PORT CHARLOTTE (620 WDAE) -- The Tampa Bay Rays began the second set of bullpen sessions Thursday, with starters Jake Odorizzi, and Blake Snell among those throwing again. However for manager Kevin Cash, he had his eye on his old position.
Cash spent his time watching the catchers go through handling pitchers, then work on stopping pitches in the dirt. Afterward, he discussed what the two incumbent catchers, Curt Casali and Luke Maile, need to break through to being everyday backstops at the highest level.
"More consistent at bats," the skipper said, pointing out that both Maile and Casali were able to make adjustments late in the season, though Casali needed time at the Triple-A to make his adjustments at the plate.
Cash also acknowledged the difficult situation both have been put in, with the acquisition of Wilson Ramos and the rumored interest in Matt Wieters.
ERASMO AND DE LEON COULD THROW FRIDAY: After missing their first bullpen session of the spring Wednesday, both RHP Jose De Leon (mid-back tightness) and RHP Erasmo Ramirez (left hamstring) played catch on flat ground today, and Cash said both could get on the mound Friday.
Listen to more from the Rays manager below!
MILLER REPORTS , TWO LEFT OUT OF CAMP: The arrival of infielder Brad Miller to Port Charlotte on Thursday means that 61 of the 63 players invited to Major League spring training have arrived in Port Charlotte. The two holdouts are 3B Evan Longoria and minor-league OF Rickie Weeks Jr. Both are expected in camp for Friday's official report date.
Listen to Miller's comments below!
RAYS GAIN REPORTER, LOSE HOST: The Tampa Bay Rays announced Friday that they have hired Alex Corddry to be their new in-game host as well as the host of select "Inside The Rays" broadcasts.
Corddry comes to the Rays from ESPN, where she worked at the SEC Network, and also previously worked for the then-NBC affiliate in Boston, WHDH. She replaces Todd Kalas, who after 19 seasons with the team will take over play-by-play duties with the Houston Astros.
However, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports that studio host and fill-in reporter Rich Hollenberg will not be returning for another season with the team.