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Roger Mooney

Roger Mooney covers the Tampa Bay Rays for The Tampa Tribune, TBO.com and News Channel 8. He has covered the Rays since their first season in 1998, including 11 years for the Bradenton Herald. Roger has also covered Florida, South Florida and Florida State football, the Bucs and the Lightning.

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Davis not upset with bullpen talk

Posted Feb 21, 2012 by Roger Mooney

Updated Feb 21, 2012 at 11:23 AM

ROGER MOONEY
PORT CHARLOTTE – Wade Davis said he isn’t upset with the speculation that has him moving to the bullpen this season to make room in the rotation for rookie Matt Moore.

“I understand the situation,” Davis said this morning before the first official workout of Rays camp. “I want to be a starter, but I want to do what’s best for the team, to help us win and get to the postseason. For myself, my personal goals, I want to succeed as a starter and excel the best I can.”

The rumors are fueled by the depth the Rays have in starting pitchers – seven for five spots in the rotation – and the fact Davis was moved to the bullpen during the 2011 ALDS against the Rangers and pitched well, allowing only a run in 2 1/3 scoreless innings over two appearances.

“When I was in the bullpen last year I enjoyed it, it was fun,” Davis said. “The anticipation was interesting. Everybody getting antsy when the phone rings I thought was interesting, but I love routines, so starting has always been a lot of fun for me.”

Davis said he hasn’t been approached by manager Joe Maddon or executive vice president of baseball ops Andrew Friedman about the possible move. That probably wouldn’t happen until later in camp (if it happens at all) because the Rays would want Davis stretched out as a starter in case he is indeed a starter this season.

When asked before camp about the speculation of moving Davis to the bullpen, Maddon said, “You’re talking about depth. You’re talking about options. You’re talking about maneuverability, which is all good stuff, and we really seek that.”