Sheffield a Ray? Probably not

By ROGER MOONEY
rmooney@bradenton.com
FORT MYERS — The news of Gary Sheffield’s release from the Tigers early Tuesday morning reached the Rays front office in Port Charlotte shortly after it happened in Lakeland.

That the Tampa product indicated to reporters in Lakeland that he would be willing to continue his career with the Rays was relayed to Joe Maddon before the Rays-Red Sox game at City of Palms Park.

“That’s very complimentary that he would want to come play for us,” manager Joe Maddon said. “I have so much respect for this guy as a baseball player. I’ve gotten to know him a little bit over the last couple years, just having abstract conversations with him. I saw him during the off-season he’s in great shape, he’s a very strong person. And I like him. Conversationally I really like him. I don’t know, again, it’s very complimentary that he would want to play with us, and beyond that I have no idea what would happen.”

Sheffield has 499 home runs over his 21-year career. He will make $14 million this season. Any team that claims him off waivers or signs him as a free agent if he clears waivers will owe him the major league minimum $400,000.

The Rays really don’t have any place for Sheffield.

Pat Burrell, who signed a two-year, $16 million contract in the offseason, is the designated hitter, which means Sheffield will have to play right field.

Tiger manager Jim Leyland was not eager to play Sheffield in the outfield during the past two seasons, which became a sore subject between Sheffield and the Tigers.

The 21-year veteran, who is probably headed to the Hall of fame, had only eight hits this spring and was hitting .178 upon his release. Three of those eight hits were home runs, though.

Balfour struggles
Grant Balfour allowed three runs in two-thirds of an inning Tuesday, turning a 7-5 lead into an 8-5 loss to the Red Sox.

“Grant just got fastballs in a bad spot,” Maddon said. “Last year he was able to throw that fastball by people. He just hasn’t been as sharp with his velocity or location, but I believe he’s going to be fine.”

Balfour allowed two walks and a two-run double to former Ray Nick Green that tied the score at 7-7. Angel Chavez singled Green home for the go-ahead run.

Balfour has allowed nine hits, four runs and has walked six batters in six innings this spring.

Sonny sharp
Andy Sonnanstine became the first Rays pitcher to go seven innings this spring when he allowed six hits and five runs to the Red Sox. The biggest blow was a three-run homer by Jason Varitek in the seventh inning that cut the Rays lead to 7-5.

Sonnanstine was pleased with his effort and pleased with the command he had with his change-up, a pitch he’s worked on this spring.

Joyce impressive again
Don’t be surprised if Matt Joyce is in Boston for Monday’s season opener against the Red Sox.

The outfielder who missed the first 21 games of the spring because of tendinitis in his right calf, was 2-for-4 against the Red Sox with a two-run homer, his first home run of the spring.

“Joyce looked good again. Very good, actually,” Maddon said.

He also chased down a blast to center field by David Ortiz, catching the ball in front of the wall.
“He’s very smooth out there,” Maddon said. “He runs good routes. I like it.”

NOTEWORTHY
Maddon said center field B.J. Upton will open the season in Port Charlotte with the Class A Charlotte Stone Crabs ... Jon Weber hit his third home run of the spring, a two-run shot off Justin Masterson in the sixth inning. He now has a team-high 14 RBIs ... Gabe Gross hit his first home run of the spring, a two-run blast off Clay Buchholz the struck the batter’s eye in center field ... Chris Richards, Willy Aybar, Shawn Riggans, Ray Sadler and Gabe Kapler each had doubles ... Ben Zobrist had his third triple of the spring ... The Rays play their final game this spring at Charlotte Sport Park. The will top 100,000 in spring training home attendance for the first time in the team’s 12 years.

Izzy to stay? That's the plan

Rays manager Joe Maddon arrived at City of Palms Park less than an hour before first pitch against the Red Sox. The reason: He stayed back at the Rays Port Charlotte complex talking to relief pitcher Jason Isringhausen.

The Rays want Isringhausen on the team. Or, if that can't happen by Opening Day, than with the organization.

"There's a whole bunch of different ways to get this done if in fact he doesn't make the team whereas we don't want to lose this fella," Maddon said. "We see him as being very valuable to our organization, we think he can help us win in 2009 so if he's not on the team from jump street we want to keep him around somehow."

That could include getting Isringhausen to agree to starting the season at Triple A Durham or sending him to extended spring.

Or, it could be the result of a trade that opens a spot in the bullpen.

A number of teams are interested in Jeff Niemann, who competed with Jason Hammel for the fifth spot in the rotation. The Pirates and Padres appear to show the most interest.

It was believed the runner-up would head to the bullpen as the long man, but if Niemann were traded, Isringhausen could move into the spot, though not in that role.

The Rays would be without a long man, and Maddon said he doesn't want to move J.P. Howell back into that role.

Maddon said there could be some movement on this today. He actually appeared anxious to have the matter resolved.

What's known is this: Isringhausen has been told he's going to Philadelphia with the team for games Friday and Saturday.

Will he Izzy be in Boston for Monday's season opener? That depends on either a trade or the Rays creative process.

None of the six relievers on the team - Troy Percival, Dan Wheeler, Grant Balfour, Joe Nelson, Brian Shouse and Howell - will be placed on the disabled list, a move that would also create a spot of Izzy. Maddon said everyone is healthy.

Pena feeling good

By ROGER MOONEY
rmooney@bradenton.com
FORT MYERS — Carlos Peña hit his first home run of the spring Monday when he drilled an opposite field, two-run home run over the left field fence at Hammond Stadium for all the runs in the Rays 3-2 loss to the Twins.

Peña was happy to go yard.

“Always feels good when you hit the ball hard the other way,” he said. “That’s really good. That’s what every hitter wants to feel, that you can do that. So it felt really good to be able to drive that ball the other way and against a lefty.”

That would be Twins pitcher Brian Duensing.

Peña, hitting below .200 last week, upped his average to .233 with two hits Monday.

“He’s been having good at-bats,” Rays manager Joe Maddon said. “The swing is short.”

And the swing is almost there, Peña said. He’s almost to the point where he feels comfortable with hands at the plate.

“The No. 1 priority for me this spring was to be 100 percent healthy, that was my number one priority and, obviously, I want to be swinging the bat well, feeling good at the plate, and I think I’m accomplishing both things,” Peña said.

The Gold Glove first baseman said he still feels a little soreness in his lower abdominal muscles, which needed surgery in early January. But that soreness comes from putting them through the grind of swinging a bat.

“So that makes me very happy,” Peña said.

Garza sharp
Matt Garza faced his old team for the first time since the trade, though that was not on his mind during his six innings against the Twins.

“It really didn’t matter to me,” he said. “I had to come out and get my work in. The big thing comes in about a week, 10 days. I just came out here and pitched and worked on my game.”

The right-hander, who has the third spot in the Rays rotation, allowed three runs on eight hits. He walked one batter and struck out five.

“I attacked with my fastball,” Garza said. “They knew it was coming, the geared up for it, and they didn’t put good wood on it.”

Maddon said Garza could have gone another inning, despite throwing 98 pitches in his six innings. Garza will throw five Saturday afternoon against the Phillies in Philadelphia.

“We’re rolling to the best part of the season, so I’m ready to go,” Garza said.

Percival strong again
Closer Troy Percival pitched his fifth perfect inning in seven outings this spring.
What impressed Maddon was the quick-step to the plate Percival used when blowing a fastball past Carlos Gomez for the second out in the eighth.

“I like the idea he was playing with that even though there was nobody on base,” Maddon said. “Whether it was to mess with the hitter’s timing or work on it when there is a runner on base, I’m glad that he did it.”

NOTEWORTHY
The Rays released infielder Morgan Ensberg on Monday. Maddon said they had no room for Ensberg at Triple A Durham so this would allow him to land a spot with another organization ... Lance Cromier continued to impress Maddon with another scoreless inning Monday ... Jason Bartlett had two hits. He’s batting .341 ... Akinori Iwamura was 0-for-5 and dropped his average to .091.

Kaz hits as well as he pitches

By ROGER MOONEY
rmooney@bradenton.com
SARASOTA — Joe Maddon was given the option after Sunday’s 11-2 win against the Reds at Ed Smith Stadium to talk about Scott Kazmir the pitcher or Scott Kazmir the hitter.

The Rays manager went with Kazmir the pitcher.

“I thought it was very, very good,” Maddon said.

Kazmir went a spring-high six innings, allowing two runs on four hits. He struck out a spring-high five.

The two runs came on an infield single and a two-run homer by Jay Bruce. Three of the four hits Kazmir allowed were infield singles.

Kazmir said he worked on his mechanics during his last bullpen session and was conscious Sunday of keeping his head still as he threw the ball.

“I can see an improvement,” Kazmir said.

So did Maddon.

“That’s what we’re talking about,” Maddon said. “Great repetition of his delivery. Quality strikes down in the zone with his fastball. Sharpest slider I’ve seen in the long time, and the change-up was there, too. Just in control of his body, and thus the pitches were in the right spot. He looked very good.”

Kazmir will start Saturday’s exhibition game in Philadelphia, which will be his final tune-up before pitching the second game of the season April 8 in Boston.

“My arm feels incredible,” he said.

Now, for his hitting.

Kazmir was 2-for-3 with a two-run double and an RBI single.

“His hitting was not bad, either,” Maddon said.

Using one of B.J. Upton’s bats, Kazmir lifted a fly ball to the opposite field in the fourth inning that drifted over the head of Reds left fielder Chris Dickerson and scored a pair of runs in the Rays eight-run inning.

“I didn’t know what to do when I hit that ball,” Kazmir said.

He singled softly up the middle to drive in one of the two runs the Rays scored in the fifth inning.

Joyce impresses
Matt Joyce played center field and two hits in four at-bats, including a two-run double in the Rays eight-run fourth inning.

Thought Joyce didn’t start playing in games until March 22 due to tendinitis in his right calf, he has impressed Maddon with his approach at the plate.

“He looked good,” Maddon said. “The 0-2 line drive to center field (for the double) was really nice. They tried to elevate on him and he got on top of that ball. He pulled the ball in the hole with the first baseman holding the runner on. I like that stuff. I think he’s going to be a very good major league hitter.”

Maddon said there is still a chance Joyce could make the Opening Day roster.

Izzy back for more
Jason Isringhousen pitched in back-to-back games for the first time this season. He struck out a batter and didn’t allow a hit.

“I thought he was strong (Sunday) than (Saturday),” Maddon said.

