Rays inform Bankston he's moving to third

02/27/2006
ST. PETERSBURG -- Wes Bankston could have panicked over the weekend when the Tampa Bay brass informed him that he'd be encountering a bit of a detour on his career path. Instead, he embraced the news that he would be moving from first to third base, excited about the opportunity to pad his resume and improve his marketability.
Bankston, a former fourth-round pick (2002), has carved a reputation as one of the organization's top slugging prospects. And until his weekend meeting with the powers that be, he seemed headed directly toward first base at Tropicana Field with an ETA of sometime in 2007.
While his touchdown time in the Major Leagues remains the same, where he eventually lands will be determined over the next few months, depending on how well he adapts to his new position.
The Devil Rays don't anticipate Bankston having much of a problem with the move, though. Andrew Friedman, the club's executive vice president of baseball operations, said on Monday that the switch is something Bankston "can do well enough to be our future third baseman."
Bankston, 22, whom Tampa Bay selected out of Plano East (Texas) High, split last season between Visalia of the Class A California League and Montgomery of the Double-A Southern League and committed only six errors after his promotion, the third fewest among first baseman on the circuit who appeared in at least 50 games. His .991 fielding percentage was also third highest in the league. His soft hands around the base were part of the reason why the switch seemed to make sense. He began taking grounders at third on Sunday.
"It's still the early stages [of the move], but he's a tremendous worker," Friedman said. "And its something he's anxious to try. He converted from right field to play first base, so he has the arm strength. This just adds to his prospect status."
Bankston, who missed the first month of last season while recovering from a torn meniscus in his left knee, has never played third base before. He was an outfielder in each of his first two seasons in the organization before switching to first base during 2004. But growing up in Texas he was a big fan of Rangers infielder Steve Buechele and says he always thought about playing third base. Now he has the chance.
"I have to start learning the position and getting comfortable over there," said Bankston, who combined to hit .309 with 15 homers and 70 RBIs at both stops last year. "This should be fun, though. We'll wait and see what happens. I'll work on my throws, work on moving my feet more. We'll give it a few weeks and see how it goes.
"I'm excited, though, because this is going to be a new challenge. It's one more position to play. Whether it's first base or third base, wherever they need me to play, that's where I'll play. I think it will be a new challenge."
Rebuilding up his arm strength will be an issue for Bankston, at least early on. And seeing the ball come off the bat differently will be an adjustment at third as well. But he's steadfast in his belief, though, that both will be made with minimal difficulty and that the position switch won't hinder his progress toward his ultimate goal -- a spot on the Major League roster. Based on Friedman's assessment of the situation, Bankston has little to worry about.
Not that he had a great deal holding him back prior to the switch. His 68 career homers, including seven grand slams, are the fifth-most ever among Devil Rays Minor Leaguers. He was named Charleston's Player of the Year in 2004 after hitting 23 homers and driving in 101 runs. It all makes for an impressive resume, but this is still his first big league camp and he's content to remain in the background as much as possible.
"This is a totally different atmosphere," Bankston said. "Most of these guys have been up and in the Major Leagues for several years, so I'm just trying to learn things from them, learn how to go about my business. And I'm enjoying that because there's a lot of information out there.
"We have a great group of guys, and right now I'm just sitting and watching. And if they come up to me and give me some suggestions, I'm all ears. Overall, though, I just want to play well and stay healthy and when they feel it's time for me to be ready that I'll be able to contribute."

Source: http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/

Obstacles can't slow down Riggans

02/27/2006
ST. PETERSBURG -- Shawn Riggans has made it clear that nothing is going to hold him back.
Not his arm -- a nagging elbow injury in his throwing arm cost the Devil Rays' top catching prospect two months of one season and ended his year with Tommy John surgery in another.
Not his size -- the 6-foot-2, 190-pounder has heard more than once that he's too small to be a catcher.
Not even the fact that he only had 12 at-bats on his high school varsity team.
"All I can control is my effort out on the field. I have the heart to play -- I wouldn't want to do anything else," Riggans said. "I started playing when I was 5 years old, so it's been my lifelong dream to get to the big leagues."
Drafted by the Rays in the 24th round of the 2000 First-Year Player Draft out of Indian River Community College, Riggans has had two seasons of his five-year Minor League career shortened significantly due to injury. But after hearing the energetic 25-year-old encourage teammate Delmon Young during batting practice, and watching him joke around at his locker after Monday morning's workouts, you'll learn it's going take a lot more than a few aches and pains to slow down Riggans.
"I never played any other sport. I always grew up watching baseball, playing baseball, loving baseball," he said. "I just want to come out and play hard. I can't control the injuries, but I can control going out and playing hard every day."
His enthusiasm may be contagious. Riggans' hard-nosed approach to the game already has earned praise from Rays executive vice president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, who says the fiery catcher makes up for his small build with tenacity.
"It's really a direct outcome of how hard he plays," Friedman said. "It's hard to tell someone not to play the game. He's an extremely tough competitor, and he takes the defensive side of the game very seriously.
"He plays huge, and at the end of the day, that's what matters."
Twice named the organization's best defensive catcher by Baseball America, Riggans knows he has a lot to prove and didn't waste any time setting the record straight.
"I think you're undersized if mentally you think that," Riggans said. "Physically, I feel that I can compete with anybody. I'm not going to back down, because what comes around, goes around. I'm going to get my chance, too, and when I do, I'm not going to slide."
Maybe even more impressive than his defense is Riggans' bat. At Double-A Montgomery last season, he led all Rays Minor Leaguers in August with a .433 batting average to finish the season at .310, with 21 doubles, eight home runs and 53 RBIs. Riggans' career average of .293 is also the eighth highest all-time among Rays Minor Leaguers.
"I've seen guys like him with that kind of body build, and I like it, because I see a lot of limberness and looseness, and yet there's still a lot of strength involved," Rays manager Joe Maddon said. "Actually, he's in a good position, I think, to grow into that, and with the training we have, you're going to see him develop into a pretty well-developed [strong player]."
Riggans figures the offseason has given him time to mature as a player mentally. This is the first spring he's reported to Spring Training with no lingering soreness or injuries, and he has plenty of reasons to be excited for the year ahead.
"I'm a little bit smarter now," he said. "Now, I'm a little bit more reserved -- toning it down a little bit. I know I don't need to go out there and kill my arm on every throw.
"My arm finally doesn't hurt, there are no problems and I'm just really ready to get the season going."

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

Notes: Lugo's brother trying to make it

02/27/2006
ST. PETERSBURG -- Shortstop Julio Lugo isn't the only Lugo in Devil Rays camp this spring as his brother, Ruddy, is a non-roster invitee.
Julio, 30, is five years older than Ruddy, a right-handed pitcher.
"When they told me last year that [Ruddy] would by in big-league camp this spring, I was thrilled," Julio said.
The two brothers are living together this spring.
"We've always spent a lot of time together," said Julio with a broad smile. "Having him here in camp is a dream come true."
Ruddy's face lights up when he talks about his older brother.
"I've always looked forward to playing on the same team he's been on," Ruddy said. "It's fun to be here. [Julio] is like a father figure, a role model, you name it."
The younger Lugo signed with the Rays during extended Spring Training in 2005 and went 0-0 with a 13.50 ERA in one game at Class A Visalia. He finished the season at Double-A Montgomery, where he went 1-1 with two saves and a 1.12 ERA in 26 games. Opponents hit just .169 against Lugo and he struck out 48 in 40 1/3 innings; 22 of his 26 outings were scoreless.
"He's good," Julio said. "He's got a good fastball, changeup and breaking ball."
Ruddy has not pitched against his brother.
"We never faced each other," Ruddy said. "We never played against each other. It's going to be exciting [when I face him]."
If and when it happens, Ruddy will forget Julio is his brother.
"Like I told him before, if it comes down to that, he's got to do his job and I've got to do mine," Ruddy said. "I'll be trying to get him out."
And will there be a little trash talking going on if that happens?
"Always," Ruddy said.
Fossum learning: Casey Fossum has pitched in the Major Leagues for parts of five seasons, but he's still learning.
"I think one thing I learned [in 2005] was keeping the pitch count down," Fossum said. "Just keeping the ball down at the knees."
Any time Fossum got the ball up in the strike zone when he was behind in the count, he said the hitter usually had success. He will strive to be more unpredictable when he finds himself in that situation.
"Throw something the guys aren't looking for," Fossum said. "I think a lot of it for me now will be if I'm able to execute a lot of my pitches. It's just a matter of figuring out what they're looking for. Over time, since I've seen the hitters more, I've gotten better about doing that."
Once the season was over, Fossum had a chance to reflect on the highs and lows.
The low came against the Orioles.
"I distinctly remember Jay Gibbons hit the grand slam off me at Baltimore," Fossum said. "I think I ended up giving up nine runs in that game. It was just a nightmare game for me. That was a good example of the snowball effect. If things go bad in the first inning, I don't want it to snowball it even more."
Working deep, as he did in a game against the Blue Jays, was among the highs.
"The first game after the All-Star break against the Blue Jays, I think we shut out them out and I went almost eight innings," Fossum said. "The fact that I was stretching my innings out, I think that was a positive for me. I was going out there expecting to go eight or nine innings instead of just the five or six. I had the mentality of going eight or nine last year."
State of Major League arms: Former Rays outfielder Dave Martinez had one of the top arms in the Major Leagues during his playing days. This spring, he's a special advisor in camp, and he spoke about why there is a lack of quality arms in the Major Leagues.
"I think it's because they got away from the fundamentals of throwing," Martinez said. "I threw long toss like every other day. And I constantly worked on my throwing during batting practice and worked on catching ground balls and getting in position to throw."
Martinez has been impressed with all the young talented outfielders in camp and has found some eager students.
"They want to work," he said. "I talked to [Carl Crawford] and the first thing he said is, 'I want to throw like you.' I said, 'Why can't you throw like me? All you have to do every day is work at it. You've got a great arm. As fast as you are, as quick as you are, you can get to the balls a lot quicker than I ever could.'"
Crawford, who is already a potential Gold Glove outfielder, was pleased about working with Martinez.
"He's been telling me little things about staying low and keeping a nice little base when I'm ready to throw," Crawford said. "We're kind of doing the basics right now, and hopefully we can work our way up to where I can be just as fundamentally sound as he was."
Manager Joe Maddon answered "absolutely" when asked about the prospect of an outfielder improving his arm.
"I've seen it, absolutely," he said. "Improves with better mechanics and long toss. ... I've seen it work."

