Cobb heads into season with rotation spot locked down

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- Even though it's early in camp, Rays manager Joe Maddon has already earmarked Alex Cobb for a spot in the starting rotation.

Cobb began the 2012 season at Triple-A Durham, but spent the final four and a half months with the Rays, going 11-9 with a 4.03 ERA in 23 starts for the Rays.

Cobb noted that his spot this spring will afford him the chance to work on things he needs to improve upon.

"I'm not trying to get out there and show off all my stuff right away," Cobb said. "I'm trying to do the little things that are going to help me throughout the course of the year. It's not like I'm in stone in that position, either, there's plenty of good arms all over the place. I still have to take care of my business. If I don't, then I'll be removed pretty quickly, but it is a little bit of a weight off to go out there and know that you have a potential spot and it's in your hands to keep that spot."