Taking the fifth
Jeff Niemann will pitch in a Triple A game Monday at the Rays complex. Maddon is not ready to announce his fifth starter — Niemann or Jason Hammel — and might not do so until the end of the week.

NOTEWORTHY
Joe Nelson pitched a perfect eighth inning ... Shawn Riggans batted cleanup, which tells you more about the players the Rays took to Sarasota than Riggans. Still, the catcher had three hits in five at-bats and doubled home a run ... Adam Kennedy played second and had three hits in four at-bats ... Gabe Kapler had two hits, rasing his average from .116 to .146.

Hammel makes a case

If the job is still open, if the competition for the fifth spot in the rotation has yet to be determined as Rays manager Joe Maddon continues to say, than Jason Hammel made a strong push toward earning that final spot in the rotation Saturday when he shutout the Reds for five innings at Charlotte Sports Park.

Hammel, who made five starters for the Rays last season, rebounded nicely from his previous start when he allowed four runs on six hits and walked five in four innings against the Pirates.

“I just went back to the aggressive approach that I was using early in camp,” Hammel said. “It was basically just attack. I wasn’t going to walk guys today. The one walk to Willy (Taveras) was pretty close.”

Taveres drew a full count walk to start the game. Hammel helped himself out of the potential jam by picking Taveras off first.

Maddon was pleased with Hammel’s effort.

“Good command of his fastball. Kept it down. Got ground balls,” Maddon said. “The thing I liked able to throw his off-speed pitches for strikes when he’s behind in the count.”

Maddon also liked the pick-off of Taveras. It showed Hammel could control the running game, something he struggled with during his long afternoon against the Pirates.

Jeff Nieman, the other candidate for the fifth spot, pitches Monday. Maddon said he will announce his decision after Niemann pitches.

Hammel and Niemann are locker neighbors in the Rays clubhouse. Hammel said they encourage each other. That’s easy to do when the runner-up heads to the bullpen as the long man.

“He and I are cheering each other on,” Hammel said. “He had a great outing. Both of us have something great to offer this team. Whoever gets it is going to help us win some ballgames.”

But Hammel knows which direction he wants to go. To the rotation.

“That’s what I told them last year,” Hammel said. “I’m going to go out there and win games for you, if you give it to me. Let’s hope they have that confidence in me.”

Izzy to go back-to-back
Jason Isringhausen pitched an inning against the Reds on Saturday and will do it again against the Reds on Sunday in Sarasota.

The right-hander, who signed a minor league contract during the first week of camp, allowed two runs on three hits during the sixth inning Sunday and took the loss in the Reds 5-1 victory.

Pitching in back-to-back games is a big step for Isrignhausen, who had surgery on his right arm last September.

“I want to see what he looks like two days in a row,” Maddon said. “With guys like him, you want to make sure he’s healthy enough to do things like that.”

Isringhausen said his arm is healthy. The two-run single by Jay Bruce came on a 1-2 pitch. Isringhausen wanted to bounce a curveball and get Bruce to chase the pitch, but he left the ball up.

“That hit with the bases loaded 1-2 pitch was supposed to be a curveball in the dirt and I left it for a strike,” Isrignhausen said. “I threw some good sinkers in on guys and threw some good cutters. What are you going to do on the hit and run? I was pitching like I tried to during the season. I just didn’t bounce it.”

Upton UpdateCenter fielder B.J. Upton continued his comeback from offseason shoulder surgery Saturday when he played five innings in a minor league game. He was 1-for-3 with a single and walk. Upton played all five innings in the outfield.

Matchups for Boston
The Red Sox announced their rotation through the season-opening three-game series with the Rays.

Josh Beckett will face James Shields in the opener April 6.

A pair of lefties will hook up April 8: Scott Kazmir and Jon Lester.

The third game will feature a match-up between Matt Garza and Daisuke Matsuzaka.

NOTEWORTHY
Pat Burrell fielded some grounders at first base before Saturday’s batting practice. Maddon said the designated hitter might see time there during the season … With two hits in three at-bats Saturday, Dioner Navarro raised his spring average to .381 … Gabe Gross is batting .324 … Joe Nelson and J.P. Howell both allowed home runs.

Sonny pleased with outing

LAKELAND - Andy Sonnanstine turned his longest outing of the spring when he pitched 4 1/3 innings in Thursday night’s 6-3 loss to the Tigers.

The Rays fourth starter allowed three earned runs (four total) on seven hits. He did not walk a batter and struck out four.

Sonnanstine faced the most of the Tigers regulars, a welcome departure from the minor leaguers has faced throughout much of the spring.

“Absolutely,” he said. “The last time I started was against minor leagues, so it’s good to face a major league squad with most of their guys to gage how you’re throwing.”

Sonnanstine mixed in a few change-ups – a pitch he has been working on this spring – including two in a row to one batter.

“I like that,” Rays manager Joe Maddon said.

Sonnanstine was disappointed with the pitches he left up in the strike zone in the fourth inning to Brandon Inge and Curtis Granderson, which became home runs. Same with the double to Miguel Cabrera.

“I’d say average pitches in below average locations,” Sonnanstine.

The right-hander said he is pleased with where he is at this point of the spring.

“Yes, very much so,” he said. “I’m ecstatic with the way my body is feeling right now. I just have to sharpen up a few pitches and we’ll be ready to go.”

Kennedy debuts in left
Adam Kennedy, playing left field for the first time this spring, looked a little shaky on several line drives hit his way.

“Overall he was fine,” Maddon said.

Maddon wants to move Kennedy, a second baseman, around the field as much as possible in the event the Rays want to keep him on the Opening Day roster. Kennedy, who played second, short and third before Thursday’s game, has impressed Maddon more with his bat. He’s batting .302 and has drawn seven walks.

“I like he’s at-bats,” Maddon said. “He’s having better at-bats. He’s taken more pitches, which I like. And he’s hitting the ball hard.”

Percival human
Closer Troy Percival allowed his first hit of the spring, an eight-inning opposite field triple by Will Ryhmes that scored the first two runs Percival allowed this spring.

The triple by Ryhmes was just the second ball hit out of the infield off Percival.
Percival had retired 12 of the 13 batters he faced before Thursday’s outing. He walked two before Ryhmes tripled, but was pleased with his night because it was the first time he pitched in consecutive games this spring.

NOTEWORTHTY
B.J. Upton had two walks and stole two bases in three innings during a minor league game Thursday … Mike Joyce, who singled in a run and drew a walk in four plate appearances. It was his first appearance in the center field this season. Aside from an inning in right field during the ninth inning of Wednesday’s win against the Pirates, it was Joyce’s first extended playing time this spring. He will serve as the Rays DH today against the Twins in Fort Myers … Second baseman Akinori Iwamura reported to camp Thursday. He will play today against the Twins … Lance Cormier threw 2 2/3 innings against the Tigers. He allowed four hits but no runs … Dioner Navarro hit his fourth double of the spring … Ben Zobrist tripled for the second time this spring … Carlos Pena had a hit in two at-bats and actually raised his average to .20o. He missed a grand slam in the first inning when his long fly ball to center field pushed Curtis Granderson back to the wall … The Rays have drawn 90,045 to Charlotte Sports Park, a record for home games during the team’s 12 years of spring training. Their previous best was the 79,044 they drew to Al Lang Field in 2007.

Niemann bounces back

ROGER MOONEY
rmooney@bradenton.com

PORT CHARLOTTE - If Jeff Niemann is still in the running for the fifth spot in the rotation than the big right-hander improved his chances Wednesday night with a solid four innings in the Rays 4-2 victory against the Pirates in front of another sell-out at Charlotte Sports Park.

Niemann allowed a run on five hits but did not walk a batter. It was a nice rebound from his last outing when he allowed nine runs in two-thirds of an inning against the Blue Jays.

“I still have no idea what’s going on,” Niemann said. “I just needed to go out there and throw strikes and turn in a good one. I felt pretty good about it. I just wanted to do my best to give me the nod. Eventually one of us is going to have to close the door on it.”

Niemann is competing with Jason Hammel, who was disappointed when he allowed four runs and walked five in four innings against the Pirates on Monday.
Hammel is scheduled to start again Sunday.

“It’s tough, we’re looking at them both,” Maddon said. “It’s tough to narrow them down. I like what Jeff did (against the Pirates), and we’ll see how Hammer comes out in a couple of days.”

The runner-up will head to the bullpen as the long man. The winner will earn the starting job because of his ability to command his fastball and throw strikes.
That’s what Niemann did against the Pirates.

“He did what we were talking about,” Maddon said. “Much better down in the zone with his fastball. Really good command of his off-speed pitches, which he normally has. That’s what we’ve been looking for, that kind of a performance.”

Ruggiano still in picture
Justin Ruggiano was one of five players optioned to Triple A Durham on Wednesday, but he could be back for Opening Day to replace B.J. Upton, who will begin the season on the disabled list.

Rays vice president of baseball Andrew Friedman said Ruggiano was sent to minor league camp so he can begin playing nine innings every day.

“For us (Ruggiano is) at a point where he's able to go out and play nine innings. We've built him up. And it's going to be hard to do here on a consistent basis,” Friedman said. “If B.J. starts the year on the DL, we could still recall him. We still have options of which way we want to go. So the biggest thing for him is to go down and play nine innings and get regular at-bats. He was very impressive this spring and did everything that we asked of him. And we didn't send him out today for any other reason than to go out and play every day. he may replace B.J. if B.J. starts on the DL and he may not. And we still have that flexibility.”

Team USA returns
J.P. Howell and Evan Longoria returned to the Rays on Wednesday after playing for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. Howell was with the team from the start, while Longoria joined them in time for the WBC semifinal loss to Japan.

“It was nice to see the guys you play against to see how they are,” Howell said. “You wonder what they’re like a little bit. They’re just like us, obviously. So it’s just nice to get in there and see their routines and how they work out and how professionally they are.”

Howell threw 3 1/3 innings during the tournament, which is fewer innings than he would have thrown if he had remained with the Rays. Still, he doesn’t feel he is behind.

“For me, after last year that was good,” he said. “I got in there, got to let it go a few times. As time went on, I was looking for my velocity to increase as time went on and that’s what it was, and that’s the whole point of spring training is to pace yourself, and I was put into situations where I could do that. It was a good situation for me.”

Howell also said he order 50 Team USA t-shirts for his Rays teammates.
Longoria enjoyed the experience, even if it was short. He played in just one game, striking out in his lone at-bat, a pinch-hitting role.

