Tampa Bay Rays: James Shields attends David Price's minor-league start; Rays fall just short of attendance record

Shift-beater, Part I

The Red Sox put a defensive shift on against lefty-swinging DH Luke Scott in the first inning, loading up the right side. So Scott dropped a bunt down the third-base line, reaching first base with ease. With the Rays playing Boston 18 times during the season, Scott felt it was a good idea to put that thought in their mind. "If it's there, you take it," manager Joe Maddon said.

Shift-beater, Part II

With Scott up again in the fifth and OF Matt Joyce on second, the Red Sox did a modified shift, with their third baseman in the shortstop area. So Joyce jogged to third, picking up his first steal of the spring.

Announcement of the day

In the top of the third, there was a smaller Ray tossing in the bullpen. Then came the announcement in the press box, "Warming up in the Rays bullpen, No. 46½, Clayton Boroski," son of bullpen coach Stan Boroski.

The dish

Today: Off

On deck:

Tuesday: at Marlins, 1:05. Rays — Wade Davis, Marquis Fleming, Jhonny Nunez, Ryan Reid. Marlins — TBD

Wednesday: vs. Yankees, 1:05. Rays — Kyle Farnsworth. Yankees — Phil Hughes, relievers TBD

Thursday: at Pirates, 1:05. Rays — TBD. Pirates — TBD

Heads-up

RHP Jeremy Hellickson is scheduled to throw in a minor-league game today in Port Charlotte.

Upcoming schedule

All games 1:05 unless noted

March

23: Jays (7:05)

24: at Twins (3:05)

25: Marlins

26: at Twins

27: at Red Sox (1:35)

28: Pirates (7:05)

29: at Phillies

30: at Pirates

31: Red Sox

April

1: at Orioles

2: Twins*

3: at Twins

4: vs. Future Rays, 1:40, at Trop

* Value game, $2 off

Who is this Ray?

He's a reliever who, after being designated for assignment by the Yankees after last spring training, played for the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles in Japan and was teammates with former Ray Akinori Iwamura. Who is this answer: RHP Romulo Sanchez

Joe Smith, Times staff writer

Support of the day

RHP James Shields took a spin on the golf cart to the backfields Sunday morning to watch LHP David Price throw in a minor-league game. Price appreciated the support but pointed out he made the trip to Tampa to watch Shields and teammates against the Yankees earlier this spring. "I go to Tampa, he goes to the backfield," Price said, smiling. "It's cool."

Number of the day

7,826 Attendance Sunday, eight shy of a Rays spring training record.