Rays Spring Training Update, Day Eight; Franklin Confident at Short, Beckham Goes Hulk on Smyly’s Windshield, Etc

Once the fog cleared from the greater Port Charlotte area, likely opening day starter Alex Cobb got the opportunity to throw live batting practice, along with Nathan Karns and flame throwers Jose Dominguez and Jhan Martinez among others. Karns, one of the candidates for the number five starter’s job, will get the ball in the spring opener against the Orioles, Thursday.

Hot-Stove: Welcome Myers, Odorizzi, Montgomery and Leonard

To say that Monday night’s seven player trade between the Rays and the Royals was contentious would be an understatement. The move made ripples in all corners of the baseball world, while setting the local sports talk radio airwaves ablaze. Gone are RHP James Shields and Wade Davis. In return, the Rays received über OF …