Baldelli gets a liquid reminder he's in Chicago

CHICAGO - Maybe Chicago isn't Rocco Baldelli's kind of town.

For the second time in two visits to the Windy City, the Rays rookie centerfielder has been doused with beer by fans.

Last month at Wrigley Field, it was only a sprinkle. But Friday, as Baldelli was backing up Carl Crawford's attempt at a diving catch on a fifth-inning ball, he got drenched.

"Carl was diving for the ball and I just got - I don't know how you can throw beer at someone that good," Baldelli said. "These guys might have some practice. It hit me square right on my back and on the side of my head. ... They had real good location."

Baldelli didn't see what happened, but infielders Marlon Anderson and Julio Lugo did and told the umpires, who summoned security personnel, who later ejected at least one fan.

"Normally, you know fans are going to do some stuff like that," Baldelli said. "It's just the principle. It's just rude. You wouldn't think people would act like that, but I guess they do."

Security has been an issue at U.S. Cellular Field (that's what they call Comiskey Park these days), where fans ran on the field in September to attack Royals coach Tom Gamboa and in April to attack umpire Laz Diaz.

Baldelli said aside from the aroma, the dousing wasn't big a deal.

"I didn't even change," he said. "I was fine. Everyone I sat next to told me it smelled, but I can play with a little beer on my shirt."

UNEVEN FIELD: Manager Lou Piniella noted, again, how the Rays don't seem to get many breaks from the umpires.

"I don't complain much, but I will tell you this, our team doesn't get many calls," he said. "We get the short end of it a lot. A whole lot."

Does that come with being in last place?

"It shouldn't be," he said. "I'm not saying it's intentional but ... the majority of calls don't go our way."

HOW'S THAT?: Noting the Rays had scored 15 runs twice in a five-day span, a veteran Chicago reporter asked Piniella before Friday's game about the Rays' propensity for offensive explosions.

Piniella had to laugh: "Propensity? I wouldn't go as far as calling it propensity." The Rays have been better: nearly five runs a game for the month in which they are 10-11.

One reason for their success has been the extensive work by hitting coach Lee Elia, though Elia, typically, deflected the credit.

"It feels good, and the one thing I really admire is their work ethic," Elia said. "We're young, and you're going to go through some trials and tribulations, but the thing that's good is that they've got great work ethic and now they're starting to develop a little bit of knowledge."

INSTANT REPLAY: Damian Rolls watched replays of his spectacular catch Thursday, when he dived for the ball and narrowly avoided a collision with Baldelli. "It looked like it hurt more than anything," Rolls said. "It wasn't as bad as it looked."

DISCIPLINARY ACTION: There was still no word on Anderson's appeal of his three-game suspension, and may not be until Monday.

FOR EVERY ACTION: In response to Piniella's deal to dye his hair after the Rays won three straight, White Sox broadcaster Ken "Hawk" Harrelson - an old Piniella buddy - made his own offer: If the Sox run their winning streak to 10, which they could do my sweeping the Rays, he'll shave his head. "I don't think Hawk would look good with a shaved head," Piniella said. "Let's hope we keep him from doing it."

MISCELLANY: General manager Chuck LaMar continued trade discussions Friday, but appeared no closer to a deal. ... Jason Standridge made his first appearance since July 13, pitching 31/3 shutout innings. ... The Rays have a shot at their first .500 or better month since September-October 2001. ... Dewon Brazelton is 0-3 with a 5.91 ERA in four starts at Class A Bakersfield.