Relaxed Garza turns intensity up in session

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Published February 23, 2008

ST. PETERSBURG - RHP Matt Garza delivered an inadvertent message to Rays brass who watched his first session throwing live batting practice:

Don't get too close.

"The closer the GM Andrew Friedman got to the back of the cage, the harder (Garza) threw," manager Joe Maddon quipped. "He threw very well. He's definitely legit."

Garza, 24, has been rejuvenated since the Twins traded him, along with SS Jason Bartlett, for OF Delmon Young inNovember. The hard-throwing, Selma, Calif., native, coming off camps in which he said he had to fight for his job, feels "less pressure" after being penciled in as the No. 3 starter behind LHP Scott Kazmir and RHP James Shields.

Though Garza is sticking with his California roots, designing a house in Fresno, he hopes to have found a home in Tampa Bay, too.

"He's gonna help us so much," said 1B Carlos Pena, who, along with touted prospect Evan Longoria, had a few whiffs against him. "I was excited to face him. I had before, but my memory was refreshed.

"I'm like, 'He's got good stuff.'"

YOUNG ARMS IMPRESS: Pitching coach Jim Hickey said LHP Jason McGee and RHP Wade Davis, two of the club's top prospects, have shown the professionalism, work ethic and mental approach that puts them "on the right path," in taking the next step.

McGee said he believes both he and Davis likely will end up back in Double A after camp breaks but said he is ready to prove himself and eventually move up.

McGee picked up one fan in Garza, who watched him throw batting practice: "It shocked me - it looked like he was throwing a marble up there. Some real nice moves. There's a lot of talent in this room, lot of young talent."

ARRIVALS DEPT.: The team is optimistic INFs Willy Aybar and Joel Guzman will have their visa problems resolved and be in camp by Wednesday. The status of RHP Juan Salas, perhaps complicated by last year's suspension for a failed drug test, remains unclear. All three are said to be working out at the Rays' academy in the Dominican Republic.

MISCELLANY: INF Elliot Johnson, LHP J.P Howell, LHP James Houser and RHP Chad Orvella agreed to one-year deals; 11 players, including CF B.J. Upton, remained unsigned, but under the Rays' control. ... Intrasquad games are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday. ... Maddon said LHP Brian Anderson had an impressive bullpen session.

Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@sptimes.com.

[Last modified February 22, 2008, 22:38:52]