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Rays' Alex Cobb eager to pitch in competitive games

 
Alex Cobb is tired of throwing bullpen sessions and batting practice and wants to get into a game.
Alex Cobb is tired of throwing bullpen sessions and batting practice and wants to get into a game.
Published March 3, 2015

PORT CHARLOTTE — RHP Alex Cobb can't wait to see the Pirates on Saturday afternoon.

It's nothing personal, just a matter of the Rays' top starter, after throwing bullpen sessions for months and batting practice for two days, itching to get back in a competitive environment.

"I'm ready to go," Cobb said after Monday's session. "I'm over throwing bullpens, I'm over throwing live BP, where most of the guys aren't even swinging. I'm just ready to compete, try to get some real outs, have some real fielders. That's the only time you get your real feedback. And you even get a little bit of adrenaline going during spring training. You can work off that, too."

The live batting practice sessions are primarily for the benefit of the pitchers, who get to readjust to throwing with someone at the plate, rather than the hitters, who tend just to track the pitches and save their swings for when they face the coaches.

But Cobb, a competitive sort to begin with, said he doesn't see much value.

"It's counterproductive," he said. "You might as well be throwing a bullpen. You still get the visual and you can still work off the batter and try to start pitches off them and whatever. But the competitiveness isn't there when in the back of your mind you know they are not swinging."

Manager Kevin Cash said Cobb's feelings were obvious.

"You could tell he was good and he was getting a little frustrated that he wanted some guys to swing," Cash said. "You start getting those competitive vibes going, and they want to see some feedback. I don't blame them. It's an awkward drill for everybody. It's just something that has to be done, and the next step is the ballgame."

The Rays open the exhibition season Thursday against the Orioles.

PITCHING IN: RHP Grant Balfour remains in Australia attending to his cancer-stricken father, David, but has been staying on his throwing program and in touch with the staff. Cash said they are not concerned about his readiness to start the season. … RHP Alex Colome continues throwing, including to hitters, at the team complex in the Dominican Republic, with the Rays hoping his visa issue will be resolved this week. … LHP Jake McGee, continuing his recovery from offseason elbow surgery, extended his throwing sessions to 120 feet.

ONFIELD ACTION: Pitching coordinator Dick Bosman, in his 52nd spring training, worked with small groups of pitchers, sharing his considerable expertise in holding runners. … Cash was pleased with the initial work on rundown plays, saying the goal is make as few throws as possible, preferably one, and a good one at that. … 1B James Loney came out swinging in his session vs. RHP Brad Boxberger. … RHP Kevin Jepsen told Cash he was much more pleased with his showing Monday after a rough Saturday session.

TV TIME: Sun Sports announced its usual 150-game schedule and a broadcast crew that has grown to seven, with former Rays RHP Doug Waechter joining Dewayne Staats, Brian Anderson, Todd Kalas, Orestes Destrade, Rich Hollenberg and Emily Austen (who replaces Kelly Nash). Three other Rays games will be shown nationally on Fox Sports 1: April 18, July 4 and Sept. 5, all against the Yankees.

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MISCELLANY: The Rays brought their pro scouts — domestic and international — to Port Charlotte for three days of meetings. … Today's workout will be delayed until 10 a.m. as the players attend a 90-minute training/education program on domestic violence awareness. … Answering a big question, INF Juan Francisco's reporting weight was said to be 270. … Wednesday's final workout before the start of exhibition games will be early and short, from 8:30-10 a.m., so players and staff can take part in the annual charity golf tournament at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Bradenton.