Seems as though Merlot Joe Maddon, the Rays numbers-crunching, walk-loving manager, has been befriending Bucs coach Raheem Morris for ulterior motives. That’s the sense Joe got from Twitter-allergic Roger Mooney of the Tampa Tribune.

Merlot Joe has invited Morris and members of his coaching staff to hang out with the Rays today at spring training at Port Charlotte. Because of a scheduling conflict, Morris won’t get a chance to take the field with the Rays but wide receivers coach Eric Yarber will suit up and attempt to play shortstop.

Merlot Joe, a former high school quarterback, told Mooney that he hopes Morris will reciprocate his offer and allow Merlot Joe to play quarterback in Bucs practice sometime.

Maddon liked the idea of participating in a Bucs practice should Morris extend an invitation. The former quarterback at Hazelton High (Penn.) wouldn’t mind getting under center again.

“That will be nice,” Maddon said. “At least if I could run the scout team, just pass defense only. Red shirt on, I might be able to throw the ball 10 yards, that would be good, little flairs out of the backfield.”

Joe would love to see Maddon try to fire a pass past Ronde Barber. Joe has a hunch Yarber can turn on a fastball better than Maddon can hit a receiver on a post-route.