Ray Is Keeping Busy Fixing Up Mustang, Arm

BALTIMORE, April 21 -- Baltimore Orioles closer Chris Ray needed a diversion from the tedious nature of his rehab from ligament replacement surgery. So after ruling out golf for fear that he could cause further injury to his elbow, Ray found an alternative on the Internet. He bought a 1992 Mustang GT for $3,000 on eBay and has used his down time at the team's minor league complex in Sarasota, Fla., to restore the car.

"I thought it would be fun," said Ray, who is working with a cousin on the project. "It would keep me occupied and stuff, looking at different parts. So it's either this or video games."

After finishing his rehab work for the day, Ray often scours the Internet for parts and searches Web sites for articles written by other restoration enthusiasts, looking for fresh ideas on how to restore the car.

He has already bought a new engine and transmission for the Mustang, which sits in his driveway in Sarasota. Ray's cousin, who has a background in restoration, will do the physical work of replacing the parts.

As for Ray's other restoration project, which involves his surgically repaired right arm, the process has moved smoothly. The 26-year-old pitcher, who has 49 career saves over the last two seasons for Baltimore, expects to begin throwing from flat ground in early May.

Orioles pitching coach Rick Kranitz said Ray looked good during a long-toss session earlier this month, when the pitcher joined the team for a series against the Tampa Bay Rays.

"You wouldn't have known," Kranitz said. "That's how good I think he's come along with his rehab. He's in good spirits and things are looking up for him which is really nice to see."

Sherrill, Jones Return to Seattle

Former Mariners Adam Jones and George Sherrill will return to Seattle on Tuesday for the first time since being traded for Orioles pitcher Erik Bedard. While Jones spent two short stints with the Mariners, the closer Sherrill worked out of Seattle's bullpen for most of four seasons.

"They may not remember who I am," Sherrill said. "But I think it will be a pretty decent reception. I'm not expecting a standing O or anything. Some people will remember the name hopefully."