Longoria will take his swings

3B prospect Evan Longoria will get the chance to show in spring training whether he is ready for the major leagues as the Rays have dropped the idea of making one of the spring's biggest decisions before the start of camp.
Manager Joe Maddon said Tuesday the Rays will base their decision on how Longoria plays during the spring, how he handles himself and other factors, and likely won't render a verdict until mid-March at the earliest.
"We're just going to have him come into camp and we're just going to watch it as it progresses and we'll make our decision,'' Maddon said. "We're not going to just pre-set it before camp.''
The evaluation of Longoria will be made independent of other players, Maddon said, and based on what it best for the talented 22-year-old who is considered a future star.
"For me, personally, it's the entire thing. There's no one area. He could come in and hit .500 and that might not make him make the team,'' Maddon said. "It's just going to be how we're seeing it progress, how we feel the whole thing is coming together, a lot of different things. ...
"I've got to see it on the field. I've not really been on the field with this guy. I love him. I've seen him in the fall league and I've had conversations, we've gone out to dinner. He's a major-leaguer, there's no question. When is the right time to make that happen, that's what we've got to figure out.''
Longoria told the Times recently that he hoped for the chance to prove he was ready and would have been disappointed if the Rays had made a decision ahead of time. They had been considering doing so because they prefer not to make evaluations in the spring, when the level of competition is inconsistent, and to reduce the pressure and scrutiny.
Maddon addressed the fans attending Tuesday's kickoff luncheon sponsored by the St. Petersburg-area and Clearwater chambers.
He also:
     -Reiterated that the competition for the two open spots in the rotation will include Jason Hammel, J.P. Howell, Edwin Jackson, Jeff Niemann and Andy Sonnanstine.
     -Said players will report to camp, which opens Friday, in good shape injury-wise, with no - thus far - unexpected health concerns.
    -Considers five of the seven bullpen spots taken by Troy Percival, Al Reyes, Dan Wheeler, Trever Miller and Gary Glover.
     -Doesn't expect any further additions to a spring roster that now stands at 56.
   

Comments

[Tyler]

How is glover a lock for the pen? He was ok last year, but was pretty lucky it seems. None of his rate stats are particularly good. Gives up a more than a hit an inning, not a great BB rate, below average K rate. Everything about his says his ERA isn't going to improve, if anything, it might get worse.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not opposed to him being on this team, just don't think he should be a lock for the team. I like Salas, Balfor and Dohmann better. Now he may be better than any of these guys, but he shouldn't be guaranteed anything.

[Richard]

If Miller and Glover are locks, our bullpen is not in good shape. There are some good minor leaguers that should get a shot also, along with some others from last year.

[Steve]

Why is Glover a 'lock' over either Balfour or Dohmann?He should have to earn it this spring,not be given to him.If fully healthy, I personally feel Balfour will be the better pitcher over Glover.

[RFN]

I think Glover can probably play himself out of a bullpen slot if he has a terrible spring, but the Rays think he will be better when he surrounded by better guys.

Of course, the same can be said for Balfour - would love to see him return to form. Not sure about Dohmann, but I would love to see him step up too, to make the decisions tough.

Unfortunately, Miller gets a spot just because he's a lefty - I hope he works out for us.

[Ryan Callahan]

well if only 2 pen spots are left, i hope dohmann and balfour take them. i really like balfour, even though his name is weird for a pitcher. he has pretty electric stuff, and if he develops the slider he could be a very effective pitcher. i really like dohmann as well. i think maddon has a grudge against them for some reason. as for longo, i would be pleased either way. if he makes it, we have an up and coming 3rd baseman who can swing the bat and play a little D starting, but if not we have that player getting some more seasoning.