Gomes, Zobrist report

The position players continued to file in Tuesday morning, with the most recent additions to Rays spring training camp being outfielder Jonny Gomes and shortstop Ben Zobrist.

Gomes, a popular clubhouse guy, made quite an entrance. He also appeared to have lost about 15 to 20 pounds. He said he was the same weight -- 238 pounds -- as he was this time last season, but it was just in the "right places now."

Gomes, whose season was cut short last year with right shoulder surgery, said his throwing shoulder feels the best it has since his junior college days. He's been throwing long toss and hitting live batting practice, not bad for a guy who couldn't physically swing the bat without pain in August.

"I’m full go," Gomes said. "There’s no exercise, no hitting, no throwing that I have to hold back."

With a crowded outfield, the Rays asked Gomes in December if he would be willing to try playing first base. Gomes said he happily obliged, even borrowing Rocco Baldelli's first base mitt in order to get a feel for it. But on Tuesday Rays manager Joe Maddon said that if Gomes is healthy enough to throw and run well, he'll remain an outfieder.

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[raysfan]

I love the Rays and am ready for a great season! Keep up the good work, thank you for the updates!