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'Big Game' James To Start Rays' Opener

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By MARC LANCASTER

mlancaster@tampatrib.com

Published: March 5, 2009

Updated: 03/05/2009 12:54 am

PORT CHARLOTTE - 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.

Not only will Shields be kicking off Tampa Bay's defense of its American League championship, he'll also be getting the ball April 6 in Boston on his own merits. That wasn't necessarily the case last spring, when Shields did the honors in Baltimore because Scott Kazmir was on the disabled list.

After informing Shields of his decision Tuesday, Rays manager Joe Maddon said the man who has established himself as the backbone of Tampa Bay's pitching staff had earned the right based on his "body of work."

Shields will be followed in the rotation by Kazmir, Matt Garza, Andy Sonnanstine and a fifth starter to be determined.

"It feels pretty good," Shields said. "I think it's a pretty good compliment for me. Any one of these guys could have gotten the start, but I think having Kaz in between me and Garza is a pretty good thing and I'm going to take it with honor."

Shields admitted he was "pretty shocked" to be told so early in camp, but figured getting it out of the way early would allow everyone to just move on and get ready for the season.

The next step on that path for Shields and the others in the rotation will begin this weekend as they make their first appearances in Grapefruit League games.

Shields will start it off Saturday against the Red Sox in Port Charlotte, with Kazmir set to make his spring debut Monday against the Twins and Garza and Sonnanstine slated to work Tuesday against the Blue Jays.

The Toronto game also will feature David Price's first appearance of the spring, and Maddon said the team's top prospect should have plenty of time to state his case for the fifth spot in the rotation.

Reporter Marc Lancaster can be reached at (813) 259-7227.

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