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: Cash Announces Candidates For Middle Infield Positions

A few interesting nuggets came out of the Rays Winter Development Program the last couple of days. First, we reported earlier that Matt Moore is eyeing a June return to the rotation. Rays skipper Kevin Cash also, inadvertently, announced the candidates for the middle infield.