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Struggles spur Caruso to new work ethic

By MARC TOPKIN

© St. Petersburg Times, published February 20, 2001

ST. PETERSBURG -- The Rays have a slick-fielding shortstop in Felix Martinez, a promising rookie second baseman in Brent Abernathy and a group of capable backup middle infielders that includes Russ Johnson, Bobby Smith and Ozzie Guillen.

No disrespect intended, but Mike Caruso isn't too concerned about the competition.

"I'm just focused on making the team," Caruso said. "I'm just going to come in here and play my game and do my work and practice the extra little things I need to do."

Caruso was the White Sox's starting shortstop in 1998, a 20-year-old who made an impressive jump that spring from Class A to the big leagues. But he struggled throughout the 1999 season, then went further backward last year. He opened the season at Triple A, spent the final month at home after injuring his back, then was designated for assignment and let go by the Sox.

The Rays signed him last week to a minor-league deal, figuring he would add depth in the organization and competition in camp.

Caruso, 23, sees the invitation as an opportunity to get back to the major leagues.

"I've been put in this situation before, and in '98 with the White Sox I was so focused, from the first day of spring training until the end of the season," Caruso said.

He said he got away from that over the next couple of years but that his outlook is different now. Before, he might have gotten by on talent, but now he understands that it takes hard work, and lots of it, to succeed.

"This winter when I didn't have a team, I thought this game was so tough," Caruso said. "I felt like I lost the game for a minute. I wasn't in touch with the game. Just getting here, and getting out there early and taking ground balls, I love that. That's what I really need to get back to, just playing the game."

GOINGS AND COMINGS: Non-roster pitcher Dwayne Jacobs, sidelined with a sore right shoulder, left camp Monday, reducing the roster to 69. Jacobs will rehabilitate at his Jacksonville home and hopes to return for the start of minor-league camp next month. Jacobs, a 6-foot-10 right-hander, has not pitched above Class A in six minor-league seasons. ... Gerald Williams, Jason Tyner, Ray Holbert, Kenny Kelly and Josh Pressley officially reported to camp, pushing the total to 56. All players are due in camp by Thursday.

INJURY REPORT: Left-hander Bobby Seay, sidelined since spraining his right ankle Wednesday, hopes to return to the mound today. ... Touted right-hander Jesus Colome, who tweaked his right hamstring Sunday, is looking to get back on the field today as well.

MISCELLANY: The Rays will play a free "B game" exhibition against the Phillies at 10 a.m. March 3 at the Ray Naimoli training complex. The official spring home opener is at 1 that day against Atlanta at Florida Power Park. ... Jeff Wallace changed from No. 60 to 51.

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