Cobb throwing better after summer operation recovery
--RHP Alex Cobb, sidelined in mid-August because of surgery to remove a blood clot and part of a rib, is throwing off the mound with no problems or limitations. "I'm 100 percent," Cobb said. "I feel better than I did last year."
--OF Sam Fuld, who has diabetes, hosted an all-sports camp for 100 diabetic kids Feb. 3-4 at the University of South Florida in Tampa. Fuld shared his experiences and frustrations with the group, earning the respect of teammate Matt Joyce. "To see what he goes through on a daily basis and then to see him just make these unbelievable catches that are out of this world, you really start to think this guy is Superman," Joyce told MLB Network.
--LHP Matt Moore, ranked the No. 1 prospect by mlb.com, was No. 3 on the ESPN.com list compiled by Keith Law. Moore, who is also being mentioned as a leading candidate for AL Rookie of the Year honors, said he's not trying to let the hype get to him. "I try to downplay it as much as I can just because I don't want to get wrapped up in it and do things differently than I do now," he said. "But it's all fun, and good stuff."
--Manager Joe Maddon has returned from his European vacation and has received a contract extension, reported by the Tampa Bay Times to be three years, that is expected to be announced next week, before the Feb. 20 opening of spring training. Maddon's current deal expires at the end of this season.
--RHP Brandon Gomes will be behind at the start of spring training after undergoing November surgery to clean up a disc problem in his lower back, but is expected to be ready by opening day.
BY THE NUMBERS
6 -- Pinch-hits by OF Sam Fuld, most in the AL in 2011.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"If you had told me then where we stand now with upgrading where we did and also maintaining our depth in the meantime, I would have said that that was a dream scenario." -- Rays executive vice president Andrew Friedman, to 620-WDAE, on the team's offseason moves.
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