Longoria update

WINTER HAVEN - Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon wouldn’t indicate which way the Rays are leaning when it comes to Evan Longoria on Thursday morning, but did say a decision will come soon as to whether the rookie third baseman opens the season in Durham or with the Rays.
The decision could come as early as Saturday when the Rays make their next round of cuts.
If Longoria is headed to Durham, Maddon wants him to have enough time to get over the sting of the demotion and still have time to prepare for the season.
And if Longoria is going to make the big club, Maddon wants him to get over the excitement of making his first big league roster and prepare for Opening Day.
Factoring into the decision is the health of Willy Aybar, who has not played all week because of a tight hamstring. Maddon is hoping Aybar will play Friday night against the Yankees.

Roger Mooney, Herald Staff Writer