Jays at Rays

Good morning from Al Lang Field.

It’s 8:55 on March 1, and the grounds crew is tidying up the infield for the Rays pregame work.

Good to be back in what I think is one of the best baseball stadiums in Florida. I’d say it’s the best, but that is sacrilegious for someone who works for the Bradenton Herald. Besides, McKechnie Field is at the top of my list. Maybe they’re 1A and 1B.

I give the nod to Al Lang because of the view of the water.

Sadly, it will be the last spring training at the old ballpark on the banks of Tampa Bay in downtown St. Petersburg.

But today is not the day for melancholy thoughts on the last go-round for an old ballpark. There will be plenty of time for that in the coming weeks.

There is baseball to be played, and the Blue Jays are in town.

James Shields is on the hill for the Rays. Cliff Floyd makes his Rays debut. Rocco Baldelli is in the lineup for the first time since May 15 of last year. He will DH.

The sun is shinning and the sky is blue.

First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m.

Here is the starting lineup for the Rays:

2B Akinori Iwamura
LF Carl Crawford
1B Carlos Pena
RF Cliff Floyd
DH Rocco Baldelli
3B Willy aybar
C Hector Gimenez
SS Jason Bartlett
CF Fernando Perez
P James Shields