Around the Rays Universe March 12th

• Rays of Light shares some interesting Rays stats from Bill James' most recent book (Rays of Light).
  

• Jayson Stark is reporting that the Rays have interest in signing the ageless Kenny Lofton. RJ Anderson seems to think it would be a good idea and he argues for playing Lofton in right on an everyday basis and going with a Gomes/Floyd rotation at DH. He makes a good point: do we really want to see Gomes in right field everyday? I know I don't (DRays Bay).

• Rays Index talks with a Yankees blog about the Elliot Johnson hit (Rays Index).
  

• David Price was reassigned to minor league camp. Maddon had nothing but praise for him. I especially liked this insight. (Rays Report).
  

“You know what I like more than anything? The low strike,” said Maddon. “Here’s a young man that comes out with a lot of adrenaline going on and probably some form of nerves – although I’m not even sure that he has those things – and he’s throwing low strikes. Not just strikes, they’re quality strikes. It’s not like he’s all over the zone; he’s in one area.

• Ryu and Ruggiano were also cut. Maddon said Ryu looks better now than last year. Apparently, they did not want to give Ruggiano a shot at Rocco's roster spot because they don't want someone his age sitting on the bench. Also, the team would prefer a left handed bat (Rays Report).
  

• Rocco is scheduled to reveal something about his medical condition tomorrow. I have a feeling he will just throw out some vague descriptions and Friedman will tell everyone he is starting the season on the DL (St. Pete Times).
  

• Apparently, Delmon young had no idea about Shields as a pitcher when he was on the Rays. Just shows how much attention he paid to himself and no one else (Tampa Tribune).
  

"He said, 'I didn't know you had that much bite on your curveball,' " Shields said.

"I was putting some slow-pitch softball swings on it," said Young, who went 0-for-3 in his first game against his former team.

• Girardi continues to be a douche, big surprise (Newsday).
  

• John Donovan takes a look at the Rays new stadium plan for Sports Illustrated (si.com).
  

PA