“I was ready to hit, and (USA manager Davey Johnson) said, ‘You’re hitting.’ I was like, ‘When?” He said, ‘Now.’ I was kind of a scramble to get up there, but I thought I did a decent job,” Longoria said. “He made a couple of good pitches. After the first pitch was a ball I had a good feeling about the at-bat. I just got one pitch to hit and missed it, but, that’s the way it goes.”

Aki returns soon
Akinori Iwamura, the second baseman for the WBC champion Japnesse, is expected to join the Rays on Thursday when he will finally report to camp.

Maddon expects Iwamura to play Friday when the Rays travel to Fort Myers for a game against the Twins.

Maddon expects to have his starting infield together Saturday against the Reds.

Pitching good
Troy Percival pitched another hitless innings in Wednesday’s win against the Pirates. The Rays closer has not allowed a hit in five innings this spring. Dan Wheeler, Joe Nelson and J.P. Howell each pitched an inning of scoreless relief. Jason Isringhausen allowed two hits and run in his one inning.

NOTEWORTHY
Catcher Shawn Riggans became the first Ray to play nine innings. He did that Wednesday so he could catch all the relief pitchers … Adam Kennedy hit his first home run of the spring. The second baseman will play left field Thursday night when the Rays face the Tigers in Lakeland … Matt Joyce played right field during the ninth inning. He is scheduled to start in center field Thursday night in Lakeland … Also optioned to Durham were infielders Reid Brignac and Elliot Johnson and catcher John Jaso … B.J. Upton is scheduled to play five innings of a minor league game Thursday.

Hammel struggles with command

By ROGER MOONEY
rmooney@bradenton.com
BRADENTON — With decision time coming soon for the fifth spot in the Rays rotation, Jason Hammel picked a bad time to lose command of the strike zone.
Hammel, competing with Jeff Niemann for the final spot in the rotation, walked five batters in four innings Monday during the Rays 4-1 loss to the Pirates at McKechnie Field.

“The guy I was the first few starts and appearances wasn’t there (Monday),” Hammel said. “I wasn’t aggressive. I was nitpicking, trying to pick the corners and just wasn’t aggressive. So that’s what happens when you don’t do that.”

Hammel, who has had one bad outing this spring and bounced back strong in his next start, entered Monday’s game having issued only three walks in his first 16 innings. So it is not as if he’s been wild all spring.

Still, Rays manager Joe Maddon was hoping to see a better start for the right-hander.

“The command all over the place, fastball command,” Maddon said. “He threw some good breaking balls, actually, particularly to left-handed hitters. But fastball wasn’t where he wanted it to be. He just has to get a little bit better there.”

Maddon said he’s not necessarily looking at the results when Hammel and Niemann pitch, but how they pitch.

“We talk about fastball command all the time,” Maddon said. “The last time he had a couple of tough innings with that and settled in and pitched two good innings after that, but then it shows up again (Monday). That’s something we’re always evaluating.”

The walks allowed the Pirates to scored four times on six hits.

“Sums up in one word: unacceptable,” Hammel said. “For a rotation hopeful, that’s definitely what you’re supposed to get. One good thing is I felt strong. The arm felt was good.”

Hammel appeared to have the edge over Niemann for the fifth spot with the runner-up heading to the bullpen as the long man. But Monday’s outing might have changed that.

“We have not made up our minds yet. We really have not,” Maddon said. “Of course, yes. We want guys who throw strikes. We have a team that plays defense, and you want your pitchers to put the ball in play. Yes, we’re looking at Niemann very closely. With Jason, he and I have had this conversation, we got to throw strikes with our fastball. We still have not made up our mind on who the fifth starter is.”

Daily Upton update
Center fielder B.J. Upton took batting practice Monday and was scheduled to play defense and run the bases for three innings in a minor league game.

But, the game was rained out. So Upton will play three innings today in a minor league game, hitting and playing the outfield.

Rodriguez sent back to ChiSox
Pitcher Derek Rodriguez, whom the Rays picked up in the Rule 5 draft, was sent back to the White Sox.

Rodriguez had a 7.50 ERA in 6 innings.

NOTEWORTHY
Lance Cormier threw a pair of scoreless innings Monday against the Pirates ... Former Ray Eric Hinske hit his first triple of the spring in the second inning, sending the ball over the head of Rays center fielder Gabe Kapler and into the swirling wind ... The Rays used the DH while the Pirates did not. Matt Joyce, the Rays DH, was 0-for-3. Zach Duke, the Pirates starter, was 1-for-2 with an RBI double ... Scott Kazmir will pitch in a minor league game today ... Matt Garza will pitch in a minor league game Wednesday.

Upton out for opener

Not exactly a big secret, but Rays manager Joe Maddon said B.J. Upton won't be ready by opening day.

"I would say no," Maddon said before Sunday's game with the visiting Yankees.

Upton, who suffered a bone bruise on his left hand when struck by a pitch Saturday in a minor league game, will not be ready in two weeks when the Rays open the season at Boston.

Upton's progress has been slowed this spring by offseason shoulder surgery. He started playing games last Wednesday, and those were for three innings in minor league games.

The injury will slow Upton's comeback.

With the injury to Fernando Perez, the Rays could open the season with Ben Zobrist in center field.

Upton burises hand

B. J. Upton was struck by a pitch on his left hand while batting in a minor league game Saturday at Charlotte Sports Park.

X-rays showed a bone bruise, and he will be reevaluated today.

Upton is listed as day-to-day.

The Rays center fielder had offseason surgery on his left shoulder and is slowly playing his way back into playing shape.

Upton played the outfield for three innings in a minor league game Wednesday and batted three times in a Triple A game Thursday.

He was scheduled to play center field and bat for three innings Saturday.

It looks more and more like Upton will begin the season on the disabled list since there isn't enough time to get him the at-bats and the innings in the outfield before the start of the regular season April 6 in Boston.

It's not really an issue of playing in the cold during the first road trip that includes three games in Boston and three in Baltimore. It's more an issue of him being ready, period.

Rays manager Joe Maddon said before Saturday's rain out in Fort Lauderdale, where the Rays were to play the Orioles, that Upton is basically beginning his spring training.

Saturday's hit-by-pitch is going to set that back a few days.

No velocity no problem for Garza

By ROGER MOONEY
rmooney@bradenton.com
DUNEDIN — Matt Garza’s velocity never made it to Dunedin, but the Rays third starter managed to last 4 2/3 innings against the Jays and turned a 4-2 lead over to Jeff Niemann.

“Part of the process,” Garza said. “Trying to get outs, my arm didn’t feel too great. I’m facing that dead-arm period. It feels like you have nothing in the tank. The main focus was to stay behind everything but still effect and make sure I don’t try to dig too deep for something, and just pitch, try to make my way through without having my best stuff.”

Garza allowed six hits and four runs, though those last two runs came on Millar’s double off the left field fence off Niemann.

“It wasn’t there,” Garza said. “I just made my pitches and tried to spot up. I got a lot of work done on my change-up, and I’m pretty happy with that, and I put away some hitters with my slider, so I felt pretty good.”

Garza started off well in the fifth, retiring the first two batters he faced on a strikeout and a ground out. But Russ Adams hit an opposite-field triple and Jose Bautista singled to center field.

Pitching coach Jim Hickey made a trip to the mound and asked Garza, who was nearing his pitch count of 75, if he could get Alex Rios out in five pitches.

Garza said yes. But on his fourth pitch, Rios grounded the ball up the middle.
That was all for Garza, who was replaced by Niemann.

Niemann let the game get out of hand as the Blue Jays won easily, 15-4.

Normally, Garza can dominate with his fastball. Friday gave him a chance to work on things for those days during the regular season when his velocity isn’t there.

“You just make pitches,” he said. “That’s where location comes in more important than velocity. I knew I didn’t have a lot of velocity, so it was more important to get to my location. I thought I did a good job of that. I don’t think I gave up very many hard hits, a lot of jam jobs and stuff off the end, which is fine with me. I’ll take that any day.”

Upton back in action
Center fielder B.J. Upton takes another step in his comeback from offseason shoulder surgery today when he will play the outfield and hit in a minor league game at the Charlotte Sports Park.

Upton said Thursday after batting three times in a Triple A game that he could return to the Rays lineup sometime next week. Maddon things that might be possible.

“I’ll talk to (athletic trainer Ron Porterfield) about that,” Maddon said. “We could probably lengthening him out a bit and get him into a game with us. I’m not sure of the date, yet, but it probably can happen in the middle of next week.”

Another record crowd
The Rays, who are drawing well on the road, especially in the Tampa Bay area, drew another record crowd to Dunedin Stadium on Friday.

A total of 5.742 fans filled the park, making it the largest crowd since the stadium was refurbished in 2002.

Friday’s crowd broke the post-2002 attendance record of 5,691, set last week when the Rays made their first trip to Dunedin this spring.

NOTEWORTHY
Carl Crawford hit his first home run of the season, a two-run shot to right field off Jays starter Brad Mills. Crawford singled off the left-handed Mills in his next at-bat ... Ray Sadler joined Evan Longoria and Jon Weber for the team lead in doubles when he hit his fourth two-bagger of the spring ... Chris Mason, who was in camp with the Rays last season, made his first appearance with the major league club Friday and allowed a home run in his one inning.

Rays lose Longo to WBC

Rays third baseman Evan Longoria is headed to Los Angeles to help Team USA in the World Baseball Classic

The American squad has been thinned by injuries to second baseman Dustin Pedroia, first baseman Kevin Youkilis, third baseman Chipper Jones and relief pitcher Matt Lindstrom.

Longoria replaces Jones on the roster. Jones is out of the World Baseball Classic after pulling an oblique muscle just four games into the tournament.

Kaz bugged by Cards

By ROGER MOONEY
rmooney@bradenton.com
PORT CHARLOTTE — The stomach bug that’s going around the Rays clubhouse caught up with Scott Kazmir on Thursday, yet the left-hander still made his scheduled start against the Cardinals.

Afterwards a worn-down Kazmir was glad it was over.

“I just felt like every single pitch I threw I had to take a step back and catch my breath,” Kazmir said. “It was not a good feeling out there, but I still got my work in.”

Kazmir allowed eight hits and five runs (four earned) in his four innings. Ryan Ludwick touched him for a long three-run homer in the first inning that landed on the boardwalk in left field and Rick Ankiel homered off Kazmir in the second inning.

“It feel like your whole body is just Jell-O,” Kazmir said. “It wasn’t even me striding out there it was me just picking my leg up and just collapsing.”

Kazmir felt pitching would actually be better than calling in sick.

