ST. PETERSBURG - Because of the trip to Japan, the Devil Rays had to make decisions about their roster earlier than they normally would. And now it looks as though they'll be making some later than they normally would.
GM Chuck LaMar and manager Lou Piniella chose this 25-man roster because they had to, but they admit the don't know if they have the best 25, or how to best use them.
And they make it very clear they are willing to make changes.
"More than the start of any other season, I think the first month of this season is truly going to be a time to evaluate the players we have," LaMar said. "There's two reasons - the spring was cut short significantly by the trip to Japan, and I think we're still feeling some effects of that, and we have more better players this year, more moving parts, more interchangeable parts, both pitching-wise and on the field.
"I would be stunned if the roster we have tonight is the same on May 1. Usually when you start the season with a 25-man roster, everyone feels somewhat comfortable that the competition for jobs had ended with the end of spring training. But that's not the case with this club."
Piniella was disappointed - if not disgusted - with some of the pitching in Japan, and said he won't tolerate such sloppiness this season.
He's already juggled the rotation, moving Paul Abbott up in the order and Jeremi Gonzalez down, and will make his feelings known. Doug Waechter, Dewon Brazelton and Rob Bell probably don't need long-term leases in Durham.
"Look, the people that belong here will stay here, the people that are down there that should be here will be called up," Piniella said. "We'll get it right here sometime. Hopefully it's right now."
Piniella is more comfortable with the position players, though the roster is still a little deep in first base/DH types. What he has to learn is how to best use what he has.
"We're going to give everybody ample opportunity," he said. "The people who are pitching the best will get the ball more, the people who are playing the best will get the most at-bats, and we'll use our whole roster.
"We've got the whole month of April to evaluate a lot of things."
PARTING GIFTS: The Rays came home with lots of souvenirs. Business operations VP Dave Auker brought home some new sponsorship deals - arrangements with four Japanese companies for home plate signs (two with Japanese lettering) in televised games against the Yankees and Mariners, who have high-profile Japanese players.
They also heard that a Tokyo travel agent is arranging for 500-people tour groups to visit Tampa Bay.
SHRINKING ONION: Outback has cut back its presence at Tropicana Field, giving up its Centerfield Street location to consolidate its operation at the third-base food court stand. The move would seem related to the Outback founders selling their ownership stake in the Rays, but Outback has made similar consolidations at other sports venues. Checkers will take over the Centerfield Street location with a stand as large as some of its drive-throughs.
RAYS RUMBLINGS: Several stories out of Puerto Rico suggest the Rays could move some future games there, but managing general partner Vince Naimoli said he hasn't heard anything about it. Naimoli is hoping to get the Rays to Italy in the next few years. ... If Aaron Boone ends up on the open market, the Rays will be interested. ... Travis Harper is likely to work as a starter at Durham. ... Aubrey Huff received his 2003 team MVP award, and Rocco Baldelli his outstanding rookie award, at the Rays of Hope Foundation gala on Saturday. ... Several teams have called again asking about infielder Geoff Blum. ... Player development assistant Mitch Lukevics interviewed for the Mets assistant GM job. ... Sports Illustrated ranks the Rays 27th, ahead of only the Brewers, Tigers and Pirates. ... After hitting .136 in spring training with the Cards, ex-Ray Greg Vaughn retired.
