Joe Maddon couldn’t resist getting in on the “Zim Bear” craze, so after practice, the Rays manager fashioned a “Zim Bear” on his right shoulder when he talked to reporters.  Here’s a look:

The “Zim Bear” is becoming a national craze.  As you can well imagine, everyone at the Rays’ camp is having a good time teasing Don Zimmer about the promotional item that will be a giveaway in the Rays June 29th game against Detroit.  Zim, who is a baseball treasure, has been a good sport about the “Zim Bear” and took time to pose with the bear when he arrived Friday morning. Zimmer said Tigers manager and old friend Jim Leyland has called him several times to express his candid opinion about the Zim Bear.

Shortly after Zim’s photo shoot, Ben Zobrist arrived, which signified that all of the position players have arrived to camp.

–Bill Chastain

Carlos Pena arrived to camp on Thursday (will have a story about that later on the site) much to the delight of the fans attending the workouts.

Pena looked in great shape and was all smiles as usual.  In talking to him with a group of other reporters, he seemed to genuinely be touched to be returning to the team and the teammates he loves. He also expressed his feelings about Rays fans, who have always embraced him.

–Bill Chastain

Brian Cashman spoke candidly on Sunday when asked about another team  being added to the playoffs. During the course of the dialogue created by the question, the Yankees general manager noted that the prospect of having another Wild Card team, which would have to play the other Wild Card team, would enhance the value of winning the division.  And by doing so, the situation the Yankees found themselves in 2010 would be eliminated.  The Rays won the AL East by one game that season and the Yankees became the Wild Card.

“I won’t say we gave [the division] away [in 2010] because Tampa earned it,” Cashman said. “Be we were willing to not win it if it meant putting ourselves in a better position to move forward in October. Those are choices that I think it’s best to eliminate from the equation, and the commissioner has done a great thing by doing that in my opinion.”

Andrew Friedman and Joe Maddon wore the face of indifference on Tuesday when asked about Cashman’s remarks.

“I think that we’re focussed on 2012 and the grind that is the American League East,” Friedman said. “There’s no point in going back on that. Obviously we read it, but our focus is forward.”

Added Maddon: “Yeah, the banner’s up there, that’s cool.”

–Bill Chastain

Smiles permeated the Rays’ clubhouse Monday morning.  Pitchers and catchers reported, bringing together a close group for the beginning of what they hope will be a special season.

Count J.P. Howell among those with the broadest grins.  Howell, who returned from shoulder surgery with mixed results last season, now feels like he’s on even ground with his teammates since he’s not having to follow any special routines like the ones he followed during his rehab.

Howell’s enthusiasm is infections.  When someone pointed out that the fact that his beard is now longer than his hair, the left-hander responded: “Reverse the curse.”

Howell feels confident about the coming season and that confidence can definitely go a long way for the Rays.

–Bill Chastain

Andrew Friedman will not be the new general manager of the Houston Astros.

Rays team president Matt Silverman just released the following statement:

“Andrew chose not to be a part of the Astros’ process. It is in no way a reflection on the Houston organization.”

– Bill Chastain

While most figured that Andrew Friedman would be staying put in his position as the Rays executive vice president of baseball operations, the tight-lipped Rays executive has not denied reports that he might be headed to Houston to take the reigns of his hometown team, the Astros.  However, Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times tweeted that Friedman “has already decided against taking the Astros GM job”.

–Bill Chastain

Baseball’s Winter Meetings get into full swing this morning and here are some of the latest tidbits involving the Rays:

First, retired slugger Manny Ramirez is said to be considering a comeback — which would first involve him serving a 50-game suspension.  The Rays were the last team he played for, but I don’t expect the Rays to have any interest this time around.

According to Fox Sports, the Nationals are targeting B.J. Upton, who is likely to make as much as $7 million in 2012 through arbitration.  Based on what Andrew Friedman has said — the team is looking to add offense — I don’t expect the Rays to be actively shopping their center fielder.  The Nationals are also said to be interested in Peter Bourjes of the Angels.

And rumor has it that the Orioles are interested in signing Johnny Damon.  While that might happen, a big part of me still believes he’ll be back with the Rays this season.

–Bill Chastain

Tampa Bay has signed left-hander Grayson Garvin out of Vanderbilt.

Garvin, who was the No. 59 pick of the Draft, signed for a $370,000 bonus.

– Bill Chastain