ST. PETERSBURG - Fred McGriff has been playing in the majors since 1986, but driving across the Howard Frankland Bridge on Friday morning, he felt something he hasn't since, well, 1986: nerves.
"I feel like I did when I started off with the Blue Jays," McGriff, the Tampa native, said after the first day of full-squad workouts.
It didn't take long for McGriff, who played for the Rays from 1998-2001, to feel at home again.
"McGriff hit a few over the palm trees," manager Lou Piniella said. "He can swing the bat. It's good to have Freddy here. He needs nine home runs to reach 500 and we're happy to give the opportunity here in his hometown area. We'll see what happens."
What likely will happen is McGriff will stay in shape with the Rays during the spring and go to another team for the start of the season. But he could stay if the Rays come down with a few injuries. McGriff wants to land somewhere if for no other reason than to reach his homer milestone. But if he doesn't, that would be okay.
"I got my goal in mind," McGriff said. "I've been able to play 17 years so far with no complaints. I grew up here in Tampa. I wanted to play in the big leagues. I never dreamed about hitting 500 home runs. I just wanted to play in the big leagues. Now, I want to have a good time. If I never hit another home run, I'll be happy."
In the meantime, McGriff will provide some leadership to a young Rays team and even for a few of the veterans.
"I think it's great," first baseman and friend Tino Martinez said. "I hope Fred has a great spring and something good happens for both of us. I hope he has a good spring and gets his 500 home runs. He deserves it. And in the meantime, I'm looking forward to being around him this spring like everybody else, and I'm going to try to take advantage of learning from him."
TWO NO-SHOWS: Sixty of the Rays' 62 players showed up for the first day of full-squad workouts. The missing players were infielders Deivi Cruz and Fernando Tatis. The Rays said both were delayed by "flight difficulties."
Piniella said Cruz was expected to be in camp today, but he wasn't sure about Tatis. Both are looking to earn spots as utility players.
HE SAID IT AGAIN: Piniella, it seems, can't turn around without someone reminding him of his prediction that the Rays won't finish last this season. He even joked that every time he opens his mouth, the Rays' chances get better.
Still, his optimism won't let him back down.
"I'm always optimistic as a manager," he said. "I've been managing long enough to know when I have a good ballclub, and this is a good baseball team. Now, we play in a tough division, but it's time this club gets out of the cellar. Let's do it this year. At the same time, let's approach .500 baseball. Our fans deserve it here in town."
IMPRESSED: Piniella was happy to see veterans in top shape, but his highest praise went to two of the Rays' top prospects: shortstop B.J. Upton and outfielder Delmon Young.
"It's fun watching your kids with talent swing the bat," Piniella said. "They are exceptional young guys. There's a few more in that group, too. It won't be long before a few of our young guys are pushing these other players. They can hit."
B GAMES: The Rays now have three B games, all against the Tigers, March 3 and 5 in Lakeland and March 14 at the Naimoli complex. The game in St. Petersburg will start at 11 a.m.
