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Live from Port Charlotte: Rays take field amid high expectations, have solid first full day

First full squad workout of spring brings the whole group together with lots of promise.
 
Rays Willy Adames, Emilio Bonifacio and Christian Arroyo were all happy together at Monday's workout. [TAILYR IRVINE | Times]
Rays Willy Adames, Emilio Bonifacio and Christian Arroyo were all happy together at Monday's workout. [TAILYR IRVINE | Times]
Published Feb. 18, 2019|Updated Feb. 18, 2019

PORT CHARLOTTE - The Rays took the field this morning for the first full squad workout of the spring amid grand expectations of what’s to come over the next nine months.

"I'm not trying to hype us up or anything but given the talent and depth and versatility, we're in a very dangerous position, and that's a compliment towards us,'' veteran centerfielder Kevin Kiermaier said.

"At the end of the day though we need to go out there and do what we need to do and back up all this talk and expectations. It's a fun thing to think about. And that's why I'm excited to take the field with these guys.''

The 66-man spring roster includes much of the core from last year’s 90-win team, plus several additions, the signings of free agent starter Charlie Morton and outfielder Avisail Garcia, and the trade acquisitions of infielder Yandy Diaz and catcher Mike Zunino.

The Rays have had pitchers and catchers working out since Wednesday, though many of the position players have been at the complex as well.

Manager Kevin Cash was pleased with the overall work day.

"It was good to see all the guys, it really was,'' he said. "The first day, the energy was good. ... Awesome to put some faces and names together.''

He said his message to the team in the pre-workout meeting was straightforward:

"We’ve got work to do, we’ve got to get better. We are a good team, but there is work to be done.''

Also:

* RHP Ian Gibaut is heading to New York to have his lat strain checked by a specialist.

* Ryne Stanek, Austin Pruitt and Oliver Drake were among the pitchers throwing live BP.

* Noting Stanek throwing 99 mph in 1st live BP session to hitters. some of whom hadn’t seen that since last season, #Rays Cash said: "No judgement passed whatsoever; probably more laughing than anything else.''

* Principal owner Stuart Sternberg was on hand to watch the workout.

* New catcher Mike Zunino said he’ll give up some live BP at-bats next few days to spend more time catching so he can get familiarized with as many pitchers as possible.