down time

Desmond Jennings, the former Itawamba Community College two-sport star, was a longshot to make Tampa Bay's opening day roster when spring camp opened. After a couple of injury setbacks, Rays manager Joe Maddon conceded on Thursday that Jennings would open the season at Triple-A Durham. A highly touted outfield prospect, Jennings was hit by a pitch early in camp and then injured a wrist, which will sideline him until next week. "A lot disappointing," he told mlb.com. Sure it is, but his time will come. Oh yes, his time will come.

P.S. This slipped under the radar last weekend but certainly deserves the belated attention: Tougaloo's winless streak in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference is over. The Bulldogs, 0-81 in league play over four seasons, beat Loyola of New Orleans 5-1 last Saturday in the opener of a doubleheader. It's a small step, but that's how it works.