd still has to get some at-bats in rehab assignments, starting next week.

*In other training table news, RHP Al Reyes will make a rehab assignment Monday, recovering from his shoulder impingement. INF Ben Zobrist will get the pins removed from his hand, but will still need to get some work at extended spring, at-bat wise, before returning.

*Maddon still hasn't decided if ace LHP Scott Kazmir (left elbow strain) will start May 3 or May 4 vs the Red Sox...

*Carlos Pena is out of the lineup tonight, mostly because of his 4-for-26 performance against Red Sox starter Tim Wakefield. Maddon said Pena should return to the lineup Saturday.

Looks like 1B Dan Johnson will stay with the Rays organization.

Johnson has cleared waivers and accepted an assignment to Triple-A Durham, a week after getting claimed off waivers by the Rays. It was a short and relatively awkward stay for Johnson, who was cut loose one day after meeting the team in Disney (made expendable with trade for Gabe Gross, and Carlos Pena's healthy hamstring).

*In other news, top pick LHP David Price threw a successful live batting practice today at the minor league complex, but apparently needs some more work before he makes his first extended spring start. Price, who was hampered by a muscle strain in his left elbow near the end of spring training, said earlier in his rehab that he was set to do four extended spring starts before making his debut with Class-A Vero Beach.

Price hasn't started a regular season game since June 1st of last year for Vanderbilt.

The Rays are set to welcome the Red Sox for a three-game series at Tropicana Field. Lineups to come.

RAYS
Aki 2b

Crawford, lf

Upton, cf

Gomes, dh

Longoria, 3b

Hinske, 1b

Navarro, c

Gross, rf

Bartlett, ss

Garza, P

RED SOX

Ellsbury, cf

Pedroia, 2b

Ortiz, dh

Ramirez, lf

Youkilis, 3b

Drew, rf

Casey, 1b

Lugo, ss

Cash, c

Wakefield, P

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Ruggiano sent down

The Rays made room to reinstate RHP Matt Garza from the disabled list by optioning OF Justin Ruggiano to Triple-A Durham after Thursday's game. Ruggiano wasn't getting much playing time, and was expendable with the addition of Gabe Gross. Nathan Haynes remains as the extra outfielder.

Silverman: Disney visit "a tremendous success"

Team president Matt Silverman called the second year of the home-away-from-home series as Disney was "a tremendous success" but said the team hadn't decided it if will come back next season.
"It's something that we'll consider,'' Silverman said. "We will continue to make investments in Orlando and central Florida to make them feel a part of the Rays, whether we play three games here next year, or the year after, or do something else. That commitment is there.''
The Rays drew 9,540 on Thursday, after crowds of 8,269 on Tuesday and 8,989 on Wednesday. The three-day total of 26,798 was 119 less than last year's series total of 26,917. The Rays moved the series as part of a concerted effort to increase their presence and expand their market into central Florida.
The Rays went up against Orlando Magic playoff games on Tuesday (at home) and Thursday (on TV from Toronto), as well as a Bruce Springsteen concert on Wednesday.
"There certainly was more competition this year and it also was earlier in the season and I think those two things may have worked against us, but we're very pleased with the attendance and the exposure and the interest that we're generating here,'' Silverman said.

Disney finale

The Rays and Jays are getting ready for the finale of the three-game home-away-from-home series at Disney.
There were no changes on the major-league roster before the games - though there will be one by this time Friday as they reinstate RHP Matt Garza from the DL - but both C Mike DiFelice and RHP Calvin Medlock cleared waivers Thursday and accepted assignments to Triple-A Durham.
New OF Gabe Gross gets his first start as a Ray, and will be the sixth player to start in rightfield in the first 22 games. Eric Hinske will be the DH, an alignment that may become common against righthanded starters.
Garza supposedly feels good going into tomorrow's start, with the radial nerve irritation that landed him on the DL a thing of the past. The supposedly is in there because Garza refused to talk to the media today, citing a previously undisclosed policy of not doing interviews the day before he starts. So that's Maddon take on the situaiton.
To add Garza to the roster, the Rays are expected to either option OF Justin Ruggiano back to Triple-A Durham or drop OF Nathan Haynes, who is out of options and would have to be run through waivers. That move could happen after Thursday's game but seems more likely for Friday.

Also, the Rays say they are expecting "very large" crowds for this weekend's games with Boston and they encourage fans to buy tickets in advance.

Thursday's lineup:
Iwamura, 2b
Crawford, lf
Upton, cf
Pena, 1b
Longoria, 3b
Hinske, dh
Gross, rf
Navarro, c
Bartlett, ss
Sonnanstine, rhp

DiFelice clears waivers, heads back to Durham

The Rays got some good news Thursday when veteran C Mike DiFelice cleared waivers, which allows them to keep him in the organization.
DiFelice had already agreed to rejoin Triple-A Durham if he wasn't claimed by a major-league team and is expected back with the Bulls this weekend.
The Rays designated him for assignment on Tuesday, electing to keep Shawn Riggans as the backup to Dioner Navarro.

From the happiest place: Johnson gone, Gross in

Update, 5:35 Official word from manager Joe Maddon is that Scott Kazmir came through his rehab assignment fine, throwing 64 pitches, though there was some apparent confusion/miscommunication with the Vero coaching staff on how much he was supposed to pitch. But his return to the Rays could be pushed back to May 4 so they can keep the rest of the rotation in some form of order.

Both Maddon and executive VP Andrew Friedman acknowledged the awkwardness of the Dan Johnson situation, but Friedman explained that "a lot of things changed" from when the Rays claimed Johnson and Tuesday night, specifically that Carlos Pena felt better and that Gabe Gross became available.

Friedman also said the Rays have received "encouraging news" on Cliff Floyd's recovery from right knee surgery, but it still sounds like it will be sometime in May before he returns.

----

So much for the Dan Johnson era in Tampa Bay.

To make room for newly acquired OF Gabe Gross, the Rays have designated for assignment Johnson, a 1B/DH who had just joined them Tuesday after being claimed on waivers from Oakland.

Gross is en route to Florida and expected to join the Rays in time for tonight's game, but is not in the lineup (which is listed below).

With 1B Carlos Pena's sore right hamstring not a major issue (as he is back at first base tonight), the Rays' need for Johnson apparently diminished, and Gross, acquired from Milwaukee on Tuesday evening, fills a more important hole. Plus, another outfielder - either Nathan Haynes or Justin Ruggiano - seems likely to go when RHP Matt Garza is activated off the DL to start Friday.

Agent Bob Barad said the sequence of events was "unfortunate circumstances" for Johnson but he had no issues with the Rays' handling of the situation. "I certainly don't think in any way, shape or form they (claimed him) with the intent of this happening,'' Barad said. "These things happen.''

The Rays now have 10 days to release, trade or seek to pass Johnson through waivers."I think he could really help them,'' Barad said. "He's a good hitter. He just needs some at-bats.''

In other news, in an odd early morning game (10:30 start), LHP Scott Kazmir is already done with his rehab start for Class A Vero at Jupiter, having allowed seven hits (including two homers) in 4 2/3 innings, striking out four.

