By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Quote of the day
"The clubhouse is a lot quieter."
LHP David Price, on no longer having RHP Matt Garza, left, on the team
Ben and Julianna's international adventure
• INF/OF Ben Zobrist and wife Julianna went on a 10-day offseason trip to work with friends who are missionaries in the Ukraine. "It was eye-opening," Zobrist said. "I have never been over to that part of the world, so it was a good experience. It brings perspective, which was good for us."
• A delayed flight from Detroit forced the Zobrists to miss their connection and spend a night in Paris. But it wasn't as romantic or as exciting as it sounded as they had to stay out by the airport and didn't have time to see any sights. "It was actually torture," Zobrist said. "We're stuck in Paris for the night, but at a rinky-dink European hotel where they were totally rude."
Another international incident
INF Elliot Johnson enjoyed playing winter ball in the Mexican beach city of Mazatlan, enjoying the scenery and the food, and the occasional action in the stands, especially during games in Mexicali. "There were fights breaking out everywhere," he said. "It's like, here's the pitch, then you're watching these guys just throw punches. That was a lot of fun, very entertaining."
List of the day: Most ML service time
Manny Ramirez 17.033
Johnny Damon 15.051
Kyle Farnsworth 11.100
x-Felipe Lopez 8.027
x-Juan Cruz 7.121
x-Casey Kotchman 5.144
Kelly Shoppach 5.021
Joel Peralta 4.132
B.J. Upton 4.126
James Shields 4.125
J.P. Howell 4.007
x-nonroster invitees
Who is this Ray?
His mother is a New Hampshire state senator, his father a dean at the University of New Hampshire. He has an economics degree from Stanford. He once interned at Stats Inc. He was acquired in trade.
The dish
Today's workout for pitchers and catchers starts at 9:30 at the Charlotte Sports Park (2300 El Jobean Road) and lasts two hours. Admission and parking are free. Driving time from the bay area is 1½-2 hours. Suggested route: I-75 South to Toledo Blade Road, go west 6½ miles to El Jobean Road (SR 776), go right 2 miles, stadium complex is on left. Details: (941) 235-5025.
Heads-up
The pitchers have one last day to focus on those all-important fundamentals before full-squad workouts begin Monday.
Who is this Ray answer: OF Sam Fuld.
Marc Topkin, Times staff writer