Rays' Maddon has kind words for Blue Jays

DUNEDIN, Fla. -- Rays manager Joe Maddon was asked to assess this year's American League East, and he noted that all the teams needed to watch out for Toronto, the team forecast by many to win the division in 2013 before it finished last.

"The team that's really interesting is this one, because nobody's talking about Toronto this year," Maddon said while pointing to the Blue Jays taking batting practice. "And I think be heads up, because nobody's talking about them this year. And I think they'd probably prefer it that way."

As for the rest of the AL East, Maddon surmised: "It is what it is every year, and I kind of like it. I really do. I think it brings out the best in all of us. I love playing in our division. There are no pushovers."