Longoria welcomes pressure of job battle

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Published February 14, 2008

ST. PETERSBURG - Hearing that the Rays decided to give him the spring to prove he should be the opening day third baseman, top prospect Evan Longoria said Wednesday that he welcomes the challenge.

"That's basically what I came into spring hoping would happen," Longoria said after working out with more than 30 other early reportees. "If they would have made the decision early, obviously if I was in the big leagues it'd be good, but I feel like now it just puts a little more added pressure on me, which I like. It's going to make me work harder and actually earn the job."

Longoria has only 1 1/2 seasons in the minors, and the Rays may have a list of reasons why he could use a little more seasoning, as well as what they feel is a capable spot-holder in Willy Aybar. But Longoria, 22, is confident he is ready to step up and step in.

"I couldn't come in thinking I wasn't going to get the job," Longoria said. "All I can do is stay positive and have a good spring and put the pressure on them to make a decision."

WELCOME MATT: The opportunity to be a regular in the rotation offsets any inconveniences the trade from Minnesota to Tampa Bay caused Matt Garza.

"It's an opportunity I've been waiting for, something I felt I earned the past two seasons," Garza said. "I'm ready to rock. I'm really excited to get in here."

Garza thought he'd get that chance last spring with the Twins but received "a shock" when he was sent down, as the Twins opened with a rotation that included Boof Bonser, Carlos Silva and Sidney Ponson.

"That was disappointing," the 24-year-old right-hander said. "They kept a couple guys I felt I was, I could have done maybe, probably, even better than. It was a rude awakening, a humbling feeling."

Knowing he has a job as the projected No.3 starter, Garza said he'll use the spring trying to improve rather than impress.

"My whole mentality was, 'Win a spot, win a spot, win a spot,"' Garza said. "Now it's more get ready for that spot and take it to the next level. Try to be that guy. Everyone wants to be that (Johan) Santana. I want to take it to the next level."

ALL ABOARD: Reliever Juan Salas is the only one of the 28 pitchers and seven catchers not expected to check in by today's reporting day and be on the field for Friday's opening workout. Salas may have visa problems in the Dominican Republic.

HEY NORTY: 1B/DH Greg Norton, let go by the Rays after the season, signed a minor-league deal with the Mariners.

Rays on deck

First workout for pitchers and catchers: Friday

First full-squad workout: Wednesday

Site: Naimoli complex, 7901 30th Ave. N, St. Petersburg

Times: 9:30-noon

Admission and parking: Free

[Last modified February 13, 2008, 23:15:33]