Luncheon kicks off Winter Caravan

02/01/2006
TAMPA, Fla. -- In case anybody was wondering about the excitement level in the Tampa Bay area about the Devil Rays, the Tampa Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the Hyatt Regency could be used as an early litmus test.
Approximately 170 people attended the opening event for the Rays Winter Caravan in 2005. At the same luncheon Wednesday, approximately 350 were in attendance, and the mood was upbeat.
"There's anticipation and excitement about the season," said team president Matt Silverman while watching the crowd file in. "We are sensing open minds. People are open to the possibilities of what this franchise can become. That helps to bolster our efforts."
Wednesday's luncheon kicked off the Rays' 2006 Winter Caravan schedule. Taking part were Rays players Joey Gathright, Chad Orvella, Rocco Baldelli and Jason Hammel. Also in attendance were Silverman, executive vice president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, senior vice president of baseball operations Gerry Hunsicker, Rays TV commentators Joe Magrane and Dewayne Staats, and Rays radio commentators Andy Freed and Dave Wills.
Following the luncheon, the Rays remained in Tampa and visited youngsters at St. Joseph's Childrens Hospital and the Interbay-Glover YMCA.
Silverman took the podium first and spoke to the audience about the dramatic changes the new ownership is making to Tropicana Field to improve the fan experience, beginning with improvements to the cleanliness of the facility, renovating the bathrooms, installing a new sound system and new club seating. He followed by noting the organization is committed to putting a winner on the field by building with young players.
"Our commitment is to keep these players here for many years to come," said Silverman, drawing an ovation.
He then mentioned how Baldelli had been signed to a six-year deal, which drew further applause.
Silverman closed by saying that the organization's operative word is "pride."
"We are proud to be this community's home team," he said, noting the Devil Rays would continue to be that way "whatever we will be in 2007," alluding to the possible name change.
Maddon spoke next, expressing his eagerness to build the relationships with his players that are necessary to building chemistry and a winning team. Discussing his managerial style, he said he has a fondness for fundamentals and drill work and that it would be important for the Devil Rays to pay attention to detail.
"Winning baseball creates pride in a community," Maddon said.
Later when questions were being answered from the audience, Maddon addressed one asking when the team could be expected to play .500 baseball by saying the goal is not to win 70 or 80 games, but "our goal is to get to the playoffs."
"I don't like to go home in October and watch other people play," Maddon said.
Other questions of interest included one put to Gathright, perhaps the fastest player in baseball, regarding who would win a foot race between he and Carl Crawford.
After telling the audience they had never raced, Gathright smiled about the oft-asked question. "That question never gets old," he said.
The audience caught Gathright's sarcasm. He added: "If I had to bet [on who would win the race], I'd bet on myself."
Friedman answered how the Rays plan to balance a deep outfield by playfully responding that the organization has petitioned the American League for a rover.
Maddon called the outfield situation a "good problem" and said, "most of the time these problems work themselves out."
Silverman fielded one of the last questions that asked about a possible move from St. Petersburg to Tampa if attendance lagged. Silverman looked unfazed by the question, expressing how the organization considered itself a "regional" baseball club and that it was the Rays' job to make fans want to attend games at Tropicana Field.
"It's not about geography," Silverman said. "It's about putting a product on the field."
The Rays Winter Caravan continues Thursday in Manatee County, beginning with the Sarasota & Manatee Chambers of Commerce Luncheon at the Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club in Bradenton, followed by a visit to the Manatee Memorial Hospital, and finishing up at the 13th Avenue Community Center.

Source: http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/