* The numbers are tell-tale. David Price, the recently traded Rays’ primo pitcher, had more wins, strike outs and innings pitched than any other Ray. But numbers are not the entire Price legacy. He was an engaging, energizing, well-respected presence in the locker room–as well as elsewhere around the Trop.
Price’s full-page, “Thank You, Tampa Bay” Times ad spoke volumes. Sure, there were shout-outs for the owner, team officials, coaching staff, teammates, fans and the late Don Zimmer. But there was also this: “Thank you, Rays organization. From Vinny in the parking lot, to Berte outside our clubhouse, to Papito, Beans, Champ, T-Wall, Sexy Black, Nasty Nate, and all the many wonderful people who helped and supported me each day I was at the Trop. …”
* Rays pitcher Chris Archer has established himself as different. He’s notably well-spoken and eclectically well-informed. He’s given to quoting author/self-empowerment expert/spiritual teacher Howard Falco.
And this off-season he will represent Major League Baseball in Africa as a goodwill ambassador. He will be in South Africa as a baseball-camp guest instructor.