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Vaughn reports dogged, defiant

Only thing the vocal vet is uncertain about is his future with the team.

By KEVIN KELLY, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published February 21, 2002

ST. PETERSBURG -- The oldest and most recognizable player in the Rays clubhouse walked onto the field Wednesday with his pant legs pulled up to his knees and something to say about it.

Greg Vaughn reported to camp and immediately began fielding questions about his future with the Rays, about being the designated leader of the youngest team in the majors and, of course, about Hal McRae's new dress code that requires 4 inches of stirrup be showing.

"I don't like it because I don't believe it has anything to do with wins and losses," said Vaughn, whose pants draped over the tops of his cleats last season. "If you're going to judge me, judge on the way I play the game."

Now that veterans Fred McGriff, Vinny Castilla, Juan Guzman and Albie Lopez are gone, Vaughn is the player others listen to.

He is 36 and a four-time All-Star and has played in a World Series and hit 30 or more homers in four seasons. He batted .233 with 24 homers and 82 RBIs last season.

"We all know the respect that he's earned in the game, so we try to show him that respect," outfielder Jason Tyner said. "We still goof around with him and joke around with him, but we still try to treat him like a veteran."

Vaughn's future and role with the Rays is anything but certain.

Will he play leftfield or be designated hitter? Will the Rays, who would like to avoid paying the $18-million Vaughn has left on his contract, make a trade by the July deadline?

"I really don't worry about that," said Vaughn, who has a limited no-trade clause in a contract that will pay him $8.25-million this season. "If I go out there and do what I'm supposed to do and help this team, all that stuff will take care of itself.

"If a team acquires me, hopefully they'll be in contention and have a lot to play for. All that stuff will work itself out."

Meantime, McRae invites Vaughn to speak out.

"I want him to be himself," McRae said. "We don't want to break anyone. He should not embarrass himself. He should not embarrass the club, should not embarrass his family. We don't care what he says."

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