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

Mailbag: Where should Huff play?

02/27/2006
I read that Aubrey Huff is eager to try to play third base again. If so, does that mean that Delmon Young is the front-runner for right field, or would the job go to Johnny Gomes?-- Jason G., Torrance, Calif.
All manager Joe Maddon will say at this point is that he's looking at everyone. Given the way last season went down, I'd have to speculate that Gomes is the favorite to be the right fielder at the start of the season if Huff is at third.
The Devil Rays have four starters -- Jason Hammel, Chris Seddon, Brian Stokes and Jamie Shields -- who will probably start the season in Triple-A. How do you rank them in terms of talent, and do you think any of them will end up in the Rays' bullpen?-- Dave E., St. Petersburg
All are talented, so I think I'll pass on ranking them according to talent. Instead, I'll tell you that Hammel is likely to reach the Major Leagues first and Shields ranks a close second.
As a seasonal visitor and an MLB.com customer when I'm back in the United Kingdom, I am a big Devil Rays fan. Is there any more discussion at Major League Baseball about a more balanced playing schedule or a divisional shakeup that may benefit the Rays? I was thinking something along the lines what the NFL practices: setting a schedule reflecting the previous season's results that allows more teams to have a chance of the playoffs.-- David S., England and Hudson
No. Major League Baseball has no plans for any of the steps you suggest.
In a previous mailbag, you stated that Sammy Sosa was a question mark and not worth $1 million. What is not a question mark is that between designated hitter and outfield, he could be a major contributor. More importantly, there are a lot of Hispanic fans that would definitely go check out the Rays.-- Tom N., Tampa, Fla.
I was simply expressing my opinion about Sosa given the Rays' situation in the outfield. If I were the Rays, I would be more inclined to go with a player of Sosa's stature if he played another position than one where they have so many candidates. I respect your view and I'm sure Sosa would draw a lot of fans to Tropicana Field, because he has quite an impressive body of work.
The Rays have a very talented baseball team. They are one or two players away from contending in the American League East. What is stopping them from picking up that one more legitimate and consistent pitcher?-- Joe O., Gloucester, Mass.
That always sounds good, but where do you go to get this guy? Virtually every team in baseball needs pitching, and no team in baseball wants to part with pitching. So, yes, it would be nice to trade a player or two for a consistent pitcher, but there just aren't any pitchers who are available. The later we move into Spring Training, however, the possibility comes into play that a team will lose a crucial position player. At that point, they are sometimes forced to move a pitcher to fill that sudden void. The Rays have their eyes open looking for pitching, and those eyes never shut.
Why is it being speculated that Gomes will be the club's DH in Spring Training rather than play right field? He is so much better in right that Huff is, so I don't understand why Huff couldn't be the DH and Gomes play right field. Joey Gathright played very well last season, so why did Rocco Baldelli get a big contract when he seems to be very injury-prone? With Gathright in center field, the Devil Rays have the fastest lineup in all of baseball, which they greatly benefited from last season. It just seems like it was a waste to sign Baldelli to such a big contract when we could've just kept Gathright in center and be just as good, if not better, for a lot less money.-- Jonathan E., Tampa, Fla.
Let's go one at a time here. First, the Huff-Gomes issue. That one might get answered before it transpires, given the recent development of Huff wanting to play third base. Next, I like Gathright, too, but Baldelli is a potential five-tool player. He's looking good this spring and everyone expects him to be back at full strength. In addition, he is a team leader and an all-around good egg. As for the big contract/health risk, I'm sure the Rays checked him out thoroughly and they were convinced his health won't be an issue. Otherwise, they would not have gone with the deal.

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

Branyan looking for right fit

02/28/2006
ST. PETERSBURG -- You could tell by his attitude during the intrasquad game Tuesday morning that Russell Branyan was happy to be there. The time left for the recent Minor League signee to prove himself is slowly running out, and he's determined to make the most of every day.
Branyan charged toward first on a routine groundout and didn't hit the brakes until he'd run well past the bag, earning enthusiastic praise and a "good hustle" from manager Joe Maddon. After he struck out in his second at-bat, the eight-year Major League veteran turned and jogged to the dugout without hesitation.
"I'm always playing to open some eyes and hopefully get a shot," said the 30-year-old Branyan. "I'm not really ready to move on to the next chapter of my life. I want to keep playing this game, and I still think I've got some fuel left in my tank. I feel like I can play at the big-league level without a doubt; it's just a matter of finding the right fit."
Branyan has made a career of finding fits, spending time in the Major Leagues with Milwaukee, Cleveland and Cincinnati, at third base, first base and in left field, but his performance at the plate is probably his biggest sales pitch.
Branyan's ability to crush the ball is well documented. In his first start for the Brewers in 2004, he hit the longest home run in Miller Park history, a 480-footer off Cubs starter Greg Maddux. He has a career total of 93 homers through eight seasons, including a combined 24 in 2002 with the Indians and the Reds. Along with the power comes strikeouts -- 597 in 1,464 Major League at-bats, contributing to a career .232 batting average. It's an issue everyone seems to have advice for, but Branyan says he's not sweating it.
"I'm just myself," he said. "People have their different solutions, but it comes down to me putting the ball in play. [Maddon] has some good ideas ... and he's given me some good little pointers, and I'm just going to keep working on it."
As a free agent in the offseason, Branyan chose the Devil Rays over several other teams because he says he felt it was his best road back to playing in the Majors, both on offense and defense.
He was also swayed by the enthusiasm for the upcoming season Maddon and his staff have shown.
"It seems like everybody has a lot more energy," Branyan said. "Joe's real positive, but he also wants things done properly. He has a way about doing that and a manner where he doesn't step on anyone's toes -- he doesn't offend anyone, he makes everyone feel comfortable with the job that they're doing."
Branyan jokes about the age difference between him and his new youthful teammates but thinks his experience might help him find a niche at last. Maddon agrees.
"If [players are] around 30 and take good care of themselves, they might be productive for five or six years," Maddon said. "What's wrong with that?"
Intrasquad game: Shinji Mori looked sharp pitching his first game with umpires in the United States. Mori wasted no time after entering in the top of the third, striking out left fielder Jonny Gomes looking on three straight pitches. The next batter, third baseman Sean Burroughs, fell in four pitches and Mori then coaxed first baseman Wes Bankston into an infield pop fly to end his outing.
Shinji was pleased and said he hopes to continue his success.
"In the Major Leagues, I'm just a rookie, even if I played in Japan," he said through a translator. "I just want to show all my teammates and all the coaches and managers how I do my best, like I did today, and put all my effort into each one."
Maddon was focused on execution on offense and aggressive baserunning and said he was pleased with both. Damon Hollins' defense earned special mention, as did Hollins' hustle to score from third on a grounder.

