By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Hairy tale of the day
Photo day is always interesting anyway, and Manny Ramirez made it more so Tuesday morning. During a video interview, Ramirez invited Times photographer Dirk Shadd, left, to sit with him on the bench and compare dreadlocks. Even though Ramirez, 38, had only been growing his five years, compared to 39-year-old Shadd's 15, Manny was sure his were longer. Shadd didn't say much back.
Number of the day
3 Rays games not scheduled to be shown on TV between Sun Sports, Fox and ESPN.
List of the day
Most innings pitched AL, since 2007
Felix Hernandez, Mariners 879.1
Justin Verlander, Tigers 867
James Shields, Rays 853
Mark Buehrle, White Sox 843.1
CC Sabathia, Indians/Yankees 831
Offseason addition
Some people add a room on their house or have a pool installed. 1B Dan Johnson went a little further this off-season, building a 90x50-foot lighted hockey rink in the back yard of his Ham Lake, Minn., home with the help of a neighbor. Johnson claims he did it for 6-year-old son Kaden and his friends but admitted he stepped on the ice a few times himself. "So much fun," said Johnson, who played hockey through his freshman year at the University of Nebraska.
Different look
Evan Longoria said it's a little different being in a hitting group with new players, albeit the well-known Johnny Damon and Manny Ramirez. Even more odd is for the three-time All-Star to be in a trio where he is, essentially, the junior partner. "And," he said, "they're definitely the seniors."
Who is this Ray?
He was in uniform for the Rays' final out of the 2008 ALDS win over the White Sox. He is one of the tallest players on the roster. He was drafted out of Ohio University. He was acquired in trade.
The dish
Today's third full-squad workout starts at 9:30 at Charlotte Sports Park (2300 El Jobean Road) and lasts 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
David Price, James Shields and Kyle Farnsworth are among the pitchers scheduled to throw live batting practice today, starting at 11 a.m.
On deck
Today-Friday: Workouts at Port Charlotte.
Saturday: Exhibition opener, vs. Pirates, 1:05.
Sunday: at Pirates (Bradenton), 1:05
Monday: Pirates, 1:05.
Who is this Ray answer: RHP Adam Russell
Marc Topkin, Times staff writer