By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Tee off of the day
LHP David Price, RHP James Shields and OF B.J. Upton are all scheduled to be on the links at Innisbrook today for the Shelton Quarles celebrity pro-am at the Transitions championship. Price will be paired with John Daly, and Shields, whose group won last year, with Chris Riley. Upton, whose partner wasn't set yet, said he was looking forward to it: "I might have to take the crown from Shields."
Guests of the day
The club baseball team from Lafayette College, where manager Joe Maddon attended, was in the area for a tournament, and came out to shag balls during batting practice.
Charitable cause of the day
Dirk Hayhurst, the pitcher, author and creator of the Garfoose character, is offering an interesting twist for a $50 minimum contribution to the Japanese earthquake relief through Mercy Corps (or other funds): He'll call you via Skype to thank you. See dirkhayhurst.com for details.
Proud papa of the day
Bench coach Dave Martinez was smiling broadly over his son, Jagger, being named the Times' Pinellas County high school soccer player of the year. And also that Jagger, who played for Countryside High, is headed to Northwestern on a scholarship. "He got it all from his mom," Dave Martinez said.
Flashback of the day
Coming back to Dunedin always stirs memories for new Rays OF Johnny Damon, who was playing in a summer all-star game in 1990 when he was first spotted by agent Scott Boras, the start of a long, and prosperous, relationship. "It started then," Damon said, "and we've made each other rich … -er."
Quote of the day
"Oh my God, he's locked in."
Rays LF Manny Ramirez on Jose Bautista's massive homer.
Who is this Ray?
He considers himself a "professional gentleman of leisure sports," including darts, bowling, ping-pong, foosball and archery. He was a 13th-round pick in 2004 out of Kent State. He is a distant relative of Ken Keltner, the former Indians 3B who had a key role in stopping Joe DiMaggio's hitting streak.
Today: Off
On deck
Tuesday: Marlins, 1:05. Rays — Jeremy Hellickson; Marlins — Anibal Sanchez
Wednesday: at Marlins (Jupiter), 1:05. Rays — Wade Davis; Marlins — Chris Volstad
Thursday: at Yankees (Tampa), 7:05. Rays — Chris Bootcheck; Yankees — TBA
Friday: Red Sox, 7:05. Rays — Andy Sonnanstine; Red Sox — TBA
Saturday: at Twins (Fort Myers), 1:05. Rays — TBA; Twins — TBA
Upcoming schedule 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 Andy Sonnanstine
Marc Topkin, Times staff writer