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

Gomes: D-Rays will build on success

03/01/2006
We're going to take our second-half success into the 2006 season. The guys on the Devil Rays really stuck together and turned things around last year after a difficult start and we feel that strength of character is something we can build on.
What I noticed about this club after coming up to the Majors last season was that after a 10-0 win or a 10-0 loss, everyone came to the park straight-faced, as if nothing had happened at all the previous night. The guys in our clubhouse knew how to go about their business.
We have a talented nucleus of players here. There's no doubt about that. But we also have a lot of strong leaders on this team, even though some of them may not have been around the big leagues for very long. We have a few veteran guys like Travis Lee, but some of the younger players are taking on some of those responsibilities, too. It's good to see.
Coming in as a second-year player myself, I can't be using "rookie mistake" as an excuse any more. We just have to be ready to play because we have the skill and the desire.
We have a bunch of weapons. A few of the guys in this clubhouse can really hit the long ball, we got some guys who can run. No matter what kind of game we get involved in -- a pitcher's duel or a slugfest -- we have the tools to come out ahead.
We're a confident team. That's because we have a lot of guys who have great skills and confidence in their ability. Whether it's Carl Crawford stealing a base or Kaz's [Scott Kazmir] pitching from the left side, that confidence comes through in the way everyone approaches their roles.
I was just glad to get time in the big leagues last season and ride the wave of success that I had. But it was just half of a season. Putting aside the stats, I don't have a lot of time in the Majors and I still have plenty to learn every day I step out on the field.
So I just want to try and continue from where I left off, playing whatever my role is on the club, whether it's in the outfield or as a DH hitting in the middle of the lineup.
The lesson I learned in the big leagues last year was that it's way more than a nine-on-nine game. There are scouts and video and reports. You can't slip through any cracks in the big leagues. If you have a weakness, everyone sees it all over the country and the other team is going to exploit it. Whoever makes their adjustments the fastest is going to be the winner in the long run.
There are some things in my game that I like, but there's always room for improvement. I'm never totally happy with what I'm doing. You can always go North in this game, whether it's with your speed, your power, your arm, your outfield routes or your strength. There's always room for improvement.
So I'm just going keep on pushing and working as hard as I did to get here.

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

Rays searching for 'the hombre'

03/01/2006
ST. PETERSBURG -- Danys Baez no longer resides in the Devil Rays' clubhouse.
The Rays packaged their closer and right-hander Lance Carter to the Dodgers on Jan. 14 in return for right-handers Edwin Jackson and Chuck Tiffany -- each of whom hopes to be a future starter.
In leaving, Baez took with him his 41 saves and a massive security blanket the Rays enjoyed when they carried a lead into the ninth inning.
Rays manager Joe Maddon is now left to find a closer or the reliever who will become -- in the new manager's vernacular -- the hombre.
"It's a makeup situation, someone who likes to do that," Maddon said when asked what he likes in a closer. "Guys that like to get the last three outs don't mind being the guy to get the last outs. Furthermore, if they don't get it tonight and they get bumped a little bit and lose or give it up, they can come back the next night and get it done."
He also wants a guy who doesn't walk people and also has an above-average pitch.
"Whether it's a fastball, Trevor Hoffman changeup, whatever it is," Maddon said.
If ever there was a true Spring Training competition, the Rays' search for the hombre is it.
"It's wide open," said pitching coach Mike Butcher.
Chasing the closer role this spring are: Shinji Mori, Dan Miceli, Chad Orvella, Jesus Colome and Chad Harville. Each candidate brings his own toolbox filled with the pitch or pitches capable of nailing down a win. Mori has a nasty forkball; Orvella, a changeup; Colome, a 98-mph fastball; Micelli, an assortment of pitches; and Harville, a slider.
The competitive situation sits well in the clubhouse.
"That's the vibe I'm getting from everybody -- this thing is wide open," Harville said. "There are some good guys competing for this job."
Knowing the job is open has added to the vitality of the contenders.
"Coming in last year, with Baez already here, you knew that job wasn't open," Orvella said. "He was the closer, everybody knew that. But with the trade, it's left a lot of opportunity. I'd love to take advantage of it if I could. And we'll see in a couple of weeks."
Colome misses Baez's friendship, but he is excited about the opportunity.
"I want to be the closer, or the big man in the bullpen," he said.
Butcher said it is premature for the competition to be narrowed down.
"I don't think they're going to see anything early, to be honest," Butcher said. "The guys are going out there and getting their work in. There's competition going on. ... I'm just looking for a healthy competition. We're going to go on past history as well. But somebody's going to have to rise up and get it."
If somebody steps forward and wins the job, fine. If not, the Rays will go with a closer-by-committee approach.
"It might be closer by committee," Butcher said. "That's not up to me. [Maddon] is going to make the final decision on that. We're just going to go out there and see who wins the job."
Harville said the closer-by-committee approach worked for some teams.
"It hasn't worked for others," Harville said. "We've got some great arms here and a lot of experience in Miceli. I'm looking forward to the whole battle through spring and to seeing what happens going into the season."
So don't look for an early call on who will become the Rays' closer -- if, in fact, it comes down to one true hombre.
"We've got to see them in the game as Spring Training progresses," Maddon said. "We're actually looking to see the hitters [who are] in better shape. Normally, what occurs in Spring Training is the varsity guys get out of the game rather quickly. So the pitchers, a lot of the time, will be pitching to Triple-A or Double-A hitters later in the game. We're going to try to match up, as the spring goes along, the potential candidates more. Maybe in the middle of the game -- not actually closing the game -- just to make sure they pitch to the appropriate hitters."

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

Notes: Cantu eager to join Team Mexico

03/01/2006
ST. PETERSBURG -- Jorge Cantu leaves on Thursday for Arizona to represent his native Mexico in the World Baseball Classic, and the Devil Rays' second baseman is thrilled for the opportunity to be included on a roster with names such as Texas' Erubiel Durazo, Oakland's Esteban Loiaza, Baltimore's Rodrigo Lopez, Pittsburgh's Oliver Perez and free agent righty Ismael Valdez.
"It's the Dream Team from Mexico, so I want to play with everybody. That's the bottom line," Cantu said. "Everybody's getting ready for the season, and everybody is excited to see the best baseball in the world."
The 24-year-old Cantu is nearly 15 years younger than Padres third baseman Vinny Castilla, a 15-year veteran third baseman from Oaxaca who Cantu watched while growing up in Reynosa.
"He was like one of my idols growing up," Cantu said.
Cantu said his decision to join the inaugural event was an easy one, and though many players declined invitations due to the possibility of injury, his philosophy on the matter was simple.
"You can get hurt later, or you can get hurt now," he said, "So, you know, it happens."
Devil Rays right-hander Shinji Mori will stay and work through Spring Training rather than play for Japan, but he said folks back home are tuned in and anxious for the Classic to begin.
"It's a big event in Japan," Mori said. "Everybody is talking about [the Classic] every day."
Cantu will spend Friday in training camp with his temporary teammates before a Saturday exhibition against the Diamondbacks. Mexico faces the United States squad at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday in Phoenix.
Rays ready for opener: The Devil Rays play their first exhibition game on Thursday and left fielder Carl Crawford is champing at the bit.
Hampered since October with a bone bruise in his left wrist, Crawford has been limited in Spring Training and bunted twice in Wednesday's intrasquad game. After testing his limits in batting practice during the past two weeks and experiencing encouraging results, Crawford wasn't surprised to see his name appear on the roster for Thursday's game against the Blue Jays.
"Everybody's been upbeat [about the injury], and it seems like things are going as planned right now," he said. "I just can't wait to get back on the field and get into a real-live game and see where I stand. I've been looking forward to it all spring.
"I know the guys around here have been looking forward to it, too. We're finally getting our wish [on Thursday]."
The game, set for 1 p.m. ET at Knology Park in Dunedin, Fla., is manager Joe Maddon's first with the Devil Rays. If Tuesday was any indication, he's just as eager as Crawford -- if not more.
"It's a great day," Maddon said. "I've had a lot of those. This whole offseason, until now, has been a lot of those kinds of days, and I'm very excited."
Maddon said rather than focusing on wins and losses, he'll look for hard play, awareness and executing fundamentals such as bunting, backing up bases and pitching under pressure.
"They reveal a lot of what needs to be worked on now, that's what we're going to see probably as much as anything," Maddon said. "That's a good thing -- especially this early on."
Hollins earns praise: Rays outfielder Damon Hollins, a 31-year-old rookie last season, is making a strong case for keeping a spot in what is quickly becoming a crowded outfield.
Hollins had two hits, three RBIs and two runs scored in four at-bats from the leadoff spot during Tuesday's intrasquad game. He caught Maddon's attention with alert baserunning that allowed him to sneak home from third on a grounder.
"I love this man's heart. I don't know him that well, but I can see it. I can see the way everybody else responds to him," Maddon said. "He's a very impressive man, and I can see him with the good baseball players also.
"He's got a joy for life, not just a joy for baseball. He's got a face and a way about him."
Last season, his 13th in professional baseball, Hollins played each outfield position for the Rays, with a combined .979 fielding percentage. At the plate, the veteran hit .249 with 13 home runs, fifth most on the team.
Rotation, rotation: Casey Fossum, Chad Orvella, Jason Hammel, Wayne Franklin, Tim Corcoran and Travis Harper are scheduled to pitch on Thursday. Scheduled for Friday at Dunedin are Scott Kazmir, Chris Seddon, Chad Harville, Bart Miadich, Mark Malaska and Jesus Colome.

