Big Ben moves to first

Ben Zobrist has moved from short to first as the game moves to the top of the sixth.

This is part of the Rays plan to turn the shortstop into a super utility guy.

Last year, that plan involved Upton, but Upton settled nicely into center field.

Now it’s Zoby’s turn. If he wants to make the team he has to wear a lot of gloves and, apparently, one mitt.

Zobrist replaced Julio Lugo at short in 2006 and began last year as the Rays Opening Day shortstop, only to lose the job to Brendan Harris.

The trade that brought Jason Bartlett to the Rays marked the end of Zoby’s chances of reclaiming his job. But the Rays like Zobrist, and Maddon says Zobrist is hitting much better this spring. Maybe not in the amount of hits, but in his approach to each at-bat and the way he looks at the plate.

So far this spring, Zoby has played second, short and third.

This is his first inning at first base.

Expect to see him in the outfield, as well.

“Zoby wants to be a part of this team,” Maddon said earlier this spring.

It seems the Rays will give him every opportunity to make the squad.