Tampa Bay Rays Notes, Quotes 2008-09-30

--RHP James Shields and LHP Scott Kazmir will start the first two games of the Division Series, but manager Joe Maddon would not yet commit to an order. One factor is whether the Rays play the Twins or the White Sox. RHP Matt Garza is the likely Game 3 starter.

--LF Carl Crawford had another good-looking and pain-free batting practice session on Sunday, improving his chances of rejoining the lineup for the Division Series. Crawford, out since Aug. 9 with a right-hand tendon injury that required surgery Aug. 14, will participate in an instructional league game on Monday, and perhaps Tuesday and Wednesday, to further test himself and get his timing back.

--OF Jonny Gomes' two-run, bases-loaded double ended an 0-for-28 stretch against right-handed pitchers. It was his first hit off a righty since April 23.

--RHP Edwin Jackson blew the save in his first career opportunity but ended up with a decent consolation prize as the Rays rallied and he recorded the victory, his 14th of the season to tie the team record shared by James Shields and original Devil Ray Rolando Arrojo.

--INF/OF Ben Zobrist is affectionately called "Zo-rilla" by manager Joe Maddon because of his recent power surge. Zobrist hit his fourth homer of the weekend on Sunday and his 12th of the season.

BY THE NUMBERS: 11 -- Number of seasons the Rays have been in existence before earning their first division crown.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "It's amazing, what this team has accomplished. ... Unbelievable. It just feels unbelievable." -- Carlos Pena, on the Rays' clinching the AL East on Sept. 26.

Author: Fox Sports

Author's Website: http://www.foxsports.com

Added: September 30, 2008