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

Rays set tone early to top Blue Jays

03/02/2006
Devil Rays at the plate: During a four-run first inning, Rocco Baldelli and Josh Paul each had an RBI, and Travis Lee added a two-run single to right field. Tampa Bay added a run in the second and three more in the seventh.
Blue Jays at the plate: Shortstop Sergio Santos hit a three-run double to cap off a five-run seventh inning for the Blue Jays.
Devil Rays on the mound: Starter Casey Fossum pitched two scoreless innings and gave up just one hit, a single by Lyle Overbay.
Blue Jays on the mound: Starter Roy Halladay surrendered four runs on four hits and walked one in the first inning. Gustavo Chacin pitched the next two innings and allowed one run on two hits.
Grapefruit League records: Devil Rays 1-0; Blue Jays 0-1.
Up next: The Blue Jays will host Team Canada in a split-squad game at 1:05 p.m. ET on Friday at Knology Park. The other group of Jays will head to St. Petersburg to face Tampa Bay in a 1:05 p.m. ET contest at Progress Energy Park at Al Lang Field.

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

Notes: Kazmir looking forward to start

03/02/2006
DUNEDIN, Fla. -- Scott Kazmir will be the Devil Rays' starter in Friday's home Spring Training opener against the Blue Jays at Progress Energy Park at Al Lang Field. Despite the fact that it's just an exhibition game, the 22-year-old left-hander is excited about the start.
"We've had a great [fan] turnout so far [this spring]," Kazmir said. "I have a feeling it's going to be a great atmosphere.
"It's pretty cool, yeah. It's the first game people get to see in St. Pete. I have a little bit of jitters just because it's the first time I'll be out there in a while. It's going to be fun."
Kazmir finds himself in a different situation than last spring, when he was simply trying to pitch well enough to make the team.
"I think I've made a giant leap from Spring Training last year to Spring Training this year," Kazmir said. "I mean, I wouldn't even put it in comparison. I have a lot more of a clue about what to do to get ready."
Much of that comes down to having a better understanding of his body.
"You go through it over and over, starting back up and realizing what you've done before," Kazmir said. "You know your body a little better."
Kazmir said he would be limited to approximately 24-30 pitches during Friday's outing and will keep things simple.
"[I want to] get a feel for the mound, being in the stadium, with the hitter at the plate," Kazmir said. "Just something you're going to work your way up to for the season. Don't put any pressure on you or anything like that, just go out there and work on hitting your spots."
Kazmir said he will throw all of his pitches, but added, "Mainly I'll throw fastballs, just trying to get my location down."
Kazmir established a club record with 174 strikeouts in his rookie season en route to posting a 10-9 record with a 3.77 ERA in 2005. He has a good chance at being the Rays' Opening Day starter April 3 in Baltimore.
Lugo not back: Julio Lugo had not returned to the team Thursday after going home to the Dominican Republic to deal with a personal matter. According to the Devil Rays, the team's shortstop will be back in uniform Friday. Nick Green started at shortstop Thursday.
This and that: The Rays added a "B" game for Saturday vs. Aguilas de Vera Cruz of the Mexican League at 10 a.m. ET at the Raymond A. Naimoli Complex. "B" games are less formal and are not included in league statistics. ... Carl Crawford will play in Saturday's "B" game and will play again Monday against the Red Sox on Monday in St. Petersburg; Josh Beckett is slated to start for the Red Sox. ... St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at Friday's home opener. ... Kazmir will throw out the ceremonial first pitch Saturday at Bayshore Little League in Tampa and Mark Hendrickson will do the same at Seminole Little League in Seminole. ... Tickets are available for the Rays Grand Slam Gala Saturday, March 25 at Tropicana Field. There will be a reception at 6 p.m. followed by dinner and the program at 7 p.m. All Rays players and coaches will be in attendance. There will also be silent and live auctions, gourmet food stations and music by the group Southtown Fever. The evening benefits the Florida Chapter of ALS Foundation and the Rays Field Renovation Program. For more information call 727-825-3471. ... The Rays' flagship, 1250 WHNZ, will carry 11 Rays Grapefruit League contests, beginning March 4 against the Twins. Fox Sports Net will air two games, both at Progress Energy Park -- March 16 vs. the Red Sox (1:05 p.m. ET) and March 25 vs. the Yankees (1:05 p.m. ET).
Coming up: The Rays will play their 2006 Spring Training home opener Friday at Progress Energy Park at Al Lang Field against the Blue Jays at 1:05 p.m. ET. Kazmir will start for the Rays and will be followed by Chris Seddon, Chad Harville, J.B. Miadich, Mark Malaska, Shinji Mori and Jesus Colome.
Of note will be Mori's first appearance in the United States after coming over from Japan. In addition, the selection of pitchers will offer an early look at the Rays' closer candidates in Mori, Harville and Colome.

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

Kazmir solid as Rays beat Jays

03/03/2006
Devil Rays at the plate: Non-roster invitee Luis Ordaz went 2-for-2 with a double that scored second baseman Nick Green and started a four-run rally in the fifth inning. Left fielder Damon Hollins had a two-run double in the same inning.
Blue Jays at the plate: Non-roster invitee Jason Phillips was 3-for-4 with a run scored. Kevin Barker and Curtis Thigpen each doubled.
Devil Rays on the mound: Starter Scott Kazmir scattered three hits in three innings and allowed one unearned run. Non-roster invitee Mark Malaska threw two wild pitches in the seventh inning, one of which allowed a run to score.
Blue Jays on the mound: Kevin Blank surrendered four runs on three hits in the fifth inning. Starter Scott Downs held the Rays to one hit and had one strikeout in two innings.
Grapefruit League records: Rays 2-0; Blue Jays 0-2
Up next: The Devil Rays will host the Twins on Saturday in a 1:05 p.m. ET contest at Progress Energy Park at Al Lang Stadium. Right-hander Seth McClung will start for the Rays, and he will be followed by right-handers Jamie Shields and Shawn Camp. Right-hander Scott Baker will start for the Twins, and he will be followed by right-hander Matt Garza and southpaw Errol Simonitsch.
The Blue Jays will host the Phillies at Knology Park in Dunedin, Fla., at 1:05 p.m. on Saturday.

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

Maddon likes result of first game

03/02/2006
DUNEDIN, Fla. -- Sure, it was only an exhibition game -- and the first one of the season, at that -- but a lot of good things happened. And as new Rays manager Joe Maddon might say, good things are good.
Maddon set the tone for his first day on the bench by listening to Bruce Springsteen on the bus ride from St. Petersburg to Dunedin.
"I had to get prepared mentally, [listening to] 'Thunder Road,' 'Jungleland' -- things like that," Maddon said.
But the new manager didn't impose his music selections on the team.
"Headphones," he said. "That's part of our policy."
Maddon clearly took some time to smell the roses and to have a little fun along the way, which is something he preaches to his team. He also wants his team to know how to get down to business.
Prior to the Rays' first game of the Grapefruit League season, Maddon said that he wanted his team to play like it was June 2.
"Some guys might not be in shape, but go out there mentally and play the game as hard as you can today based on how your body feels," he said. "We know that it's early in camp, but you still slide hard, you still run hard to first base, you still hit the cutoff man -- all those things -- even though it's the first day.
"And you might strike out twice because your timing is not good," Maddon added. "A pitcher might throw a couple of more balls because he's not ready yet, quite. But that's OK. I look for intent. If the intent is there in regard to what we're trying to get done, I'm happy."
Maddon probably wished that the calendar said June 2 the way the ball bounced the Rays' way on Thursday during a 9-5 win. But it wasn't so much the way the ball bounced their way as the initial positives that went on during the contest.
Nothing that took place on Thursday afternoon could have brought a bigger smile to the Rays than Rocco Baldelli's second at-bat. After missing all of the 2005 season due to knee and elbow surgeries, Baldelli was the DH on Thursday. He grounded out in his first at-bat against Roy Halladay -- but drove home Joey Gathright -- before his next turn against Gustavo Chacin in the second. Chacin got ahead 0-1, then Baldelli stroked a double to left-center field.
"It's tough for me to go on and on about [the hit]," Baldelli said. "I'm just relieved to be back and be playing. Everything feels fine. I don't have any problems physically. It was just getting out there and breaking the ice and playing a game."
But Baldelli wasn't close to being the only positive for the Rays.
Take Gathright.
The speedy Rays outfielder led off the game and reached base on an error before showing off his wheels by stealing second and later scoring. Gathright, whom the Rays would like to see bunt more often, also laid one down. He got thrown out on the play -- which he called a bad bunt -- but it was a start.
"I'll bunt a lot this year, I'll bunt at least 40 or 50 percent," Gathright said. "That's a lot of hits for me. I'm going to practice and get it down."
And there was Aubrey Huff starting at third base. If the Rays start the season with Huff playing third base as opposed to another position, they will have a much more potent offense. Everyone knows that Huff can hit. The question is whether he can do the job with his glove.
Huff had two chances, and he successfully fielded both. The first came in the second inning, when he backhanded a Bengie Molina shot down the line, then made a long throw across the diamond to complete the play.
"It's funny -- the first ball I got was the easiest backhanded ball, and the crowd stood up and cheered like it was unexpected," said Huff with a chuckle.
Huff then made a nice play on a Troy Glaus fourth-inning chopper.
"It's a play where you either get him or you don't," Huff said. "It's a bang-bang play -- it just happened to hop into my hand. I feel pretty good over there right now."
Huff then added some perspective: "[I've] still got a long way to go."
Nick Green, who is in competition for the utility infielder slot, started at shortstop and served as the pivot man on a 4-6-3 double play in the third inning. Green then showed some versatility when he flip-flopped with second baseman Luis Ordaz in the fourth. Green also hit the hardest ball in the Rays' four-run first, lining out to center field.
"It's a nice day," Maddon said. "We had a good workout this morning. ... [We] got some things accomplished, then we came over here, and I wanted the guys to be ready to play."
And they were.
Good things happened for the Devil Rays and Maddon on Thursday. And the tunes on the way home?
"The best of Don Zimmer," Maddon said.

