Up next: Red Sox

© St. Petersburg Times
published September 27, 2002

SCOUTING REPORT: The Red Sox were officially eliminated from the playoff race Wednesday, so they wouldn't seem to have much to play for.

But that doesn't mean the weekend will be boring.

Things tend to happen when the Rays and Red Sox get together, whether it is multiple hit batters, heated exchanges or snippy comments, so even with nothing on the line anything is possible.

There has been talk that manager Grady Little's job may not be secure, especially if the Sox are going to hire a permanent general manager, so he may be managing to prove he should keep his job.

Manny Ramirez still has something to play for as he tries to hold off Kansas City's Mike Sweeney and win the AL batting title.

The Rays won't see Pedro Martinez or Derek Lowe, but they have had their problems with John Burkett and Tim Wakefield.

TAMPA BAY CONNECTIONS: Sox reliever Rolando Arrojo was the Rays' first All-Star. ... Burkett was released by the Rays in spring training 2000. ... Rays catcher John Flaherty broke in with the Red Sox. ... Bench coach Billy Hatcher played for the Sox in the early '90s.

ALL-TIME SERIES: The Rays are 2-14 against the Red Sox this season, matching a team record for losses to a single opponent. The Sox won all 10 games at the Trop. Boston leads the all-time series 47-25.

WHO'S HOT: Ramirez is hitting .463 during his season-high 11-game streak.

WHO'S NOT: Cliff Floyd is 3-for-19 in the first seven games of Boston's road trip.