"That was Wade Davis who was seen running through Tropicana Field on Friday, giving his legs a workout as he prepares for another season of Rays baseball despite offseason rumors that pointed to the contrary.

When asked if he was surprised, Davis said, "Not at all, because I know most of that stuff is not always what you think it is, anyway. The majority of it is all rumors. Most of it isn't legit."

Davis spent a good part of his offseason in the Hudson Valley region of New York, where he occasionally checked in on the rumors that had him involved in a number of trade scenarios.

"I took a look at them just to see what's going on, but I don't pay attention to them any more," Davis said. "I've heard everybody's name at least getting tossed around in conversations this year. It doesn't really bother me. I know this is a business and they are something you have to get used to."

Rays executive vice president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman did a good job of retooling the 2011 American League Wild Card team without having to trade any of his seven starting pitchers. Whether all seven remain with the team on Opening Day depends upon what unfolds during March, either with the Rays or with other teams which might find themselves in need of a major league-ready starter heading into the season.

With rookie Matt Moore looking for a home in the rotation, the possibility of moving a starter (Davis, Jeff Niemann) to another team remains a possibility.

"I don't think the rumors will ever die off," Davis said. "We'll see what happens this spring training. It will be interesting.""