ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — David Ortiz likes to joke around and have fun when he arrives at work. For some reason, though, his personality really comes out during the postseason.

Ortiz was surrounded by reporters before the team’s workout yesterday at Tropicana Field. When he was asked about past scrums between the two teams, the Sox slugger downplayed the situation.

“There’s no bad blood,” he said. “This isn’t [professional wrestling]. This is a baseball game, bro. I’m out there hugging them and they’re hugging me back. Sometimes things happen in the game, but it stays on the field. It’s not like you’re going to wait in the parking lot to whip his [butt].”

When the Red Sox arrived at Tropicana Field yesterday, most of the players said it was a strange feeling to be playing here in October.

“How many times do you come to Tampa to play in October? Not many,” Ortiz said. “I think it’s good for the game, having Tampa in the playoffs. People get tired of seeing the same team every year. People got tired of seeing the Yankees, but hopefully they don’t get tired about seeing us.”

On the field, Ortiz took ground balls at first base during the team’s infield practice.

Shields rarin’ to go

Tampa Bay pitcher James Shields has made no secret of the fact that he can’t wait to face the Red Sox in Game One. The right-hander posted a 2-2 mark against Boston this season, and was even involved in a bench-clearing brawl at Fenway Park in June when he drilled the Sox’ Coco Crisp. Shields has become the ace of the Rays’ rotation, and the Red Sox know they’ll have to be at their best against him.

“We have to get a good pitch to hit,” said Dustin Pedroia. “He’s got a great changeup and his command is great. He’s been good in the big games for them this year. We need to find a way to get his pitch count up and get him out of there as soon as possible.”

A different Matsuzaka

Shields will face the Sox’ Daisuke Matsuzaka, who has pitched against the Rays eight times over the last two seasons.

“I have faced this team many times, but it’s hard to refer back to last year because I’ve also changed as a pitcher,” said Matsuzaka. “A lot of the same players are still in the lineup, so I have a good idea of what spots to pitch to and what pitches are effective. I just hope I can execute those pitches.”

Dice-K has a 2-3 career record against the Rays and a 3.75 ERA. The right-hander is 1-2 with a 3.41 ERA at Tropicana Field.

Around the bases

This is the Red Sox’ 11th postseason series since 2003. They have won 8 of the previous 10 — their only losses were to the Yankees in the 2003 ALCS and the White Sox in the 2005 ALDS –– and are 31-16 (.660) overall in those series … The Rays won seven of the last nine meetings between the teams this year, starting immediately after the Crisp-Shields fight game … The Rays and Red Sox had the best home records of any teams in baseball this season. Tampa Bay was 57-24 at Tropicana Field and Boston was 56-25 at Fenway Park. The Red Sox were 39-42 on the road, and the Rays were 40-41.

jmcdonal@projo.com / kmcnamar@projo.com