Rays news and notes

Flashback of the day

For manager Joe Maddon, who grew up a Cardinals fan, Monday's trip to St. Louis' spring camp was a little nostalgic. Maddon, who met the likes of Stan Musial, Lou Brock and Bob Gibson, was greeted by former longtime Cardinals manager and 2B Red Schoendienst during his pregame media session.

Taking the fifth

An occasional look at the competition for the No. 5 starters spot:

RHP Wade Davis, a long shot for a starting spot, had another impressive performance (3⅔ innings, one hit). RHP Jeff Niemann starts today against the Astros. RHP Mitch Talbot starts Wednesday.

Quote of the day

"If this were a steak, it'd be Ruth's Chris, a No. 1 steak house."

Cardinals LHP Trever Miller, an ex-Ray, on how life is with his new team.

Quote of the day 2

"They're looking at the No. 4 hitter on our lineup card and going, 'Wow.' "

INF Ben Zobrist on batting cleanup Monday, something he has rarely done

The dish

Rays vs. Astros

When/where: 1:05; Charlotte Sports Park, 2300 El Jobean Road, Port Charlotte

Radio Web cast: raysbaseball.com

Tickets: Small quantity of reserved seats ($16-$23) might be available; limited number of $9 berm/boardwalk tickets are available. Available through raysbaseball.com, at Tropicana Field and Charlotte Sports Park box offices, Tampa team store, through Ticketmaster.

Directions: Driving time is 1½-2 hours. The suggested route: take I-75 south to exit 179 (North Port/Port Charlotte), turn right (west) on Toledo Blade Road, go about 6½ miles (crossing U.S. 41) to El Jobean Road (SR 776), turn right, go about 2 miles; stadium is on left.

Gates: Open at 11 a.m.

Parking: $7, lots open at 10

Rays information: 1-888-326-7297

Pitchers: Rays — RH Jeff Niemann, LH Brian Shouse, RH Jason Childers, RH Dewon Day, RH Neal Frontz, RH Derek Rodriguez. Astros — RH Brandon Backe, RH Bud Morris, RH Sergio Perez, RH Jeff Fulchino.

Number of the day

0 Runs given up by RHP Wade Davis in two spring starts

Rays retro item of the day

There was an old-school Devil Rays hat — with inaugural color scheme (black with purple and yellow) — spotted on a memorabilia stand at Roger Dean Stadium. The Rays have changed hat colors twice since.