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Cox not taking for granted that first base is his

© St. Petersburg Times
published February 18, 2002

ST. PETERSBURG -- The landscape in the Rays' clubhouse has been altered, but Steve Cox insists his view hasn't changed.

With Fred McGriff gone to the Cubs, Cox comes into spring training for the first time in his major-league career as the starting first baseman.

He says that just gives him a reason to work harder.

"I don't really feel anything is different. My thing is go out and prove myself every day just like I always have," Cox said.

"All it means is that in spring training I'm going to get to play more. It depends on what I do. No one told me I'm playing first base. So my thing is to really get after it so hopefully they will tell me."

Manager Hal McRae said there isn't much suspense: "The job is his to lose. To me, there's no pressure on him."

Bouncing among the bench, the DH role and an awkward assignment to the outfield during the first few months of the 2001 season, Cox didn't have much opportunity to get comfortable.

Once McGriff approved a trade to the Cubs, Cox settled in, starting 43 of the final 58 games (while missing two weeks because of a sore back), hitting .268 with six homers and 23 RBIs.

Eager to get started again, he reported to camp Sunday morning, three days early, and quickly picked up on the upbeat mood in the clubhouse.

"Everyone's really, really hungry, and it's a better atmosphere," he said. "Everyone seems to be on the same page. There aren't too many guys who've really done anything, so we all want to prove ourselves."

WHITE REPORT: Pitcher Matt White was encouraged Sunday when Dr. James Andrews gave him permission to accelerate his recovery from May 31 shoulder surgery.

"He said to go ahead and speed it up and be a little more aggressive," White said. "Maybe in a week or so I can (start throwing) off the mound."

White went into last spring training close to making the jump from perennial top prospect to major-league pitcher, but he was quickly derailed by what turned out to be a tear in his rotator cuff.

The postsurgery prognosis was that White would be out about a year, and Sunday's examination showed he was, at minimum, on schedule.

"It was real good news," White said. "And it's good to know that all the work and time in the weight room is paying off."

CATCHERS CLUB: The Rays are taking their home plate box seats upscale with the introduction of the Catchers Club. Features include VIP parking, private entrance, theater-style seating, an unlimited food and beverage buffet in a new private room and carpeted lounge areas. Tickets are $99 a game as season tickets ($8,019 overall), $125 as individual tickets if purchased through May and $195 starting in June.

MISCELLANY: Infielders Russ Johnson, Felix Martinez, Wilmy Caceres and Jason Smith also reported; 45 of the 61 invited players are in camp. ... McRae said he doesn't know if outfield prospect Josh Hamilton, sidelined again by back trouble, will work out with the full squad Wednesday. ... The team Fanfest attracted about 20,000 Sunday, 35,000 for the two days.

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