“I just thought I’d be way behind if I scratched a start. Still felt good enough to go out there and get my work in. I’m not worried about my numbers in spring training. If you look at my past history on my numbers in spring training, they’re not too hot. I’m not trying to win any trophy or anything, so I’m just trying to get my work in. That’s it. That’s all I’m trying to do. I wish I could have felt good enough to throw a lot more sliders, but it just wasn’t there. I felt like if I threw my slider it felt like it was so sluggish I might drop my elbow or whatnot. I just felt like it was a good idea not to do it.”

Rays manager Joe Maddon thought so, too.

“(Kazmir was) not as sharp as the last time out, overall, but nevertheless he got his work in,” Maddon said. “He’s got a bit of whatever is going around. I think that had some impact on his durability, but he settled in, threw some good pitches. His velocity was fine.”

Longo staying put?
Third baseman returned to the lineup after missing Wednesday’s game with the stomach bug that bit Kazmir on Thursday.

Longoria said before the game that he hadn’t heard if he was going to be called up by Team USA for the semifinals of the WBC, and was leaning toward the fact he wouldn’t join the team.

Izzy impresses
Jason Isringhausen threw a scoreless inning.

He replaced Kazmir to start the fifth and allowed a hit. He also struck out Joe Mather to end the inning.

“He’s really showing his arm strength,” Maddon said. “He had a really good cutter, a couple of good sinkers, the curveball. He used all his pitches well.”

Burrell goes deep
Designated hitter Pat Burrell hit his second home run of the season, a two-run shot in the fifth inning. He now has 12 RBIs, tying him with Jon Weber for the team lead.

NOTEWORTHY
Ben Zobrist started the game in center field and finished at first base. He was 3-for-4 with a double, two runs scored and two RBIs ... Brian Shouse allowed three hits and two runs in his one inning. Derek Rodriguez allowed four hits and two runs in his two innings, but also struck out four ... Shawn Riggans, Evan Longoria and Jon Weber each had doubles for the Rays ... The crowd of 6,969 was the fifth sell-out this season at Charlotte Sports Park, though many were Cardinal fans.

Upton to DH in minor league game today

B.J. Upton will get a couple of at-bats in a minor league game this afternoon at Charlotte Sports Complex.

The Rays center fielder, who underwent shoulder surgery last November to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder, played three innings of defense in a minor league game Wednesday.

He's ready to turn the shoulder loose today with the old bat.

Upton said his rehab took a big step forward Wednesday during batting practice.

“That was the first time I really felt like my swing was there," Upton said. "We can only move forward from there.”

Upton update

By ROGER MOONEY
rmooney@bradenton.com
PORT CHARLOTTE — The next installment of B.J. Upton’s comeback from shoulder surgery had him playing center field for the Rays Class A team, the Stone Crabs, Wednesday at Charlotte Sports Park.

Upton didn’t bat. He just played three innings and caught one fly ball.
“We want to get him out there moving around,” Rays manager Joe Maddon said. “His day is pretty much over by noon, so (athletic trainer) Ron Porterfield wanted to have him do something, build up some stamina.”

Upton will play in another minor league game today and is expected to bat.
No timetable has been set for his return.

Longo leaving?
The Rays did not receive word on whether third baseman Evan Longoria will be needed by Team USA, which advanced to the semifinals of the World Baseball Classic.

With third baseman Chipper Jones out with an injury, Team USA has a chance to replace him on the roster.

Longoria has said he would like to play for the national team.

He was scheduled to play third base for the Rays on Wednesday, but was sent home after catching the stomach virus that is making its way around the Rays clubhouse.

Percy perfect
Rays closer Troy Percival has faced nine batters over three outings this spring and has retired all nine, including the three Reds he faced during the sixth inning Wednesday.

In fact, Reds catcher Wilkin Castillo became the first batter to get a ball out of the infield off Percival when he flied out to center field for the second out of the sixth inning.

A win for Nelson
Joe Nelson, who has struggled this spring, pitched a perfect fifth inning that included a strikeout and earned the victory, thanks to the Rays seven runs in the bottom of the inning.

“He needs to start throwing fastballs more,” Maddon said before the game. “He’s throwing too many change-ups and getting them up.”

Nelson, who allowed seven runs and four home runs in his first 2 2/3 innings this spring, lowered his ERA from 23.63 to 17.18.

Brigzilla?
Reid Brignac finished off the Rays seven-run rally in the fifth inning with his third home run of the season, a three-run shot to the boardwalk in right field.

Brignac has eight hits, three of them are home runs.

He is now tied with Ray Sadler and Jon Weber for the team lead in home runs.

NOTEWORTHY
The Rays drew six more walks to up their spring total to 71 walks in 18 games ... Dioner Navarro did not start, but played the final five innings so he could work with the relievers ... Grant Balfour pitched a perfect inning with two strikes. It was his first hitless inning of his four appearances.

Race for 5th starter gets clearer

By ROGER MOONEY
rmooney@bradenton.com
BRADENTON — The race for the fifth spot in the Rays rotation became less crowded Monday when Mitch Talbot and Carlos Hernandez were optioned to the minor league camp.

That leaves David Price, Jeff Niemann and Jason Hammel. The race is really between Niemann and Hammel, and Hammel could be the winner based on how the innings are going to be doled out over the next few games.

Hammel is scheduled to start, while Niemann’s innings will come in the bullpen.

Hernandez impressed Rays
Carlos Hernandez, signed last July, is still working his way back from the arm injuries that ended his days with the Astros.

He pitched in four games this spring with three starts and had a 2.25 ERA in 12 innings. More importantly, the left-hander proved to the Rays that is capable of returning to the big leagues.

“Sincerely, I believe this man is on a mission, I do,” Rays manager Joe Maddon said. “I believe he’s on a mission to get back to the Major Leagues as a Major League pitcher, starter. I believe he can do it. And I believe he can pitch at a high end for many years to come, with health, of course. I told him pretty much those thoughts. I find this fellow exciting. And I find his intensity exciting. And find his drive to be all this sincere, and that’s why I believe he’ll do it.”

Hernandez, who pitched in 35 games with the Astros, making 33 starts, pitched without pain this spring. and feels on pace to return someday.

“I’m healthy. That’s the main thing. I’m healthy,” Hernandez said. “And that’s all that matters to me right now. I wanted to prove to them I can pitch in the big leagues during spring training games. I did that, I think. Regular season, I have to prove that again. But the main thing for me is to prove I’m healthy for a long time. I’ve got that (history of injuries) with me. That’s something I’m going to be carrying my whole career.”

Beckham optioned to minors
In most years, the No. 1 pick in the previous draft would cause quite a stir in Rays camp.

But aside from being teased by the vets and running a triple into a double Sunday when he tripped over second base, Beckham went largely unnoticed this spring.

He was optioned to the minor leagues Monday so he can get regular playing time.

“I learned so much,” Beckham said. “Mentally on defense and physically on defense; the small stuff from holding runners on and just focusing more on the more easy plays.”

Also optioned
The Rays also optioned pitchers Wade Davis, Dale Thayer and Randy Choate to Triple A Durham.

Pitchers Jake McGee, Jason Childers, Dewon Day, Julio DePaula and Winston Abrue and infielder Chris Nowak and catcher Matt Spring were optioned to the minor league camp.

Sonny feels good
Andy Sonnanstine allowed a run in his three innings in the Rays 6-4 victory against the Pirates on Monday at McKechnie Field. He allowed three hits and struck out two and didn’t walk a batter.

“It’s good getting back in and out of the dugout, that sort of thing,” Sonnanstine said of pitching three innings.

Sonnanstine worked on his change-up, a pitch he’s adding to his game this spring.

“I’m really committed to that pitch,” he said.

Price OK vs. Pirates
David Price made his second appearance of the spring Monday. He was scheduled to pitch three innings against the Pirates but was pulled after 2 1/3 because he was at 58 pitches.

Price allowed three hits and a run, walked two and struck out three.

He even went down to the bullpen to loosen his arm during the top of the fourth, which dragged on because the Rays drew six walks and scored four times.

“I thought he still had good stuff,” Maddon said. “I liked the change-up a lot.”

A long fourth
The Rays scored four times in the fourth inning, needing just one hit to do so.
They drew six walks, including Pat Burrell’s that came with the bases-loaded.

“We had a chance to break the game open, but I like the idea we’re accepting our walks,” Maddon said.

Given a green light on 3-0, Burrell drove a ball on top of the Boys & Girls Club building behind the left field fence, but it was foul.

Maddon also liked the fact the Rays won while being out-hit 13-5.

“That’s something we can do on a nightly basis,” he said. “You don’t have pound the ball.”

NOTEWORTHYJon Weber hit his second home run of the spring, a two-run blast over the palm trees behind the right field fence at McKechnie Field. He now has a team-leading 12 RBIs ... Brian Shouse continues to give up hits. He allowed two more in one inning against the Pirates, and has allowed 10 in six innings this spring. The Pirates, though, were the first team to score a run off the left-hander.

Upton slowly making progress

By ROGER MOONEY
rmooney@bradenton.com
PORT CHARLOTTE — B.J. Upton saw live pitching Sunday morning. Literally.

The Rays center fielder, whose spring training has been slowed by offseason shoulder surgery, went to the back practice fields, stood in the batters box and watched pitches go by. He swung at a few, but he was more intent on just seeing the ball come out of the hand of a pitcher.

“With the schedule we’ve got, obviously, we’re playing games and the minor leagues start games (Monday), so (Sunday) was actually the last day I could get out and track without being in a game,” Upton said. “I took a couple of swings at balls I felt I could get to, but other than that, just tracking.”

Tracking afforded Upton the opportunity to see the spin on certain pitches and keep his hitting eye in shape.

As for playing in games, Upton said he would like to return sometime during the final two weeks of spring training. He will likely play in minor league games so as not to take at-bats from his teammates preparing for the regular season.

Upton also said he’s not concerned about missing the first week or so of the regular season.

“I think the biggest thing is having me for more of the season than less of it,” he said. “If I missed the first couple of weeks, so be it. If I can be there in September and October, that’s what we’re looking for.”

Percival better
Rays closer Troy Percival pitched another 1-2-3 inning Sunday during his second outing of the spring.

“It’s all a stepping stone,” he said. “And I took another one (Sunday).”

Rays manager Joe Maddon liked what he saw from Percival, who is working his way back into shape after offseason back surgery.

“That was as good as I’ve seen Percy in a while,” Maddon said. “The first pitch he threw I told him I like his delivery, I like where his ball was located. Then he struck a guy out on a cutter, which I thought was a very good pitch.”

Garza solid
Matt Garza, No. 3 in the Rays rotation, had his best outing of the spring, though it was only his second.

