By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Quote of the day
"He's scaring me a little bit, he's hitting a little too good right now. I think he talked himself into the lineup (today), that's how good he's feeling."
LF Johnny Damon on DH Manny Ramirez, who went 2-for-2 Tuesday with a homer and is hitting .333 this spring.
Quote of the day 2
"I don't know if Manny knows it's part of the solar system, and it takes a while to get there."
Manager Joe Maddon, joking about Ramirez requesting to join the Rays today on their three-hour bus ride to play in Jupiter.
Showing off
The Rays held their annual spring talent show Tuesday night, with C John Jaso (guitar) and 3B Evan Longoria (drums) planning to play in their two-man band. C Nevin Ashley had one request: "As long as (SS Tim) Beckham, above, is not going on the stage again. He's been booed off two straight years. Let him stick to baseball, that's all I'm going to say." How about RHP James Shields? "My talent is throwing changeups," he quipped. "That's about it."
Teeing off
Shields didn't defend his title at the Shelton Quarles Pro-Am at the Transitions Championship Monday but "had a blast" with partner Chris Riley, shooting 8 under, five shots behind the winner. LHP David Price, paired with John Daly, and CF B.J. Upton, paired with Roland Thatcher, were both 9 under. "(Riley) thinks baseball is harder than golf," Shields said. "And I think golf is harder than baseball."
Rays at Marlins
When/where: 1:05; Roger Dean Stadium, Jupiter
Tickets: $15-$27, available at Roger Dean Stadium box office, via Ticketmaster, by calling 1-800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com
Rays information: Toll-free 1-888-326-7297 (FAN-RAYS)
Pitchers: Rays — Wade Davis, R.J. Swindle, Cory Wade, Brandon Gomes; Marlins — Chris Volstad, Randy Choate, Burke Badenhop, Steve Cishek
Heads-up
Manny Ramirez asked to be added to today's lineup, so he'll serve as DH. C John Jaso, 2B Sean Rodriguez, OF Matt Joyce and SS Reid Brignac are other regulars playing, with RHP Wade Davis starting.
Who is this Ray?
Last season, he hit leadoff more times than any rookie catcher in major-league history. In the offseason, he traveled to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, visited Cancun and the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza.
On deck
Thursday: at Yankees, 7:05. Rays — Chris Bootcheck; Yankees — TBA
Friday: Red Sox, 7:05, Rays — Andy Sonnanstine; Red Sox — TBA
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: C John Jaso
Joe Smith, Times staff writer
