‘Rays-ed’
expectations
Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Sam Fuld works out as pitchers and catchers officially report to baseball spring training Monday, Feb. 20, 2012, in Port Charlotte, Fla. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Tampa Bay Rays catchers Jose Molina, left, and left fielder Desmond Jennings work out as pitchers and catchers officially report to baseball spring training Monday, Feb. 20, 2012, in Port Charlotte, Fla. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Tampa Bay Rays fan Nathan Vetter, 13, of North Port, Fla., right, holds out his baseball card of pitcher David Price to autograph as he passes following a workout at baseball spring training Monday, Feb. 20, 2012, in Port Charlotte, Fla. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Tampa Bay Rays catcher Nevin Ashley takes batting practice as pitchers and catchers officially report to baseball spring training Monday, Feb. 20, 2012, in Port Charlotte, Fla. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
SUN PHOTO BY NICK MARTINEZ
The Rays' Tim Beckham jogs after batting practice Monday morning at Charlotte Sports Park.
SUN PHOT BY NICK MARTINEZ
Rays teammates Sam Fuld, front, Elliot Johnson, right, and Jose Molia sign autographs Monday at Charlotte Sports Park.
SUN PHOTO BY NICK MARTINEZ
The grounds crew removes the tarp from the infield at Charlotte Sports Park on Monday. Rays pitchers and catchers reported to spring training camp Monday.
SUN PHOTO BY NICK MARTINEZ
Rays fans wait for autographs Monday at Charlotte Sports Park.
PORT CHARLOTTE — On a sunny afternoon one day prior to the team’s first spring workout, Andrew Friedman reflected on the Rays’ recent past with a smile.
More often than not this offseason, he looked down onto Tropicana Field from the window of his office and saw a handful of Tampa Bay players working out. No one told them to be there, instead the Rays volunteered their time toward future team improvements.
