FRIENDLY CONFINES: The Devil Rays' first visit to Wrigley Field this week comes with plenty of intriguing storylines.
There is the reunion with former manager Larry Rothschild, who is the Cubs pitching coach. There is the return of Jeremi Gonzalez, who was a top Cubs prospect in 1997-98 before a string of injuries. There is the first appearance in 15 years by Lee Elia, whose tenure as manager of the Cubs was marked by his now infamous tirade about Wrigley fans.
And there will be the first introduction of a playing Sandberg since 1997, as Jared Sandberg makes his onfield debut at the ballpark where his uncle Ryne became a legend.
"That's where the Sandberg name got started, so, yeah, it's definitely going to be a big deal," Jared Sandberg said. "It should be fun."
Jared has been to Wrigley twice before, once as a fan in 1995 (the year of Ryne's first retirement) and once as a guest at Ryne Sandberg Day on Sept. 20, 1997. His parents are flying in from Seattle for the series, and Ryne, a spring instructor for the Cubs, is a possibility.
VERY FRIENDLY CONFINES: Elia played for the Cubs in 1968 (hitting .176 in 15 games) and managed them in 1982-83 (going 127-158), and hasn't been back since managing the Phillies in 1987-88. It is clear he relished his time in Chicago.
"There's just a lot of great tradition there," he said. "I hope the weather's good enough so we can see the ivy on the wall. I think the fellas will really enjoy the atmosphere. There's a uniqueness about that place. It's very, very special."
BATTER UP: Naming the relocated Rays Double-A team the Montgomery Biscuits for next season has drawn some serious heat in Alabama. State representative Alvin Holmes said it was an "embarrassment" and that he'd request a change: "We need a name that will brighten the city, not one that will make the city look country and backwards." Team owners, though, say they won't crumble and plan to stick with the name.
In case they reconsider, we suggest they consider a tie-in with a famous Montgomery or two:
The Montgomery Clift - Stars of stage, screen and baseball diamonds.
The Montgomery Burns - the Simpsons character can show who's boss.
The Elizabeth Montgomery - The coaching signals could be bewitching.
The Montgomery Cliffs - Real live band could play the anthem.
The Robert Montgomery Knights - Should win every argument with umps.
IS ANYBODY OUT THERE? The Rays are not only playing to the smallest paid crowds, but the most empty seats, with the lowest percentage of capacity. Here is a look at the best and worst:
YOU DON'T SAY
"When you start losing, it becomes very easy to start playing for yourself."
- LOU PINIELLA, Rays manager
[Last modified June 1, 2003, 08:08:18]
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