Still, he held the Pirates to three hits in four scoreless innings.

Going deep
Reliever Joe Nelson, who signed a one-year, $1.3 million contract in the offseason, allowed the Pirates to rally and tie the sore at 7-7 when he gave up a pair of long home runs.

With two outs and the Rays up 7-3, Pedro Alvarez hit a three-run bomb that hit halfway up the batter’s eye in center field, some 414 feet from home plate.

Garrett Jones followed with a long home run that landed on the awning that hangs from the second story of the Rays offices that sit in the behind the right field boardwalk.

Nelson, whose ERA ballooned to 23.62, has allowed four home runs in 2 2/3 innings this spring.

NOTEWORTHY
Grant Balfour allowed three hits in his one inning but did not allow a run, because he struck out three, including Brian Bixler looking to end the inning ... Reid Brignac hit his second home run of the spring ... Elliot Johnson stole his third base of the spring and drove in his seventh run ... Shortstop Tim Beckham, the top pick in the 2008 draft, ran a two-run triple into a double when he stumbled going around second base ... Hall of fame golfer Nancy Lopez was a guest of the Rays on Sunday. Her daughter, Ashley, is an intern with the Rays public relations department.

Kaz pitches better than he hits

By ROGER MOONEY
rmooney@bradenton.com
SARASOTA — The worst part of Scott Kazmir’s day was his at-bat. He struck out.

“It’s kind of tough to be serious out there with everybody laughing in the dugout and (Reds pitcher Bronson) Arroyo is out there smiling,” Kazmir said.

The Rays lefty, who allowed a run in four innings and earned the victory in the Rays 3-1 win, borrowed two bats from B.J. Upton, which he carried to Ed Smith Stadium inside sanitary socks.

“That was the problem,” Kazmir joked.

There was no problem with his pitching.

Kazmir allowed five hits and struck out three.

“He had much better tempo and rhythm from our angle, the ball was down consistently with good carry to it,” Rays manager Joe Maddon said. “Better slider. I thought he was excellent.”

Kazmir, whose success this season depends on his ability to regain his slider, threw 10 against the Reds and was pleased with each.

“A couple of them were good,” Kazmir said. “Feels like I’m having a hard time with righties getting a good slider with the righties. Lefties, it feels good. But righties, it kind of feels like I’m cutting it off a little bit.”

He also used a slide-step with runners on base, something he hasn’t done in the past, but something he wants do more.

“Everything was so compact, and everything was just the way I wanted,” Kazmir said. “And when I took the high leg kick everything kind of got out of rhythm a little bit and my arm wasn’t as high or ready as I wanted it to be. That’s something to work on. But I was kind of using the slide step a little more to get a feel for it and know what I was doing.”

Hit Show
The heart of the Rays order, Evan Longoria, Carlos Pena and Pat Burrell combined to drive in a pair of runs in the first inning.

Actually, the production started after Longoria lined into a double play.

With Carl Crawford on second after stealing the base, Pena pulled an RBI double down the first base line.

Burrell followed with an RBI double.

That’s the kind of first inning production the Rays want from their 3, 4 and 5 hitters.

Aybar goes yard
Willy Aybar, playing his first game since rejoining the team after the Dominican Republic’s embarrassing ouster from the World Baseball classic, homered to right field in the fourth inning. It was his first home run and first RBI of the spring.

Jays reach Hernandez for some runs

By ROGER MOONEY
rmooney@bradenton.com
DUNEDIN — Rays pitcher Carlos Hernandez finally allowed an earned run when the Blue Jays reached him for three runs in the third inning of their 3-1 win against the Rays on Friday in front of a record crowd of 5,691 at Dunedin Stadium.

Hernandez, whose streak of not allowing an earned run reached 10 on Friday, walked the first two batters he faced in the third inning then allowed a two-run double to Brad Emaus. Consecutive singles by Adam Lind and Kevin Millar produced the final run of the game.

“He had good velocity,” Rays manager Joe Maddon said. “He just lost his feel for the strike zone. But otherwise I thought he did well.”

Hernandez regrouped and got Scott Rolen to pop up to the infield. Lind was picked off second by catcher Shawn Riggans. Jason Lane flied out to third to end the inning.

The Jays went 1-2-3 in the fourth.

Hernandez’s line for the day was four innings, four hits, three runs, three walks and two strikeouts.

“He continued to pitch well,” Maddon said. “He throws strikes and gets people out.”

Hernandez is considered a longshot to make the team as the fifth pitcher in the rotation. To do that, he has to continue to throw strikes.

“I like his high fastball,” Maddon said. “What I’m seeing is when he gets ahead and is able to throw the ball down for strikes, he should get strikeouts. High fastballs, he’s got a rising fastball, and you saw a could of chase-swings. He got Jason Lane on that. That’s in there, but he has to establish that strike down to get swings up.”

Hammel rebounds
Roughed up in his last outing by the Red Sox, Jason Hammel responded with three shutout innings against the Jays.

“Much better command overall,” Maddon said. “I like the curve balls to the lefties. Overall a good job.”

Hammel, also in competition for that fifth spot in the rotation, had allowed four runs on four hits — two of them home runs — to the Red Sox during his last outing.

“I look at command, pitches down in the zone,” Maddon said. “He threw his pitches down in the zone. He threw his curve ball for a strike. Much more around the zone on a consistent basis, that’s what I’m looking for right now. In the point of the game that he pitched (the sixth, seventh and eighth innings), I’m just looking at the way he went about his business. The quality of his pitches looked pretty good.”

Check out this line
Brian Shouse allowed a hit in his lone inning Friday. He has allowed eight hits, all singles, in five innings this spring but has not allowed a run. Opponents are batting .381 against the left-handed sidewinder.

Call him ‘The Opener’
The next day for James Shields to pitch is Tuesday, which is the Rays scheduled day off. So Shields will pitch a minor league game.

Tuesday is also the first day of spring games for the minor leagues. That means Shields will pitch on three Opening Days — the Grapefruit League season, the minor league spring training season and Opening Day in Boston.

No word on whether he’ll help open a supermarket in Port Charlotte while he’s down there for spring training.

Joyce coming soon
Right fielder Matt Joyce, acquired from Detroit in the offseason trade for Edwin Jackson, is scheduled to be the designated hitter Thursday against the visiting Cardinals.

Joyce has been sidelined most of spring training because of tendinitis in his lower right leg.

NOTEWORTHY
Shawn Riggans broke up the no-hitter by Jays starter Brett Cecil when he singled to left field with two outs in the fourth inning. Reid Brignac followed with a ground ball that appeared headed through the infield and into right field, but the ball struck Riggans as the Rays catcher headed for second base. Riggans was ruled out, but Brignac was credited with the hit. The Rays infielder could use the rule book scoring on the play, too. He’s batting only .179 ... The Rays managed just eight hits against the Jays, all singles. Adam Kennedy scored the lone run on a fifth-inning single by Justin Ruggiano, who has moved up in the competition for the fifth outfielder’s spot when Fernando Perez dislocated his left wrist Tuesday ... The game ended when Elliot Johnson flew out to the warning track in left with runners on second and third and two outs.

Aybar back from WBC sooner than expected

By ROGER MOONEY
rmooney@bradenton.com
PORT CHARLOTTE — Willy Aybar returned to the Rays clubhouse early Thursday morning a lot sooner than he expected when he left March 1 to join the Dominican Republic team for the World Baseball Classic.

“Never,” Aybar said through an interpreter when asked if he expected to be back so soon.

The Dominican Republic was eliminated Tuesday night then they lost 2-1 in 11 innings to the Netherlands. It was the second time the powerful Dominican team lost to the upstart Netherlands.

“Great sadness,” Aybar said. “We lost to a team that no one imagined would be there now.”

Aybar, who played first base because Albert Pujols and Carlos Pena could not play because they were coming off surgeries, said he enjoyed the experience of playing with some of the top players in the major leagues — David Ortiz, Jose Reyes — but was upset it went so quick.

“We were very confident we (could win the WBC),” Aybar said. “But the team didn’t hit like we thought we would.”

Aybar was asked if he knew what the fans back in the Dominican Republic were feeling.
“They probably feel more anger than anything,” he said. “None of them expected us to be out this early.”

Balfour returns
Rays reliever Grant Balfour returned to the mound Thursday for the first time since being struck on the inside of his right forearm with a line drive against the Red Sox on Saturday.

He entered the game in the seventh and found himself in trouble when he allowed a leadoff single to Miguel Cairo and walked the next two batters. A sacrifice fly by Ryan Howard scored Cairo. Balfour then got Geoff Jenkins to strike out before walking Greg Dobbs. He was replaced by Randy Choate, who got a force-out to end the inning.

Balfour said his arm felt fine.

“I felt like I missed (the strike zone) a few times,” Balfour said. “But when I did, I didn’t miss by much.”

Rays manager Joe Maddon agreed, saying home plate umpire Sam Holbrook said Balfour didn’t miss by much.

Maddon also added that Balfour was told to work on his curve ball and that’s what he was doing.

Shields shines
James Shields made his second start of the spring and breezed through four innings.

The Rays Opening Day starter allowed one hit and a walk and struck out three. He struck out three of the first four batters he faced, including Howard leading off the second inning.

Fish with a Ray
Former Ray reliever Doug Creek is organizing a charity fishing trip for March 24. Two anglers will have the opportunity to join one Rays player on a charter boat and will fish Charlotte Harbor.

Entry fee is $2,000 for two fishermen. There will be a breakfast, a silent auction and an awards dinner.

The breakfast is at 8:30 a.m. The boats will leave at 10 a.m.

Proceeds will benefit Good Shepherd Day School in Punta Gorda.

For more information, call Creek at 727-644-022 or e-mail him at doug@dougcreek.com.

The race for No. 5
Carlos Hernandez, one of five pitchers competing for the final spot in the rotation, makes his fourth appearance and third start of the spring today against the Blue Jays in Dunedin.

The left-hander 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA in eight innings.

He is competing with Jason Hammel, who is also scheduled to pitch, Jeff Niemann, David Price and Mitch Talbot.

Maddon is about two weeks or so from naming his fifth starter.

“We’ll name the fifth starter by the end of camp more than likely,” Maddon said. “We want that person to get ready (for the season).”

