Ben Zobrist backs up for the Rays at almost every position on the field. But who backs up the back up? ...more

March 7, 2009

The Florida Gators and Kentucky Wildcats – both fighting for their NCAA Tournament lives – will play on the first day of next week's Southeastern Conference Men's Basketball Tournament at the St. Pete Times Forum. ...more

March 6, 2009

For the second consecutive season, James Shields will be called upon to set the tone for the Rays on Opening Day. But this year's assignment will be a bit sweeter. ...more

March 5, 2009

After two deflating years in St. Louis, Adam Kennedy needed a manager who believed in him. ...more

March 2, 2009

The Red Sox didn't exactly bring their Opening Day lineup north from Fort Myers on Friday, but there were enough legitimate major-leaguers atop the lineup to give Jeff Niemann the taste he wanted. ...more

February 28, 2009

GO FISHING is a look at the area fishing scene through the eyes of local charter boat captains and fishing guides. Today: Billy Nobles, left, with "Reel Animals" partner Mike ...more

February 28, 2009

The addition of free agent designated hitter Pat Burrell has Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon contemplating a lineup that would drop second baseman Akinori Iwamura out of the lead-off spot. ...more

February 26, 2009

The Rays could have given the start in their Grapefruit League opener to Jason Hammel, an established member of the team who is battling for a rotation spot. ...more

February 26, 2009

Justin Verlander staked an early claim to regaining his role as the Detroit Tigers' ace, throwing two shutout innings Wednesday in a 5-4 win over Atlanta in each team's spring training opener. ...more

February 25, 2009

The games that count are still a ways off, but the Rays will take another significant step toward Opening Day as they begin their Grapefruit League schedule this afternoon against the Cincinnati Reds. ...more

February 25, 2009