Tampa Bay Rays' fired mascot speaks out

Performer Kelly Frank, the woman who perfected Raymond's trademark butt shimmy, said she does not know why she was fired Monday after five seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays.

"I'm just as confused as everyone else," she said. "I really didn't get an explanation."

Frank said she was praised as recently as three weeks ago, when her supervisors told her she out-enthused the Philadelphia Phillies mascot, the Phillie Phanatic, during the World Series.

But on Monday, she was told she would no longer be Raymond. Frank also worked on marketing projects, including the cowbell promotions at several Rays games. She maintained a Raymond blog, offering insider tips on costume changes.

Frank said she was reluctant to discuss what happened Monday.

"My severance package is kind of up in the air right now, so ..." she said.

Magrane leaving TV booth for MLB Network

A familiar face is leaving the Rays.

Joe Magrane (pictured), the informative and sometimes irreverent TV analyst for all 11 seasons, has been hired by the new MLB Network, which debuts in January.

Magrane, 44, who pitched eight seasons in the majors, is expected to do game analysis and in-studio work in his new role. An official announcement is expected later this week.

Brian Anderson, who joined Dewayne Staats in the booth last summer when Magrane did the Olympics, could be among the possible replacements.

The Rays on Monday also parted ways with Kelly Frank, who played mascot Raymond for five seasons.

Times staff writer