NOTEWORTHY
Joe Nelson, who saved a Grapefruit League-high seven games for the Marlins last spring, earned his first save this spring when he worked the ninth inning of the rays 3-2 victory against the visiting Phillies. Nelson allowed a home run to Andy Tracy, a left-handed hitting first baseman, that landed on the boardwalk in right field. Nelson has allowed a home run in each of his three appearances ... Gabe Kapler hit his first home run of the spring ... Outfielder Ray Sadler had another hit, although this one stayed in the yard. Sadler, who has hit one home run into the lake beyond the left field fence and another over the boardwalk in left-center field, singled in his lone at-bat and raised his batting average to .350 ... Pat Burrell, trying to make the adjustment from full-time left fielder to full-time designated hitter, is batting .333 ... Carl Crawford hit his first double of the spring, pulling a pitch from Jamie Moyer down the right field line in the first inning. Crawford then stole third for his first stolen base of the season.

Perez out three months

Rays outfielder Fernando Perez will miss at least three months after dislocating his left wrist Tuesday while diving for a sinking line drive in the first inning against the Blue Jays.

“It wasn’t anything super reckless," Perez said. "It’s a play I usually make. Around here we reinforce this idea that I already have that it’s no different, spring training isn’t any different. Balls got to get caught. We’re practicing playing at a high level. Obviously, if I would have come in and let that one drop like I was a 15-year veteran we wouldn’t be in this position. But it’s not the way I’m accustomed to playing. Maybe I will be when I’m a 15-year veteran.”

Perez's injury has opened a spot for another outfielder, perhaps Justin Ruggiano or Jon Weber, because Perez would have been in center field on Opening Day is B.J. Upton is still on the disabled list.

"If B.J. were not to be ready, it makes it a lot easier to know who’s going to play center field when the season opens," Rays manager Joe Maddon said. "But now we’ve got Gabe (Kapler) out there. We have to get (Ben)Zobrist out there. It gives some other people opportunity out there just in case something else were to happen. That’s the impact. If B.J. were not to be ready (Perez) probably would have played out there in the beginning of the season.”

Price shows off change-up in debut

By ROGER MOONEY
rmooney@bradenton.com
PORT CHARLOTTE — The Rays want David Price to have a major league change-up before he gets to the major leagues, and Price did his best Tuesday to show them how far his change-up has come along during his first appearance of the spring.

Price pitched two innings against the visiting Blue Jays at Charlotte Sports Park, walking the leadoff hitter in each inning, but striking out three.

“He threw the ball well,” Rays manager Joe Maddon said. “His velocity was good. I know he struggled a little bit throwing his fastball for a strike, but he threw some really good change-ups. He had some really nice change-ups, some real nice sliders. Physically, his velocity was really good.”

Price, who entered in the seventh inning, started his day by throwing six straight balls, but recovered to strike out Brad Emaus for the first out of the inning. He used his change-up to get Brian Dopirak to bounce into a 1-6-3 double play in the eighth then got Sean Shift to look at a change-up for a called third strike to end the inning.

“It felt good to finally be out there,” Price said. “It went all right. I can’t complain. I kept zeroes on the scoreboard, so that’s what you’re going after.”

Price is one of four pitchers vying for the fifth spot in the rotation, but appears headed back to Triple A Durham where he can work on his fastball command, his change-up and gain more experience. Last year was the first year of pro ball for the top pick in the 2007 draft and the Rays don’t want to put too many innings on his left arm this season.

Price said he’s not worried about any of that.

“All I can do is throw well,” he said. “There’s a bunch of different stuff going on with that, so (I will) just go out there and have fun.”

Perez out with wrist injury
Center fielder Fernando Perez injured his left writs diving for a bloop fly ball Travis Snider in the first inning. He left the game and was examined by doctors in Port Charlotte.

Rays vice president of baseball Andrew Friedman did not want to reveal too much of those results because they were forwarded to the Rays team doctors for a second opinion.

Friedman did say that Perez will be out at least a week.

Perez had a chance to make the Opening Day roster if B.J. Upton is not ready to return from his shoulder surgery.

3-4-5
Maddon used Evan Longoria, Carlos Pena and Pat Burrell in the three, four and five spot in the order for the first time this spring, primarily because it was the first time Pena and Burrell were available on the same day.

Pena missed the first week of games while he rehabbed his lower abdominal muscles that required surgery in January, and Burrell missed the previous four games while he attended his sister’s wedding in San Francisco.

Maddon will use those three in that order when the regular season begins.

I kind of like the way it sets up,” Maddon said. “They are all high on-base percentage guys. They are all like that. They accept their walks. It’s kind of a nice little trio.”

Pena was 0-for-3 but reached on an error during his fifth inning at-bat, his last of the game.

Longoria had a hit and two walks. Burrell also walked twice before hitting a grand slam in his final at-bat.

Isringhausen update
Jason Isringhausen, who is recovering from elbow surgery last summer, threw a BP session Tuesday and will throw another on Friday.

“We’ll sit down and put all our great minds together and come up with a plan,” he said.

Maddon is anxious to get Isringhausen in a game, but that won’t happen until sometime next week.

Still, Maddon was pleased with Isringhausen’s bullpen session Tuesday.

“He threw really well,” Maddon said. “Physically he was good. His command wasn’t what he wanted it to be regarding where he wanted to throw, but believe me, velocity, movement, breaking ball, delivery all was good. Everything was good. He just needs to see more hitters to find the plate like he wants to again. I was very pleased with what I saw today. It was very exciting.”

Isringhausen said he was a little pumped to show Maddon and pitching coach Jim Hickey what he could do, and that’s why his command was off.

“New manager out there, you want to impress,” Isringhausen said. “Last two years in St. Louis it didn’t matter what I did. I was on the team. This is fun.”

First cuts
The Rays sent eight players to the minor league side of camp before Tuesday’s game.

The most notable cut was pitcher James Houser, the left-hander from Sarasota who was taken in the second round of the 2003 draft. Houser was optioned to Triple A Durham.
The others were catchers Craig Albernez and Nevin Ashley, and pitchers Jason Cromer, Neal Frontz, Calvin Medlock and Chad Orvella.

Orvella will continue his rehab from the shoulder surgery that cost him the 2008 season.

NOTEWORTHY
Andy Sonnanstine also made his spring debut, pitching a perfect fifth inning ... Jon Weber replaced Perez in center field and was 2-for-5, including a double to leadoff the bottom of the first inning. Weber is batting .364 ... Craig Albernez, sent to the minor league camp before the game, managed to get two at-bats in the Rays game against the Jays. He went 0-for-2 in his only two at-bats of the spring ... Shortstop Reid Brignac had two hits, scored twice and drove in two runs ... Second baseman Ray Olmedo had a pair of hits and scored twice. He also made an outstanding defenswive play in the second inning when he had to reach back to his left to field a ground ball that was originally headed up the middle but was deflected by the glove of Matt Garza. With a runner on first, Olmedo was moving to cover second. He managed to grab the ball and get the force with a back-hand toss to Brignac ... Ray Sadler hit another homer run past the boardwalk, this time to left-center field.

Percy says he'll be ready for opener

By ROGER MOONEY
rmooney@bradenton.com
PORT CHARLOTTE — Closer Troy Percival has said all along that he will be ready to pitch when the Rays open the season April 6 in Boston. Manager Joe Maddon is beginning to think along those lines, too.

“From what I’m seeing right now,” Maddon said, “it may happen.”

Percival, who had surgery on his lower back in November, is schedule to pitch Thursday against the visiting Phillies. It would be his first outing of the spring and, providing there are no setbacks, will have him on scheduled to be ready for the season.

“No doubt in my mind,” Percival said Monday after throwing 42 pitches in a bullpen session. “I haven’t had any setbacks to say otherwise. My velocity’s getting up there, low-90’s, pretty consistent. Now my command has been pretty good.”

“We’ll see as we move this along,” Maddon said. “It looks as though he may be able to do that right now.”

Maddon has watched Percival throw and doesn’t see a pitcher who had offseason back surgery or was placed on the disabled list three times with hamstring and knee injuries and was basically shut down in September because of his back problems.

“He looks very good to me,” Maddon said. “I don’t see any kind of hesitation or restriction. So, I think he’s in really good shape.”

Despite his injuries last season, Percival did manage to save 28 games for the Rays. He has taken advantage of the Rays state-of-the-art weight room and training facility in their new spring training home in Port Charlotte.

“He is the weight room and he’s doing more work now than he’s been able to do in the last couple of years,” Maddon said. “For my, physically, he looks like he’s in as good as shape as he’s been in in a while.”

Joyce update
Right fielder Matt Joyce was glad to hear the problem with his lower right leg is tendinitis and nothing more serious.

“It’s a big relief to know that there’s no serious damage, just a minor setback and you don’t have to miss a couple of months of the season or the whole season,” Joyce said. “Just a little bit of time and by the end of the week I should be out there and getting ready for the regular season. I’m pretty fortunate that spring training is a little longer this year because of the World Baseball Classic and have a chance to play a couple of weeks before the season starts. I’m just relieved it’s not something more serious. They can treat tendinitis and should be good to go in a couple of days.”

Balfour update
The swelling has gone down on the inside of Grant Balfour’s right forearm, but the marks left by seems from the ball that struck him there Saturday could still be seen.
Balfour played catch during Monday’s pregame warmup and expects to be back on the mound Thursday.

Spring debuts
Scott Kazmir wasn’t the only Ray pitcher to make his spring debut Monday against the visiting Twins. Dan Wheeler and Joe Nelson also made their first appearances of the spring.

Wheeler allowed a run on two hits in the third inning.

Nelson allowed two hits in the fifth inning, one being a two-run homer by Delmon Young that as the difference in the Twins 4-3 victory.

NOTEWORTHY
Elliot Johnson hit his team-leading third home run of the spring in the ninth inning ... Ben Zobrist double and tripled in his first two at-bats off Kevin Slowey ... Gabe Kapler made a running catch on Delmon Young’s drive to center field in the second inning, using almost all of the 414 feet to the wall at that point of the park ... Jason Isringhausen is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Thursday and could pitch in a game during the weekend. “I’m eager to see this,” Maddon said ... Monday’s game drew 6,161 to Charlotte Sports Park. In seven home dates, the Rays are averaging 6,161 fans.

Percy could be ready for Opening Day

Closer Troy Percival has said all along that he will be ready to pitch when the Rays open the season April 6 in Boston. Manager Joe Maddon is beginning to think along those lines, too.

“From what I’m seeing right now," Maddon said, "it may happen.”

Percival, who had surgery on his lower back in November, is schedule to pitch Thursday against the visiting Phillies. It would be his first outing of the spring and, providing there are no setbacks, will have him on scheduled to be ready for the season.

“We’ll see as we move this along," Maddon said. "It looks as though he may be able to do that right now.”

