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Longoria Handles Move To SS

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 21, 2008

ST. PETERSBURG - Thursday night's start at shortstop was an unplanned sneak preview of things to come for Evan Longoria, and it may end up helping him when he gets an expected start or two there within the next week.

That will happen when starter Jason Bartlett's wife gives birth, and Longoria had been preparing for those duties by working with infield coach Tom Foley - even practicing some double-play turns at the second-base bag during batting practice Thursday.

When Bartlett fouled a ball off the inside of his left ankle in that same session, Longoria's big-league debut at shortstop came early. And at the last minute. The usual third baseman said he was told only minutes before the game that he would slide over to short. That part of it was by design.

"When I heard about J.B.'s ankle, I said 'Don't anybody tell Longoria yet,' " said Rays manager Joe Maddon. "I wanted him to have as little amount of time to think about it had we had to change our mind. We just dropped it on him at the very end and he was fine."

Bartlett concurred.

"He looked fine - I think his heart was pounding a little too fast."

Longoria admitted as much, and that was understandable since he last played the position as a sophomore at Long Beach State.

"It was different, being in the middle, but it was fun," said Longoria. "I just went out there and had fun with it. I only got one ground ball, a slow roller, so I didn't have too much trouble.

"I was a little nervous just going into the first inning, but as soon as I got that out of the way, I was fine. The only thing I'm just a little uncomfortable about still is just getting around the bag and turning double plays and stuff. I've been out there working with Foley, so it's just something that comes back with time. I haven't been out there in forever, so it's more of a feel thing."

Longoria was back at third base Friday night with Bartlett's ankle feeling much better, but he'll get another shot at it when Bartlett's wife gives birth. If that doesn't happen by Wednesday, the couple plans to induce labor.

REHAB WATCH: 1B Carlos Pena (broken left index finger) has reached a point in his recovery that he can go through his usual pregame work. He just hasn't been cleared to play yet.

That day should come soon, though. Pena will have his finger X-rayed Sunday and will join the team on its trip to Miami and Pittsburgh. He isn't sure yet whether he'll be back against the Marlins or the Pirates.

"It all depends on how that X-ray comes back and how comfortable the doctor is to give me the go-ahead," he said.

In Vero Beach on Friday, Rocco Baldelli went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts and was hit by a pitch against St. Lucie. The Rays have said they would wait until after Friday's game to determine the next step in Baldelli's rehab.

BULLISH ON BALFOUR: Maddon sees RHP Grant Balfour, who picked up a win for the second consecutive outing Thursday, coming into his own.

"He's on the verge of really believing in himself right now," said Maddon, "and once he does, with his stuff, there's no telling what he can do."

NOTEWORTHY: FSN Florida said the 4.5 rating (81,000 households) for Thursday's Rays-Cubs game was its highest for a Rays broadcast. ... Rays principal owner Stuart Sternberg is expected to be in attendance for the next two games. ...The Rays will wear the pinstriped home uniforms of the St. Petersburg Pelicans tonight, while the Astros will counter with their vintage 1980s togs.

Marc Lancaster

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