Exhibition schedule
Tickets: $10-$27, available at raysbaseball.com, Charlotte Sports Park and Trop box offices, Tampa team store, through Ticketmaster.
Info: Toll-free 1-888-326-7297 (FAN-RAYS)
All games 1:05 unless noted
February
23: vs. Pirates, at Red Sox, 1:35
24: at Twins
25: vs. Red Sox (ss)
26: vs. Astros
27: at Pirates
28: vs. Tigers
March
1: at Jays
2: vs. Orioles
3: vs. Twins
4: at Red Sox, 1:35
5: at Twins
6: Off
7: at Pirates
8: vs. Phillies
9: at Phillies
10: vs. Red Sox
11: vs. Twins, 7:05
12: vs. Yankees
13: Off
14: at Orioles
15: vs. Phillies
16: vs. Red Sox
17: at Red Sox, 1:35
18: Off
19: at Tigers
20: at Twins, 7:05
21: vs. Jays
22: vs. Orioles, at Pirates
23: vs. Twins
24: at Yankees
25: vs. Pirates, 7:05
26: at Phillies
27: vs. Jays
28: at Orioles, 7:05
29: at Tigers
30: vs. Tigers at Trop, 1:10
Who is this Ray: INF Mike Fontenot
On the Web
Follow our coverage all spring on The Heater blog (tampabay.com/blogs/rays) and on Twitter @TBTimes_Rays.
For Maddon, a small honor
What did manager Joe Maddon think of his gnome giveaway? "It's somewhat overwhelming to be characterized in gnomedom like that. It's really difficult to describe that feeling that someone has at that moment. I'm pleased, I'm honored, I'm humbled by the entire event. And hopefully I won't scare too many kids."
Promo schedule highlights
(Full list at tampabay.com/blogs/rays)
4/6: Price Cy Young Award figurine
4/7: Longoria wall cling
4/21: Astro bobblehead
4/24: Maddon gnome
5/12: Rays flower pot
6/16: Hellickson headphones
6/30: Joyce race car
7/6: Longoria retro bobblehead
7/7: Super Zo utility belt
8/18: Rays lunchbox
8/24: Moore cowbell
8/25: Jennings the Jet action figure
Who is this Ray?
He was on LSU's 2000 College World Series-winning team with Ryan Theriot and Brian Wilson. Was a first-round pick by Baltimore. Has spent parts of seven seasons in the majors, all in the National League. Was once traded for Sammy Sosa. (Answer below)
The dish
Today's first full-squad workout starts at 10 a.m. at the Charlotte Sports Park (2300 El Jobean Road, Port Charlotte) and lasts about 3 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.
Promotion highlights: Maddon gnome, Astro bobblehead
The Rays are getting creative with their promotional items. A Joe Maddon gnome and a bobblehead of David Price's dog Astro are among this year's highlights. Also of note: a Price Cy Young Award figurine, Jeremy Hellickson headphones, a Matt Joyce race car, a Jennings the Jet action figurine and a Matt Moore cowbell. (Schedule below left).
Maddon Gnome vs. ZimBear
Somehow there is a comparison to be made between the gnome and 2012's hit (and somewhat haunting) giveaway, the Don Zimmer ZimBear: "Zim wins," Maddon says. "My gnome caricature is … I'd say a distant second. I'll never be able to approach Zim's overall scariness."
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