Rays stuff

This and that from the Devil Rays.

By EDUARDO A. ENCINA
Published March 7, 2007

Thumbs up

RF Delmon Young ran down Adam Dunn's fly ball in the rightfield corner, then quickly threw to first to double up baserunner Scott Hatteberg, who was thinking hit and was already halfway to second base. "He's got a decent arm, doesn't he?" Rays manager Joe Maddon said matter-of-factly of Young.

Thumbs down

The Reds made the decision to keep former Rays top pick Josh Hamilton, who is hitting .563 this spring, in Sarasota, delaying what would have undoubtedly been a memorable day for many Rays players and fans who hadn't seen Hamilton play since 2003.

Quote of the day

"(His) just kind of gets there and disintegrates."

Joe Maddon, Rays manager on the changeup of Rays reliever Al Reyes, who pitched his second scoreless inning this spring Tuesday, allowing one hit and striking out two in the fifth.

Who knew?

RHP Juan Salas spent his first six professional seasons in the Rays system playing third base.

Where's B.J.?

The Rays plan to move B.J. Upton around this spring as a super utilityman. He didn't play Tuesday. His innings totals so far:

2B: 4 3B: 4 SS: 8 CF: 2

Errors: 2

Number of the day

.083 The Rays' batting average with runners in scoring position on Tuesday (1-for-12).

The 411

Today: Rays vs. Indians

When/where: 1:05; Progress Energy Park, 180 Second Ave. S, St. Petersburg. Gates open at 11.

Tickets: $7-$20, at stadium box office starting at 10 a.m., through devilrays.com and Ticketmaster.

Pitchers: Rays - RH Dan Miceli, RH Chad Orvella, LH Jon Switzer, RH Steve Andrade, RH Tony Peguero, LH Jeff Ridgway. Indians - LH Jeremy Sowers, RH Rafael Betancourt, LH Aaron Fultz, RH Tom Mastny, LH Jason Stanford, RH Matt Miller, LH Juan Lara.

Rays info: (727) 825-3250.

Weather: Mostly sunny, high of 74 degrees.

Watch for: The leading candidates for a left-handed reliever spot - Jon Switzer and Jeff Ridgway - are each slated to work an inning.

On deck

Thursday: Pirates at Mc-Kechnie Field, Bradenton, 1:05 p.m. Rays - Scott Kazmir; Pirates - Shawn Chacon.

Friday: Yankees at Legends Field, Tampa, 7:15 p.m. Rays - Tim Corcoran; Yankees - TBA.

Saturday: Split squad vs. Phillies at Progress Energy Park, 1:05 p.m. Rays - Jae Seo; Phillies - TBA.

Split squad at Twins, Hammond Stadium, Fort Myers, 1:05 p.m. Rays - Brian Stokes; Twins - TBA.

Sunday: Astros at Progress Energy Park, 1:05 p.m. Rays - James Shields; Astros - TBA.

[Last modified March 7, 2007, 06:49:47]