Kazmir gave up a homer to his first batter, Tyler Henley, and a two-run shot to his last batter, Steve Hill. Assuming all is well, Kazmir, completing his recovery from a Feb. 26 elbow strain, will make a final start Monday for Triple-A Durham and rejoin the Rays on May 3 in Boston.

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

How do you really feel ...

So what do the visitors from Toronto think of playing a series at Disney this week? Well, if Toronto Globe and Mail baseball writer Jeff Blair is representative (and we're not saying he is), apparently not much.

"On the list of big ideas, this is about the stupidest thing anybody's ever thought of," Blair blogs, describing the Rays as "trying to mark their territory here among the trailer parks, Waffle Houses and amusement parks.''

Game 2 is tonight.

Rays acquire OF Gross from Milwaukee

The Rays have acquired OF Gabe Gross from Milwaukee for minor league RHP Josh Butler.

The left-handed hitting Gross, 28, was hitting .209 with no homers and 2 RBI for the Brewers. The former Auburn starting quarterback was drafted by the Blue Jays in 2001, and can play all three outfield positions. In his fifth season in the majors, Gross has hit .241 with 20 homers and 87 RBI, but appeared the odd man out in Milwaukee when Mike Cameron returned from a 25-game suspension.

Butler, the Rays second round pick in 2006, was 0-2 with a 6.35 in three starts for Class-A Vero this season.

The Rays will have to make another accomodating roster move, most possibly optioning down OF Justin Ruggiano.

But with the addition of Gross, the Rays can nearly fill a lineup with left-handed (or switch-hitting) batters, though they are not likely to do so.

- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Navi back; DiFelice down

C Dioner Navarro said he's ready for a "fresh start," back in the starting lineup tonight against the Jays in Disney after a stint on the 15-day disabled list (finger cuts).

Navarro's return meant another move had to be made, and veteran backup Mike DiFelice was sent down to Triple-A, with manager Joe Maddon hoping he clears waivers after such a "tough decision" between him and Shawn Riggans.

1B/DH Dan Johnson, claimed off waivers Friday, arrived on a red-eye flight Monday morning, then tried to get some swings at Tropicana Field. In the two weeks he was in "limbo," on waivers, he had trouble finding a place to work out, and had to take personal hitting lessons.  But when he arrived at the Trop, the doors were locked and he couldn't get in, and he laughed about it afterwards.

Johnson is chomping at the bit after a wild spring; a few weeks before spring training with the As, where he's spent the last three seasons, Johnson suffered a bone infection around his sinus area. Originally, doctors said surgery would put him out 6-9 months, but he used home remedies and two-weeks in the hospital before getting released....

Maddon said he's going to give Johnson a day or two to work out here, get some batting practice, before deciding on his role, likely backup first base and DH.

*Carlos Pena (tight right hamstring) will spend at least one more at DH, Maddon said, with the chance he'll be back Wednesday in the field. Maddon said Pena probably could have played today, but he wasn't convincing enough.

*Jason Bartlett is back at shortstop, saying he's feeling "better" after a nagging arm ache the past week.

The Rays return to their "home-away-from-home" tonight through Thursday at Champion Stadium in Disney's Wide World of Sports. Tampa Bay swept a three-game set from Texas last season, and look to do the same this time around against the Blue Jays.

RAYS
Iwamura, 2b

Crawford, lf

Upton, cf

Pena, dh

Longoria, 3b

Hinske, 1b

Navarro, c

Haynes, RF

Bartlett, ss

JAYS

Eckstein, SS
Hill, 2B
Stairs, DH
Wells, CF
Overbay, 1B
Stewart, LF
Zaun, C
Scutaro, 3B
Inglett, RF

Litsch, P

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Fun with pictures

Two new renderings of the proposed new waterfront stadium. The one on the top is courtesy of the city, which put the staduim design into a fancy 3-d computer program they have. The view is looking north on First Street.

The second rendering comes from POWW. Their view is from the Mahaffey Theater parking lot, south of the stadium.

In the city's image, the stadium looks to blend in nicely from the street level on First Street (you can't even see the mast). In POWW's image, the comparison is made between the 320-foot-tall mast and the city's Bank of America tower. Both say their drawings are accurate...

Johnson in; Niemann out; DiFelice going?

The Rays made room for 1B/DH Dan Johnson on the 25-man roster by optioning RHP Jeff Niemann back to Triple-A Durham after Sunday's game. That's because RHP Andy Sonnanstine will move up and start in Niemann's slot on Thursday and Matt Garza is coming off the DL to start Friday.
And though nothing will be official unti Tuesday, after C Dioner Navarro plays one more game at Class A Vero on Monday night and is activated off the DL, the Rays appeared to decide on keeping Shawn Riggans as the backup catcher as veteran Mike DiFelice was seen saying goodbye to and hugging several players in the clubhouse after the game.
DiFelice likely will be designated for assignment and has to clear waivers for the Rays to send him to Triple-A Durham, which they would like to do. DiFelice likely would prefer to be claimed and end up in the majors elsewhere.

Johnson on the way ....

Update, 2:48 RHP Matt Garza's rehab start for Class A Vero wasn't pretty, but he appeared to get his work in, allowing eight hits and three walks in 3 2/3 innings while striking out four, and giving up four runs while throwing 68 pitches. He left with the bases loaded in the fourth, but the VB-Rays got out of it. Dioner Navarro continues to prosper against Class A pitching, with three hits, including a homer, in his first three at-bats.

Would the Rays have interest in DH Frank Thomas, who was released Sunday by the Jays? Maddon said before the game it was premature to make any comment because the situation was too "fresh,'' but with the Jays having to pick up his salary it's something the Rays likely would at least think about pursuing.

---

1B/DH Dan Johnson is said to be on his way to St. Petersburg today, with the Rays planning to announce a roster move after today's game. Optioning OF Justin Ruggiano back to Triple-A Durham would seem most likely, but there are other options. Johnson will be the major-league high 32nd player the Rays use this season.

SS Jason Bartlett is off as scheduled today to rest what manager Joe Maddon described as an "achy" arm, but is expected back in the lineup by Tuesday.

RHP Matt Garza (radial nerve irritation) make a rehab start today for Class A Vero and if all goes well he is expected to rejoin the rotation Friday against Boston. That would be Andy Sonnanstine's turn, but with Monday's off-day Sonnanstine could start Thursday in place of Jeff Niemann, who is a candidate to be sent down to make room for Garza anyway.

C Dioner Navarro (finger cuts) is also playing for Vero today and if gets through today and a DH assignment Monday, he will rejoin the Rays on Tuesday at Disney, with a decision made between backup Cs Mike DiFelice and Shawn Riggans.

As for today's lineup:

Iwamura, 2b
Crawford, lf
Upton, cf
Pena, dh
Longoria, 3b
Gomes, rf
Hinske, 1b
Riggans, c
Johnson, ss
Jackson, p

SOX
Swisher, 1b
Cabrera, ss
Thome, dh
Dye, rf
Pierzynski, c
Crede, 3b
Quentin, lf
Anderson, cf
Uribe, 2b
Danks, p

Pena back in lineup

Carlos Pena, who has battled hamstring tightness the past couple days, is back in the lineup tonight against the White Sox, taking his usual cleanup spot as the designated  hitter.

