By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Stark comparison of the day
ESPN's Jayson Stark came away from Rays camp this week with an entertaining column and an interesting looks comparison of Rays executive VP Andrew Friedman, right, and BYU basketball stud Jimmer Fredette, left. Friedman insisted he didn't see a resemblance. Rays LHP David Price told Stark he did. And also, "They're both good public speakers. That's something that I noticed. That and the hair. The hair is big."
Smartest move of the day
LF Johnny Damon, above, had some fun during a pickoffs and rundowns drill, throwing up his fists in mock defense when RHP Kyle Farnsworth, who has a reputation as one of baseball's tough guys, ran at him. "I was going to trick him that I was going to punch him," Damon said. "Then I realized I better crawl into my hole because everyone knows how tough he is. I saw his eyes light up. I'm like, 'I'm joking.' "
On the run
C Kelly Shoppach, pleased with the baserunning drills overall, had a personal highlight: "Pretty funny that Desmond (Jennings, outfielder) was virtually running backward and I couldn't catch him."
List of the day: Men of steal
The majors' stolen-base leaders from 2008-10:
Michael Bourn Astros154
Juan Pierre White Sox138
Carl Crawford Red Sox132
B.J. Upton Rays128
Jacoby Ellsbury Red Sox127
Source: Rays
Who is this Ray?
He has a younger brother who is a pitcher in the Red Sox organization. He enjoys reggaeton music. He has not played above Class A.
The dish
Today's full-squad workout, the Rays' fifth, starts at 8:30 a.m. at Charlotte Sports Park (2300 El Jobean Road) and lasts about 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, complex is on the left. For more information, call (941) 235-5025.
Heads up
Pitchers for today's 2½ intrasquad game will be: Joel Peralta, Cory Wade, Mike Ekstrom, R.J. Swindle and Alex Cobb. Some of the regulars will get an at-bat.
On deck
Saturday: Exhibition opener, 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
Tuesday: at Orioles (Sarasota), 1:05. Rays — TBA; Orioles — TBA
Who is this Ray answer: LHP Cesar Cabral
Marc Topkin, Times staff writer