Rays manager downplays A-Rod quest of 600, brings up PED's

 Well, it looks like Alex Rodriguez and Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon won't be exchanging pregame pleasant talk tonight (Yankees vs. Rays 7:10)

Maddon, gave his two cents on the A-Rod 600 homer chase -- bringing up Rodriguez's use of PED's -- as it turns to his own ballpark in St. Petersburg. The Yankees' rival manager didn't speak of the ballparks dimensions enhancing or hurting Rodriguez's chances, or his pitchers mindsets when facing Rodriguez and the big No. 600.

Rather Maddon took a chance to take fuel out of the A-Rod-600 fire, with these comments thanks to the St. Petersburg Times' Marc Topkin.

Here are some quotes from what Maddon had to say:

"Because of all the subplots involved, I think that's why you're not getting as much of a buildup. "I don't think that it's worn off. I think when (the Twins') Jim Thome arrives nearer that point, you're going to see the same kind of previous buildup, I believe, as an example. I think based on the revelations (Rodriguez's use of Performance Enhancing Drugs) of the last couple years, I think it probably detracts from it a bit."

Well, there you have it. The Rays manager sides on the case of lack of excitement. 

Maddon might have reason to worry tonight, though. And reason to fire off that diatribe.

The Rays starter tonight in Wade Davis hasn't faired to well against Rodriguez.

Rodriguez's career line versus Davis:

Average: .500

Home Runs: 2 (in 8 at bats)