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

Notes: Mori rests shoulder

03/03/2006
ST. PETERSBURG -- Shinji Mori was supposed to make his first appearance for the Devil Rays in Friday's Spring Training home opener, but stiffness in his right shoulder kept him from pitching.
"I feel a little bit stiff in the shoulder; this is a precaution," said Mori through an interpreter. "I said I could throw it, but I figured I should take a break. I didn't want to have a serious injury. It's not a huge problem."
Mori was supposed to come in during the eighth inning, but while warming up, he felt the stiffness. The Rays inserted right-hander Jason Childers instead.
Mori did not seem alarmed about the stiffness.
"It's kind of a usual thing for me to get kind of stiff on my shoulder," Mori said. "It's normal. It's the beginning of the spring season. It happens every year."
In January, the Devil Rays signed Mori to a two-year deal worth approximately $1.5 million, with a club option to sign him for another two years for an unspecified amount. The 31-year-old right-hander is in competition for Tampa Bay's closer role.
Though he didn't feel panicked about the development, Mori was disappointed.
"It's not that disastrous," he said. "But I wanted to throw what was the opening game for me. I wanted to throw."
Mori said he talked to the coaches, but it was his decision not to pitch. He will see team orthopedist Dr. Koco Eaton on Saturday.
Hendrickson progressing: Mark Hendrickson, the Rays' leader in wins in 2005, is making progress from the hip soreness that hampered him early in camp. He threw 30 pitches prior to Friday's game and felt fine.
"He's going to be fine," Devil Rays manager Joe Maddon said. "I've got to get with [pitching coach Mike] Butcher to figure the exact date when we're going to do something. But he's doing well, actually. He's doing well."
Hendrickson said it wasn't his call when asked when he'll pitch in a game, but he said he would like to throw to some hitters before getting into a game.
Hendrickson actually believes the injury will help him in one respect.
"It's going to be a blessing for me," Hendrickson said. "What I'm finding, because I threw across my body, I never could free up my arm. My pitches have more life to them now than they ever had. And if I do get out of alignment a little bit, I can feel it. It's the best thing that ever happened to me. That's the way I'm looking at it."
"We're just taking baby steps right now," Butcher said. "He'll have another bullpen on Sunday and do some PFP [pitchers fielding practice] work. [We'll] just kind of reevaluate every time he goes out there. If everything keeps going as well as it has, we'll move forward on it."
Crawford to play in 'B' game: Carl Crawford will play in a game for the first time this spring during a "B" game at 10 a.m. ET on Saturday vs. Aguilas de Vera Cruz of the Mexican League at the Raymond A. Naimoli Complex.
"I'm looking forward to it," Crawford said. "I'm a little antsy right now. I just have to make sure I just keep at the pace everyone wants me to go at and go from there."
Crawford has been taking it a little slower than usual due to a bone bruise on his left wrist.
"There's no concern at all [about the wrist]. If there was, I wouldn't be playing," Crawford said. "I wouldn't put myself in a position to mess things up more than what they already are. That being said, I'm looking forward to the game tomorrow. Just getting my timing back is basically what I'm going to be doing the most."
"B" games are less formal and are not included in league statistics. Crawford will play in his first regular spring game on Monday against the Red Sox in St. Petersburg.
Maddon said he just wants Crawford to be well and feel good.
"Like Rocco [Baldelli] yesterday, good rhythm, good timing, good tempo -- same thing with Carl," Maddon said. "I know he's really good, so what matters is him feeling good about himself and what's going on. That's what I'm looking for, honestly."
Lugo returns: Julio Lugo returned from a trip home to the Dominican Republic, but he did not play in Friday's game against the Blue Jays.
"I'm a little tired today," Lugo said before Friday's game. "I got back [Thursday night] about 11. Everything is fine; I just had to go home and get something done -- a family matter. Everything is fine, good."
Maddon seemed unconcerned about his shortstop and noted, "Family always comes first before any game."
"He's ready to roll," Maddon added. "Everything is fine."
Coming up: The Devil Rays will host the Twins on Saturday in a 1:05 p.m. ET contest at Progress Energy Park at Al Lang Stadium. Right-hander Seth McClung will start for the Rays, and he will be followed by right-handers Jamie Shields and Shawn Camp. Right-hander Scott Baker will start for the Twins, and he will be followed by right-hander Matt Garza and lefty Errol Simonitsch.

