Brignac stunner: He likes LSU over Ohio State

Called LSU devotee/former Biscuits shortstop Reid Brignac early tonight to have a question answered: How bad will Ohio State beat LSU in the national championship game?

"Like I told you before, I told you we'd be here and we'd win it," Brignac said. "I don't see Ohio State winning it."

Brignac said he had plans to go to the game, but they fell through and he was probably going to watch on TV with fellow LSU devotee/Rays minor-leaguer Matt Walker. Brignac did go to two LSU games this year, though he didn't pick wisely. One was the Thanksgiving weekend loss to Arkansas.

He wouldn't venture a guess for tonight's score.

"I don't predict scores because you can never tell, especially this year with all the upsets," Brignac said. "One more than them."

Brignac went to New York for New Year's to see fellow former Biscuit Fernando Perez, had just gotten home from some deer hunting (saw six, took no shots) and said he might have to arrange a friendly wager (dinner?) with Ohio State fan/former Biscuit Andy Sonnanstine. Since Brignac is going to major-league spring training, he said Sonnanstine can pay up then.

"I'm going to have to give him a call," Brignac said.

Sunday notebooks

Various baseball-related things I found interesting -- or I thought you might -- while perusing the 'net today.

St. Petersburg Times: Regular weekly notebook says Rays manager Joe Maddon wants more out of catcher Dioner Navarro.

Boston Globe: Dmitri Young will try to be a positive influence on former Biscuit Elijah Dukes with the Nationals.

Los Angeles Times: A look at some off-beat bonuses written into players' contracts. Some stuff about the Rays, but I would have shared this one anyway.

Kansas City Star: How do baseball writers decide their Hall of Fame votes? This year's induction class will be announced Tuesday.

Houston Chronicle: Columnist Steve Campbell recommends a few excuses that Roger Clemens will hopefully avoid when dodging steroid accusations. I think you deserve a treat.

Bright on deck for Booster Club

Montgomery Mayor Bobby Bright will serenade the Biscuits Booster Club on Monday. The club has its regular meeting at 7 p.m. Monday at Riverwalk Stadium.

Rays sign 2 former major-leaguers; Switzer to Boston

Former major-leaguers Andy Cannizaro and John Rodriguez have have signed minor-league contracts with the Rays.

Cannizaro, a 29-year-old infielder, played at Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre last year, but had a 13-game stay with the New York Yankees in September 2006. Rodriguez, an outfielder, was at Class AAA Memphis until a July knee injury last year. He was in the majors with St. Louis the previous two seasons. Rodriguez turns 30 this month.

SATURDAY UPDATE: Former Biscuits pitcher Jon Switzer has signed with the Boston Red Sox, according to the good folks at draysbay.com.

Twins eye Pridie as Hunter replacement

Former Biscuit Jason Pridie is a prime candidate to replace All-Star Torii Hunter in center field for the Twins. "It's up to him," says the Minnesota GM.