Pena was pulled in the fourth inning of the Rays win against Minnesota Thursday with a little hamstring tweak, but after an MRI was negative on Friday, and he felt better than expected going through workouts that afternoon, it appears manager Joe Maddon will ease him back into the lineup. Maddon said Pena will most likely DH Sunday, but is unsure when when he'll return to the field.

*In the meantine, 1B Dan Johnson, claimed off waivers from Oakland Friday, is scheduled to arrive Sunday at Tropicana Field. Maddon didn't give many specifics on when Johnson will be in the lineup, but said he could back up Pena at first, and also serve as DH.

*A little insight on SS Jason Bartlett struggles; Bartlett said he's been dealing with arm soreness for a while, where he reaches back and can't get as much on it (especially when he makes deep throws from over the top). Bartlett, who has four errors in the past seven games (all throwing errors), said he was ready to ask for a day off when Joe Maddon already said he planned to give Bartlett Sunday away (combined with Monday's day off, it could help things).

*Top pick LHP David Price threw a bullpen session Saturday and, according to the Rays, everything went well, free and easy. Price has been rehabbing a left elbow injury since spring training, with Price saying early in his recovery that he'd likely do four extended spring starts before taking the mound in Vero Beach.

Eric Hinske will make his second straight start at first base, and Shawn Riggans will get the start behind the plate.

RAYS

Iwamura, 2b

Crawford, lf

Upton, cf

Pena, dh

Longoria, 3b

Gomes, rf

Hinske, 1b

Riggans, c

Bartlett, ss

WHITE SOX

Swisher, rf

Cabrera, ss

Thome, dh

Konerko, 1b

Crede, 3b

Quentin, lf

Ramirez, cf

Uribe, 2b

Hall, c

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Rays add Dan Johnson

Update, 6 p.m.
Carlos Pena said he couldn't believe how good he felt when he woke up Friday and is confident he will return soon to the lineup. He had an MRI on Friday that was negative, took some batting practice and said he felt only a "little bit" of soreness. "I think it will be a non-issue,'' Pena said.

Update, 4:05 p.m.
Dan Johnson is still in Oakland and not on the lineup card, which means he won't be arriving in time to play tonight. Manager Joe Maddon said the Rays didn't know if Johnson would be here Saturday either, so it could be Sunday, or Tuesday, until he joins the Rays. Maddon said he didn't know yet how Johnson would be used.

1B Carlos Pena, who left Thursday's game with right hamstring tightness, is not in the lineup, but is feeling good enough, according to manager Joe Maddon, that he might be available as a pinch-hitter tonight and could be the DH on Saturday.

And while the Rays are playing the White Sox here, there is another important game Friday night in Vero Beach, where ace LHP Scott Kazmir is making the first of three scheduled rehab starts, and C Dioner Navarro is catching.

Maddon also acknowledged that the pending decision between veteran Mike DiFelice and Shawn Riggans as the backup to Navarro is "becoming a tough call' based on how well DiFelice is playing.

As it is now, this is the lineup:
Iwamura, 2b
Crawford, lf
Upton, cf
Hinske, 1b
Longoria, 3b
Gomes, dh
DiFelice, c
Haynes, rf
Bartlett, ss
Niemann, p

With Cliff Floyd out and Carlos Pena at least sore, the Rays claimed former Oakland 1B/DH Dan Johnson off waivers Friday.

Johnson, designated for assignment by the A's after one at-bat this season, played most of the past three seasons with Oakland, compiling a .249 average with 42 homers and 157 RBIs. He was most productive last season, hitting 18 homers with 62 RBIs in 117 games, but posting just a .236 average.
The Rays will have to make room not just on the 25-man roster but also the 40-man roster. And they did so by designating for assignment Durham RHP Calvin Medlock, who was 1-0, 1.08 in relief for the Bulls. Medlock was acquired from the Reds last year in the deal for Jorge Cantu.

That could involve moving a player from the 15-day DL to the 60-day DL, or designating for assignment a player with hopes of getting them through waivers, such as OF Nathan Haynes or Durham INF/OF Joel Guzman.

Rays, Longoria reach deal - 9 years, $44-million

Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Evan Longoria, left, and Andrew Friedman, Rays executive vice president for baseball operations, answer reporters' questions at a Tropicana Field news conference today after announcing Longoria's new contract. [SCOTT KEELER | Times]

Update, 2:36 p.m.:
Longoria's salary starts at $500,000 this season and maxes out at $11.5-million in his ninth season if the Rays pick up the option. The breakdown:
2008 - $500,000
2009 - $550,000
2010 - $950,000
2011 - $2-million
2012 - $4.5-million
2013 - $6-million
2014 - $7.5-million or $3-million buyout
2015 - $11-million or $1-million buyout of two-year option.
2016 - $11.5-million
Longoria will also donate up to $725,000 during the contract to the Rays Baseball Foundation.

---
The Rays have signed 3B Evan Longoria to a long-term deal that could be worth more than $44-million over nine years. The first six years are guaranteed for $17.5-million ($14.5-million in salary and a $3-million buyout on the first option) and the Rays hold a one-year option for 2014 and a two-year option for 2015-16, when Longoria would likely be a free agent for the first time.

"This signing further signifies our commitment to developing and retaining the nucleus that we have in place and reaching our ultimate goal of winning a championship,'' Rays executive vice president Andrew Friedman said at a 1 p.m. press conference at Tropicana Field. "And we feel like Evan is the kind of player and person that can help lead us to that goal.''

Longoria, 22, is considered among the game's elite prospects. He was called up last weekend, and has played just six major-league games, hitting .300. The deal is unusual, if not unprecedented, for a player with such little major-league experience, but Rays officials said it was in place and would have been announced even if he had not been called up from Triple-A.

There were questions raised when Longoria was sent to the minors during spring training if the Rays were more concerned with his arbitration or free-agency eligibilty, but they said at the time those were non-issues because they planned to pursue a long-term deal with him at some point.

"I'm really excited to be part of what's going on here,'' Longoria said.

Longoria, as other players in his situation, opted for the security of the long-term deal in exchange for the potential to earn more money in the future, especially during his arbitration-eligible seasons.
"Obviously that comes into the question, at the same time it's fair for what's going on right now,'' Longoria said. "If I want to play in a place that I enjoy, I'm willing to take whatever that little price cut or whatever to play somewhere I enjoy.''

The Rays are guaranteeing $17.5-million to a player who two years ago at this time was still in college and a week ago was in the minors. As for the risk? "Obviously with a guy that has seven days of (major-league) service, (it's) performance,''  Friedman said. "But, again, we believe in Evan as a person and as a player or we wouldn't do this.''

Pena out with hamstring tightness

Update 10:37 p.m Pena said he felt "fine" after Thursday's game, with both he and head athletic trainer Ron Porterfield optimistic his hamstring injury isn't serious. Manager Joe Maddon said there's a chance Pena could be in the lineup Friday against the White Sox, but Pena will undergo some more tests, and the Rays are likely to be patient with him.

Update 8:16 p.m Carlos Pena has left the game before the bottom of the fourth with right hamstring tightness, and was replaced by Eric Hinske, who had moved from rightfield. Nathan Haynes took Hinske's spot in right.

The Rays list Pena as day-to-day.

Pena grounded out to third in the top of the fourth, but didn't appear to show signs of discomfort.