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

Young: Rays' tool for construction

03/04/2006
Even those unfamiliar with the intricacies of construction should be able to recognize that the key to a strong structure is a firm foundation. So as the overhauled Tampa Bay Devil Rays launch their "Under Construction" campaign for the 2006 season, they have reason to be confident. After all, they've got a proven foreman in longtime Minor League executive Mitch Lukevics and perhaps the preeminent proprietary tool in all of Minor League Baseball in Delmon Young.
Lukevics has been with the D-Rays since their inception. But in December he was given the reins as the club's Director of Minor League Operations -- a position in which he thrived with another little organization called the Yankees. The 32-year baseball veteran was a key component to New York's most recent dynasty, cultivating such players as Mariano Rivera, Jorge Posada, Andy Pettitte and Derek Jeter, whom, on average, spent five years in his farm system.
Tampa Bay's top prospects, on the other hand, have averaged barely two years in the Minors before getting their first taste of the bigs -- Rocco Baldelli, Carl Crawford, Scott Kazmir, B.J. Upton, Dewon Brazelton, Joey Gathright, and the list goes on. But that could change with Lukevics, who unpremeditatedly taps into the "Under Construction" theme, referring to Young and other top prospects as "raw resources" and "apprentices," and saying that they just need time to become "master craftsmen."
Lukevics is quick to acknowledge and apologize for being guarded in his comments about his up-and-coming talent, but he is wary of an issue that didn't exist when he was dealing with Rivera, Posada, Pettitte and Jeter back in the '90s. Players today have unmitigated access to what is written about them, and a new, important responsibility for the modern farm director is tempering players' expectations and reactions to media reports.
Though Lukevics may be disinclined to predict the future, one certainly can't argue with the results his blueprint has produced in the past. And with tools like Young and Upton, the D-Rays may just build their own success.
Five Faves
Five prospects whose names you should know:
Delmon Young, OFThe name of the top prospect in all of Minor League Baseball should serve as a reminder -- he's still very young. Just 20, in fact; and he will be for the entire 2006 season, if he stays in the Minors. Which of course is the big question -- will Young get his crack at the bigs in 2006? He, of course, feels like he's ready -- he said he was ready at 18 -- and everyone knows he's got the tools. But Lukevics is big on refining tools, and the Rays simply aren't going to bring up Young unless he can start. And with Carl Crawford, Rocco Baldelli, Aubrey Huff and last year's rookie sensation Johnny Gomes in Tampa's outfield, it's hard to see a fit. Huff has, however, recently begun taking ground balls at third base, in a move that may be related. But keep in mind: in the history of Major League Baseball, only 10 players have hit 25 or more home runs by their 21st birthday, so even if Delmon has to spend another year in Durham while the D-Rays make space, it's not as though he's getting a late start.
Jason Hammel, RHPThe Devil Rays seem to have found a gem in their 2002 10th-round pick out of Treasure Valley Community College (Ore.). Hammel has raced up the ladder, pitching at level in the system in a four-year period, including Double-A Montgomery and Triple-A Durham last year, when he went a combined 11-4 with a 3.24 ERA. That performance earned the big right-hander an invitation to big league camp, where he's trying to take that one final step. He can log some serious innings, compiling 166 in 2004 and bouncing back from an early-season strained elbow to toss 136 in 2005. At 6-foot-6, he generates a low- to mid 90s fastball and a good curveball, but his calling card is his command. He has walked fewer than three batters per nine innings through 435 2/3 Minor League innings.
Jamie Shields, RHPAnother year of experience made a big difference for Shields, who in 2004 returned to Class A Bakersfield after getting slammed (0-3, 7.85 ERA, .329 OPP AVG) in his first four starts at Montgomery. In '05, he was the one doing the slamming in the Southern League, going 7-5 with a 2.80 ERA and nearly a strikeout per inning (104 in 109 1/3 frames) while holding opponents to a .244 average. That was good enough to earn a late-season promotion to Durham, where he won his only start. But his most impressive performance was yet to come, as the Devil Rays sent their 2000 16th-round pick to the Arizona Fall League. There, where a collection of the game's best young hitters set all-time league records in average (.296), runs per game (12.1) and slugging percentage (.469), Shields posted the circuit's second-lowest ERA (1.74) while limiting batters to a .207 mark. He's likely to start 2006 in the International League, but he's at his first big league camp, and the Rays' staff isn't exactly deep, so ...
Chuck Tiffany, LHPTiffany was one of the top left-handed pitchers in an exceptionally deep Dodgers system, so an offseason trade to the Devil Rays certainly doesn't hurt his standing. And it apparently didn't hurt his feelings either. Despite the fact that the SoCal kid grew up going to Chavez Ravine and was living his dream, he was reportedly excited that the D-Rays thought enough of him to trade their All-Star closer for him (and Edwin Jackson). Though he may not profile as a top-of-the-rotation starter, the 21-year-old Tiffany is viewed by Tampa Bay as a polished hurler who should continue on his trajectory to the big club. So far, so good. In his first three Minor League seasons, he's 16-9 with a 3.90 ERA and has struck out nearly 12 batters per nine innings while holding opponents to a .222 average. He'll open the season in the Southern League with Montgomery.
Wes Bankston, 1B/3BAnother season, another position for the 2002 fourth-round pick, Bankston. The former right fielder hit .309/.390/.507 with 15 homers and 70 RBIs in 99 games between Class A Visalia and Double-A Birmingham last year while learning to play first base. This year, the Rays have moved him over to the hot corner in Spring Training, trusting that his physical skills (good arm and soft hands) and psychological assets (good makeup and work ethic) will make for an easy transition. But, as Vice President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman says, "If it works, great. If not, it's right back over to first base." Perhaps the top power hitter in the system behind Young, Bankston's bat is clearly ready for Durham, but the third-base experiment may necessitate a little more time in Montgomery.
Cinderella Story
Carlos Hines, RHPTo say that Hines' professional career got off to a rocky start is putting it lightly. Drafted out of high school in the 24th round by the Reds in 1999, he was promptly released two months later after recording an 8.10 ERA in 10 innings. Having spent fewer than 90 days as a professional, Hines was able to go to Grayson County College in Texas, where he played baseball and basketball before signing with the Devil Rays in 2001. The 25-year-old right-hander experienced some success at the low levels but would get pounded every time he stepped up a level. Finally, after a successful stint in the Arizona Fall League following the '04 season, Hines put it all together in '05. The 6-foot-3 fireballer earned six saves with a 3.71 ERA at Montgomery before a midseason promotion to Durham, where, with the exception of two bad outings at the end of July, he was one of the Bulls' most reliable pitchers. Hines went 3-1 with a 3.28 ERA overall and allowed just one earned run in his last 11 games. If he could cut down on his walks (he issued 33 in 69 2/3 innings last year), the Devil Rays might find a spot for his fastball in their bullpen.
Primed for breakout in 2006
John Jaso, CJaso began breaking out in 2005 at Southwest Michigan before sustaining a season-ending rotator-cuff injury, but he should continue the process at Visalia this year. He was hitting .307 with 14 homers and 50 RBIs through 92 games. The left-handed hitting backstop has yet to play 100 games in a season, but the D-Rays consider his injuries "freakish," and aren't concerned about his durability at this point. He certainly figures to reach his 20+ home run potential if he can stay healthy while in the Cal League.
Reid Brignac, SSAnother player who should benefit from a season out West is 20-year-old Reid Brignac, who, like Jaso, is a rare left-handed hitter at his position. The Rays' 2004 2nd-round pick hit for average (.378) but not a lot of pop (one HR in 111 AB) in his first season, and increased power (15 HR in 512 AB) with a big dip in average (.267) last year. Tampa Bay's player development people think he's ready to emerge in '06, though, combining both facets of his game. And while questions linger about whether he can stick at short, he's worked hard enough to earn the chance to stay for now.

Source: http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/

Anticipation builds for Young

03/04/2006
ST. PETERSBURG -- When Delmon Young hits, people watch. And when the Rays' top prospect talks, people listen.
Carl Crawford is a "grizzled" Rays veteran after 3 1/2 Major League seasons and is a big fan of Young, the Rays' 20-year-old superstar in the making.
"You sit down and talk to him about hitting, and you'll be amazed," Crawford said. "His mental [approach] is what separates him from anybody his age. His IQ of baseball is at another level for a kid his age."
Crawford and Young both worked out at Athletes' Performance Institute in Arizona during the offseason, where Crawford solicited advice on hitting from the youngster. The Rays' left fielder is pulling for Young and said he hopes Young can "stay level-headed a little bit."
"You know what I'm saying around [the media] and around the clubhouse, too, with guys that have been around, kind of have respect for the players that have been here," Crawford said. "We understand he grew up in the clubhouse [as the young brother of veteran Major Leaguer Dmitri], but we just hope he stays on that level to where other guys don't think he's getting ahead of himself."
Young is generally regarded as the best offensive player in the Minor Leagues. His numbers were off the charts in 2005. He began the season at Double-A Montgomery where he hit .336 with 20 home runs and 71 RBIs in 84 games; he finished at Triple-A Durham where he hit .285 with six home runs and 28 RBIs in 52 games. Baseball America named him the Minor League Player of the Year.
Normally, Young makes the game of baseball look easy. But he did have to adjust when he made the jump to Triple-A.
"They all throw strikes," said Young, noting he doesn't walk much -- just 33 walks at Durham. "There's a little difference of throwing the ball around the plate. You just have to get adjusted to waiting for a better pitch."
Asked if getting more selective is an area he needs to improve on, the confident Young replied: "Not really. Vladimir [Guerrero] has a nice career without doing it. It would be something to improve on."
Young smiled when asked if he thought he could play in the Major Leagues now.
"I thought I could play at 18 [in the Majors]," Young said. "You've got your doubts. You want to play well. You don't want to go up there and struggle. That's the doubts every player has, even guys who are still in the big leagues.
Given the development that Aubrey Huff might play third base, the prospect of having an outfield of Carl Crawford in left, Rocco Baldelli in center, and Young in right looks almost too good to be true for Rays fans -- and is at least possible.
"I love everything he does," said Rays manager Joe Maddon. "He is everything they said he is."
And his power?
"I don't even have to see stuff like that," Maddon said. "I stand by the cage and I watch how somebody uses their hands. And when you get a big person who uses his hands well, they normally have pretty good power. And he's a big guy and uses his hands really well."
Young looks more muscular than he did a year ago when he reported.
"Same offseason workout [he's had] the last couple of years," Young said. "Just ate more to get bigger. Other years I had to cut calories to get smaller. This year, I wanted to put on a little bit of weight."
Young stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 221 pounds.
"Anything above 205 is good for me," Young said. "It depends on where I eat. If I go eat McDonald's, I usually gain weight. If I eat healthy and watch what I eat, I could maintain or drop weight. More muscle mass."
More muscle mass, another year older, and, according to Crawford, wise beyond his years, Young is close, if not ready to be in the Major Leagues. Can Young make the team out of Spring Training?
"I don't know that," Maddon said. "I have to see the games. And I rely a lot on what people have told me, too. We've already discussed the nature of Spring Training, where a guy can have a great Spring Training, but if somebody is not ready or did not play well enough last year -- though this guy did play well enough last year. So I'm going to rely on other information on this one, too."
"Anything can happen," Young said. "You know. I don't make decisions around here. We'll just have to wait until April to see how everything works out."

