Evan Longoria fields a bunt during the Tampa Bay Rays first open workout on Sunday. (Photo Credit: Will Vragovic/Tampa Bay Times)

After a foggy start to the day, the Tampa Bay Rays got busy during the first open workout of the spring Sunday morning.

Rays skipper Kevin Cash, as well as centerfielder Kevin Kiermaier, kicked off the day with communiqués to the entire spring squad.

Cash professed an inspirational, albeit short, message affirming his belief in the 2017 ball club:

We really believe in the guys that are in this room, said Cash. We’re not really looking to improve as individuals here, because we value the guys that we have and the guys we brought in. Saying that, let’s not confuse that with we know we have to get better. We have to work on fundamentals and stuff, but as far as the individual skill and the talent, we’re very happy. We feel we’re in a good spot.

Kevin Kiermaier, who also spoke to the entire team for the first time, told Neil Solondz (Rays Radio) the skipper’s message resonated with him. The centerfielder said he got a taste of the postseason at the end of the 2013 season — in time for the Rays’ play-in game against the Rangers and the Wildcard game in Cleveland — and wants to get back to that feeling.

Three years is too long, Kiermaier said. Trying to cut that down and get back (to the playoffs) this year. I said we’ve had some really good individual performances the past couple of years, but collectively we haven’t played together as a team yet, so it will be nice to do that this year. Everyone knows it’s a lot easier said than done, but at the same time, I just want to remind guys, let’s come in here, let’s work with each other and do whatever it takes to get better with each other and let’s go out there and win and have a lot more fun than what we’ve had the last three years.

On the field, Rays bench coach Tom Foley led infield drills with Logan Morrison and Rickie Weeks at first base, Brad Miller and Daniel Robertson at second base, Tim Beckham and Nick Franklin at shortstop, and Evan Longoria at third base. Duffy continues to be on a monitored program, on a field separate from where the drill work is taking place.

Highlighting the work of Miller, Cash said he was “outstanding” in taking and making throws, and that he  “looked like it was natural …really fundamentally sound.”

The team also held live batting practice, with Jose Alvarado and Ryne Stanek among the pitchers who drew the attention of those in attendance. Cash paid special attention to Austin Pruitt, Hunter Wood and Jeff Ames as they threw and mentioned that all three threw strikes and looked good.

Full-squad workouts continue through Thursday, with the Grapefruit League season beginning Friday. The fundamentals to be worked on Monday include pop-up drills, which can be challenging under a clear, cloud-free sky.

Those scheduled to throw live batting practice include Alex Cobb, Jake Odorizzi and Blake Snell, as well as reliever Xavier Cedeno.

Noteworthiness

— Cash said several Rays could be held out of games early on including SS Matt Duffy (heel surgery), 1B Logan Morrison (wrist surgery) and OFs Colby Rasmus (hip core muscle surgery), Mallex Smith (left side tightness) and Steven Souza Jr. (hip surgery).

Leave a comment