By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Game boys of the day
CF B.J. Upton, left, and LHP David Price are back to their video game wars, and well-placed sources tell us that Price is dominating early in their FIFA 11 soccer games. "He hasn't beat me yet, but I'm not counting," Price said. "It's probably been 12-14 matches, but I didn't tell you that. And I beat him 8-0 (Tuesday), but I didn't tell you that, either." Upton won when they switched to a hockey game, though it was Price's first time playing that game. Or at least that's what he did tell us.
Quote of the day
"I don't like to get hit at all — that's why I stopped playing football."
CF B.J. Upton, who was hit by a pitch during batting practice.
A happy Hazleton reunion
Growing up in Hazleton, Pa., INF Russ Canzler played his high school games on Joe Maddon Field. And when Maddon was feted by friends at Casamoto's restaurant after getting the Rays job, Canzler got to meet him for the first time. Now Canzler is in Rays camp with a chance to play for Maddon. "It's pretty cool how things work out," Canzler said.
Number of the day
7 Rays among Baseball America's top 100 prospects; only the Royals had more, with nine.
List of the day
Rays among Baseball America's Top 100 prospects:
6. RHP Jeremy Hellickson
15. LHP Matt Moore
22. OF Desmond Jennings
27. RHP Chris Archer
71. LHP Jake McGee
88. OF Josh Sale
92. SS Hak-Ju Lee
Who is this Ray?
He was a double major in finance and business law at Tulane. He plays electric guitar. He was the Massachusetts high school player of the year as a senior. He was acquired in trade.
The dish
Today's fourth 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
Live batting practice starts around 11, with RHPs Jeff Niemann and Andy Sonnanstine and LHP Jake McGee among those scheduled to throw.
On deck
Today-Friday: Workouts at Port Charlotte
Saturday: Exhibition opener, vs. Pirates, 1:05. Rays — David Price; Pirates — Charlie Morton
Sunday: at Pirates (Bradenton), 1:05. Rays — James Shields; Pirates — Kevin Correia
Monday: Pirates, 1:05. Rays — Jeff Niemann; Pirates — Bryan Morris
Who is this Ray answer: RHP Brandon Gomes
Marc Topkin, Times staff writer