Tampa Bay Rays Newcomer Believes Team is a 'Special Group'

The Tampa Bay Rays made some aggressive changes this offseason, and they have seemed to pay off. With the team currently seen as one of the best in the Major Leagues, one of the club's newcomers, Ben Williamson, seems to be fitting right in. 

Earlier this week, Williamson was on MLB Network Radio talking about his arrival in Tampa Bay after the trade from the Seattle Mariners. 

"I mean, it's awesome. I feel like we have a special group, and I mean the vibe is just we have fun," said Williamson. "We have fun winning. We have fun with each other on and off the field." That bond has certainly helped the Rays, as roster changes this season have given them a two-game lead over the rest of the American League East after Friday's series-opening win against the Miami Marlins. 

Getting traded in the offseason isn't always the easiest thing, especially when you are fighting for a spot on a Major League roster like Williamson was last season with the Mariners. He made his MLB debut last season with the Seattle club and played in 85 games, but still found himself fighting between staying in the big leagues or being optioned to Triple-A. So far with the Rays, that hasn't been an issue as he continues to find his routine. 

"I was drafted by the Mariners and came up with a lot of guys that I got super close to. So I think I feel like the biggest adjustment was just getting used to the group of guys…just being able to adjust to that and be able to just be myself in the clubhouse is huge." 

The 25-year-old infielder has already made a good name for himself in the Rays organization, especially on the defensive front. However, his bat is starting to take shape and is helping the team keep winning games at the top of the standings. In his last 7 games, Williamson's .874 OPS is one of the best on the team.