BRADENTON – Manager Kevin Cash had two primary messages after LHP Blake Snell wrapped up a strong exhibition showing with a solid five-plus-inning outing in Saturday's 7-5 loss to Pittsburgh.
To the media: "He could not have had a better spring from a work standpoint and just an overall effort."
And to Snell: "Spring's over."
Impressed by what Snell did over five official outings (3.12 ERA) and a minor-league game and how he did it, Cash and the Rays now want to see Snell deliver when it counts, and they feel good that he can.