Update 5:47 p.m. There's some pre-game injury notes from the Rays on the DL.

* C Dioner Navarro (finger cuts) had six at-bats Thursday at extended spring, three from the right side, three from the left. Navarro's next step is catching for seven innings Friday at Vero Beach, when ace LHP Scott Kazmir (left elbow strain) makes a rehab start. Navarro will also catch seven innings Sunday, when RHP Matt Garza (radial nerve irritation) has a rehab start.

That puts Navarro, if all goes well, likely back next week (could be the Disney series following Monday's day off). 

*Kazmir will throw 3-to-4 innings Friday at Vero (45 pitches). The Rays have set a timetable for his return to the rotation May 3 vs Boston.

*Garza had a second bullpen session Thursday, with the Rays saying everything went well. Garza will make a rehab start Sunday in Vero, throwing four innings, 60 pitches. Maddon said that it's possible Garza could return by next Friday, but will wait and see how he feels after his Sunday outing.

*Salas arrived and is working to get into "baseball shape," according to the Rays. The Rays have 30 days before they have to remove him from the restricted list. Salas threw a bullpen session today at the complex, but was instructed to take it easy. Those who saw Salas today said he looked good physically but basically it's too early to tell how far along he his pitching-wise.

The Rays will monitor him for about a week and then put together a more exact game plan from there. Theoretically, the 30-day period is like a substitute for spring training, and the Rays won't necessarily keep him on the restricted list that long, according to executive VP Andrew Friedman.

"We're relieved that this process is over and we're excited to get Juan to the States and get him back pitching,"  Friedman said. "Physically, he looks great. Now it's just a case of building up his arm strength and getting him in a position to go compete against hitters. We'll have a better feel for when he'll be ready to do that in seven to 10 days."

At long last, RHP Juan Salas has arrived.

The Rays say Salas, stuck the past few months in the Dominican Republic due to visa issues, reported today to the Naimoli complex in St. Petersburg. We'll hear more from executive VP Andrew Friedman later on what the plans are for the reliever, whether he can stay on the restricted list or not.

As for today's game with the Twins, the Rays lineup looks similar to Wednesday, with B.J. Upton once again placed in the third spot, sandwiching cleanup hitter Carlos Pena with Evan Longoria behind them. It worked out well Wednesday with Crawford and Upton each getting hits

Jonny Gomes is once again DH, with Eric Hinske in rightfield

Of course, all the talk last night was about Carl Crawford's diving catch of a foul ball in the eighth; though it was a big play, there were several other miscues by the Rays in that game that led to another close loss. Of the Rays nine losses, only two are by more than three runs

RAYS
Iwamura, 2b

Crawford, lf

Upton, cf

Pena, 1b

Longoria, 3b

Hinskse, rf

Gomes, dh

Difelice, c

Bartlett, ss

TWINS
Gomes, cf

Tolbert, ss

Mauer, c

Morneau, 1b

Young, lf

Kubel, dh

Harris, 2b

Lamb, 3b

Span, rf

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Reyes placed on 15-day DL; Birkins activated

The injuries keep on coming. Rays reliever Al Reyes was put on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday with right shoulder impingement, akin to inflammation.

Essentially, impingement happens when the rotator cuff muscle swells, leading to pain when a pitcher reaches his arm back.

Reyes will be replaced by LHP Kurt Birkins, who was activated from the DL after coming off successful rehab of left elbow neuritis. Reyes said he started feeling the discomfort in his last two-to-three outings, a feeling similar, but less serious than the shoulder injury which sidelined him last season. Manager Joe Maddon said Reyes could be back in less than the 15 days, but the stay was long enough he needed to make a move.

Reyes, the Rays primary setup man, was 1-2 this season with a 9.00 E.R.A. The 38-year-old righthander last pitched on Monday, giving up the game-winning homer to Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano. In his place, look to see more of Dan Wheeler in the setup role, with Trever Miller and Gary Glover also getting some late-inning work. Maddon said Birkins could also be used in the long role, similar to what J.P. Howell has been doing, making Howell available for more situational matchup stuff.

Reyes will be the ninth Ray on the disabled list.

Birkins has been on the disabled list since spring training, when he suffered the nerve injury to his throwing elbow. The Rays said he's expected to join the team here in Minneapolis, where the Rays begin a two-game series against the Twins. Birkins was all smiles when he arrived (flight got in at 4:30 pm), saying he got the call at 11:30 p.m. the night before; he was all packed to make the drive to Durham.

Some other pre-game news and notes:

*C Dioner Navarro's rehab game today at extended spring went well, with him catching behind the plate, even throwing out a runner trying to steal. Maddon said he didn't hit, because he needed to get wrapped up a little more, but Navarro is still on schedule for his slated return, likely early next week.

That'll leave an interesting decision for backup catcher, with Mike DiFelice performing so well, making it a tough call between him and Shawn Riggans.

*RHP Matt Garza is scheduled for a bullpen session Thursday in St. Petersburg; if it goes well, Garza (radial nerve irritation) would move to a start at Vero Beach on Sunday...

*RHP Juan Salas, who has been infamously stuck in the Dominican Republic due to visa issues, is expected to arrive at the Naimoli Complex Thursday in St. Petersburg. Salas would have competed for a bullpen spot in the spring, but now that he's here, we'll likely hear word tommorrow on the where he'll be optioned to.

A slight switch in the lineup, Maddon moved B.J. Upton to the third spot, calling it a Pena "sandwich;" the reason was to give the Twins something to think about matchup wise, breaking up the left-handed bats at the top of the order..

RAYS

Iwamura, 2b

Crawford, lf

Upton, cf

Pena, 1b

Longoria, 3b

Hinske, rf

Gomes, dh

RIggans, c

Bartlett, ss

TWINS
Gomes, cf

Span, rf

Mauer, c

Morneau, 1b

Young, lf

Kubel, dh

Harris, 2b

Lamb, 3b

Punto, ss

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Rays-Yanks, the finale

Update, 5:20 p.m. Iwamura is not in the lineup for no other reason than simply gettting a day off, manager Joe Maddon said. The news of the afternoon is that RHP Matt Garza threw a bullpen session and said his right arm felt great. Garza has been sidelined since leaving the April 8 home opener with radial nerve irritation, but diagnosis by Dr. Koco Eaton, treatment from the Rays athletic trainers and a shot of cortisone have him feeling much better. So much so, he doesn't think he'd need to make a minor-league rehab start and could be ready to rejoin the rotation on or shortly after April 24, when he is eligible to return.

C Dioner Navarro (cuts on fingers on right hand) continues to progress as well and will accompany LHP Scott Kazmir to Class A Vero Beach and catch his Friday start, then stay with the Devil Rays - yes, they are still called that - for a few days to DH. Navarro is eligible to be activated Sunday but may need a few more days. He does have some discomfort when swinging from the left side of the plate.

