Rays take 6-0 lead into the fourth

Juan Castro doubles to right field to start the third inning for the Reds, and the significance of Castro’s two-bagger is this: The Reds shortstop waited more than an hour for his first at-bat.

Javier Valentine is batting for the Reds. He’s a former Rays catcher. I remember the day he joined the Rays near the end of spring training in 2003. Lou Piniella said he reminded him of Ivan Rodriguez.

“Physically,” Piniella was quick to add.

Same build, but not quite the same production from the two backstops.

Valentine flew out to Hinske in right. I think we can pencil Hinske on the Opening Day roster. He may not play the outfield as well as Jon Weber or John Rodriguez, but he has more pop in his bat and way more major league experience. Plus, he can play first and third base.

Rays vice president of baseball Andrew Friedman indicated this morning that he’s exploring trades and there are rumors the Rays are interested in Coco Crisp, who would be an upgrade over what they have in right, which is basically Jonny Gomes. Also, he could backup Upton in center.

Corey Patterson almost takes Garza’s head off with a grounder up the middle. Bartlett scoops it up behind second and the inning is over.

I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: Bartlett is the Rays best offseason pick up.