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Tampa Bay Rays News and Links: Ian Desmond Finally Signs

After months of rumors linking him with the Rays, Desmond finally signed elsewhere

Greg Fiume/Getty Images

We are just a few days away from the first Rays game of the season!

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Trivia Time!

The answer to yesterday's question was Pete LaForest, answered by Brickhaus

Incorrect answers included Willy Aybar, Joel Guzman, and Humberto Cota

He continues to make a living off his work behind the plate, as managers have rated him his league's best defensive catcher for three years running. He led the league by throwing out 54 percent of basestealers in 2005. Though he has a chunky body, he's agile and has good receiving skills. He has some raw power, but he owns a long swing, chases too many pitches and struggles against breaking balls. He's also a well-below-average runner.

Hint; he was ranked in the top 30 of his system for five years in a row.

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There are 34 days until Opening Day!

That's the same number of runs knocked in by Ryan Hanigan during the 2014 season.

Six of those came in this 16-1 bashing of the Yankees.

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Rays Spring Training Coverage!

- Tom Foley gave Kevin Cash some light ribbing

- James Loney didn't have much luck against Blake Snell

- Meanwhile, several other pitchers also caught Cash's attention

- We get our first look at kunckle baller, Eddie Gamboa, as Evan Longoria stood in against him

- Neil Solondz brings journeyman pitcher, Adam Wilkunder his player spotlight.

- Also, lots of player and coach interviews

Links!

- The Texas Rangers were able to land Ian Desmondto a relatively cheap deal as he signed for one year and will earn $8 million.

The annual reminder to please not take spring training stats seriously.

- Joey Rickard looks to continue the Orioles trend of keeping Rule V players

Tank Announcement

- Starting Wednesday, with the beginning of Rays spring training games, I'll be getting back into the grove of game notes, which will feature the history, trivia, and countdown, while the tank will be the morning links and Rays news coverage. Thanks for coming back each morning throughout the off-season.