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ST. PETERSBURG (FOX 13) - The carts are wheeled in. The boxes are marked and ready to go. This is when Spring starts for the Rays.
"We're taking more than 12 cases of baseballs there to Spring Training, more than 100 jerseys, we've got a lot of miscellaneous stuff," said Rays Home Clubhouse Manager, Jose Fernandez. "Basically, everything starts here today."
Besides the equipment, the crew has to pack up a few non-baseball items as well.
"We have some personal stuff like car seats and blankets and stuff like that that belongs to the players," said Fernandez. "I think that's some of the stuff we're not used to, but we have to take it."
It doesn't take long for the truck to get full. Half an hour after the process began, there's barely any room left on it. The Rays start thinking about Spring Training a month after the season ends, so in November they're already thinking ahead what they need to get ready for Port Charlotte.
"Being in Port Charlotte, which is two hours away, we don't really have to take a lot of stuff," said Fernandez. "We are going to get a lot of stuff in Port Charlotte that is already there. You know companies, they ship out the stuff straight to Port Charlotte so I don't think we take a lot of stuff to Spring Training. Like I said, we are just two hours away so if we need something we can just come here and grab it."
However, the Rays will need to double-check their inventory before a potential game in Cuba next month.
"We're taking some stuff that usually we don't take. Extra helmets, extra trunks and extra bats just for that game." said Fernandez. "That's another thing we're excited about. To go to Cuba and play the game, go there and see something different that we've never seen."
First, the Rays have to make the much shorter trip to Port Charlotte.
"We'll be there tomorrow, unload the truck, unpack everything and start setting up the clubhouse," said Fernandez. "Basically just getting ready for players to show up."
Some players may even show up as early as next week.
"It's a good energy, I feel a good vibe, a good energy," said Fernandez. "I know we're going to have a good season this year. A lot of changes, a lot of new players. We are very excited to start Spring Training. I think it's going to be a great year."
Pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training February 21. Four days later, the full squad is together on February 25.