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

Devil Rays quick hits

03/04/2006
The Devil Rays embark on a season of renewed hope under the leadership of a new ownership and a new manager and coaching staff.
Joe Maddon takes over for Lou Piniella as the Rays' manager, and he has brought with him an optimistic attitude, which seems to be a good fit thus far in the spring. Maddon believes knowing the fundamentals and teaching the players the game will go a long way toward moving the Rays out of the American League East basement.
In the past, team expectations and goals have always focused on the number of games the team might win. Maddon doesn't believe in setting such a figure. He is fond of saying that if the team sets a goal of winning 70 games, there's a danger the team might limit itself by hitting its goal.
The Rays finished the 2005 season by winning five more games than they lost after the All-Star break. They would like to build on that positive momentum, and most of the players from that run are still around to try and fuel such a run. If all goes well in 2006, it is reasonable to expect this team to finish in the middle of the pack in the tough American League East.
Team strength: Few teams in baseball have the overall balance in their everyday lineup the Rays have. The outfield is particularly deep, with starters Carl Crawford, Rocco Baldelli and Aubrey Huff. And if Huff ends up playing third base, which the team is exploring, it will open up another starting spot in the outfield that would be filled by Joey Gathright, Jonny Gomes or perhaps even Minor League phenom Delmon Young.
Achilles heel: Starting pitching is the most glaring weakness on the team. While the team should begin with the same group of starters it finished the 2005 season with, that group was inconsistent and must come a long way if the team wants to make any kind of strides. If the rotation stays intact, it should look something like this: Scott Kazmir, Casey Fossum, Mark Hendrickson, Doug Waechter and Seth McClung.
Top newcomer: Shinji Mori joins the Rays' bullpen after a distinguished career in Japan. The right-hander, who has served in a setup role for most of his career, will compete for the Rays' closer role now that Danys Baez has moved on to the Dodgers. Among other things, Maddon wants his closer to have an above-average pitch. Mori's split seems to be that pitch. His work in the bullpen could help smooth over what appears to be a big void for the team.
Ready to make the leap: Edwin Jackson was one of the Dodgers' top pitching prospects before getting shipped to the Rays in a deal that sent established right-handers Danys Baez and Lance Carter to the Dodgers for young right-handers Jackson and Chuck Tiffany. Jackson struggled with his delivery in 2005, which he attributes to his working more as a finesse pitcher and forgetting about his dominant fastball. Once Jackson returned to his power form, good things began to happen for him. He has been impressive in the earlygoing of the Rays' camp and has a good chance of unseating one of the returning starters in the rotation to become a significant contributor to this year's team
On the hot seat: Infielder Nick Green will battle veteran Luis Rivas for the utility infielder position. Green played second base, third base and the outfield in 2005, but will have to show he can play a better shortstop than Rivas if he is to win the job. Departed third baseman Alex Gonzalez served as the backup to shortstop Julio Lugo in 2005, which left a void for the backup slot. The Braves originally drafted Green to play shortstop, so he has the arm for the position.
You can bank on: Crawford is as steady as they come. At age 24, the Rays' left fielder has 3 1/2 years in the Major Leagues and has improved in each of them. Last season he hit .301 with 15 home runs, 33 doubles, 81 RBIs and 46 stolen bases. He continues to add muscle and he's also one of the fastest players in the Major Leagues. He also claims he plans to bunt more in 2006. In addition, Crawford is never satisfied and always is looking to improve. Put another solid year from Crawford in the bank, you can count on it.
Litmus test: Will the Rays be contenders or will they simply be a much-improved team? Fans should get that answer a couple of weeks into the season when they see how the starting rotation has either improved or remained the same. The starting pitching has some power arms with great potential, but it was far too inconsistent during the 2005 season. Will they show a decrease in walks and an increase in innings pitched? If they do, the Rays could be a dangerous team.
Games you don't want to miss:
Red Sox, April 28-30: The Red Sox held a 13-6 advantage over the Rays in 2005; their first home games against the Red Sox in 2006.
Yankees, May 3-4: The Rays went 11-8 against the Yankees in 2005, can they continue to hurt the American League East bullies in 2006?
Diamondbacks, June 20-22: The Diamondbacks entered Major League Baseball during the same expansion as the Rays.

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

Huff back at hot corner

03/04/2006
ST. PETERSBURG -- Aubrey Huff is back at third base, and whether he sticks there or not could go a long way toward determining the potency of the Devil Rays' lineup.
Thus far, Huff feels comfortable back at the position he played when he broke into the Major Leagues in 2000.
"Feels great," said Huff when asked about being back at the hot corner. "I can't tell until I play some games. Fungos are a lot different than live hitting, so we'll see. But fungos have been going solid."
Huff downplayed the difficult aspects of playing third and looked at the bright side of the position.
"There's been less running," he said with a chuckle.
Huff wasn't particularly smitten with the idea of playing third on an occasional basis during the 2005 season -- he played four games at the position in 2005 -- which came down to preparation.
"I wasn't happy with getting switched back and forth," Huff said. "That's why I didn't want to play third. I just wanted to play one position. Seems like this year they more or less want me to play there. So I don't know."
Manager Joe Maddon has been impressed with Huff thus far.
"He's going to play several positions and he's all for it," Maddon said. "We're going to give him some primary work at third base. He's also going to work at first base and right field. And he's all for it. It was beautiful. Because a lot of times players don't like to move from the infield to the outfield because of their arm. And I'm always sensitive to that issue. And that was one of the first questions I wanted to ask him, whether he was fine with that, because if he's fine with that, that makes us better. His comment was he'd do what's best for the team."
If Huff indeed moves to third, it will help the Rays put a more potent lineup on the field and deal with the logjam the team has in the outfield. Entering Spring Training, the Rays had Carl Crawford, Rocco Baldelli and Huff penciled in as the starters and Jonny Gomes, Damon Hollins, and Joey Gathright as quality reserves -- with potential superstar Delmon Young waiting in the wings.
Huff spent the winter hearing his name mentioned in trade rumor after trade rumor, which is a subject about which he has grown tired.
"I don't really want to talk about the rumors any more, I'm kind of sick of it," Huff said. "I'm coming in to play baseball for the Devil Rays and that's all I want to talk about. I can't worry about it. Who would have thought I'd be back this year? I didn't figure I would be, but here I am and that's all I can control, come out and play."
Huff, who had what amounted to an off-year for him in 2005, opted to take a different approach in the offseason by hiring a personal trainer.
"I did a lot of speed weights and stuff like that," Huff said. "Quickness drills and footwork and stuff like that. I did stuff like that in college, but in pro ball I haven't. I feel physically and mentally ready to go."
While Huff had an off year in 2005, he still managed to hit 22 home runs and drive in 92 RBIs. Huff gave credit to his teammates for the RBIs total.
"I had a lot of guys hitting ahead of me getting on base contributing to all those RBIs," Huff said. "Crawford and Lugo got on a ton. The position I was hitting in the order, you're going to drive in a lot of runs the way guys were getting on base in front of me."
Huff said he had a "bad year and a long offseason thinking about it" but said he's "coming in this year positive and ready to go."
In addition to his fitness, Huff took time to analyze his hitting.
"I think last year I was real long through the zone," he said. "Looping through the zone. This year, I really worked on getting my hands through the zone. Staying short and quick. And that's been my bread and butter in the past. I watched some video with my old hitting coach in college [from the University of Miami], Turtle Thomas. We went over some tapes together and he worked with me for a couple of days and got me squared away."
Though it's early in spring, Huff likes the way he feels so far.
"Everything feels loose, handsy, weight's back," Huff said. "[I] did a lot of stuff in the offseason with [Thomas]. Feels good, ready to go."

