Maddon pushing Myers to be better all-round player

ST. PETERSBURG -- Saturday night's pregame belonged to Wil Myers.

Not only did the first 20,000 fans in attendance receive a Wil Myers Rookie of the Year bobblehead, he also was honored for winning the 2013 Jackie Robinson American League Rookie of the Year Award, selected by the Baseball Writers' Association of America.

Rays manager Joe Maddon was asked about what earned Myers the honor.

"His ability to hit the ball hard," Maddon said. "He hits the ball hard. That's what good hitters do. When you hit the ball that hard, you miss defenses. Guys that don't hit the ball that hard, defenses can cover. Why's he going to be so good? Because the ball comes off the bat hot for him. That's why he's a very good hitter."

Maddon also allowed that he would like to see more from Myers, because he believes he's capable of doing more.

"There's a lot of other good things there," Maddon said. "That's why I want to push him on the defensive side of his game. Not have him just think of himself as an offensive player.

"He has really good skills, foot speed, arm, baserunning. So I want him to become a complete player."