The first weekend in Port Charlotte is in the books, after the Rays pitchers and catchers reported to camp Friday morning. All but two pitchers were in attendance the first day of camp, the exceptions being Juan Carlos Oviedo and Juan Sandoval — both of whom had visa issues on their return from the Dominican Republic. Also in attendance were seven catchers: major leaguers Ryan Hanigan and Jose Molina, and prospects Ali Solis and Eddy Rodriguez, Curt Casali, Luke Maile, and Mayo Acosta. Joe Maddon was complimentary of the seven, saying,
“When I was watching what I was watching today, the message was validated regarding the accountability and professionalism of our group. They don’t need me lording over them, they don’t need all kinds of stuff to be thinking about other than their jobs and how they go about their jobs. They’re great, they’re really accountable, professional people. They work well, they take care of themselves, they’re interested and engaged. What else can I possibly ask for?”
16 of the 24 position players were also in camp, including the reigning Rookie of the Year, Wil Myers, whose flight had been cancelled out of North Carloina. Myers rented a car and made the 10 hour drive to be in camp on time.
Maddon mirrored thoughts many have noted (including me), Myers will need to make adjustments in his second season as a Ray,
“Obviously he’s going to have to make some adjustments… The hope is that he stays process-oriented, that he understands that.
Of course, I want him to be the instinctive, just-go-out-there-and-play baseball player that he is — which I love about him — but also be aware and cognizant of what other people may be trying to do…
When you’re the Rookie of the Year, I think the sophomore jinx primarily is defined by some people who probably don’t work as hard as they used to or don’t adjust.”
David Price, Matt Moore, Chris Archer, Joel Peralta and Brad Boxberger threw the first bullpen sessions of the spring on Saturday and Sunday (respectively), while David Price, Jake McGee, Alex Cobb, Jake Odorizzi, Grant Balfour, Heath Bell, and new acquisitions Nathan Karns and Erik Bedard are scheduled to throw Monday. On Price, Rays beat writer Marc Topkin tweeted,
Price said first bullpen session went well: “It was awesome. … I’m in a good place mentally and physically. I’m excited.”
All told, the first weekend of the spring went smoothly.
Noteworthiness
- Ryan Dempster informed Boston yesterday morning he has opted not to play in 2014. The 36-year old cited family reasons, as well as physical ailment. “I’m not gonna go out there and put my team at a disadvantage,” Dempster told reporters. “I’m at peace with my decision.” He forgoes nearly $14M in salary, which may allow Boston to spend even more.
- Topkin notes: Desmond Jennings put on 10-15 pounds this off-season, with the idea of playing at higher weight since he usually loses 10 or so during year.