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Rays Ready For Reporting Day

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Marc Lancaster/The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 13, 2008

ST. PETERSBURG Something unusual has been going on at the Naimoli Complex this winter.

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, beginning last fall, Rays players have convened for workouts. According to Scott Kazmir, a dozen or so players have been present regularly throughout the winter. In recent weeks, that number has swelled considerably.

James Shields participated in his first full workout at the complex last Wednesday and was stunned by what he saw.

"I swear to God there were 40 guys," said Shields. "It was amazing. I normally come back a week before spring and I see maybe 10, 12 guys. But it was a full squad out there. It was crazy."

To the young aces atop the Rays' rotation, the message conveyed by such a heavy early turnout is clear:

"It shows people care," said Kazmir. "It shows that people want to go out there and they want to get better, bottom line. That builds chemistry with the guys on the team. It's great to see guys here early and not eager just to leave right after you're done with stuff. That goes a long way."

How far? The Rays are only a day away from hitting the field to begin the process that will answer that question. Pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report by the end of the day today, with the first workout set for Friday morning.

Of the 35 players in that group – 28 pitchers and seven catchers – only one is not expected to report on time. Reliever Juan Salas has been delayed by visa issues in the Dominican Republic, just as he was last spring when he showed up to camp a week late.

The majority already have made their way to the complex, checked out their new blue uniforms and jumped into the fray. Making the rounds Wednesday in addition to Kazmir and Shields were Matt Garza, Andy Sonnanstine, Dan Wheeler, Gary Glover, Scott Dohmann, Trever Miller, Wade Davis, Jake McGee, Rocco Baldelli, Jason Bartlett and new arrivals that included Evan Longoria, Grant Balfour and Jae Kuk Ryu.

The sight of so many players already in camp, and the knowledge that many have been around for a while, warmed the heart of Rays manager Joe Maddon. Before the team dispersed last fall, he hammered home the importance of offseason conditioning.

"That's the one thing we talked about at the end of last season and they really have taken to it," said Maddon.

The level of participation could be interpreted as a sign of maturity among a still-young group, but anticipation of the upcoming season has been a driving force as well. Especially for those who have suffered through one losing campaign after another, there is a sense that this could be the breakthrough season everyone has awaited.

"We addressed every single position that we thought we needed to improve on," said Kazmir. "I think I can speak for everyone when I say we're excited – we're really excited."

Reporter Marc Lancaster can be reached at (813) 259-7227 or mlancaster@tampatrib.com.

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