PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- One by one, they arrive to redefine the Tampa Bay Rays.
The past offseason included change upon change. It happened on the field. It happened in the front office. Right-hander Chris Archer joked that the Rays will need name tags in spring training. The team has a different feel.
The change, though, presents opportunity. What does it mean for the new faces to be part of the evolution? What's it like to be a building block within a new structure?
In the coming weeks, we'll ask new Rays players about how they view their place within Tampa Bay's new normal. Last Thursday, designated hitter John Jaso, who arrived on Jan. 10 from the Oakland Athletics in a five-player trade, shared his thoughts as part of the Rays' new beginning.
FOX SPORTS FLORIDA: What are your initial impressions of the Rays?
JASO: "It has definitely changed from the Joe Maddon Era to this. I think one thing is the starting staff. They've just totally redone the starting staff. I don't think anybody that was a starter while I was here (in 2008 and from 2010 to 2011) is still here, everybody has been traded away. I think they have done a great job of it, the dynamic of it, the personality of it. It seems like they all carry the same personality, and it's really nice. They seem like a calm, collected, really-into-their-work kind of group. And that's nice. And they all seem like team guys, so that's really nice."
FSF: Players have talked about the "Rays' Way" in the past. What have you picked up about that concept so far?
JASO: "It's always like a low-budget thing where we really have to come together as a team, and we can't rely on one person to hit a three-run homer. So it really means coming together as a team and no bad blood, because once there's bad blood, then people starting playing for themselves. So we are a low-market team. We have to stay together as a group. Shoot, when we were in the minors in Single-A and Double-A, that's all we could do is be in a group together and have each other's back, because everybody was eating the same thing -- peanut butter and jelly sandwiches -- and we were trying to fight to get to the next level. And you build a brotherhood and bond with the players. And I think that's kind of like what we do here. You always rely on different assets of the game: Outfield making a good play, infield making a good play, pitchers stepping up and coming through, which on this team, that's usually how it works. So I think the 'Ray Way' is just where everybody is leaning on each other, and it's more of a family-type atmosphere."
FSF: What do you think of new manager Kevin Cash?
JASO: "I think he was always kind of known for leadership ability out on the field, and that's pretty much all he's doing now, although he's got coaches now. But I think it should make the transition for him a lot easier. You see (Miami Marlins manager) Mike Redmond doing the same thing. He's doing a great job. When he talks, people listen."
FSF: With all the change, do you see opportunity in being on the ground level of a new direction?
JASO: "I think a lot of it starts here in camp. It just comes down to little stuff is where it really happens. When 7 o'clock comes around, you gotta do what you gotta do out there on the field and still do things like getting a runner over even if you're trying to break the doubles record. You still do those little team things, that's for sure. But the stuff that's not written down on paper, that's not statistical, is like stuff in the batting cage, being a team guy in the batting cage, like putting the ball on the tee for the other guy or saying, 'Hey, I think you're getting underneath the ball a little bit,' and giving and taking everywhere. That's just more like a family thing, and that's the stuff you can't show on paper but needs to be there for a team to stay together for 162 long games."
FSF: Who has helped you the most so far?
JASO: "I think it's still early in camp. ... But Longo is always there. He's the leader on the team, so he embraces it really well."
FSF: What's the best part about spring training?
JASO: "This atmosphere is awesome because it's relaxed. It allows you to make mistakes and figure out what you need to do or just learn from them or learn from other people's mistakes and not really rack your head about it and be like, 'Oh my God, my batting average has dropped 15 points.' It just becomes a nice, easier (setting) to get ready for the season. I can't imagine coming from the golf course to April 4. It's nice in that sense. Pitchers definitely take it seriously and get their work in. But as hitters and position players, you're working on getting your timing and all that stuff. It's a lot easier. That being said, there are a few positions that are being competed for, so it does put a little pressure in the air. But regardless, it's a great opportunity for everybody. I've been to big league camp and got sent down three times. I've been there. It's still cool."
FSF: What's the worst part about spring training?
JASO: "Waking up early every single day, the alarm clock going off at 6:30 everyday. That's probably the worst. It doesn't get easier at all."
You can follow Andrew Astleford on Twitter @aastleford or email him at aastleford@gmail.com.
