By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Monday, February 28, 2011
He said it with a poker face …
Manager Joe Maddon cautioned again about hot spring starts, since the pitchers aren't necessarily sharp: "This is what I'm talking about where you don't necessarily go Lady Gaga over spring training performances."
Quote of the day
"He's made from rebar and he's got this different kind of intellectualism, so I really enjoy him.''
Manager Joe Maddon on C John Jaso
Oscar connection
Best documentary winner Inside Job, which details the Wall Street financial crisis, focuses in part on the actions of Lehman CEO Dick Fuld, who is a second cousin of new Rays OF Sam Fuld's father. Sam has never met Dick but, with an economics degree from Stanford, is obviously familiar with the story. "Now," he said, "I'm going to have to see the movie."
Lesson of the day
Players went through a 45-minute session of media training Monday morning, getting some stark reminders of the dos and don'ts of the modern world and some video clips of interviews gone wrong. "I don't think anyone's going to say anything today," C John Jaso said.
Heads-up
Several of the Rays front-liners are making the trip, and playing consecutive games, including Johnny Damon, Evan Longoria, Manny Ramirez and B.J. Upton.
Who is this Ray?
He was a 10th-round pick in the 2004 draft out of Broad Ripple (Ind.) High. He made seven appearances in the 2008 playoffs. He signed as a minor-league free agent.
Rays at Orioles
When/where: 1:05 today; Ed Smith Stadium, 2700 12th St., Sarasota
Tickets: $8-$29, available by calling 1-800-745-3000, via orioles.com and at the stadium.
Rays information: Toll-free 1-888-326-7297 (FAN-RAYS)
Pitchers: Rays — Andy Sonnanstine, Chris Archer, Matt Bush, Cesar Cabral, Rob Delaney, Mike Ekstrom; Orioles — Jeremy Guthrie, Rick Vandenhurk, Mark Hendrickson, Jason Berken, David Riske
On deck
Wednesday: at Blue Jays (Dunedin), 1:05. Rays — David Price; Jays — Brandon Morrow
Thursday: Yankees, 1:05. Rays — James Shields; Yankees — Freddy Garcia
Friday: at Twins (Fort Myers), 1:05. Rays — Jeff Niemann; Twins — TBA
Upcoming schedule
March
5: Twins
6: at Phillies
7: at Pirates
8: Blue Jays
9: Blue Jays, and vs. Netherlands at St. Petersburg
10: Red Sox
11: Pirates
12: at Phillies
13: at Blue Jays
14: Off
15: Marlins
16: at Marlins
17:- at Yankees, 7:05
18: Red Sox, 7:05
19: at Twins
20: Orioles
21: Yankees, 7:05
22: at Red Sox, 7:05
23: Phillies
24: at Astros
25: Pirates
26: Orioles
27: at Pirates
28: at Yankees, 7:05
29: at Red Sox
30: vs. Blue Jays at Tropicana Field, 4:10
Who is this Ray answer: RHP Cory Wade
Marc Topkin, Times staff writer