----


These two-game series always feel weird, though certainly more weird for the visiting team. The Yankees got to their St. Petersburg hotel around 6 a.m. Monday, played Monday night, then got up Tuesday and checked out before heading over to the Trop for Tuesday night's game then are flying home.
The Rays don't have Akinori Iwamura in the lineup, giving him his first day off against Yankees lefty Andy Pettitte. Elliot Johnson is at second.
Here's the lineups
RAYS
Bartlett, ss
Crawford, lf
Pena, 1b
Upton, cf
Longoria, 3b
Gomes, dh
DeFelice, c
Ruggiano, rf
Johnson, 2b
Jackson, p

YANKEES
Damon, lf
Jeter, ss
Abreu, rf
A-Rod, 3b
Matsui, dh
Giambi, 1b
Cano, 2b
Cabrera, cf
Moeller, c
Pettitte, p

Rays and Yankees coming and goings

Injury updates and roster moves are the theme of the afternoon at Tropicana Field for both teams.

The biggest headline is from the Yankees clubhouse, with word that SS Derek Jeter is back in the lineup for the first time since last Monday, when he left the game with the Rays in New York due to a strained left quad.

There was positive news from the Rays side, where ace LHP Scott Kazmir threw two innings in an extended spring game - a day earlier than the Rays had announced - and said all went well. He will advance next a 3-4 inning rehab start for Class A Vero on Friday, with a plan to pitch twice more in the minors and rejoin the Rays for the May 3 game in Boston.

Also getting good reports are C Dioner Navarro, who had the stitches removed from his right middle and ring finger and did some throwing and swinging today with minimal discomfort and could be ready to return on schedule on April 20.

RHP Matt Garza (radial nerve irritation) also continues to progress well and is scheduled to throw off the mound on Tuesday. INF Ben Zobrist had his fractured left thumb checked by the doctor today and will have to wait two more weeks to have the pins removed.

The Yankees are also missing INF Wilson Betimet, who was placed on the DL due to pink eye; and are without RHP Joba Chamberlain, who went home to Nebraska to attend to his ailing father, and C Jose Molina, who has a sore hamstring. They brought up Chad Moeller from Triple-A and he will start tonight.
Chamberlain was put on the bereavement list and the Yankees called up Jonathan Albaladejo to bolster their bullpen.

The Rays lineup has a slightly different look, with Evan Longoria moved up to fifth in the order, hitting behind B.J. Upton to put back-to-back righthanders behind the first three lefties in the order.

So does the Yankees, with struggling 2B Robinson Cano benched and rookie Alberto Gonzalez, who had been filling in at short for Derek Jeter, moving to second.
The lineups:
RAYS
Iwamura, 2b
Crawford, lf
Pena, 1b
Upton, cf
Longoria, 3b
Hinske, dh
Riggans, c
Haynes, rf
Bartlett, ss
Sonnanstine, p

YANKEES
Damon, lf
Jeter, ss
Abreu, rf
Rodriguez, 3b
Matsui, dh
Ensberg, 1b
Cabrera, cf
Moeller, c
Gonzalez, 2b

Another debut day; Niemann's turn

The Rays welcome the Orioles for a Sunday matinee, fresh off their 3-2 loss the night before. Evan Longoria is in the lineup for the second straight day - starting at third and batting in the sixth spot.

But this day will likely belong to another prospect's debut, RHP Jeff Niemann, who makes his first career start after getting called up to replaced injured RHP Matt Garza (radial nerve irritation).

Niemann, if you recall, made a very strong case this spring (2-0, 1.50 ERA) before being one of the final cuts. Though, there could be a case made that if Jason Hammel and Edwin Jackson weren't out of options, Niemann could  have cracked the rotation.

Niemann begins his case to stick today, getting a crack at the American League East leaders.

Some pre-game notes:

*After playing catch for two straight days, RHP Matt Garza is "coming along well," manager Joe Maddon said. Maddon said Garza's rehab of radial nerve irritation is progressing so much, he feels that the right-hander will be back on the optimistic side of the two-to-four week range.

*Maddon liked, for the most part, what he saw Saturday from Elliot Johnson, who made his first career start at shortstop.

Rays

Iwamura, 2b

Crawford, lf

Pena, 1b

Upton, CF

Gomes, DH

Longoria, 3b

Ruggiano, RF

DiFelice, C

Bartlett, SS

ORIOLES
Roberts, 2b

Mora, 3b

Markakis, rf

Millar, 1b

Huff, Dh

Scott, LF

Jones, CF

Quiroz, C

Fahey, SS

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Longoria gears for debut; hopes stay is long

Touted prospect Evan Longoria arrived in town early Saturday morning, and admittedly didn't sleep very long, excited over his much-anticipated big league debut tonight for the Rays at third base.

Longoria, filling in for the injured Willy Aybar (strained hamstring), said he hopes he's here to say, with manager Joe Maddon agreeing that could become a possibility.

While the Rays made a somewhat controversial - yet not unanimous - decision to send the 2006 First-round pick down to Triple-A after an impressive spring, Maddon said while this move wasn't ideal, it was undisputed.

"Crazy once again," Longoria said with a grin. "A whirlwind experience. I really wasn't expecting to get up this quickly. But it's sad it has to come at Willy's expense. But I'm obviously happy to be here."

"Longoria will play third today and tomorrow, hitting sixth in the lineup.

Other pre-game news and notes:

*Ace LHP Scott Kazmir is scheduled to throw two controlled innings at extended spring on Tuesday, followed up by a start at Single-A Vero Beach Friday, the first of three expected minor league starts. That could push his return to early May, depending on how many days he goes between starts.

*RHP Matt Garza (radial nerve irritation) played catch today for the first time since pulling himself out of Tuesday's start. He said he felt "great" and pain-free, throwing 10-15 times from 100 feet. Maddon said Garza will likely throw from 120 feet Sunday...

*3B Willy Aybar said his left hamstring hurt so much Thursday after tweaking it trying to score Wednesday that he "couldn't even walk." Aybar played through the pain after battling hamstring issues in spring training, but the latest tweak was too much. Aybar said he hoped to be back in the two week range, as opposed to the "we-don't-know-yet" thoughts the Rays had alluded to Friday night when they put Aybar on the 15-day DL

*RHP prospect Jeff Niemann wasn't here today, but will make his big league debut Sunday against the Orioles. Maddon said pre-game there is a chance that the former first round pick could "stick" with the team, but with a lesser chance, obviously, than Longoria...

*To make room for Longoria on the 40-man roster, RHP Chad Orvella was moved to the 60-day DL...

Other than Longoria's name in the sixth-hole, the only other big change in the lineup is that INF Elliot Johnson will start at shortstop, with Maddon saying they're just giving Jason Bartlett a day off.

Rays

Iwamura, 2b

Crawford, lf

Pena, 1b

Upton, Cf

Hinske, Dh

Longoria, 3b

Haynes, Rf

Riggans, C

Johnson, SS

ORIOLES
Roberts, wb

Mora, 3b

Markakis, rf

Millar, 1b

Huff, dh

Scott, Lf

Hernandez, C

Jones, cf

Hernandez, SS

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Crawford notches 1,000th hit

LF Carl Crawford joined elite company Friday night, racking up his 1,000th career hit in the 7th inning against the Orioles.

Crawford, 26, becomes just the eighth active player to reach the millennium mark at age 26 or younger; that impressive list includes Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and Albert Pujols.

To get it, Crawford hit a blooper off LHP Jamie Walker into shallow left-center, with the ball falling in beyond the outstretched glove of Orioles SS Ramon Hernandez.

Crawford received a standing ovation from the Tropicana Field crowd. The All-Star said Thursday he planned to ask for the ball as a keepsake.