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

Future looks bright for Rays

03/04/2006
Developing a winning tradition takes time, requires talent and tends to involve a series of progressions.
In their relatively brief history, the Devil Rays have experienced their share of lows. Now, if their collection of young players keep improving, the organization is positioned to enjoy some highs.
Emerging out of its infancy, the franchise is making steady strides forward on the talent growth chart. Personnel evaluators across the league marvel at the abundance of players who project to become big-time stars.
The question now is whether those young players, under the leadership of new manager Joe Maddon, can break through that elusive .500 barrier. Fueling the optimism is the fact the club finished 39-34 after the All-Star break in 2005.
Building up their psyche is the fact Tampa Bay took 11 of 19 against the mighty Yankees.
For a winning season to come to fruition, however, the starting pitching must come of age. There are quality arms in camp, but are there enough?
In 22-year-old Scott Kazmir, the Rays have a rising star projected to be a bona fide ace. The gifted left-hander looks to build on his 10-9 mark and 3.77 ERA of a year ago, which included 186 innings. The club knows what it has in Kazmir. Now the burden falls on the rest of the rotation to step up on a more consistent basis.
With their lineup, the Rays should score their share of runs. Preventing them is a concern. Left-handers Mark Hendrickson and Casey Fossum, along with Seth McClung and Doug Waechter, are being asked to log their share of innings to ease the workload for a suspect bullpen. Fossum has the ability to swing into a relief role, but the Rays see him as a starter. Hendrickson is capable of better numbers -- it's a matter of staying healthy and doing it.
Fortifying the 'pen is a Spring Training mission. Gone are setup man Joe Borowski and closer Danys Baez.
Replacing Baez remains one of the most pressing Spring Training challenges. Jesus Colome has a 98-mph fastball, but he has yet to emerge as an overpowering reliever. Journeyman Dan Miceli, who has closing experience, is in the mix with Shinji Mori, Chad Orvella and Chad Harville.
The pitching woes of the past need to be corrected for the Rays to reverse their 31-44 record of a year ago against American League East rivals.
If it does, there is enough offense in place to have a big year.
To baseball personnel evaluators, the Rays not only have position players with talent, several are regarded as big-time future stars.
Carl Crawford already is an elite star, and a franchise-caliber player. He is a left fielder with center-field skills. He has size, a strong makeup and the ability to steal a base at any time. He also projects to hit for more power as his career progresses. There are few players as disruptive as Crawford.
Crawford's production should improve with the return of Rocco Baldelli, back in center field after missing last season because of injury. A healthy Baldelli gives an already good offense another weapon.
And it's just a matter of time before prized outfield prospect Delmon Young explodes onto the Major League scene. One Major League scout said that the 20-year-old Young resembles Albert Pujols and Miguel Cabrera when they were that age. Right field is destined to become Young's spot, but for now he is waiting his turn.
For now, Aubrey Huff, Damon Hollins and Jonny Gomes will split time in right field. Huff and Gomes are 20-homer threats.
The infield has some pop in second baseman Jorge Cantu, whose 28 homers and 117 RBIs from a year ago speak for themselves. Shortstop Julio Lugo -- frequently mentioned in trade rumors -- enjoyed a strong 2005, seemingly getting better while being pushed by former manager Lou Piniella. While Lugo doesn't take a lot of walks, he does log a lot of hits, and had a solid on-base percentage.
How quickly Maddon molds his young squad will determine where the Rays finish in the standings. Using a teaching approach, Spring Training has been tailored to drilling in the fundamentals.
Formerly the bench coach of the Angels, Maddon brings winning experience. Now he is trying to translate a winning way to Tampa Bay.

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

Devil Rays struggle at plate in loss

03/04/2006
Rays at the plate: Joey Gathright was the lone member of the Devil Rays to reach base more than once: He went 1-for-2 with a walk. Non-roster invitee Luis Ordaz singled and drove in a run, and is now 5-for-8 through three Spring Training games.
Twins at the plate: Catcher Rob Bowen singled, left fielder Lew Ford tripled, and each had two RBIs as part of a six-run sixth inning. Third baseman Terry Tiffee went 3-for-4 with an RBI and non-roster invitee Josh Rabe doubled.
Rays on the mound: Right-hander Shawn Camp surrendered five runs on four hits in the sixth and hit a batter. Right-hander Jamie Shields struck out three in two innings of no-hit ball.
Twins on the mound: Non-roster invitee Matt Garza surrendered the Rays' lone run, in the fifth inning. Starter Scott Baker and Jason Miller each had two strikeouts, and Baker scattered three hits in 2 2/3 innings pitched.
Grapefruit League records: Rays 2-1; Twins 2-2.
Up next: The Rays travel to Sarasota on Sunday for a 1:05 p.m. ET contest against the Reds. Right-hander Edwin Jackson will start for Tampa Bay and will be followed by right-handers Brian Stokes and Carlos Hines, lefty Wayne Franklin and right-hander Tim Corcoran. Left-hander Phil Dumatrait will start for Cincinnati.
The Twins host the Red Sox at 1:05 p.m. ET Sunday at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers, Fla. Right-hander Kyle Lohse will start for Minnesota and righty Tim Wakefield is scheduled for Boston.

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

Notes: Gathright's speed intimidates

03/04/2006
ST. PETERSBURG -- Joe Maddon can get historical when the subject is Joey Gathright. He remembers a game in Anaheim last season when Gathright started in center field and the new Devil Rays manager watched from his perch as the Angels' bench coach.
Gathright put his wheels on display that night and actually got into the head of Angels starter Paul Byrd.
Gathwright led off the game with a single to center field that he turned into a double. He then scored on Byrd's throwing error when the pitcher tried to pick him off of second base.
"Just amazing," Byrd said afterward when talking about Gathright's speed. "I've never seen anyone score that quickly from second."
Byrd and Gathright's paths intersected at the end of the third inning and Byrd told him: "You're too fast, I don't know how to stop you."
Gathright laughed at Byrd's comment, but clearly he'd left a lasting impression.
"You can't walk him ... that's the kiss of death," Byrd said.
Maddon said being in an Angels uniform and seeing Gathright's name in the lineup was not a good thing.
"It was bad," Maddon said. "It was a bad thing because the lineup would come over, and I'd see his name in the lineup card and I'd say, 'Shoot' -- because he gives you a lot more to think about in the way of preparation."
That was then. Now Gathright is in the same dugout as Maddon.
"I want him to look like a run when he walks up to home plate," Maddon said. "He should look like a run the moment he steps into that batter's box, because he's got the ability to be a run every time he steps up there."
Maddon believes Gathright can be a "force."
"If you watch what he's doing, his practice involves a lot of bunting," Maddon said. "His practice involves line drives and hard ground balls. He's been staying out of the air in batting practice, which is a big part of the style of play we're looking for."
Gathright is cognizant of how disrupting he can be.
"In the offseason, I thought about all the things I did in the Minor Leagues," Gathright said. "I just got away from them. That's why I'm coming out here bunting. ... I'm just trying to find the easiest way for me to get on base."
Gathright led off Saturday's game against the Twins by dragging a bunt single down the first-base line. Maddon hopes such actions will plant a seed in the minds of opposing teams.
Maddon says the threat of a bunt "changes the whole defense."
"That's what it's about," he said. "[On Friday] he tried to bunt with two strikes, and that was a good thing. When these guys who can really run do that, they alter the defense. Bring the corners in, obviously, then you push it by them and then they become really good bunters.
"If he can put the ball down in a decent spot -- even if they know he's going to do it -- you still can't throw him out. So those are the things he's working on and you know he's going to get. Then once he gets [on base], you see what he can do with his legs."
Gathright will play all the outfield positions this spring and perhaps serve as the designated hitter on occasion, and said he doesn't have any preference for where he plays as long as it's in the Major Leagues.
Crawford and Lugo play: Shortstop Julio Lugo returned to action after missing three days to return to his native Dominican Republic to tend to personal matters. He and left fielder Carl Crawford, playing in his first game since October, each went 1-for-4 in Saturday's "B" game against Veracruz. Crawford added two consecutive stolen bases.
"I took some aggressive hacks and felt fine," said Crawford, who has been nursing a bone bruise in his left wrist since late last season. "I'm more up to speed than what I thought I was [with my timing], and this was a real good day, to be honest."
Lugo, who returned to the team late Thursday night, said he was grateful Maddon gave him an extra day of rest. He tripled in the game, and said the extra at-bats he received by playing in the "B" game helped his preparation.
"My timing was a little off, but you only get timing by playing," Lugo said.
Mori examined: Team orthopedist Koco Eaton examined right-hander Shinji Mori's right shoulder Saturday and [said] the prognosis was good.
"It's a typical Spring Training injury that will resolve itself," Eaton said.
Mori was warming up to pitch Friday against the Blue Jays but did not enter the game after complaining of stiffness in his shoulder.
"I'll take a couple of days, just relaxing to make sure it's OK," said Mori through an interpreter.
Mori will take off three days and resume his throwing program Tuesday if everything feels all right.
Rivas out: An X-ray of Luis Rivas' right hand taken Saturday revealed a fracture of the knuckle on his right index finger.
Rivas, who is competing for the Rays' middle-infield utility spot, will be out of action for a month. Nick Green and Luis Ordaz are now the most likely contenders for the spot, but Maddon also threw Fernando Cortez's name in the hat as well.
"He's done everything properly," said Maddon about Cortez.
Coming up: The Rays travel to Sarasota on Sunday for a 1:05 p.m. ET contest at Ed Smith Stadium. Right-hander Edwin Jackson will be making his first appearance in a Rays uniform since coming to the team along with right-hander Chuck Tiffany in a trade that sent right-handers Danys Baez and Lance Carter to the Dodgers. After Jackson, the Rays will use right-handers Brian Stokes, Carlos Hines, Tim Corcoran, and Mori; left-hander Wayne Franklin is also slated to pitch. Left-hander Phil Dumatrait will start for the Reds.

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