Evan Longoria talked about his off-season and the coming season for quite a while after today's workout, and shared some interesting thoughts:

* He really likes the Rays rotation: "Our starting 5 pitchers are the best starting 5 that anybody could put together. They might not be the marquee names of Major League Baseball, but stuff-wise, mentally and the way they go about their work they're as best there is in this game.''

* He was in Rio and didn't know he won Gold Glove until getting an e-mail from a friend, than another from his agent. He enjoyed Rio, but said  "I'll take a Gold Glove anyday.''

* The addition of closer Rafael Soriano was "the huge move for us.''

* He considers Carl Crawford "the face" of the team and "the best leftfielder in the game.'' He also doesn't think pending free agency for Crawford, Carlos Pena and others won't   will be a distraction during the season.

* He bought a house in Scottsdale, Ariz.

* He also vacationed in London, attending the Bucs-Patriots game.

* He plans to continue being a leader by example and not be overly outspoken.

 * He expects the Rays to play with a lot of intensity from the beginning of the season as manager Joe Maddon stresses a quick start.