Crawford's become more pivotal one batter later, when Carlos Pena ripped his second homer of the game - a three-run shot that tied the game at 5-5.

- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Longoria on the way; Niemann too

3B prospect Evan Longoria is on his way to St. Petersburg and will make his major-league debut Saturday.

"I'm headed that way,'' Longoria said late Friday before boarding a flight to Tampa. "I'm very excited, obviously. I hope I'm in there tomorrow."

The Rays made the official announcement after Friday's game, placing 3B Willy Aybar on the disabled list with a left hamstring strain (the ninth Rays to go on the DL and fourth since opening day) and saying he will out at least two weeks and possibly more than a month. "It's two to we-don't-know-yet,'' executive VP Andrew Friedman said. "We have to see how he responds to the treatment and really getting some time off.'' Aybar has been bothered by the injury since spring training and had played through it.

Top pitching prospect Jeff Niemann is also coming up, and the Rays confirmed that he will make his major-league debut on Sunday, starting in place of injured Matt Garza. Niemann was 1-1 with a 3.27 ERA in two starts for the Bulls after an impressive spring training.

The Rays made a somewhat controversial decision during spring training to send down Longoria with the explanation that he needed more seasoning at the Triple-A level. Though he was hitting only .200, he has gone 5-for-11 since an 0-for-14 start.

Friedman said: "Obviously we've been decimated by injuries a bit and it's not necessarily the ideal way that we wanted to call him up but we're confident in his ability to adjust at the plate and what he brings to us defensively is something that we felt was very important where we're going. We'll see what happens and reassess when Willy is ready to come back.''

Longoria did stay in the minors long enough - 13 days, two more than necessary under baseball's rules - that his eligibility for free agency, even if he doesn't return to the minors, should be delayed an extra year, until after the 2014 season.

The Rays will have to make room on the 40-man roster for Longoria before Saturday's game.

Reyes apologizes; Niemann called up, Longoria next?

Update 7:22 p.m. With 3B Willy Aybar's health a question, it's worth noting that touted prospect Evan Longoria is not in the lineup tonight for Triple-A Durham (and INF Joel Guzman is), fueling speculation Longoria may soon get called up for his much-anticipated debut.

The Rays haven't confirmed anything yet - they were awaiting Aybar's MRI results before making any moves - but if Guzman was indeed the choice, he'd likely not be playing in the game in Durham tonight...

The Rays welcome the Orioles, fresh off a double-header last night in Texas, for a three-game set starting tonight at the Trop.

There were some pre-game news and notes:

*Reliever Al Reyes met with the assembled media for about 30 seconds prior to batting practice, apologizing to his team, the organization and fans for his involvement in a late-night incident in South Tampa last night. Manager Joe Maddon said it was an unfortunate, isolated incident, adding that he doesn't believe Reyes will be disciplined by the organization - and the reliever is available to pitch tonight.

*The Rays announced that RHP Jeff Niemann, a former first-round pick and one of the final cuts at camp, will start Sunday in place of the injured RHP Matt Garza. Niemann is scheduled to be here sometime tonight.

*Maddon said the club is still concerned over the status of 3B Willy Aybar, scratched from last night's game due to soreness in his left hamstring. The team was planning on putting him through a few tests today, and are awaiting results from a Friday MRI. There is the possibility he could land on the 15-day DL, which means touted prospect Evan Longoria could get the call...

*Ace LHP Scott Kazmir threw a second successful batting practice session, throwing 42-pitches to several hitters. If all feels well tomorrow, they'll stick with the plan to get him in an extended spring game on Tuesday.

Interesting setup for the BP session, with RF Rocco Baldelli taking the first cuts at Kazmir. On the first pitch, Baldelli hit a liner to left-center, which impressed Maddon. Maddon believes that was Baldelli's baseball activity as he's battled with a fatigue disorder, but there's no further update on Baldelli's rehab.

C Dioner Navarro, nursing cuts on his right hand, served as catcher for Kazmir in the batting practice session. He caught, but did not throw. Though, on a couple occasions, Navarro said he caught himself winding up to throw it back to Kaz. That, however, will have to wait.

With that said, here's the lineups:

Rays

Iwamura 2b

Crawford lf

Pena, 1b

Upton, CF

Hinske, 3b

Gomes, Dh

Riggans, C

Haynes, RF

Bartlett, SS

ORIOLES
Roberts, 2b

Mora, 3b

Markakis, rf

Millar, 1b

Huff, dh

Scott, LF

Payton, cf

Hernandez, c

Hernandez, SS

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Reyes slugged, tased, arrested at Tampa bar

TAMPA -- Tampa Police arrested Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Al Reyes early this morning, saying the reliever was drunk and disruptive when he fell down, picked a fight and spit blood at patrons of a popular Hyde Park night spot where Jessica Sierra was arrested last year.

Reyes is at Tropicana Field and expected to address the media shortly.

 

Rays spokesman Rick Vaughn said this morning: "We are looking into the situation as we are just learning of it.''

Thursday was Reyes' 38th birthday.

Witnesses told police the incident started around 2:30 a.m. at the Hyde Park Cafe, 1806 W Platt St., when Reyes fell against a ceramic pot inside the bar. Thinking someone had pushed him, police said Reyes began exchanging words with patron Eduardo Mora.

Mora then punched Reyes in the face, getting the attention of the Hyde Park Cafe's bouncers. Meanwhile, police said in a news release, Reyes "began to spit blood on the people in the area and began to swing his arms about."

The bouncers tried to control Reyes, but the 6-foot-1, 240-pound right-hander kept pushing them away. A Tampa Police officer working extra duty at the bar stepped in and yelled, "Stop Police!," but Reyes "continued spitting blood and thrashing about," according to a police incident report.

Moments later, the officer warned Reyes he was going to Taser the pitcher, and he did, knocking him to the bar floor. Ignoring police commands to stay down, authorities said Reyes got up and was Tasered a second time.

Reyes calmed down and was treated for a cut to his nose, police said. He refused to be transported to a hospital.

Reached at home Friday, Mora, 31, said he never hit Reyes. His friend did, Mora said. But he declined to name him. He said a woman at the bar witnessed the punch and can vouch for Mora's innocence. He also declined to provide her name but said he would provide his soon-to-be hired attorney with her information.

Mora's story goes like this: He was drinking at the bar with his friend, when his friend disappeared. All of a sudden, a woman near the bar turned to Mora and said, "Did you see what your friend did?"

Mora turned and saw Reyes holding his hand to his nose, which was gushing blood. Mora looked for his friend, but the man was gone. Reyes, who seemed to have been drinking heavily all night, began reaching out for people, Mora said.

"All of a sudden, he started touching everybody," Mora said. "He was lost. He just got hit. He was trying to find out who hit him."

Reyes got ahold of Mora, who was about three feet away, and bled all over his T-shirt. He didn't think Reyes was spitting blood, he said. It was just gushing out of him.

"That's when the bouncers got all over me, and they were really aggressive to me. I didn't do anything to anybody," he said. "Nobody saw anything. Everybody's just assuming things. I'm really upset."

Mora said he didn't see Reyes get Tasered because the bouncers had him on the floor.

Mora said if he had hit Reyes, he wouldn't have stuck around immediately afterward.

