Tampa Bay Rays: Quote of the day

Olympic moments of the day

Nonroster LHP R.J. Swindle has more than a casual interest in the Games, having been born (and still having family) in Vancouver and having played in the last Olympics for Team Canada. "It's been pretty fun to watch," he said. Also for reliever Mike Ekstrom, who was an Oregon state high school champion skier, winning the slalom title as a senior. "I was more interested in skiing in high school until my senior season of baseball," Ekstrom said. "I would still like to do it, but it makes it a little tricky with my profession."

Quote of the day

"They all looked good. They all threw no-hitters."

Senior adviser Don Zimmer, after watching the starters' Sunday bullpen sessions.

Déjà vu all over again

RHP Joaquin Benoit had something — though not much — of a familiar feeling walking into the Charlotte Sports Park clubhouse since he trained here as a Texas Ranger from 1997-2002. "It's a lot different," Benoit said. "I got lost coming in here. This building wasn't even here. There's been a lot of changes since last time I was here. But it's really nice."

Drill of the day

Minor-league pitching coordinator Dick Bosman provided his sermon from the mound on holding runners, offering his unique tips and techniques. "Bos does a great job of explaining it," manager Joe Maddon said. "Most guys don't have a real designed method of operation when it comes to this; they just do it. So he gives you a couple little things to think about, a couple keys that are real pertinent and easy. I'm a big fan."

List of the day

Most steals of home by active players

B.J. Upton 3

Torii Hunter 3

Alex Rodriguez 3

Omar Vizquel 3

Gary Sheffield* 3

* currently unsigned

Did you know?

RHP Andy Sonnanstine's great uncle was former Indians All-Star 3B Ken Keltner, who was most known for making two great defensive plays on line drives that helped stopped Joe DiMaggio's 56-game hitting streak in 1941.

The dish

Today's workout for pitchers and catchers starts at 9:30 a.m. at the Charlotte Sports Park, 2300 El Jobean Road, Port Charlotte. Driving time from the bay area is 1½-2 hours. Suggested route: 1-75 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 (S.R. 776). Turn right. Go about 2 miles, complex will be on the left. Workouts usually last 2½-3 hours. Admission and parking are free.

Heads-up

Lefty David Price, above, and top prospect Jeremy Hellickson are among those scheduled to throw bullpen sessions, starting around 10:10.

Marc Topkin, Times staff writer