The Rays Tank: Promos, Longo’s Legacy and Kiermaier’s Path to the Majors

The Rays announced their 2014 promotional giveaways yesterday and Maddon’s potato head was definitely the highlight of the list. Other featured giveaways include a Wil Myers Rookie of the Year Bobblehead, Longo 80’s hairband bobblehead with drumset and a Chris Archer Christmas Stocking. Here’s hoping for a striped high sock! For a full list of promotions, head over here.

#Rays Maddon confirms he played with Mr. Potato Head as a kid - both w/ real potatoes and the plastic version.

— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) February 18, 2014

I am happy to be lyonnaised as Mr. Potato Head. My grandkids will love it. pic.twitter.com/aFINxKZU5T

— Joe Maddon (@RaysJoeMaddon) February 18, 2014

Most of the #Rays players I've talked to over the last couple of days agree: The @wilmyers bobblehead needed troll hair.

— Steve Carney (@stevecarney) February 18, 2014

Andrew Astleford of FOX Sports Florida wrote a great piece yesterday about how Longoria can really strengthen his legacy on the Rays by stepping up and inspiring Wil Myers this year. Astleford wrote,

"Myers will require grounding along the way. That's where Longoria can shine as a clear, aware clubhouse voice. His messages carry instant credibility, because he produced the footprints Myers attempts to follow: the AL Rookie of the Year honor, the All-Star Game appearances, the two-time Gold Glove Awards, the stability within a franchise, the respect throughout the game. They can travel this path together."

620 WDAE interviewed Kevin Kiermaier yesterday to learn about his path to the majors. He talks about his disappointment of being drafted in the 31^st round, but now enjoys people questioning why he was taken so late with the level of talent that he displays.

Ben Zobrist reported to camp yesterday and told Adam Berry of MLB.com,

"We're going to work to win it all. I don't think anybody's going to be satisfied trying to get to the playoffs or squeaking in like we did last year. It's going to be a lot more of a dedicated drive to win the World Series instead of just winning in general."

If you’re in the Englewood area, Ben and his wife, Julianna, will be performing at Englewood United Methodist Church tonight!

Now that we are all settled its time to start rehearsing for our show at Englewood United Methodist Church! Tomorrow, Feb 19! -Ben and Jules

— Ben Julianna Zobrist (@TheZobrists) February 18, 2014

Stu Sternberg also reported to camp yesterday and talked to the media about his expectations for 2014.

A Seattle radio host, Steve Sandmeyer, called into 98.7 The Fan yesterday to discuss his thoughts on Erik Bedard, which weren’t very kind.

The Charlotte Harbor Visitor and Convention Bureau will be hosting a TweetUp on Saturday March 8^th at the Pirates vs. Rays game in Port Charlotte. They will be selecting 10 winners to attend the game in their suite. Registration runs from today until next Wednesday!

Links:

-The Durham Bulls have announced that their season ticket plans will go on sale on February 24^th, and if you purchase Opening Day tickets during the online presale, you’ll be entered for a chance to be the very first entrant to the newly renovated Durham Bulls Athletic Park. The winner gets a VIP tour of the park and a personalized jersey.

-The Astros and Nationals have hopes to share a Spring Training site in Palm Beach county within the next couple of years.

-One Red Sox player is apparently a real life knight. Xander Bogaerts told reporters about how he was knighted after winning the 2011 Baseball World Cup.

-Jeff Sullivan of FanGraphs examines "The Strike Zone With the Runner on the Move" which made for an interesting read.

-Dodgers fans may have trouble watching their team on television this year.

-Profar’s shoulder is becoming a worry for the Rangers.

-Is Manny trying to make a comeback run? He hired a new agent yesterday.

-Mike Trout tweets out flight plans into Phoenix. Hundreds of fans show up to the airport.