Maddon has watched Percival throw and doesn't see a pitcher who had offseason back surgery or was placed on the disabled list three times with hamstring and knee injuries and was basically shut down in September because of his back problems.

“He looks very good to me," Maddon said. "I don’t see any kind of hesitation or restriction. So, I think he’s in really good shape.”

Despite his injuries last season, Percival did manage to save 28 games for the Rays. He has taken advantage of the Rays state-of-the-art weight room and training facility in their new spring training home in Port Charlotte.

“He is the weight room and he’s doing more work now than he’s been able to do in the last couple of years," Maddon said. "For my, physically, he looks like he’s in as good as shape as he’s been in in a while.”

Encouraging news on Joyce

By ROGER MOONEY
rmooney@bradenton.com
Rays executive vice president Andrew Friedman shed some light on Matt Joyce before Sunday’s game against the Red Sox in Fort Myers.

Friedman said Joyce has tendinitis in his lower right leg. The injury, sustained in December, has kept Joyce out of every game and almost every workout this spring.

“I think all of us kind of feared it may be something worse, so it was very good news,” Friedman said. “That said, we’re not completely out of the woods yet. We’re cautiously optimistic that we’ll be able to get through it. But it by no means is a certainty.”

Friedman expects Joyce to return to on-field workouts this week. He did not set a timetable for when Joyce might actually play in a game.

Friedman said the plan is for Joyce to “slowly get his legs under him, get him back out there doing baseball skills type things and ultimately getting him into a game. But, obviously, if we have a setback during that period, we’re going to have to be aggressive. But right now, that’s the plan of attack.”

Friedman said tests conducted by the Rays training staff and doctors suggest the tendinitis has always been present in Joyce’s leg but flared up after an strenuous workout last December.

“We’re cautiously optimistic that this is behind us,” Friedman said. “But in the event it flares back up and prevents him from playing, we’re going to have to explore other courses of action.”

That “other” course of action could be surgery, Friedman said.

“Extreme could be surgery down the road,” Friedman said. “But we think that’s the least likely scenario right now. But like I said, right now, we’re not going to proceed like this is a non-factor and we’re just going to let him go. We’re going to really monitor it and methodically get him back on the field.”

Joyce, 24, was acquired in December in a trade with Detroit for pitcher Edwin Jackson. The Rays like Joyce’s defense and the power in his left-handed bat.

While Joyce was headed for Triple A Durham even before his injury, the Rays were hoping for a glimpse this spring in what they obtained when they traded a pitcher who won 14 games last season.

There still maybe time for that, but it depends on Joyce’s leg.

“We’re not going to push it,” Friedman said. “We just need to methodically get him ready to play in the game, so we’re not going to set a timetable on that.”

Upton takes BP; Balfour burises pitching arm

By ROGER MOONEY
rmooney@bradenton.com
PORT CHARLOTTE — B.J. Upton took batting practice on the stadium field at Charlotte Sports Park on Saturday morning, joining the rest of the Rays players in a morning workout for the first time this spring.

The center fielder, who is still rehabbing from surgery last November to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder, drove line drives around the field and sent a few baseballs over the fences.

“Yeah, it was surprising,” Upton said. “I didn’t think I had it. Obviously, the strength’s not all the way there yet. It was nice to see a couple of balls jump out. That was good.”

Rays athletic trainer Ron Porterfield suggested Upton join the team for pregame batting practice instead of hitting by himself in the batting cage or on a back field.

“Ronnie felt by having him involved with the group on the field he might just pick it up a little more,” Rays manager Joe Maddon said.

Upton did. But while he looked fine, Upton said the shoulder is not quite ready to allow him to play in spring games.

“It’s coming along,” Upton said. “Still not the way I want to feel, but obviously, there will come a point where it’s probably not going to get any better. So I just have to figure out when that is.”

Upton said he might be a week of two away from playing in a game. As for opening Day on April 6 in Boston, Upton remains optimistic but knows the cold weather expected in Boston could keep him back in Tampa Bay for the first week of the season.

“I don’t know. It’s going to depend on how I feel and what they want me to do.,” Upton said. “The cold weather is going to be a factor, so we’ll just see the next couple of weeks where I’m at. It’s still a possibility that I could start the season on time.”

Maddon is pleased with Upton’s progress, but isn’t ready to put a timetable on Upton’s return.

“There’s been no setbacks,” Maddon said. “He’s doing well. When you talk to him, there’s a smile. He’s feeling good. So we don’t know specifically when he’ll be back, but he’s on task. He should be right on target. I don’t know if that will be the beginning of the season or slightly into the season, but everything is going well.”

Weber’s big day
Outfielder Jon Weber, who spent last year at Triple A Durham, set a Rays record for RBIs in a spring game with six in the Rays 15-7 victory Saturday against the visiting Red Sox. The previous record was shared by Jose Canseco, Randy Winn and Jonny Gomes.

Weber hit a three-run double in the fifth and a three-run homer in the eighth.
His home run was an opposite field shot that landed in the visiting bullpen in left field.

“If he hitting two-strike line drives to left field that happen to be home runs, I’m good with it,” Maddon said.

Weber is batting .312 with a team-high eight RBIs.

Balfour bruises pitching arm
Grant Balfour took a line drive off his right (pitching) arm in the fourth inning while pitching to Nick Green. Balfour picked up the ball and threw Green out at first to end the innings and his day.

“I got out of the inning. That’s the main thing,” Balfour said.
He wore a white protective sleeve on his right arm. A bandage covered his arm from the forearm to the biceps.

Balfour said the ball hit him on the inside of the elbow. It’s officially listed as a contusion.

He said his return to the mound depends on how the arm feels Sunday. If there is swelling, Balfour will likely miss his next scheduled outing.

Shields returns
James Shields returned to the mound on Saturday for the first time since Game 2 of the World Series and worked the first two innings against the Red Sox.

“I’m not going to lie,” Shields said, “I’m kind of glad they didn’t bring their A squad.”

Facing a Boston lineup without its big guns, Shields allowed a run on two hits. He struck out two.

“It was what you would expect,” Maddon said. “I just liked the way he threw the ball. It looked familiar.”

Shields said he was a little nervous when he woke Saturday morning and was a bit confused during his pregame preparations, arriving in the dugout 10 minutes before he normally would.

He felt fine in the first inning but struggled somewhat in the second. Shields, who was on a 30-pitch count, threw only 22 in his two innings and lobbied for a third inning, but was told to take the rest of the day off.

“The first inning, my body was where it needed to be, therefore, my pitches were where they needed to be,” Shields said. “The second inning, I was rushing a little bit, but it’s spring training.”

We have a name for the lake
Outfielder Ray Sadler became the first player to hit a ball into the lake behind left field at Charlotte Sports Park when he sent a two-run blast over the left field bullpen and boardwalk and into the water.

“That was crushed,” Maddon said.

Maddon, as you might expect, has a name for the lake: “Los Lagas des Derechos,” which he said translates in the “The lakes of the right handers.”

NOTEWORTHY
The injury to Mike Joyce’s lower right leg might be more serious than he let on. The team is supposed to make an announcement Sunday ... Jason Hammel allowed four runs in three innings. His problem was pitch-selection, according to Maddon ... The Red Sox committed six errors that led to nine unearned runs ... Rocco Baldelli might be in the Red Sox lineup Sunday when they play host to the Rays in Fort Myers ... Stephen King, noted author and Red Sox fan, attended the game. He was given a Charlotte Stone Crabs hat ... The crowd of 7,147 was a stadium record and the largest to see a Rays spring game played at either Al Lang Field or Charlotte Sports Park.

Upton takes BP

By ROGER MOONEY
rmooney@bradenton.com
PORT CHARLOTTE — B.J. Upton took batting practice on the stadium field at Charlotte Sports Park on Saturday morning, joining the rest of the Rays players in a morning workout for the first time this spring.

The center fielder, who is still rehabbing from surgery last November to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder, drove line drives around the field and sent a few baseballs over the fences.

“Yeah, it was surprising,” Upton said. “I didn’t think I had it. Obviously, the strength’s not all the way there yet. It was nice to see a couple of balls jump out. That was good.”

Rays athletic trainer Ron Porterfield suggested Upton join the team for pregame batting practice instead of hitting by himself in the batting cage or on a back field.

“Ronnie felt by having him involved with the group on the field he might just pick it up a little more,” Rays manager Joe Maddon said.

Upton did. But while he looked fine, Upton said the shoulder is not quite ready to allow him to play in spring games.

“It’s coming along,” Upton said. “Still not the way I want to feel, but obviously, there will come a point where it’s probably not going to get any better. So I just have to figure out when that is.”

Upton said he might be a week of two away from playing in a game. As for opening Day on April 6 in Boston, Upton remains optimistic but knows the cold weather expected in Boston could keep him back in Tampa Bay for the first week of the season.

“I don’t know. It’s going to depend on how I feel and what they want me to do.,” Upton said. “The cold weather is going to be a factor, so we’ll just see the next couple of weeks where I’m at. It’s still a possibility that I could start the season on time.”

Maddon is pleased with Upton’s progress, but isn’t ready to put a timetable on Upton’s return.

“There’s been no setbacks,” Maddon said. “He’s doing well. When you talk to him, there’s a smile. He’s feeling good. So we don’t know specifically when he’ll be back, but he’s on task. He should be right on target. I don’t know if that will be the beginning of the season or slightly into the season, but everything is going well.”

Weber’s big day
Outfielder Jon Weber, who spent last year at Triple A Durham, set a Rays record for RBIs in a spring game with six in the Rays 15-7 victory Saturday against the visiting Red Sox. The previous record was shared by Jose Canseco, Randy Winn and Jonny Gomes.

Weber hit a three-run double in the fifth and a three-run homer in the eighth.
His home run was an opposite field shot that landed in the visiting bullpen in left field.

“If he hitting two-strike line drives to left field that happen to be home runs, I’m good with it,” Maddon said.

Weber is batting .312 with a team-high eight RBIs.

Balfour bruises pitching arm
Grant Balfour took a line drive off his right (pitching) arm in the fourth inning while pitching to Nick Green. Balfour picked up the ball and threw Green out at first to end the innings and his day.

“I got out of the inning. That’s the main thing,” Balfour said.
He wore a white protective sleeve on his right arm. A bandage covered his arm from the forearm to the biceps.

Balfour said the ball hit him on the inside of the elbow. It’s officially listed as a contusion.

He said his return to the mound depends on how the arm feels Sunday. If there is swelling, Balfour will likely miss his next scheduled outing.

