The Rays Kiermaier, Meadows Truly Happy to be Here
The lockout was challenging for most players, but not knowing if he was going to be traded and no chance to chat with the front office truly made it an uneasy time for the longest tenured player on the Rays roster. Outfielder Kevin Kiermaier says he was as happy as anyone on Friday morning when he spoke with President of Baseball Operations Erik Neander and was told to head to Port Charlotte.
“There were conversations that I love hearing where he’s like, ‘Hey, find a place in Port Charlotte,’” said Kiermaier. “Because I didn’t know what to do. Erik’s like, ‘You can find a spot. You’ll be here.’”
Kiermaier says he has long appreciated Neander’s honesty with him. While he knows nothing is guaranteed and that moves can still happen, he appreciates the chance to at least start 2022 Spring Training with the only organization he’s known.
“ I know that these things might still come about throughout the season, who knows,” said Kiermaier. “But I love it here. I wear this Tampa Bay across my chest and I’m proud of that. I’ve been proud ever since I’ve been here. This organization gave me the world, and I’m forever thankful for every opportunity thrown my way.”
Since the Rays were not able to have any contact with Kiermaier during the lockout, the center fielder didn’t wait long to reach out about his status once a resolution came. Kiermaier gave it a couple of hours before seeking some clarity.
“Called Erik and we talked, and it was a great conversation,” Kiermaier said. “He’s been completely honest from the get-go. And as a player, that’s all you can ask for. And I believed everything that was coming out of his mouth, and I was happy to hear what came out of his mouth. ‘Hey, you’re a Ray. Find a place in Port Charlotte. Let’s go.’
Manager Kevin Cash says he can understand how the nearly 100-day lockout period was challenging for Kiermaier, along with many other players.
“This isn’t the first time that he’s heard trade speculation,” Cash said. “There was plenty out there at the deadline, whether it was true or not. But KK, he’s got a good way that when it’s time to get on the field, he’ll be ready to go. Very confident in that.”
While Kiermaier isn’t quite certain about what’s to come on a personal level, he was pleased that Wander Franco received an 11-year-contract, the organization’s largest, just before the lockout began.
“From our organization, it’s a great thing to see,” said Kiermaier. “He’s such an exciting player, and he’s going to be a problem for this league for years to come. And for the Rays to do that after his rookie year I think was really cool thing to do. And also shows you that they got a lot of confidence in him. And they should because he’s gonna be really good for a long time. And it’s great for the game.”
After being an integral piece of the Rays team for years, Kiermaier would be happy to continue playing with the talented 21-year-old.
“I’m a Ray and I expect to be a Ray until that changes,” said Kiermaier. “But I’m here to contribute and try to learn from my teammates and we’re all trying to make each other better. That’s what it’s all about. We’re trying to make this the best year that we can. For me, putting a Rays jersey on is the way I envision it and we’ll see what happens.”
Meadows Feels Similar About Hopes to Stay
Austin Meadows drove in 106 runs last year, and also is hopeful about being a part of the 2022 Rays team. Meadows was the sixth player in franchise history to reach that milestone.
“I’m just really happy to be here,” said Meadows. “I think for me, Erik’s really good about that open line of communication as well. He’s very transparent and I think for me, right now, just happy to be here, happy to be a Ray, happy to be in Spring Training.”
Meadows says he won’t spend time worrying about what he can’t control or the trade rumor mill.
“Every off season you see a lot of names being tossed around, you see a bunch of things going on,” said Meadows. “And you get into camp and everyone is kind of happy and excited to see you. It’s just a different dynamic.”
Meadows says for the most part, he stays off of social media, making it easier to tune out any rumors.
“Last year left a little sour taste in our mouth,” said Meadows, referring to a loss in the ALDS to Boston. “We had a hundred wins, ran into a good team, Boston got really hot at that time and I think for us we’re up there with anybody. We’ll continue to build off of that and continue to take that momentum into this season.”