"I should have left after he got hit," he said, "but I didn't have anything to hide."

Mora, who said he works as a mortgage broker, has been arrested before on charges of DUI and domestic violence battery, according to state arrest records. He was charged with battery on Friday after the fight with Reyes.

Reyes was charged with affray. Both were released on their own recognizance.

Tampa police spokesman Jim Contento, a retired sergeant, said it's common for police to release suspects in these type of incidents without booking them in jail. He didn't expect police to press more charges, he said.

"They're very minor midsdemeanor charges," he said. "They have ties to the community and we know they're going to show up in court."

A Tampa police spokeswoman didn't know who Reyes was with at Hyde Park Cafe and Mora said he didn't recognize the pitcher or anyone with him. He didn't notice if Reyes was having a birthday party or not.

Police have been called more than 130 times to the Hyde Park Cafe in the last year, a place Contento called "busy" for police. Early Friday, police were summoned there three times, according to a log of police calls. Two seemed to be related to Reyes' arrest.

But the last call came at 3:55 p.m. -- hours afterward -- reporting a fight.

Hyde Park Cafe officials could not be reached Friday.

Casey Cora and Justin George, Times staff writers

Fallout from last night's public worksession

(WILLIE J. ALLEN JR. | Times)

ST. PETERSBURG --- Both sides are throwing jabs today surrounding last night's stadium forum.

Members of POWW, who declared victory after February's public hearing when about 70 of 100 speakers opposed the Rays' plan, attempted to downplay Thursday's results. About 120 speakers supported the stadium plan Thursday and 95 opposed it (a 56-44 split).

"This is so bogus and unfair," wrote stadium critic Lorraine Margeson. "Count how many FOR CARDS GET DIRECT PAYMENT FROM THE RAYS when you count the cards, folks ... and check for those card addresses."

Margeson followed up that since CONA recommended against the Rays' plan last night, that alone could count for more than 100 "votes," since CONA represents more than a 100 neighborhoods. Pro-stadium group Fans For Waterfront Stadium, meanwhile, submitted a petition of more than 100 business owners supporting the stadium proposal. Those numbers were not included in any tally -- the Times', or ones conducted by City Council members.

The Rays, meanwhile, criticized the statement of one stadium opponent. One speaker said minority team owner Gus Stavros is against the plan. That's not true, Rays officials said. "Just for the record, Gus Stavros is very much for the project," Michael Kalt wrote the Times. "It's outrageous that this guy would just assert that he's stated he's against it."

Team officials also forwarded along its response to the Agency on Bay Management, which recently told City Council members it had many questions related to the environmental plan. You can read that letter here.

It's amazing there is so much interest in the total number of speakers appearing before City Council both in favor, and against the Rays' proposal. It's a guess, but of the 100-or-so people who spoke last night, probably half or more spoke to the council in February. I'd offer we saw more new faces on the "pro" side, and that's likely reflected in the unofficial head count. What any of means...probably nothing -- except that this remains, and seeming will remain, an extremely divisive issue.

The next public hearing before City Council is May 22.

UPDATE (10:08 a.m.) -- Just saw the story about Al Reyes. Maybe I shouldn't have used the word "jab" in my post.

Public debate on Rays' stadium plan: Round 2

ST. PETERSBURG -- The Tampa Bay Rays $450-million stadium plan goes back before the public starting at 6 o'clock tonight when the City Council holds a public forum on the potential redevelopment of Tropicana Field.

Hundreds of people, for and against the project, are expected at City Hall to voice their opinions on the Rays' plans. But the City Council is not expected to make any decisions tonight.

Opponents are urging people to start signing up to speak at 4 p.m. and are e-mailing potential talking points.

Proponents say they plan to present a petition of 100 business owners supporting a November referendum on the stadium and redevelopment proposal.

You can get up to speed on the Tropicana redevelopment proposals here. Otherwise, check back later for updates from tonight's meeting.

UPDATE (5:15 p.m.) -- We're here in City Hall about 45 minutes before tonight's public hearing. Already about 100 people have filed speaker cards in either favor, or opposition of the Rays' plan. About 65 of them are asking to address the council later tonight. For both sides, the event has turned into a mini-election, with everyone attempting to rustle support.

UPDATE (5:55 p.m.) -- Okay, five minutes until show time. The chamber already is full and council members are beginning to take their seat. Council chairman Jamie Bennett is in Washington D.C. tonight, so vice chairman Jeff Danner will be running the show. And for everyone keeping score, Mayor Rick Baker is in the house tonight.

UPDATE (6:20 p.m.) -- We're on our fourth speaker, architect and POWW member Steve Lange, who is reading (as fast as he can) a lot of information about the city's comprehensive plan. We've already heard two threats of a lawsuit and now Lange adds the possibility of recalling City Council members. Lange and others are asking the council not to hold a November referendum on the stadium proposal, saying its a waste of city resources and the Rays would be able to manipulate or dupe would-be voters.

UPDATE (6:50 p.m.) -- The Rays just made their case. President Matt Silverman and vice president Michael Kalt asked City Council members to stay the course and let voters decide on the proposal. So far, I'm calling speakers 12-8 against.

UPDATE (7:20 p.m.) -- I won't get to do this in the paper, but blogging is a different animal. So here goes. My favorite speech of the night goes to Lee Nolan. His best quote: "What is wrong with Tropicana Field? How about the sorriest team in all of professional sports." Ouch, Lee. The Rays won today.

UPDATE (7:45 p.m.) -- Unofficial numbers, but speakers so far are 28-26 against (this doesn't include the 100 business owners who submitted a petition supporting the Rays' proposal). Lorraine Margeson is at the mic, using her three minutes to raise questions about the soil underneath Tropicana Field. The site is the former home of a gas manufacturing plant. City officials say its not a serious issue. Margeson does not agree.

UPDATE (7:48 p.m.) -- Media darling Joan Martin just got her turn. She's the woman with making fashion statements with her "Save the Dome" gear. She again recalled her chance meeting with Richard Simmons at a Tropicana Field event. "Who voted you into the office? Was it the Rays or people like me?"

UPDATE (8:04 p.m.) -- A woman from Bayfront Tower just told the council: "I wouldn't put an addition on my house faster" than the Rays want to push this stadium proposal. An addition on the condo would probably be a tough sell...

UPDATE (8: 20 p.m.) --"I heard Miss Margeson talking to a reporter outside. She said 90 percent of the people in St. Petersburg were agains the Rays plan," said a man representing a union of construction workers. "I'll give you the best poll. Take it to the people of St. Petersburg."

UPDATE (8:30 p.m.) -- "The situation demands a referendum," said former council member Jay Lasita, who is working with one of the bidders to redevelop Tropicana Field. "You should never fear what the outcome of what the vote is going to be. They are the ones that pay the bills."

UPDATE (8:40 p.m.) -- A pro-stadium resident just wrapped up listing some of the positive environmental aspects of the Rays' proposal. In the back of council chambers, Hal Freedman (POWW leader) was cringing.

UPDATE (9:20 p.m.) -- My up to date, unofficial count: 113 for, 86 against.

UPDATE (9:45 p.m.) -- The final unofficial tally, between 115-for and 90 against. Michael Kalt has just declared victory. See you all tomorrow.

