Rays: Roster turnover, Cash on other side of conversations

Question of the day

How many of the 25 players expected to be on the Rays' opening day roster were on the team's 25-man opening day roster last year?

Answer: Nine — RHP Chris Archer, RHP Grant Balfour, RHP Jake Odorizzi, INF Logan Forsythe, 1B James Loney, 3B Evan Longoria, OF David DeJesus, OF Brandon Guyer, OF Desmond Jennings

Different view

Manager Kevin Cash has been through several tough conversations over final roster moves as the Rays prepare to break spring training. But this time, as a first-year manager, it was different.

"It was tough," Cash said. "I've heard them as a player. I've been a part of them as a coach. Now doing it as manager, it's a different setting. You're crushing somebody, and that's never good."

Cash said he told those who didn't make the roster that opening day is a big day, but some of them will still be expected to contribute in the majors later this season.

Quote of the day

"It felt the best it felt all spring (Friday). It was coming out really easy and had some good giddyup to it. If I can take this to my start against Baltimore, hopefully it'll be a good day."

RHP Jake Odorizzi, on his last start of the spring

Good deeds

Archer was scheduled to attend a Bowl for Kids' Sake fundraiser at Pin Chasers Midtown in Tampa to benefit the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay. … The Rays and Moffitt Cancer Center will offer free skin cancer screenings before today's game in Lot 7.

The dish

RAYS VS. TIGERS

When/where: 12:35 today; Tropicana Field

TV/radio: Sun Sports; 620-AM

Tickets: $15 general admission, available through Ticketmaster, Tropicana Field box office, phone toll-free 1-800-745-3000.

Rays information: Toll-free 1-888-326-7297 (FAN-RAYS)

Pitchers: Rays — RH Matt Andriese, RH Erasmo Ramirez, RH Steve Geltz, RH Brandon Gomes, RH Kirby Yates, LH Jordan Norberto, RH Jhan Marinez; Tigers — RH Alfredo Simon

Heads-up

Today marks the last spring training game and will be the first look at newly acquired RHP Erasmo Ramirez. He's expected to throw a few innings today to top catcher Rene Rivera. The Rays' regulars are expected to play but will likely have short appearances to rest for Monday's opening day.

Matt Baker, Times staff writer