By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Monday, February 21, 2011
Fashion statements of the day
• It apparently was more coincidental timing than special request, but equipment/home clubhouse manager Chris Westmoreland was well-prepared for Manny Ramirez's arrival with a new piece of headwear: a high-performance skull cap from New Era, complete with the team logo, that he can wear under his regular cap to help tame his dreadlocked hair.
• Johnny Damon had the best T-shirt, which he claimed was sent to him by a fan (wink, wink) and he only wore because it just happened (wink, wink) to match the color of his shorts. It read: "johnny biceps."
Oh, those other guys …
There was a definite buzz around the fields, with the large crowd of 1,000 seemingly focused on new acquisitions Johnny Damon and Manny Ramirez. "There was a lot of energy out there (Monday)," manager Joe Maddon said. "At first I thought it was attributable to (nonroster INF) Ray Olmedo," Maddon said. "Then I was seeing all the signs and I knew they were more interested in Manny and Johnny at that point."
And more …
Among the more interesting attention getters was a fan who kept yelling out "Oct. 20, 2004," which was the date of one of Damon's milestone moments: when he homered twice in Game 7 as the Red Sox completed their remarkable comeback from three games down to the Yankees to win the 2004 ALCS. "The Boston fans are a little crazy, and they're going to be until the end of time," Damon said. "They love their Red Sox, and it's great that they do."
Who is this Ray?
He starred at the University of Virginia and recently married a sportscaster whom he met when she interviewed him. He scored seven touchdowns in a high school football game. He is addicted to following the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship). He was acquired in trade.
List of the day
Most games pitched 2001-10
Mariano Rivera 646
David Weathers 644
Kyle Farnsworth 640
J.C. Romero 611
Francisco Cordero 609
LaTroy Hawkins 606
Billy Wagner 601
The dish
Today's first full-squad workout starts at 9:30 at Charlotte Sports Park (2300 El Jobean Road) and lasts 3-3½ 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, complex is on left. More information: (941) 235-5025.
Heads-up
Jeff Niemann, Jake McGee, Andy Sonnanstine and Dane De La Rosa are among the pitchers scheduled to throw live batting practice today, starting at 11 a.m.
Who is this Ray answer: OF Brandon Guyer
Marc Topkin, Times staff writer
