Rays players report back on new Batter's Eye

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- Several Rays took time on Friday to go to Tropicana Field to check out the hitting background provided by the new Batter's Eye in center field.

David DeJesus, Ben Zobrist, James Loney, Ryan Hanigan, and Evan Longoria were accompanied to Tropicana Field by Rays hitting coach Derek Shelton for the testing.

"It's nice -- it's going to be fine," Longoria said. "It's a little bit different than what we're used to. But I love the concept. I think it's going to make the stadium much more accessible to the fans. The actual hitting area, I think, is going to be perfect."

Maddon added: "Apparently everything went well. I'm curious to see it, but there were no complaints."