Ordonez campaigns for another shot with Rays

ST. PETERSBURG - If injured Devil Rays shortstop Rey Ordonez has his pick, he knows where he wants to play next season.

"I want to stay here," Ordonez said.

Ordonez, out since May 9 with a season-ending left knee injury, made his first trip to St. Petersburg since having surgery June 30. He was checked out by the Rays' medical staff and spent the pregame catching up with teammates he hasn't seen in nearly two months.

If Ordonez, who will be a free agent after the season, has his way, his Rays teammates will remain his teammates.

"It would be good, close to home," said Ordonez, who has a home in Miami, where he has been since his surgery. Ordonez also added he has been encouraged by the Rays' play, particularly in the past month or so.

He said he has kept tabs on the Rays, though it has been difficult watching instead of playing.

"Staying at home is hard. You're watching, and you want to be playing," Ordonez said. "It's a part of life, I guess. But I (look forward) to coming back."

Whether he will with the Rays is another question. Ordonez played well in his limited time. Not only did the three-time Gold Glove winner provide steady defense, he was off to the best offensive start of his career with a .316 average, three homers and 22 RBIs in 117 at-bats.

When he sprained his knee May 9, it did not appear that serious. He was put on the disabled list but was expected to return within a month. Ordonez even worked his way back to the field, playing in the Hall of Fame exhibition game on June 16. But that was his last appearance of the season.

Ordonez said he felt "a lot of pain" after the surgery but now is able to bend the knee without pain. He hopes to begin a running program in November. He expects to be fully recovered for next season.

According to manager Lou Piniella, though, the Rays haven't decided whether Ordonez will be offered a contract to return. Julio Lugo, claimed off waivers from Houston on May 9, has started 81 of 86 games since. The Rays have the option of picking up Lugo's contract for another season at $1.75-million.

GOOD TO BE MAD: Piniella said one of the signs the Rays are heading in the right direction can be seen not only in games they win but after games they lose.

"I'm starting to see something that I really like: disappointment when they lose," Piniella said. "I really like it. I didn't see it earlier in the year. What I saw was a team that almost expected (to lose). But there has been a nice little changeover from "Well, we tried,' to a little more ... disappointment."

CHRISTIAN CONCERT: There will be a pregame concert today at 2 p.m. featuring four Christian music artists: Chris Tomlin, Out of Eden, Plus One and Anberlin. Gates will open at 1:30 p.m.

Tickets for the concert and game are $14 for upper reserved and $20 for outfield seats. Seating for the concert is general admission and seating for the game is reserved.

The first 7,000 attending the concert will receive a contemporary music CD.

SIX SHOOTERS: Piniella said the Rays will go with a six-man rotation for the next six games to give the starters an extra day's rest.

Piniella had considered moving Jorge Sosa into the rotation for Sunday's game, but Sosa pitched in relief Friday. So Jeremi Gonzalez will make his regularly scheduled start Sunday and Sosa will pitch later in the week against Seattle.

The Rays have 11 pitchers at the moment, and the plan was to stay at 11 until rosters can be expanded Sept. 1. Piniella, though, hinted Friday that the Rays might have to add a pitcher before then.

MISCELLANY: Former Northeast High standout Doug Waechter has the hot hand at Triple-A Durham. Thursday he gave up two runs in six innings with nine strikeouts and no walks. In that game, Lee Gardner picked up his 28th save, tops in the International League.