North of the border

(Update, 6:05) Most of manager Joe Maddon's pre-game media session involved medical updates, and for the most part the news was good, with the possibility that, if all continues to go well, DH Cliff Floyd, INF Ben Zobrist and RHPs Al Reyes and Gary Glover could all be activated on the next homestand.

There is another feature today on the Rays' resurgence on espn.com as well.

Otherwise, the Rays are eager to get back on the field having been swept at Boston and having Monday off. CF B.J. Upton is still working through issues related to his left shoulder strain, and until he swings hard and misses neither he nor the Rays know how it will feel:
The lineup:
Iwamura, 2b
Crawford, lf
Upton, cf
Pena, 1b
Longoria, 3b
Hinske, dh
Navarro, c
Gross, rf
Bartlett, ss
Sonnanstine, p

After a sun-drenched Monday off-day, the forecast in Toronto looks like rain, which just seems to be following the Rays wherever they go. The good news, of course, is that the Rogers Centre has a roof, and it's expected to be closed, especially with a forecast low tonight of 7 degrees .... celsius, which is about 45 fahrenheit.

With Cliff Floyd on the way back to take over DH duties, which will put Eric Hinske in righfield more often and likely make Gabe Gross the top reserve, the Rays' roster may be set for a while. But if they are looking for an alternative, three veteran outfielders have all become available in the last few days: Jacque Jones, by Detroit; Jason Michaels (a Tampa product), by Cleveland; and Brad Wilkerson (former Florida Gator), by Seattle.

Here's more on the Tigers' decision on Jones. Both he and Michaels could be of some interest to the Rays since both can play centerfield if needed. Here's more on the Indians' decision on Michaels.

Comments

[Alex]

We have enough outfielders. I'm more concerned about our reserve infield and backup catcher.

[david]

i'm not sure what on this Earth makes you say something like Jones might be the best fit. talk about declining skills. i know you know baseball, look at the splits on Jason Michaels and tell me again why Jones is a better fit...

[david]

to alex: what are you talking about? first off, we have no problems at catcher, Riggins is a wonderful backup. second off, as far as infielders go, Aybar and Zobrist are both on their way back to us, that solved your concern. RF remains the biggest hole we have.

[Trent]

I'm so sick of Alex

[Ray]

"Jones, hitting .165"

Best fit? Don't we have enough guys hitting below the Mendoza Line (or close to it)?

Doesn't this team have anyone down the minors that can actually put the bat on the ball and possibly be able to catch some fly-balls too?

Other than CC and BJ, who does the Rays have?

[tj]

I wish Magrane would quit whining about calls. He thinks that he knows everything. Statts says it happens every series. Would these guys shut up about it. They think there is some kind of conspiracy against the Devil Rays. Save it Fellas.

[Paul]

No TJ, why don't you save it? If you've watched this team on a consistent basis, you'd know they (as well as the Lightning) constantly get screwed out of calls (some obvious, some close). It's good to finally hear someone say it and make noise about it instead of sitting on our hands and being quiet.

Enjoy watching you're over-priced Yank$ or Red $ux.

GO RAYS!

[raysfan]

you tell 'em paul!

[mojo]

Magrane and Staats are the WORST announcers in the game. If they aren't crying about being "picked on" (they no doubt believe 9/11 was an inside job, too), they're bemoaning how our pitchers aren't "mental" enough. Total bulls**t.

[Frank]

Agreed! And Paul, it's whiners like you we DON'T need. That type of thinking kept us in the cellar for too long! Go sit in the corner and suck your thumb, cry baby.

[Moses]

I'd taker either Jason Michaels or Brad Wilkerson over Gross, who has never shown he can hit in the majors.Jacque Jones is washed up.

[pen]

It's time to switch Hinske and Pena in the lineup. I hate to say but it looks like Pena was a 1 year wonder. He looks horrible.....just like every other season, except last year, in his major league career.

[Craig]

Joe and Dewayne are broadcast GODS... if you don't like them, just turn down the sound Nancy.

[Gene]

David, Alex is right. Catcher is our biggest weakness right now. Riggans has shown only that he is not ready to play at this level both offesively and defensivley. He needs to play at Durham on a regular basis. I agree he will be good, but he is not ready yet. If they had kept Mike up, he and Navi would be a great fit. Why the haters on Dewane and Joe? I have listened to MLB, local and national in 4 different markets over the past 50 years. They are a good team. If you don't like them, it is because you are looking for a reason to complain about something. I feel sorry for you!!!!

[Gerry]

Gene, I'm on board with Riggans completely. But on another note, the only broadcaster worse than our two knuckleheads is Hawk Harrelson and his sidekick. Dewayne and Joe really do whine about our team and there's. Did you watch the BoSox game a couple of weeks back? They went on for THREE innings about the same missed call. Talk about looking to complain.