by Steve Carney

The Tampa Bay Rays kicked off their 2013 Spring Training Tuesday in Port Charlotte, as pitchers and catchers reported to the team's complex.  However, a number of position players not required to report also showed up for day one.

Among those reporting today was third baseman Evan Longoria, who says despite having a surgical procedure done on his hamstring in November, he hopes to be able to play every day.

"We really haven't sat down in group, Ron [Porterfield, Rays head athletic trainer], Andrew [Friedman] and myself," Longoria said.  "The way I feel now, I can't imagine not being out there sometime in the first week, getting an at-bat or two and playing four, five, six innings."

Also reporting Tuesday even though first full-squad workout isn't until Sunday: OF Brandon Guyer, SS Tim Beckham, 1B James Loney, and IF Sean Rodriguez, who says he had a good motivator for being here.

"That guy's here, right?" Rodriguez asked rhetorically while pointing toward Longoria locker.  "Guess it's a good reason for a lot of people to be here early too."

The team will hold its first scheduled workout Wednesday morning at 9:30 at the training complex.  Admission is free.

JOHNSON HEADS TO KANSAS CITY: Tuesday afternoon, the team announced that infielder Elliot Johnson, who was designated for assignment last week, has been sent to the Kansas City Royals as the player to be named later completing the trade involving pitchers James Shields and Wade Davis.  The trade, which occurred December 9th, brought outfielder Wil Myers, pitchers Jake Odorizzi and Mike Montgomery, and third baseman Patrick Leonard to Tampa Bay.