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Moore has 'good Day 1,' discusses goals for 2014

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- Matt Moore threw a bullpen session on Sunday, and the left-hander said "things went well."

"I threw about 30-35 pitches," Moore said. "It was nice to see [Jose] Molina back there again and having a familiar target. It was definitely a good Day 1 for us."

As for his 2014 goals, Moore noted that he had "two pretty big things that I'm focusing on."

"One is my walk rate, trying to keep guys off base that didn't necessarily earn it. The other is, I'd like to absorb more of those innings that have to be pitched by our starting rotation. I'd like to be averaging seven or eight innings. That's got to be my mindset heading out there each night. ... Focusing on whatever it's gotta take in those first few innings to have my pitch count where it's got to be for me to be out there in those late innings."

Moore told reporters that he worked out with Pro Advantage Training in Arizona for three months this offseason in hopes of getting past any physical issues in 2014.

Moore did not work out in Arizona prior to the 2013 season, which was a change after doing so prior to the previous three campaigns.

In addition to avoiding injuries, Moore said he hoped to get his body more behind his pitches, rather than just his arm, and perhaps even find a few mph for his fastball.

"It's kind of weird. I'm not trying to be the guy who says I want to pitch at 95 or 96," Moore said. "However, I think it's better for everybody in here if I am pitching at that particular level. You get away with more mistakes. For me, if I'm pitching at that level, it means I'm healthy elsewhere. My body's feeling well. It's not just my arm that's creating that velocity."

Bill Chastain is a reporter for MLB.com.
Read More: Tampa Bay Rays, Matt Moore