"The lightning in David Price's left arm certainly gets your attention. As does the thunder in Evan Longoria's bat, as well as the quickness of his glove and accuracy of his throws from third base.

But as the Rays move into a new era — their era — those are not the most significant attributes.

More important, as they become the faces of the franchise following the offseason departure of Carl Crawford and nearly a dozen others, are less athletic assets.

The dedication in their hearts.

The clearness in their minds.

And the smiles on their faces.

"You couldn't ask for more." Rays principal owner Stuart Sternberg said. "Or even that much."

They're each just 25, but they're already established among the game's elite players and biggest names and should be around for a while, at least through 2015, after which Price would hit free agency.

Longoria has been an All-Star in each of his three seasons, having won two Gold Gloves and finished sixth in last year's AL MVP voting, highest ever by a Ray. Price won 19 games in his first full season in the majors and was a solid second in the 2010 AL Cy Young balloting, also a franchise first.

"Cornerstones, perennial All-Stars, you can probably attach any accolades to their abilities," said new Blue Jays manager, and former Red Sox pitching coach, John Farrell. "They're two pillars for an organization."

But — in the baseball vernacular —it's how they go about it that sets them apart.

"Their competitive makeup is off the charts," Rays executive vice president Andrew Friedman said. "They are two great guys to have with bringing up young players behind them and then educating the young guys on what's expected.

"I had conversations with both of them this offseason about how a lot of people are going to talk about and write about how we're rebuilding, and the way they think about it, the way they approach it, their desire to win, the type of teammates they are, it's all off the charts. So to have that coupled with their ability is extremely unique."

Teammates, even new ones, say it's obvious. "