UPDATE (9:50 p.m.) -- I wanted to add one more quote before I shut the laptop down for the night. This one is from Hal Freedman, leader of POWW, who told council members his group is NOT against a referendum. Just against one without all the facts being known: "We have no problem with the public voting and in fact welcome it. (But) based on all the unknowns, there is no reason to rush this on the Rays schedule."

-- Aaron Sharockman, Times staff writer

Tampa Bay Rays v. Seattle Mariners

Tampa Bay Rays 2nd baseman Akinori Iwamura stretches before playing the Seattle Mariners on April 10, 2008 at Tropicana Field.        [Edmund Fountain, Times]

Aybar held out

The Rays wrap up their three-game series with the Mariners today with an afternoon start (12:40 p.m.), hoping to snap a four-game losing streak.

RHP Edwin Jackson, coming off a strong opening start in New York, will get the nod.

Some pre-game injury notes:

*3B Willy Aybar will not play at the hot corner today, as a result of hamstring soreness. Manager Joe Maddon said it's nothing serious, just something that creeped up when he tried to score from second on a single in Wednesday's game (but got called out at home). Aybar, who was sidelined this spring with hamstring soreness, is available to pinch hit today, but Hinske will get the start at third base. 

*Ace LHP Scott Kazmir, rehabbing a left elbow strain, will throw his second batting practice session Friday at 3 p.m. at the Trop; Manager Joe Maddon said he made a mistake Wednesday in saying it would be Saturday. If all goes well, Kazmir will move on to the next step, a start in extended spring, with a late April return still a possibility.

*RHP Matt Garza will play catch on Saturday, the first step in his rehab of a radial nerve irritation that put him on the 15-day DL (and likely out at least four weeks). Maddon had said Garza would get some time to rest, and after two weeks, there would be another evaluation.

Here are the lineups:

Rays

• Iwamura 2b
• Crawford Lf
• Pena 1b
• Upton Cf
• Hinske 3b
• Gomes dh
• Haynes Rf
• Difelice C
• Bartlett SS

Mariners

• Suzuki, Cf
• Lopez, 2b
• Beltre, 3b
• Ibanez, lf
• Sexson, 1b
• Vidro, dh
• Morse, rf
• Johjima, C
• Betancourt, SS

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Rays help area non-profit groups

The Rays Baseball Foundation on Wednesday awarded $125,000 to 28 area non-profit groups. Here, from the team release, are the recipients:

The non-profit organizations receiving awards from the community grant fund in 2008:

·

Front Porch Community Development Association, Inc. of St. Petersburg received a grant for a multi-purpose outdoor classroom.

·

Academy Prep Center of St. Petersburg received a grant for its Healthy Bodies for Healthy Minds program.

·

Everyone’s Youth United, Inc. of St. Petersburg received a grant for its marching band.

·

Police Athletic League of St. Petersburg received a grant for its Programs in Education.

·

Mt. Zion Human Services of St. Petersburg received a grant for its Children’s Center Summer Camp.

·

R’ Club Child Care, Inc. of St. Petersburg received a grant for early learning academy educational materials.

·

America’s Second Harvest of Tampa Bay received a grant for its Kids Café.

·

Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County received a grant for their SMART Moves program.

·

Boys Initiative/Ophelia Project of Tampa received a grant its Positive Coaching Alliance Program.

·

CASA of St. Petersburg received a grant for its All Stars Weekend Retreat.

·

ChairScholars Foundation of Odessa received a grant for scholarships.

·

Happy Workers Children’s Center of St. Petersburg received a grant for its Family Literacy program.

·

Hillsborough Education Foundation received a grant for classroom, technology and school improvement grants.

·

Manatee Education Foundation received a grant for a baseball/math curriculum.

·

Pinellas County Urban League received a grant for its youth development initiative.

·

Pinellas Education Foundation received a grant for its Doorways Technical Program.

·

YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg received a grant for its Y-Achievers Program.

·

Campbell Park Neighborhood Family Center of St. Petersburg received a grant for its Youth Life Skills Training Program.

·

Arts Center Association of St. Petersburg received a grant for arts camp scholarships for at-risk youth.

·

Help A Child Inc. of Pinellas Park received a grant for its Parents Aid Program.

· Salvation Army-Sallie House of St. Petersburg received a grant for its library.

·

Daystar Life Center of St. Petersburg received a grant for baby supplies.

·

District 26 Florida Challenger Baseball of Bradenton received a grant for its Challenger Little League.

·

Boy Scouts of America, West Central Florida Council of Seminole received a grant for its ScoutReach Program.

·

Children’s Dream Fund of St. Petersburg received a grant for its Share the Dream Program.

·

Creative Clay Cultural Arts Center of St. Petersburg received a grant for its Summer Youth Arts Program.

·

Pinellas Marine Institute of St. Petersburg Beach received a grant for its Nature Classroom.

·

The recipients will be recognized at a pregame ceremony on Friday, April 25 when the Rays host the Boston Red Sox at Tropicana Field.

In addition to the Community Fund Grant Program, the Rays Baseball Foundation also offers the All-Star Grant Program. The All-Star Grant provides substantial monetary support ($50,000 - $100,000) to help fulfill the foundation's mission.

Tampa Bay Watch of Tierra Verde received a grant for its Estuary EDventures Summer Camp Programs.A request for a Letter of Intent for the All-Star Grant Program will be available online on May 1, 2008.   

Ouch: Floyd to DL, too

The injuries just keep coming for the Rays, with the news Wednesday that DH Cliff Floyd will have surgery Friday to repair a tear in the medial meniscus in his right knee, was placed on the 15-day DL and replaced on the roster by OF Justin Ruggiano.
That follows Tuesday night's move to RHP Matt Garza on the DL with irritation of the radial nerve in his right arm.
Both could be out 4-6 weeks, according to manager Joe Maddon.
"Not a good news day for the Rays,'' he said.
Floyd was scratched from the lineup Monday in New York with the Rays said was right knee soreness, but was said to be available to pinch-hit the last two games. But the soreness apparently persisted, and he underwent an MRI on Wednesday that showed the tear. Though Maddon said Floyd, 35, is likely to miss 4-6 weeks, Floyd said he hoped to be back in about three. Floyd started four games and was hitting .333 with two homers and 5 RBIs.
Ruggiano was an early cut in spring training, but was the first option to be recalled since he is already on the 40-man roster. In six games at Durham, Ruggiano was hitting .304 with one homer and 6 RBIs. He wil start tonight in rightfield, and figures to be out there against lefthanded pitchers, with Jonny Gomes as the DH.
Againts righthanded starters, the Rays are planning to use Eric Hinske at DH and Nathan Haynes in rightfield, Maddon said.
The Rays now have eight players on the DL: starters Scott Kazmir and Garza, catcher Dioner Navarro, infielder Ben Zobrist, outfielders Rocco Baldelli and Floyd, and relievers Kurt Birkins and Chad Orvella. Three have been hurt since the season started nine days ago - Floyd, Garza and Navarro.

Also:

* Scott Kazmir will throw another batting practice session before advancing to minor-league games, which would seem to push his projected return back to the end of April. The Rays had talked about moving him next to an extended spring game but Maddon said made a "cumulative call" to have him throw another BP sessi