Shields returns
James Shields returned to the mound on Saturday for the first time since Game 2 of the World Series and worked the first two innings against the Red Sox.

“I’m not going to lie,” Shields said, “I’m kind of glad they didn’t bring their A squad.”

Facing a Boston lineup without its big guns, Shields allowed a run on two hits. He struck out two.

“It was what you would expect,” Maddon said. “I just liked the way he threw the ball. It looked familiar.”

Shields said he was a little nervous when he woke Saturday morning and was a bit confused during his pregame preparations, arriving in the dugout 10 minutes before he normally would.

He felt fine in the first inning but struggled somewhat in the second. Shields, who was on a 30-pitch count, threw only 22 in his two innings and lobbied for a third inning, but was told to take the rest of the day off.

“The first inning, my body was where it needed to be, therefore, my pitches were where they needed to be,” Shields said. “The second inning, I was rushing a little bit, but it’s spring training.”

We have a name for the lake
Outfielder Ray Sadler became the first player to hit a ball into the lake behind left field at Charlotte Sports Park when he sent a two-run blast over the left field bullpen and boardwalk and into the water.

“That was crushed,” Maddon said.

Maddon, as you might expect, has a name for the lake: “Los Lagas des Derechos,” which he said translates in the “The lakes of the right handers.”

NOTEWORTHY
The injury to Mike Joyce’s lower right leg might be more serious than he let on. The team is supposed to make an announcement Sunday ... Jason Hammel allowed four runs in three innings. His problem was pitch-selection, according to Maddon ... The Red Sox committed six errors that led to nine unearned runs ... Rocco Baldelli might be in the Red Sox lineup Sunday when they play host to the Rays in Fort Myers ... Stephen King, noted author and Red Sox fan, attended the game. He was given a Charlotte Stone Crabs hat ... The crowd of 7,147 was a stadium record and the largest to see a Rays spring game played at either Al Lang Field or Charlotte Sports Park.

Hernandez making push for fifth spot in rotation

By ROGER MOONEY
rmooney@bradenton.com
BRADENTON — Rays manager Joe Maddon said Friday morning that left-hander Carlos Hernandez is very much in the running for the fifth spot in the rotation or a spot in the bullpen. Hernandez then went out and made a case for himself with 3 2/3 scoreless innings in the Rays 8-5 victory against the Pirates at McKechnie Field.

“The first two innings I thought he fought himself a bit, and after that he did really well,” Maddon said.

Hernandez allowed five hits and a walk but struck out two.

In eight innings this spring, the former Astros prospect has yet to allow an earned run.

“The only thing I don’t like is I’m throwing too many pitches, and that’s something I have to work on,” said Hernandez, who didn’t complete the fourth inning because he was at 74 pitches. “They are fouling a lot of balls off me. It’s spring training (but) it matters to me, everything matters.”

As for the fifth starters spot, Hernandez said he’s only worried about doling his job.

“I’ve been in that position before with the Astros, and when you think a lot you put yourself in a bad spot,” he said. “What I’m doing right now is pitching and whoever is going to make the decision for that fifth spot will make the decision. It won’t be me.”

Thunder and lightning
The Rays offense had everything on display during their four-run second inning against the Pirates.

Elliot Johnson hit his team-leading second home run of the spring to lead off. Fernando Perez reached on a bunt single and stole second.

Carlos Pena had a two-run single.

Gabe Gross drove in a run with a single and then stole second.

Little Papi?
Shawn Riggans served as the designated hitter Friday because Rays DH Pat Burrell is attending his sister’s wedding in San Francisco this weekend. Maddon also added that it is tough to get at-bats for a catcher in spring training.

Riggans, who referred to himself as “Big Papi” when asked about being the DH, was 1-for-4 with an RBI. Those four at-bats gave him 13 for the spring.

A rough outing
James Houser struggled in his one inning, allowing three hits and walking a batter in the eighth inning. A bases-loaded double Andy Phillips drove in three runs as the Pirates cut the Rays lead to 8-5.

Houser’s ERA ballooned from 3.86 to 10.80.

Welcome back
James Shields and Grant Balfour will make their first appearances of the spring Saturday against the Red Sox. Shields will start and pitch two innings, three if his pitch count is down. Balfour is scheduled to pitch in relief.

NOTEWORTHY
Friday was one of three trips to McKechnie Field for the Rays ... Friday’s crowd of 5,588 was the largest at McKechnie this spring ... Jason Cromer allowed a hit and pitched around an error in the ninth to record his first save of the spring ....Elliot Johnson has five RBIs ... Evan Longoria had two singles and a long fly ball to center field in his three at-bats and raised his average to .583.

Top pitchers to return to work

By ROGER MOONEY
rmooney@bradenton.com
PORT CHARLOTTE — The big arms return to work Saturday when James Shields makes his first start of the spring.

“I’m kind of chomping at the bit, now,” Shields said. “It was good to rest. It was good to watch these young guys dominate. It gave us a boost in our step watching those young guys. It’s really good to have them show their stuff.”

Because the Rays reached the World Series and the fact spring training games are stretched over 39 days because of the World Baseball Classic, the Rays decided to give those who pitched in the postseason the first 10 days of the exhibition season off.

Shields will pitch Saturday at Charlotte Sports Park against the visiting Red Sox.

Scott Kazmir faces the Twins on Monday in Port Charlotte.

Matt Garza, Andy Sonnanstine and David Price will debut Tuesday against the visiting Blue Jays at Charlotte Sports Park.

Wade Davis will make the trip to Fort Myers on Saturday to face the Red Sox.

With four full weeks of games remaining, the pitchers will have plenty of time to build up for the regular season.

Opening Day starters
Shields will be the third Ray pitcher to make two starts on Opening Day. The other two are Wilson Alvarez (1998, 1999) and Kazmir (2006, 2007).

Here are all the Rays Opening Day starters:

Wilson Alvarez (1998-99), Steve Trachsel (2000), Albie Lopez (2001), Tanyon Sturtze (2002), Joe Kennedy (2003), Victor Zambrano (2004), Dewon Brazelton (2005), Scott Kazmir (2006-07), James Shields (2008-09).

Talbot better in second start

Mitch Talbot allowed only one run against the Puerto Rico National Team on Wednesday at Charlotte Sports Park.

The right-hander had better command of all his pitches. He allowed five hits in four innings, struck out three and didn’t walk a batter.

Heads up
The Rays lone run in the 2-1 loss to Puerto Rico came home in the fifth when Adam Kennedy dropped a two-out bunt with Fernando Perez on third.

Perez scored when the throw to first pulled first baseman Ramon Vazquez off the bag.

NOTEWORTHY
Troy Percival threw his first live batting practice of the spring Wednesday and looked fine, according to manager Joe Maddon ... The Rays have their first off day of the spring Thursday. They return to action Friday against the Pirates in Bradenton. First baseman Carlos Pena will make his first start of the spring at first base.

Shields to start Opening Day

Rays manager Joe Maddon announced his rotation for the season Wednesday.

James Shields will start the opener April 6 in Boston. He'll be followed by Scott Kazmir, Matt Garza and Andy Sonnanstine.

Shields gets the Opening Day nod because he's earned it, Maddon said.

Kaz is No. 2 because Maddon wants to split the two right-handers with the left-handed Kazmir.

As for the fifth starter, the Rays won't need one until April 15, so Maddon doesn't have to make a decision for a few more weeks.

Don't expect it to be David Price. The left-hander will more than likely start the season at Triple A.

The No. 5 spot will probably go to either Jeff Niemann or Jason Hammel with the odd-man-out headed to the bullpen.

Of course, there is always the possibility of a trade involving Hammel or Niemann since both are out of options and would have to pass through waivers before they could be sent to Triple A Durham. That is not likely for either pitcher.

Pena to debut against Pirates on Friday

By ROGER MOONEY
rmooney@bradenton.com
PORT CHARLOTTE — Carlos Pena is scheduled to see his first game action Friday at McKechnie Field against the Pirates.

“That’s the plan,” said Pena, who will miss the Rays first eight games as he rehabs from surgery in January to repair two small tears in his lower abdominal muscle. “I watch a couple of innings of the games, and I just want to get out there. I have the urge to get back out and start playing.”

The Gold Glove first baseman has spent most of the first two weeks of camp working with the Rays training staff to build up his stomach muscles.

“I think this has been good for me,” Pena said. “I’m working on muscles I never really worked on before. I think I’m going to be in the best shape of my life.”

Niemann impressive again
Rays pitcher Jeff Niemann, one of four competing for the final spot in the rotation, had another impressive outing Tuesday when he allowed one run in three innings against the Astros at Charlotte Sports Park.

“Another good outing,” Rays manager Maddon said. “All these guys are going out there and throwing the ball really, really well. Jeff was good again (Tuesday).”

Niemann is competing with Mitch Talbot, Jason Hammel and David Price for the fifth spot in the rotation.

Maddon said before the game that he wants that decision to be a tough one, and so far he appears to be getting his wish.

Hammel hasn’t allowed a run in six innings over two starts.

Talbot struggled in the first inning of his first start Saturday against the Phillies in Clearwater, but bounced back in the next two innings.

Price is one of the pitchers behind held out of games until Saturday.
Niemann has allowed one run in his first innings. He has seven strikeouts.

Take your base
Pat Burrell, Gape Kapler, Dioner Navarro and Adam Kennedy drew consecutive walks with the bases loaded during the Rays 10-run second inning Tuesday.

“We were very patient with the bases-loaded last year,” Maddon said. “I just like the idea we’re not going to be over-anxious in that moment. Of course they had some pitchers out there who were missing the plate, but as a group that’s part of what we’re trying to nurture. We will accept our walks. Sometimes with the bases loaded guys get too eager to swing the bat, so it’s kind of nice to see that.”

The rotation
Beginning Saturday, James Shields, Matt Garza, Scott Kazmir and David Price will start pitching in the exhibition games. Maddon held those four out because they pitched in the postseason.

He will name the order in which those four will pitch before Wednesday’s game against the Puerto Rican National Team at Charlotte Sports Park.

NOTEWORTHY
INF Reid Brignac snapped an 0-for-11 skid to start the spring with a home run to right field that touched off the Rays 10-run second inning in their 12-2 win against the Astros ... SS Jason Bartlett was 3-for-3 with an RBI double to raise his spring average to .636 ... 1B Chris Richard is batting .400 ... Adam Kennedy played third base for the first time this spring ... The Rays will be featured on the MLB Network’s “30 Teams in 30 Days” at 8 p.m. Wednesday.