The Tampa Bay Rays have reported and spring training is officially underway as the went through their first full day of work outs yesterday.

Prior to the workout, Kevin Cash addressed the team and told them to not allow outside expectations to influence. Later, Matt Duffy would sum up the message that Cash conveyed.

The only expectations are to work hard, play hard, run hard and take care of each other

Among the things that stood out to Juan Toribio were the infield drills, the battle for first base between Yandy Diaz, Ji-Man Choi, and possibly Brandon Lowe, and also Ryne Stanek, who threw live BP against several members of the Rays.

Rays News

• Fans were out in force for the first full-squad workout

• Yandy Diaz enters camp looking to secure his first starting job in the majors, following his acquisition by the Rays in December. He’ll be battling for the starting first base job.

“Last year I played a good amount of first base and I felt comfortable. This year, I’m going to focus more on my defense and play the entire time at first base.

I’m not a player that hits a lot of home runs. But with the quality, the swing and the power in the bat,

• Here are 10 players to watch this spring, Juan Toribio highlights Nate Lowe and Christian Arroyo among the group
• Why ‘expectations’ is a big word for the Rays this year
• Marc Topkin has his report from the first full squad workout
• Why there are still reasons to applaud Delmon Young in Tampa Bay
• Getting to know Ryan Merritt, one of the Rays spring training non-roster invitees
• Happy Birthday to Rays translator, Manny Navarro!

Quote of the Day

“We all feel the same way, we think playoffs are something we need to get to,’’ Snell said after Monday’s first full-squad workout. “And we think the World Series is something that is very attainable.’’ - Blake Snell on the upcoming season

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