Tampa Bay rays signed #1 pick Tim Beckham Thursday.   Beckham, 18, received a $6.15 million signing bonus and will report to the Rays’ Appalachian League affiliate in Princeton, W.Va., to begin his professional career.   Beckham was present for all the festivites of Thursday nights series sweep against the Chicago Cubs …. bet he’s chomping at the bit to get out on the field!

Jason Bartlett was a late scratch from the lineup Thursday after fouling a ball off his foot in batting practice.  He is listed as day to day.  In the interim Evan Longoria filled in at SS.  Longoria has had some experience playing SS at Long Beach State and has been working during practice at the position.  With the impending birth of Jason Bartlett’s child, Longoria is likely to be seen lurking at SS for a few game sthe next week or so.