Aybar says wrist is healed

Willy Aybar arrived in Rays camp Sunday, looking trim and sporting a new look - a burr cut atop his scalp.

He said the wrist injury that ended his winter ball season in early January is not a factor.

"No restrictions," he said.

It occurred when he tried to check his swing. He figured it was a better idea to stop playing and let it heal than risk having it hamper his spring.

Aybar returns to his familiar role of backup first baseman, second baseman, third baseman and designated hitter. It's a role he would like to see expanded but knows that won't happen soon, not with a Gold Glove at first base and another at third.

"I'd love to be a regular," he said. "But I know I have to prove I can play a position."

Upton on arbitration

If B.J. Upton is bitter about losing in arbitration, he hid it well Sunday when he talked with the media for the first time this spring.

Upton said he wasn't surprised with anything negative that was said by the club during the three-hour hearing in front of a panel of three arbitrators.

"From the guys I've talked to who've been in that room, they've all said you're not going to like what was said when you walk out, so going in I was kind of prepared for it," he said. "It really didn't bother me. They told me the things I told myself all last season, so for me it was a pretty easy process. Go there, deal with it like it's a business, walk out of the room. Obviously, you don't know what side's going to win, but whatever the case might be, I felt like I won anyway."

Getting crowded

Evan Longoria and Pat Burrell joined Upton and Aybar on Sunday in reporting two days early. The position players don't have to report until Tuesday and their first workout isn't until Wednesday.

Carl Crawford, Ben Zobrist, Sean Rodriguez, Elliot Johnson and Angel Chavez are the only position players yet to report.

Noteworthy

Manager Joe Maddon and his staff began their individual meetings with the players Sunday where they take 15 to 20 minutes to discuss what they expect from each player. ... The hitters will face live pitching Thursday.

Roger Mooney