By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Nickname of the day
David Price and Evan Longoria are sharing a house this spring, so they are spending a lot of time together. So it's hard to say why Price announced Tuesday morning a new nickname for the third baseman: Arthur. "It's a compliment to say Longo looks an Arthur," Price said. "But I don't want it to be misconstrued that he's King Arthur."
Quote of the day
"We're stopping at a Dairy Queen somewhere after one of these games — full uni."
Manager Joe Maddon, again offering ice cream for the players if the Rays completed a comeback.
Fan of the day
There's always someone in the stands with a connection to Joe Maddon no matter where the Rays play, and Tuesday it was Sarasota chiropractor Charlie Liott, who was a receiver when Maddon quarterbacked the Hazleton High football team.
Number of the day
5 Homers allowed by Rays RHP Andy Sonnanstine to the first 11 batters.
Sign of the day
RHP Dirk Hayhurst signed a copy of his popular book The Bullpen Gospels for ESPN analyst John Kruk on Tuesday, with a twist toward a popular TV spot featuring another husky man: "Loved you in those Denny's commercials."
Rays at Blue Jays
When/where: 1:05 today; Florida Auto Exchange Stadium, 373 Douglas Ave., Dunedin
Tickets: $15-27, available by calling (727) 733-0429, via bluejays.com and at the stadium.
Internet radio: raysbaseball.com (no charge, team says)
Rays information: Toll-free 1-888-326-7297 (FAN-RAYS)
Pitchers: Rays — David Price, Wade Davis, Brian Baker, Jonah Bayliss, Chris Bootcheck, Richard De Los Santos, Brandon Gomes, Adam Russell; Jays — Brandon Morrow, Brad Mills, Shawn Camp, Jason Frasor, Casey Janssen, Octavio Dotel
Heads-up
Most of the starting players aren't coming, with Ben Zobrist, Reid Brignac, Matt Joyce, Dan Johnson and Desmond Jennings the biggest names.
Who is this Ray?
He was born on an Army base in Kansas and lived in Germany and Japan before settling in Orlando. He was recruited by the Gators before going pro. He is one of five in MLB history to play 140 or more games for 15 consecutive seasons. He signed as a free agent.
On deck
Thursday: Yankees, 1:05. Rays — James Shields; Yankees — Freddy Garcia
Friday: at Twins (Fort Myers), 1:05. Rays — Alex Torres; Twins — Kevin Slowey
Saturday: Twins, 1:05. Rays — Andy Sonnanstine; 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: OF Johnny Damon
Marc Topkin, Times staff writer