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ST. PETERSBURG - After 10 days of the same mundane routine - batting practice, taking grounders, stretching and running - the Devil Rays finally get to some good stuff today with the first of two intrasquad games.
"Not only is the staff ready, but the players are ready," general manager Chuck LaMar said. "It's time to go play."
Beginning with today's 9 a.m. intrasquad game, the Rays will go to a regimented schedule to prepare not only for Saturday's spring training opener, but the start of the regular season.
Because of the trip to Japan later this month, the Rays will play an abbreviated 22-game exhibition schedule, including two games against teams from Japan. That means players trying to earn a spot will have less time to show what they can do.
Manager Lou Piniella said he wants the pitchers in his starting rotation to get six appearances and throw about 20-22 innings. Meantime, he's hoping his regular position players can get about 60 at-bats.
"I had (batting coach) Lee (Elia) tell our hitters, to get our hitters 60 or so at-bats; they'll have to start playing a little more frequently early in the spring and, at the same time, a little longer," Piniella said.
That means fewer days off for the regulars and fewer days when they come out after three or four innings. It also means the starting pitchers will see plenty of work early in the spring.
Opening-day starter Victor Zambrano is scheduled to pitch today, while Jeremi Gonzalez, penciled in as the No.2 starter, will pitch in Tuesday's intrasquad game.
Meantime, several players likely to be on the opening-day roster will play in the intrasquad games. In addition, Piniella said many of the regulars likely will play in a B game Friday in Lakeland against the Tigers.
Suddenly, the intrasquad games today and Tuesday take on more significance than getting players in game shape.
"It gives us a chance to evaluate some players that we have to make a decision on," LaMar said.
HAMILTON NEWS: Major League Baseball placed outfielder Josh Hamilton, who is suspended until March 19 for violating league's drug treatment and prevention policy, on the restricted list. That means the 40-man roster has been reduced to 39.
But this isn't big news. It's a paper move that allows the Rays to add a player to the 40-man roster while Hamilton is suspended.
"If we want to make a move before the 19th then we can," LaMar said. "And if we have to reinstate him, then he's our 40th player. So it just gives us a little flexibility. ... Right now we could use the flexibility in case we had to claim somebody or a possible trade or whatever the case may be."
If Hamilton's suspension is lifted on the 19th, the Rays then would have to place him back on the 40-man roster.
ZAMBRANO READY FOR OPENER: Zambrano is downplaying his assignment for opening day, but, with his smile, admitted he was happy to get the starting call by Piniella.
"I'm really happy with the team that they are going to give me that kind of opportunity," Zambrano said. "I'm not going to change anything because I'm the opening-day starter. I think every spot in the rotation is very important - one through five is going to be very important for this team."
MISCELLANY: Piniella said the Rays are looking to add a fourth B-game to their schedule for either March 10 or 11. ... The Rays will have their annual charity golf tournament today at the Renaissance Vinoy and Golf Club.