Traveling secretary Ziegler parts ways with TB

ST. PETERSBURG -- Longtime traveling secretary Jeff Ziegler has decided to leave the Rays to pursue another opportunity.

"Ziggy" was one of the best at what he did as attested by countless current and former Tampa Bay players. Typifying Ziegler's tenure with the team was the work he did to get Dan Johnson to Fenway Park on Sept. 9, 2008, enabling one of the greatest moments in team history to take place. Had Ziegler not been able to make the travel arrangements to get Johnson from Wilkes-Barre, Pa., to Boston in time, Johnson never would have hit the pivotal home run off Jonathan Papelbon.

Corresponding moves within the Rays' clubhouse will see Chris Westmorland become director of team travel and clubhouse operations. Jose Fernandez will take over as the home clubhouse manager, while Ryan Denlinger is now the assistant home clubhouse manager.