New Rays 1B C.J. Cron talks with the media after arriving in Port Charlotte (Steve Carney / 620WDAE.com)
PORT CHARLOTTE (620 WDAE) -- Tuesday saw the Tampa Bay Rays get the second of four scheduled full-squad practice days, and according to manager Kevin Cash, a trio of starting picthers stood out during live batting practice sessions.
"[Yonny] Chirinos, getting to see him throw to hitters," Cash said. "Diego Castillo is pretty electric, to say the least, [and] Blake Snell looked like he picked up where he left off [in 2017], maybe a tick better.
The 25-year-old from Venezuela has already made a reputation as a guy other players want to play alongside.
"Brent Honeywell said he's one of the best teammates he's ever been around," Cash said. "The position players rave about him. They love to play defense behind him. He's one of those 'work quick, put the ball in play' type of pitchers. He attacks the strikes zone, and you stand behind him and the deception coming out of the delivery really hides the ball well."
Meanwhile, the newest member of the Rays, first baseman C.J. Cron, arrived in camp late Tuesday afternoon. The first baseman said he wasn't expecting to be dealt by the Los Angeles Angels, but was not surprised with the move.
"Yeah that was not the normal start to Spring Training I would say," Cron laughed as he got acclimated to the Tampa Bay clubhouse. "I found out [Saturday] evening, when you guys did and packed up my stuff and moved. I'm supper happy to be here. I'm excited for the opportunity, and I can't wait to get on the field and meet the guys."
Cron has not met the team, but had played previously with Brad Miller, Steven Souza Jr., and Matt Andriese.
Listen to Cash's comments from after Tuesday's practice, and hear from Cron as he arrives in town below!