Hit of the day
INF Tim Beckham provided the "highlight" of the day, a batting practice blast that shattered the windshield of LHP Drew Smyly's car, which was parked beyond the leftfield fence. After joking that pitching coach Jim Hickey was to blame for grooving the pitch, Beckham said he would make good. "I hope BMW covers that," Beckham said. "If not, meal money will." Smyly was scrambling to see if he could get it repaired ASAP, musing, "I'll find a new spot tomorrow."
Quote of the day
"Went well, I feel good, everything's great. See you guys."
RHP Alex Cobb, offering a summation of his live batting practice session as reporters approached.
Tick, tick, tick
Workers were busy at the Charlotte Sports Park on Monday installing the two new between-innings countdown clocks that are part of MLB's efforts to improve pace of game. Under the new rules, which go into effect with Thursday's exhibition opener, the clock will be set at 2:25, with the batter introduced with 40 seconds left and the pitcher throwing his last warm-up pitch by :30.
The dish
Today's full-squad workout starts at 10 a.m. at the Charlotte Sports Park (2300 El Jobean Road) and will last 2½ hours. Admission and parking free. Driving time from the bay area is 1½-2 hours. Suggested route: I-75 South to Toledo Blade Road, go west 6½ miles to El Jobean Road (SR 776), go right 2 miles, stadium complex is on left. For more information: (941) 235-5025.
Heads up
With a slightly compressed schedule, the highlight will be the fourth and final day of live batting practice, starting at 11. Scheduled pitchers include Chris Archer, Ernesto Frieri and Jeff Beliveau.
On deck
Thursday: vs. Orioles, 1:05. Rays — RH Nathan Karns; Orioles — LH Wei-Yin Chen
Friday: vs. Twins, 1:05. Rays — RH Matt Andriese; Twins — TBA
Saturday: vs. Pirates (Bradenton), 1:05. Rays — RH Alex Cobb; Pirates — RH A.J. Burnett
Exhibition sked
Rays tickets: Range from $10-$29, available at raysbaseball.com, via phone (toll-free 1-800-745-3000), CSP or Tropicana Field box offices, team Tampa Store (400 N Tampa St.), all Ticketmaster outlets.
All games 1:05 p.m. unless noted.
March
8 vs. Phillies
9 at Yankees
10 at Red Sox (SS)
vs. Pirates (SS)
11 at Twins
12 vs Blue Jays
13 at Phillies
14 at Orioles
15 vs. Mets
17 at Phillies
18 at Blue Jays, 1:07
19 vs. Twins
20 vs. Blue Jays
21 vs. Twins
22 at Blue Jays, 12:37
23 vs. Pirates
25 at Twins
26 vs. Yankees
27 at Orioles
28 vs. Red Sox
29 at Red Sox
30 vs. Orioles
31 at Orioles (SS)
vs. Red Sox (SS)
April
1 at Yankees
2 at Phillies
3 at Tigers
4 vs. Tigers at Tropicana Field, 12:35
Marc Topkin, Times staff writer