PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- All 38 pitchers and catchers began spring training workouts with the Rays on Tuesday. The day began in chilly conditions, but by the time they finished around noon, the temperature had warmed up to the mid-70's under sunny skies.
In addition to the pitchers and catchers, 14 of the 21 position players have checked into camp. They worked out on a different field and did some hitting in the batting cages.
"We built a lot of momentum at the end of last season and then our players carried the momentum all the way through the offseason," said Rays' manager Joe Maddon. "It's now up to us to regenerate that momentum going into spring training. The quick start is important to us."
One of Joe Maddon's toughest decisions this spring is choosing a 5-man starting rotation. He has 8 strong candidates.
Jeff Niemann is thought to be on the bubble if Wade Davis and rookie Matt Moore make the rotation, which isn't a given. Faced with a move to the bullpen, Niemann chose to take the high road.
"Obviously, we're coming in and getting ready to pitch as a starter," said Niemann after the workout. "And we'll see how this plays out. It's going to be a lot of fun. It's a tough situation for them. Hopefully, it's a win-win situation for them. Too many quality guys is always a good problem to have."
Joe Maddon indicated the decision won't be based solely on what happens in spring training.
"The criterion is not necessarily performance-generated," said Maddon. "We'll have to look at each guy, their strengths and weaknesses, what they're capable of doing. They all have a track record. I'm more concerned about their track record than what they do in 6 weeks here."
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