Dusty tidbits

Dusty Baker saw the Sunday piece we ran on Sabermatic in the clip package.

"One of guys come up with the computer lineup?" he asked. "That'd go over big. Junior (Griffey) batting seventh. . . "

Also from Baker:

He said he hopes Homer Bailey concentrates on Javy Valentin's glove and not the guys in the batter's box tonight.

“He can’t see the lineup," Baker said. "The one thing with a young guy you don’t want him to look at the names on the back. That’s one of the toughest thing about being in the big leagues. I encourage my young guys to see the glove and not see the names. You see the names it’s a bit intimidating. It’s a challenge. It’s tough facing guys you’ve been watching on TV a few years ago. That’s how it was for me. I’m facing Bob Gibson and I saw him strike out 18 Tigers the year before on TV."

He likes what he's seen from Bailey: “Homer’s been throwing the ball well. He’s been throwing the ball real well,” Baker said. “I’m seeing in the control, mechanics and demeanor. I haven’t seen the tendency to overthrow. I talked to coach (Dick) Pole and he said it’s the best he’s seen him throw since he’s been here.”


INJURY REPORT: Nothing’s changed with catcher David Ross. He still hasn’t resumed baseball activity because of back spasm. Left-hander Bill Bray (shoulder) came through his throwing session Sunday without a problem. “He might be ready for game action (today or Wednesday),” Baker said.

PATTERSON, HAIRSTON TODAY: Outfielder Corey Patterson and infielder Jerry Hairston Jr. will make the trip to Lakeland today for the game with the Tigers. It will their first game action since signing a week ago.