Ciuffo pleased with first pro spring

Catcher Nick Ciuffo says it's been a whirlwind spring, and that's not a bad thing.

The 19-year-old was the 21st overall pick in last year's draft and is experiencing his first spring training.

“I'm just learning new stuff every day,” Ciuffo said. “The biggest thing for me is trying to figure out what to do to get my body ready.”

Ciuffo hit .258 in 43 games for the GCL Rays last year. He'll be in extended spring training to start this year before joining a short-season team from mid-June through Labor Day.

“Playing 142 games is going to be a huge thing,” Ciuffo said. “That's six months of baseball. We'll see what kind of toll that takes on my body.”

Ciuffo said he missed a week of spring training with a hip strain, which he likened to stubbing a toe.