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Rays Ready For Spring Training Opener

Tribune photo by CLIFF McBRIDE

Evan Longoria signs autographs before today's spring training opener against the Reds in Port Charlotte.

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By TONY FABRIZIO | The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 25, 2009

PORT CHARLOTTE - Pleasant low-humidity weather has greeted the Tampa Bay Rays for their Grapefruit League opener today at their new spring training digs.

It's the kind of day that practically screams, "Have a beer and a hot dog."

The defending American League champions are about to open their 12th Grapefruit League schedule against the Cincinnati Reds at renovated Charlotte Sports Park, home of the Texas Rangers from 1997-2002. This difference this year is the Rays return as winners, and anticipation hangs in the air.

Fans are shuffling into the park, which includes 5,058 fixed seats as well as grassy berm seating and boardwalk areas down the left- and right-field foul lines and behind the outfield. But they didn't get to see the Rays take batting practice – that was pre-empted by a two-hour clubhouse meeting with Major League Baseball Players Association executive director Donald Fehr.

Rays manager Joe Maddon said his team is charged about playing before what's expected to be a large crowd and that he doesn't mind the fact Charlotte County is removed from the some of the distractions of home and other spring training sites.

"Quite frankly, I've read a couple of the cynical comments regarding this area, but I kind of like it," he said. "I like the solititude. I like the fact that there's not a whole lot going on, that people are very friendly.

"I like the idea when I go home at night I have this cool little place out by the water and I put my feet up, watch some TV and it's kind of nice to sit there and think there's not a whole lot going on."

Left-handed pitcher Carlos Hernandez gets the start for Tampa Bay and is scheduled to go two innings. The 28-year-old pitched parts of three seasons with the Houston Astros, but partly because of shoulder injuries hasn't appeared in a big-league game since 2004. He went 2-1 with 1.04 ERA in six starts last year with Vero Beach, the Rays' Class A team.

Jason Hammel, one of four pitchers competing for the No. 5 spot in the starting rotation, also is expected to get two innings.

Most of the Rays pitchers assured of making the final roster won't appear for at least another week. One exception is lefty J.P. Howell, who is scheduled to throw today and Saturday before joining Team USA for the World Baseball Classic.

But the regular position players will get some work right away. Today's starting lineup includes starting shortstop Jason Bartlett, left fielder Carl Crawford, third baseman Evan Longoria, catcher Diooner Navarro and newcomer Pat Burrell as the designated hitter.

Maddon addressed the emphasis he's placing this season on gratitude and humility.

"I believe if you remain humble and you express gratitude and and understand how fortunate you are, you'll maintain your self-discipline," he said. "That's my equation, with that, you avoid the proverbial slippery slope."

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