By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Making her pitch
Justine Siegal, right, threw a solid round of batting practice, part of her tour of six camps aimed at getting more women involved in baseball (see baseballglory.com) and honoring Christina Green, the 9-year-old killed in the Arizona shootings in January. "It was fun to throw," said Siegal, 36, a former college and independent league coach. Said OF Sam Fuld: "Overall pretty impressive."
Trot of the day
Capping a morning baserunning drill, some players broke into their most outlandish home run trots. Felipe Lopez took off his jersey. Matt Joyce went shirtless. Then Ray Olmedo rounded the bases with his pants around his ankles. "Next time I'll go naked," Olmedo said. "Got to keep it fun."
Coach of the day
Retired Rays star Rocco Baldelli got the biggest hand from the announced crowd of 3,003 at Al Lang Field in St. Petersburg for a split-squad game with the Dutch national team, coaching first base in his new role as a special assistant.
Anniversary of the day
Sixteen years ago Wednesday the Rays and Diamondbacks franchises were awarded at an owners meeting in Palm Beach.
Rays vs. Red Sox
When/where: 1:05 today; Charlotte Sports Park, 2300 El Jobean Road, Port Charlotte
TV/Internet radio: Sun Sports; raysbaseball.com
Tickets: Reserved seats $19-$27, berm/boardwalk $10. raysbaseball.com, Ticketmaster, Tropicana Field and Charlotte box offices, Tampa team store.
Gates open: 11 a.m.
Directions: Driving time from bay area is 1½-2 hours. Suggested route: I-75 south to Exit 179 (Toledo Blade Road), west 6½ miles (crossing U.S. 41) to El Jobean Road (SR 776), right 2 miles, complex on the left.
Parking: $10; lots open at 10.
Rays information: Toll-free 1-888-326-7297
Pitchers: Rays — Andy Sonnanstine, Mike Ekstrom, Matt Bush, Brandon Gomes, Alex Torres; Red Sox — Daisuke Matsuzaka, Alfredo Aceves, Andrew Miller, Michael Bowden, Rich Hill
Heads-up
Brandon Gomes, acquired from the Padres in the Jason Bartlett trade, is making a run at a bullpen job. He hasn't allowed a runner in four appearances.
Who is this Ray?
He has pitched in the big leagues for five teams. He struck out six consecutive batters on opening day 2003. He was traded in a deal involving Tim Hudson. He signed with the Rays as a minor-league free agent.
On deck
Friday: Pirates, 1:05. Rays — Wade Davis; Pirates — James McDonald
Saturday: at Phillies, 1:05. Rays — David Price; Phillies — Kyle Kendrick
Sunday: at Blue Jays, 1:05. Rays — Chris Bootcheck; Jays — Brandon Morrow
Schedule
14: Off
15: Marlins
16: at Marlins
17: at Yankees, 7:05
18: Red Sox (ss), 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 Juan Cruz
Marc Topkin, Times staff writer