Kazmir sounds optimistic note

Posted Feb 15, 2008 by Marc Lancaster

Updated Feb 15, 2008 at 03:20 PM

There’s optimism and then there’s optimism. Scott Kazmir went for it all following the Rays’ first workout of the season today. After once again expressing his enthusiasm for the team’s offseason moves, he was asked what was possible in the 2008 season.

“What’s possible? Playing in October, that’s possible,” he said. “That’s what I got out of Joe talking to us and talking to all of my teammates. It’s not something that’s impossible. We have what it takes to win here.”

Had he had that feeling before with the Rays?

“No,” he said flatly. “I’ll be honest – I really thought we were a team that was improving, had a lot of steps to take. Now it feels like we really have what it takes to compete in the toughest division in baseball. I really, truly believe that.”

When apprised of the lefty’s words, Joe Maddon nodded his approval.

“That’s a feeling we want to have every year we come here,” he said. “Of course there’s going to be a lot of people almost gleeful at this time based on what happened this offseason, the moves that we made, the amount of effort that went into the offseason, the communication – everybody’s feeling good right now and there’s reason to feel good.”

Maddon did note that this franchise hasn’t accomplished anything yet, mentioning the elusive 70-win barrier, and noted the importance of taking things one step at a time. Then again, today was considered a good start. Asked to sum up his feelings about the day in one word, Maddon chose “Pleased.”

In other news from the first day of camp:

* The Rays announced they have agreed to terms with nine pre-arbitration players on one-year deals: Dioner Navarro, Matt Garza, Edwin Jackson, Juan Salas, Kurt Birkins, Justin Ruggiano, Fernando Perez, Calvin Medlock and Mitch Talbot. Fifteen players remain unsigned.

* The team told Navarro to take as much time as he needs in Venezuela. The earliest he might be back is Sunday, but no one is sure how long he’ll be gone.

* The ETA for Juan Salas also is up in the air. He remains in the Dominican sorting out visa issues.

* The one position player working out today who hadn’t been seen around here previously was outfielder John Rodriguez, who joined B.J. Upton, Rocco Baldelli and the other early arrivals for practice.