The Rays Tank: Pitchers and Catchers Report!

It is finally February 14^th and you know what that means! Pitchers and catchers are reporting to Port Charlotte and the Rays offseason is officially over.

Hallelujah!

David Price and Joe Maddon joined Dave Wills and Andy Freed last night on 620 WDAE’s "Countdown to Opening Day" show to talk about this upcoming season. Full audio will be posted on 620’s website later today, but there are already a ton of quotes already on @RaysRadio’s twitter.

I think there's a strong possibility @DAVIDprice14 starts on March 31st - says @RaysJoeMaddon - that is our first game right?

— RaysRadio (@RaysRadio) February 14, 2014

I have to be honest, I did not think I'd be here this year. It's a business first - @DAVIDprice14 and I understand that

— RaysRadio (@RaysRadio) February 14, 2014

Don’t worry, Matt Joyce isn’t the only one on the team excited for the possibility of DH’ing more.

I've got my helmet in my locker and my bats - @DAVIDprice14 on the rotating DH the #Rays will use

— RaysRadio (@RaysRadio) February 14, 2014

How did Jose Lobaton spend his first night after being traded? Exactly as you’d expect, eating gelato.

Making himself at home! RT @JLobaton21: So Good pic.twitter.com/rM6xq6MmyY

— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) February 14, 2014

Jake McGee headed down to Port Charlotte early and spent yesterday at the ballpark with his dog playing catch!

Levi⚾️ #teamtryouts #auprofessionalphotography http://t.co/nb9CLRBAuu pic.twitter.com/znV54ZPinX

— J McGee M McNally (@McgeeMcnally) February 13, 2014

Marc Topkin also gave us a sneak peek at the new Rays BP uniforms.

New #Rays spring training/batting practice jersey pic.twitter.com/0PhGzhGv57

— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) February 13, 2014

Links:

-After the trade yesterday, Nathan Karns was ranked the number eight prospect in the Rays organization on MLB Pipeline.

-Bill Chastain of MLB.com discusses the Rays optimism heading into camp.

-If you have a Baseball Prospectus account, you can check out this article where they examine the battle for the best between David Wright and Evan Longoria.

-MLB has hired seven new umpires and also named a director of instant replay, Justin Klemm, who has been executive director of Minor League Baseball's Professional Baseball Umpire Corporation for the past five years. The article states, "all video reviews will take place at MLB Advanced Media headquarters in New York, with umpires staffing the Replay Command Center. After viewing disputed plays, the replay official's decision will be final."

-If you’re taking part in All Star festivities in Minnesota this year, it was announced yesterday that MLB is teaming up with The Color Run to host an All Star 5k.

-Not only are talks between the Mariners and Nelson Cruz currently on hold, but the injuries have already started piling up for Seattle. Iwakuma will be sidelined 4-6 weeks with a finger injury, Walker complained of shoulder soreness, and Franklin Gutierrez has decided to sit out the entire season due to gastrointestinal issues.

-Last but not least, Happy Valentines Day!

Have a special #Rays fan in your life? Share our valentine, then keep an eye out for more to come. #TBRays pic.twitter.com/Ug14IcXyA5

— TampaBayTimesSports (@TBTimes_Sports) February 13, 2014