Rays Tie Bucs 2-2, “Raymones” Shirts, etc

Rays ace David Price looked – and felt – good during his spring debut Saturday against the Pirates, in the Rays 2-2 extra innings tie in Bradenton. Price was charged with one run on one hit over 1-2/3 innings, in a 33-pitch appearance during the contest.

Rays Drop Grapefruit League Opener, 4-2

If anything should be said following the Grapefruit League season opener, it’s that the box score after nine hard innings is, ultimately, irrelevant — at least you hope so if you’re Erik Bedard. The veteran LHP didn’t fare well in one inning of work Friday, relinquishing three runs on three hits — including a two-out, two RBI base hit off the bat of Al Gonzalez. All is not lost however, the Rays bullpen blanked the O’s from the third inning on, while Yunel Escobar put together a solid day at the plate.

Rays 1/28/14 Starting Lineup, Raymones Shirt Release Party

The Tampa Bay Rays will take on their AL East Rivals — the Baltimore Orioles — in their first Grapefruit League game of the spring, Friday at the Charlotte Sports Park. Veteran LHP Erik Bedard will begin his bid to become the Rays’ fifth starter, with the first pitch slated to be thrown at 1:05.

On Andrew Friedman and David Price

Per Jeff Todd of MLB Trade Rumors, Rays GM Andrew Friedman covered a variety of topics on the MLB Network Hot Stove show. (Read a transcript of the interview below) Friedman said that the club still feels it will be tough to hold onto ace David Price for the long haul, but that its “Mindset is to enjoy each and every day we have David here and do everything in our power to continue that relationship.”

Notes Following the First Weekend in Port Charlotte

The first weekend in Port Charlotte is in the books, after the Rays pitchers and catchers reported to camp Friday morning. All but two pitchers were in attendance the first day of camp, the exceptions being Juan Carlos Oviedo and Juan Sandoval — both of whom had visa issues on their return from the Dominican Republic. Also in attendance were seven catchers: major leaguers Ryan Hanigan and Jose Molina, and prospects Ali Solis and Eddy Rodriguez, Curt Casali, Luke Maile, and Mayo Acosta.