RAYS EXTRA: Spring training takes a step forward

A major step in the construction of Charlotte County Stadium in Port Charlotte will take place today when the topping out beam is placed on the renovated press box. The stadium, which seats more than 5,000 and resembles Bright House Field in Clearwater, is on schedule to be ready in February when the Tampa Bay Rays move their spring training and minor league operations to the former training site of the Texas Rangers. STAT OF THE DAY 106: Number of bases the Rays had stolen prior to Tuesday's game. That is the most in the major leagues and has the Rays on pace to steal 175 bases this season, which would shatter the club record of 151 set in 2005. HE SAID IT "He knew that we still had confidence in ourselves. We felt like it was just those seven games. We were kind of pressing a little bit, and we could see the All-Star break... [read full story]