Sports: Wherever he's needed, Smith is ready to play

Wherever he's needed, Smith is ready to play

By MARC TOPKIN, Times Staff Writer

ST. PETERSBURG -- Having started at second and third base in the big leagues and having played outfield and shortstop regularly at Triple A, Bobby Smith already was pretty well-rounded.

Now the Rays apparently are looking to expand his versatility, and perhaps increase his chances to make the team, by trying him at first base.

"I'm an all-purpose guy," Smith said. "I'm like (Formula) 409. You can use me in the kitchen, the bathroom, wherever."

Smith, who played two games at first for Durham last season, could present an intriguing option as a super-sub, given his speed, right-handed power and athleticism.

"I don't mind it; I really feel that I can play anywhere on the diamond," Smith said.

"Ideally you want to have one position and play it every day. But when they move you around that tells you that they think you're an athlete. You have to take it as a compliment, that they're saying you're one of the best athletes in the organization."

Smith won the starting second base job over Brent Abernathy last spring, but was designated for assignment after six games and spent the rest of the season in Triple-A after clearing waivers.

One of four original Rays, Smith said the only thing he won't do is put on the catcher's gear and go behind the plate.

As for his pitching? "I'm going to have to work on that."

IS DEWON DE-ONE?: If 2001 top draft pick Dewon Brazelton pitches well enough this spring to warrant a spot in the rotation, manager Hal McRae said the Rays wouldn't hesitate to put him on the big-league team though he hasn't pitched in the minors.

"If he's your best pitcher, why not?" McRae said. "We'd be willing to take that risk. Naturally if he makes the club, I'll protect him. We don't think we'd hurt him psychologically if he started here."

Brazelton, 21, already has been impressive. "We know he's a good worker and we know he throws strikes, so those essential parts are already in place," McRae said. "We know he has a good changeup and we know he can throw strikes with his fastball and his changeup, and his curveball probably needs a little work."

OUCH: Rocco Baldelli experienced one of the most painful moments in camp Monday, getting hit in the buttocks by a pitch from hard-throwing Jesus Colome during batting practice. Baldelli, who stayed in the cage, was sporting the makings of a small bruise. "I think you can see some of the seams," Baldelli said.

SOONER THAN LATER: McRae said he won't wait long after the March11 opening of minor-league camp to make the first cuts from the 61-man spring roster. "The players you know are going to the minors, I don't see any big need to keep them around," he said.

MISCELLANY: Abernathy and Jason Tyner visited with Robert Haase, a Sarasota Cardinal Mooney High baseball player who is a leukemia patient at All Children's Hospital. ... Tickets to the March 23 annual Grand Slam Gala, benefiting several area charities, are available for $175 each. All players and coaches will be there. Call (727) 825-3470. ... The Rays expect a report today on outfielder Josh Hamilton's visit to back specialist Dr. Robert Watkins.