Rays Pitchers and Catchers Report 2-16-11

Had a good time at my Tampa Bay (Devil) Rays complex today. I feel somewhat obliged to put the devil in, as I am one of the 13 or 14 fans who was around in the days of Bobby Seay, Victor Zambrano (the ace), Carl Crawford the prospect, Nick Bierbradt (who was actually at the Orioles complex yesterday) Damian Rolls, Ben Grieve and the like. Looking back on those teams, it's hard not to be excited about this year even with the overwhelming media lull about how they won't be able to compete.

Anyways, onto the ink. A few position players reported early, they were pretty easy to get besides Upton when they finished working on the field by the cages. Then as per Rays complex norm, after fielding drills wrapped up every pitcher came over to do conditioning drills after changing into their conditioning clothes. This is the ticket for autographs at this place. The complex is laid out so the players have a spot they need to pass between the fields and the clubhouse that fans have access to. Stand there and you will get whoever you can recognize in their workout clothes.

Not pictured are a few more 8x10's I got, Price photofile, Jennings photofile, Jaso picture I took from last year, and Shoppach picture I took from last year

Not a bad day at all, I would have gotten Shields if I wanted him but I was getting other lesser named guys while he was signing, I have more Shields autographs than I can shake a stick at. So lets recap, had I tried for Shields I would have the entire pitching rotation plus some bullpen arms a few catchers and a few solid position players. Not bad for the first official day of camp.