Daily Loaf

• David Price, the highly touted Rays rookie pitcher, made his Major League debut yesterday against the Yankees. He pitched as advertised, and Rays fans can only anticipate an already strong staff getting even better.

Price gave up one run in 5-1/2 innings — a homerun to Derek Jeter, and there’s not much shame in that. If I’m Joe Maddon, I start Price at least one game in the regular season — especially if Edwin Jackson continues to look shaky.

• I’m both pleased and disappointed at the play of Bucs second-year defensive end Gaines Adams. After the being invisible last week, the fourth overall pick in the 2007 draft showed up against the Falcons with two sacks and four quarterback hits — one of which looked like it came late and should’ve drawn a penalty.

That’s OK, though — I was waiting for Adams to show a mean streak. I’m a little disappointed ’cause I was all set to blast the kid, and he stole my thunder by playing pretty damn well.

• Brian Griese got a win, which is the bottom line, but I still think Gruden pulled the plug too quickly on Jeff Garcia.

Yes, he was rusty and jumpy last week, but has Gruden forgotten what Garcia did last year? Griese missed some key (easy) throws.

The Bucs won because the defense feasted on Falcons rookie quarterback Matt Ryan; Griese was a caretaker, and Garcia could’ve done that. I think it’s gotten personal between Gruden and Garcia, and Gruden’s benching him is punitive.

• Second-round pick Dexter Jackson had better sack up on punt and kick returns. He’s way to quick to dive to the turf if he sees a big hit coming. He has straightaway speed but doesn’t show me much elusiveness.

In a typical NFL move, the Bucs relegated Micheal Spurlock to the practice squad — after he returned the team’s first ever kickoff for a touchdown last year — in favor of a guy of a second round draft pick.

Teams can’t admit that high draft picks are busts (although it’s a little early to tag Jackson with that). Still, an NFL club should put its best players on the field, and Spurlock is the Bucs best kickoff returner.

• Even after last year’s breakout season, I had doubts about Earnest Graham. I don’t anymore.

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