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Drew Smyly says he has no issue with Yoan Moncada, just the system

 
Drew Smyly creates quite the buzz with his tweet concerning rules on amateur signing bonuses.
Drew Smyly creates quite the buzz with his tweet concerning rules on amateur signing bonuses.
Published Feb. 25, 2015

PORT CHARLOTTE — Rays LHP Drew Smyly said he has no issue with Cuban free agent INF Yoan Moncada or the $31.5 million he reportedly got from the Red Sox.

But it's the system that let Moncada cash in while amateurs from the United States and other countries can't that Smyly criticized in a Twitter post that became a topic of considerable digital and actual discussion Tuesday.

In his original post, retweeted more than 1,000 times, Smyly said:

"It's not right that a Cuban 19yr old gets paid 30m and the best 19yr old in the entire USA gets prob 1/6th of that. Everyone should have to go through same process"

On Tuesday morning Smyly attempted to clarify, noting how the draft and other rules prohibit other players from getting open-market value.

"I think it's awesome that he got that, I'm all for any player making as much money as they can make in this game. So it's nothing against him or any Cuban player," Smyly said.

"I was only trying to say everyone else doesn't have those opportunities. So I think there should be some way where everyone, every amateur, has the same opportunity and guidelines. And that's not even America vs. Cuba; Dominican Republic and Venezuela players don't get that. They have never got close to that signing bonus.

"So I'm all for it. I'm sure Moncada is the real deal; it's nothing bad about him. I was only stating I think that it doesn't matter where you're from, I think everyone should have the same chance to make whatever your value is on the field."

For example, Smyly brought up Nationals star Bryce Harper, who was also considered a phenom coming into pro ball but got only a $6.25 million bonus in a $9.9 million, five-year deal.

Reaction to Smyly's comments was mixed. Spokesman Greg Bouris said the union agrees with Smyly, noting the draft limits what players can earn: "As has been the mantra for this union since Day 1, it's not the players' responsibility to prevent owners from writing checks.''

Lean & mean: OF Desmond Jennings reported, the bruised left knee that sidelined him at the end of last season healed and noticeably slimmer than his 2014 bulked-up look, but he declined to share specifics on his weight, listed at 210.

"I can't let you know my secrets," he said. "I've been training, been hitting all offseason, been working, trying to figure out a way to stay on the field for a full season."

The Rays are talking about having him split time between centerfield and leftfield (when Kevin Kiermaier plays center), and Jennings said he has no problem with that plan. "I don't care. Whatever they feel helps the team, I'm all for it," he said. "I just want to play."

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Pitching in: Manager Kevin Cash continues to be impressed by how many of the pitchers look to be in game-shape in their first bullpen sessions.

"Some guys you sit there and watch and you're like, 'Good gosh, he looks like he's ready to go,' " Cash said. "Watching (RHP Chris) Archer throw today, it was like he's locked in."

LHP Matt Moore was pleased with his work in a 29-pitch all-fastball bullpen as he continues his rehab from Tommy John elbow surgery. On flat ground, he also threw his first changeups.

Miscellany: With 1B James Loney and 3B Evan Longoria reporting, 57 of the 63 Rays are in camp. … RHP Alex Colome remains delayed by visa issues in the Dominican Republic; RHP Ronald Belisario (Venezuela) might be in camp today. … C Rene Rivera hosted a group of 25 high-school-age players from his native Puerto Rico who are on a two-week Florida tour to work out, play exhibitions and visit big-league camps. … Longoria is the honorary chairman for the March 7 St. Joseph's Children's Hospital Heroes Ball.